Is sport package a must?

Cmike2780 · 10-28-2010, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeattleLion

People on here have such diverse requirements. Clearly there are advantages in the sport package, particularly if you don't plan to do major modifications (I don't). I don't think the wheels are that cool looking, but I have never made a decision to buy or not buy based on how the wheels look. After all, I am inside the car. Other people see the outside so it's their problem.

I agree, it all comes down to what you want, but that doesn't mean you should load up on every option just because your afraid you might regret it later. Thats a neverending cycle if you think of cars that way in general and why a lot of people buy a new car every four years or so. I guarantee most people with a base Z are just as happy with their cars as those with loaded Z's. Do you regret not buying the vert', 40th or Nismo for example.

As far as performance and safety advantages of the Sports package, that has yet to be proven to show significant improvement. The sport brakes may not fade as easily, but they are not meant to be dedicated racing brakes either. On the street, the differences are moot aside from aesthetics.

To the OP, I say just take the car out for a test drive. If you like it, take it home. Simple as that.

jakoye · 10-31-2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeattleLion

People on here have such diverse requirements. Clearly there are advantages in the sport package, particularly if you don't plan to do major modifications (I don't). I don't think the wheels are that cool looking, but I have never made a decision to buy or not buy based on how the wheels look. After all, I am inside the car. Other people see the outside so it's their problem.

From a practical perspective, the $3,000 is a reasonable price for larger tires, bigger wheels, better brakes, and LSD. All of those things make the car more nimble and safer. The touring was a no brainer for me. That affects the inside of the car! That's where I sit. I like the Bose sound system, love the navi. It is really advanced (in the 2010, at least). The voice recognition is decent, even with all the road noise.

As for bolt-ons. Since I will never race (watching the laps on Top Gear is scary enough for me), the only mods that make sense to me involve safety and roadworthy driveabilty. For safety, I changed the brake lines to stainless steel and the brake fluid to DOT 5.1. Also for safety I added a backup camera (hooks right into the nav). I also changed the tires (big expense!) to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus, stock size, to improve cold weather performance. I don't plan to drive in anything but light snow. Here in the Seattle area we don't get much snow. On days it is snowy my wife can drive me to work in her 4X4 Tacoma.

People here seem divided on the need for an oil cooler for non-track Z's. It is concerning that the engine oil could go to 260 and above. Of course, synthetics don't lose the ability to lubricate at 300 degrees, but it would be a royal pain to find myself limited to 45 mph while on a 10% grade. As far as I can tell, adding the Nissan Sports oil cooler ($795) will set me back about $1,100 bucks with labor. So I am taking a wait-and-see position.

The reason I included all this extra information is that in my case, at least, I always regret not buying some option when I get a car. As a result, I get true peace of mind if I order everything. Yes, it added about $5,000 to the base touring, but it saved me the $45,000 of getting a new Z next year cause I can't stand not having (fill in the blank...sports package...navi, etc.). I have seen more than one thread on here where others have turned around and replaced a 2009 with a 2010 because of buyer's remorse over unpurchased options.

The bottom line, in my opinion, is that if you can't afford the payment for a well-equipped Z, you might have a hard time with the more expensive care and feeding it requires. Then again, it's all a matter of personal preference.

If you do elect not to buy the sport package, be sure you won't find yourself back at the dealer next year for one that includes it.

Nice writing, SeattleLion. Good to finally see someone on here from Seattle with a Z. I see a fair number of 350s around here, but I've only seen a handful of 370s. I guess that's a good thing, eh?

I like replacing the brake lines with stainless steel and higher grade fluid. That's probably one of the best upgrades you could make to any car, I would think. I might do that to my 'Stang, but if I'm gonna get a Z, I probably don't want to sink much more money into my Mustang.

As for the Michelin Pilots, I've heard only good things about those tires. I've heard they also cut down on the cabin noise that the Bridgestone's generate. Did you find that to be true?

SeattleLion · 11-01-2010, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakoye

Nice writing, SeattleLion. Good to finally see someone on here from Seattle with a Z. I see a fair number of 350s around here, but I've only seen a handful of 370s. I guess that's a good thing, eh?

I like replacing the brake lines with stainless steel and higher grade fluid. That's probably one of the best upgrades you could make to any car, I would think. I might do that to my 'Stang, but if I'm gonna get a Z, I probably don't want to sink much more money into my Mustang.

As for the Michelin Pilots, I've heard only good things about those tires. I've heard they also cut down on the cabin noise that the Bridgestone's generate. Did you find that to be true?

The Pilots make a big difference in road noixe. It isn't gone, but you can certainly hear the difference. They also stick better on wet roads. The Bridgestones hydroplaned a lot. So far the Pilots have gone through puddles with no hyrdoplaning at all.

AutoX Z · 10-28-2010, 07:38 PM

I got the sports package to do that VVVVVV never would have had a chance without it.

hdskull · 10-28-2010, 08:01 PM

Yes to the sports package, the 2000something dollars is well worth it. I regret not getting it.

NiZZZmo370 · 10-28-2010, 08:25 PM

Nothing is a must, its all personal preference. Just choose wisely and make sure you dont regret it after the purchase.

TongMan · 10-30-2010, 06:49 AM

The people who didn't get the sports package are just finding excuses to cover up their mistake so they can fake being happy with their decision to buy a non-sports package.

Cmike2780 · 10-30-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TongMan

The people who didn't get the sports package are just finding excuses to cover up their mistake so they can fake being happy with their decision to buy a non-sports package.

You could also say the people that got the sports package are finding ways to justify spending an extra $3000. If you honestly think people are unhappy with a non. S/P Z, then You don't give this car enough credit.

370zsport09 · 11-02-2010, 07:17 PM

Ok, giving luv to all Z's...Base, Sport, Touring, Both Sport/Touring, and Nismo.....here is the low down based off 2011 price:

Based of MSRP 2011 Nissan Z

Base: $30,610

Sport: $33,630 - Additional: $3,020

Sport/Touring: $38,300 - Additional: $8,310

Sport Package includes:

4 piston calipers
14inch rotors frnt
2 piston calipers
13.8 rotors rear
LSD Vicious
19" Rays
Chin Spoiler
Rear Spoiler

Synchro with Manual

Additional:

Splash Guards: $220
Carpeted Mats: $115
Carpeted Trunk: $95
Illuminated Kick Plates: $200
Airdynamics: $650
Nismo Brake Pads: $580

Nav package: $2,500
Rearview Mirror w/ Homelink: $785

Now if you purchased a Base and decided to upgrade your Z:

4 piston front brake kit will run you between $1,500 and up with rotors
19" Rays LMZ5 about $2300
Bridgestone-Brand Potenza RE050A about $1200 balanced/installed

Rear Splash Guard Kit: $78.95
Front Splash Guard Kit: $78.95
LSD: Roughly $1500
Z Mats Z Store: $134.95
Carbon Fiber Door Sill Z Store: $179.95
Trunk Carpet (Amazon.com) cheap and thin: $90.00
Spoiler no rear light: $109.00

No need to do the math :P DUH!!! just purchasing after market rims and tires equals the SPORT Package alone.......Not to mention the time and labor of installing parts............and of course the lovely WARRANTY

and higher resale value of OEM performance installed parts

All in all its best to just get the SPORT if you do not wish for NAV Touring Package.....cause even if you decide to upgrade you can easily make you money back on selling your OEM Parts to base Model Owners

who rather want OEM Parts versus aftermarket.....

sonic370 · 10-30-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TongMan

The people who didn't get the sports package are just finding excuses to cover up their mistake so they can fake being happy with their decision to buy a non-sports package.

it's the best 3000.00 option you will by

370zsport09 · 11-02-2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonic370

it's the best 3000.00 option you will by

Better Tires, Larger Rims, Larger Brakes, NAV Sys/Bose/Bluetooth, LSD....$3,000 additional...no Labor, no OOOopps I broke a bolt, no (awwwweee dang I got the wrong offset), no (awwwweee dang these rims are ugly), no WTT, no WTB sport rims, no I can't drive my car its on blocks for the moment, ..... and best of all no headache...I like my SPORT/Touring PKG

++++ its all under warranty

Cmike2780 · 11-02-2010, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370zsport09

Better Tires, Larger Rims, Larger Brakes, NAV Sys/Bose/Bluetooth, LSD....$3,000 additional...no Labor, no OOOopps I broke a bolt, no (awwwweee dang I got the wrong offset), no (awwwweee dang these rims are ugly), no WTT, no WTB sport rims, no I can't drive my car its on blocks for the moment, ..... and best of all no headache...I like my SPORT/Touring PKG

++++ its all under warranty

Funny how you mention how the tires are better. I could be wrong, but I think the base tires are Yokohama Sport's, the same kind they slap on the Nismo, although obviously a different size. Why would your car be on blocks if you went with aftermarket wheels

Red__Zed · 11-02-2010, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780

Funny how you mention how the tires are better. I could be wrong, but I think the base tires are Yokohama Sport's, the same kind they slap on the Nismo, although obviously a different size. Why would your car be on blocks if you went with aftermarket wheels

Base stock tires are Yoko Advan Sports. I prefer them to the RE050a's for a variety of reasons...

sheps58 · 11-01-2010, 02:37 PM

I could have purchased a vehicle with sports and touring for 5000.00 under MSRP. I chose not to. I find no need for the rev matching MT. My 280 did not have it nor did my E-Type. If I wanted leather and a BOSE stereo with 8 speakers, I can sit in the living room.

The base 370z is a great bang for the buck especially at 27000.00 2010 black.
My car is for the weekend, but I drove the car for 2 hours highway and back roads. The base is fine.

hcolba · 11-02-2010, 10:07 AM

Update from the Original Post: Ended up buying a 2010 Graphite Touring Sport Auto Nav coupe. Pricing was $1000 under dealer invoice, and it definitely has everything I was looking for. Gotta say I love the 7 speed auto with paddle shifters, awesome!

10-28-2010, 07:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
AutoX Z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 314 Drives: 370Z Base, Sport Rep Power: 17	I got the sports package to do that VVVVVV never would have had a chance without it. __________________ 2013 SCCA Solo National Champion VVV For Sale VVV

10-28-2010, 08:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
NiZZZmo370 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Aliso Viejo, Ca Posts: 67 Drives: Nismo 370Z & R35 GTR Rep Power: 15	Nothing is a must, its all personal preference. Just choose wisely and make sure you dont regret it after the purchase. __________________ Daily Driver: 2010 Magnetic Black Nismo 370Z #400 (Nismo carbon fiber shift knob, Parrot bluetooth system): Track Car: 2010 Nissan GT-R Premium Black Obsidian (546whp 568wtq)

11-02-2010, 07:17 PM	#9 (permalink)
370zsport09 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: san antonio Posts: 195 Drives: 2011 Tacoma SR5 Rep Power: 16	Had time to do alil better research: Ok, giving luv to all Z's...Base, Sport, Touring, Both Sport/Touring, and Nismo.....here is the low down based off 2011 price: Based of MSRP 2011 Nissan Z Base: $30,610 Sport: $33,630 - Additional: $3,020 Sport/Touring: $38,300 - Additional: $8,310 Sport Package includes: 4 piston calipers 14inch rotors frnt 2 piston calipers 13.8 rotors rear LSD Vicious 19" Rays Chin Spoiler Rear Spoiler Synchro with Manual Additional: Splash Guards: $220 Carpeted Mats: $115 Carpeted Trunk: $95 Illuminated Kick Plates: $200 Airdynamics: $650 Nismo Brake Pads: $580 Nav package: $2,500 Rearview Mirror w/ Homelink: $785 Now if you purchased a Base and decided to upgrade your Z: 4 piston front brake kit will run you between $1,500 and up with rotors 19" Rays LMZ5 about $2300 Bridgestone-Brand Potenza RE050A about $1200 balanced/installed Rear Splash Guard Kit: $78.95 Front Splash Guard Kit: $78.95 LSD: Roughly $1500 Z Mats Z Store: $134.95 Carbon Fiber Door Sill Z Store: $179.95 Trunk Carpet (Amazon.com) cheap and thin: $90.00 Spoiler no rear light: $109.00 No need to do the math :P DUH!!! just purchasing after market rims and tires equals the SPORT Package alone.......Not to mention the time and labor of installing parts............and of course the lovely WARRANTY and higher resale value of OEM performance installed parts All in all its best to just get the SPORT if you do not wish for NAV Touring Package.....cause even if you decide to upgrade you can easily make you money back on selling your OEM Parts to base Model Owners who rather want OEM Parts versus aftermarket..... Last edited by 370zsport09; 11-02-2010 at 07:22 PM.

11-01-2010, 02:37 PM	#14 (permalink)
sheps58 Base Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Connecticut Posts: 102 Drives: 2010 370Z 6MT & 2004 Rep Power: 15	Not true I could have purchased a vehicle with sports and touring for 5000.00 under MSRP. I chose not to. I find no need for the rev matching MT. My 280 did not have it nor did my E-Type. If I wanted leather and a BOSE stereo with 8 speakers, I can sit in the living room. The base 370z is a great bang for the buck especially at 27000.00 2010 black. My car is for the weekend, but I drove the car for 2 hours highway and back roads. The base is fine.

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10-28-2010, 08:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
hdskull Track Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 680 Drives: '10 Black 370Z 6MT Rep Power: 18	Yes to the sports package, the 2000something dollars is well worth it. I regret not getting it.

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TongMan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,297 Drives: 2013 Nissan GTR Rep Power: 716	The people who didn't get the sports package are just finding excuses to cover up their mistake so they can fake being happy with their decision to buy a non-sports package.

11-02-2010, 10:07 AM	#15 (permalink)
hcolba Base Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Howell NJ Posts: 15 Drives: 14 Mustang 5.0 Rep Power: 15	Update from the Original Post: Ended up buying a 2010 Graphite Touring Sport Auto Nav coupe. Pricing was $1000 under dealer invoice, and it definitely has everything I was looking for. Gotta say I love the 7 speed auto with paddle shifters, awesome!