370z owners, what do you do about practicality?

Mt Tam I am · 01-04-2011, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdkwang

I'm bout to turn 24, and getting the 370z with the help of my parents financing it. I did feel confident about getting the car but since after telling my friends about it, some of them pointed out how its not a practical car to own. No backseats, very small truck space, and seats don't recline (for let's say napping or chilling with a girl in the car). Another point was how it's a nice car to look at and drive, but not own (probably for the reasons said). That got me shaken a bit, cause although 99% of the time I don't buy large purchases, or seat any more than 1 other person, there are times when I do. What if I buy something relatively big? It won't fit in the passenger seat cause it doesn't recline, there's no back seat to thrown it on, and the truck floor level to my surprise is unusually high that the trunk will have to be tied down with rope. I currently have an Integra, and there were times where the ability to recline the seats were very useful.

The other issue is guilt. Although my mother has a Lexus RX350, and my dad doesn't drive much anymore being that he works in the city and gave me his car. My mother is making a strong point that she doesn't like how I want stick shift cause she and my father know very well she physically cannot drive it since she has polio in her left leg and it's relatively weak, so the clutch will be a large hurdle. She just doesn't like the idea that shes financing car that she can't get a chance to drive, so I'm feeling like a selfish ****. But honestly, the 370 is just a car you can't have in automatic IMO. I'm a transporter for Nissan and had to drive 2 hours in a 370z auto, and as fun as it was, it didn't feel completely right.

I just want some opinions.

I recently was faced with getting a rifle in a 45.5 inch long box home. In my old 300 zx it was not a problem. With the 370 it is more difficult. Without the box it would be easy but with the box I simply stood it up in the passengers floorboard and used the head rest to hold it in place.

As far as passengers, just tell your friends that you bought a car for you and a chick. Not a bunch of dudes.

Based upon your parents guilt trip, do not buy the car . Save up a little longer and do it on your own.

If you want a car for sex get a van. It will also hold all your buddies and haul junk around.

kielbasa16 · 01-04-2011, 09:21 AM

I recently went snowboarding and though I didnt drive the Z all the way to the mountain, I had to get my board, boots, and a duffel bag full of clothes over to my buddys place nearly an hour away. Was it safe - not really, but I did fit it all and get there just fine. Others have reported being able to fit 2 golf bags in the trunk. In other words, practicality isnt an issue unless you commonly drive more than 1 passenger.
Even in the snow my Z has proven to be more than capable as long as you can invest in a set of good tires and drive carefully.
As for chilling with a girl, the Z enhances your chances of chilling with girls just by owning it. I prefer taking girls out over sitting in the car with them, but if that really floats your boat theres a great thread in the gentlemens club section that offers a handful of positions that should both excite and challenge you hahaha.
Im 23 and own a manual transmission, though everybody in my family is capable of driving stick. If your parents are helping you to finance then do them a favor and compromise, get an automatic.

ProfessorDave · 01-04-2011, 09:15 AM

No 2 seater car is practical. If you want to combine performance and practicality, look at an Evo, or the hot-hatch market.

I second what Full Monty said (I'm paraphrasing here) that practical is overrated. The times when I've needed to pick up something large I've borrowed a friend's pickup or SUV.

ZedZed · 01-04-2011, 09:33 AM

Get your 370z with auto box :

1) You're happy cause you got a 370z without the guilt of having bought a car your mom can't drive

2) your mom thinks you're a wonderful son cause you love her enough to purchase it with an auto box

3) have sex with girls in your bed instead of your car

4) Sorted

EL Diablo · 01-04-2011, 09:34 AM

Get the 6MT Z... you wont regret it.
Case closed.

theDreamer · 01-04-2011, 11:03 AM

Lets break this down.

-Ignore your friends, if you like the car, and enjoyed the test drive then get it.
-See if you can finance it yourself, if the parents are just co-signing and it will be primary under your name then so be it. But it sounds like it will be your car, the parents are just 'helping' in the credit department
-Practical is what you make of it at that point. I had a Saturn Ion before this car and remember hauling a few bigger items around, but honestly I just plan now. Ask friends, do favors, etc. A good friend will help since he knows the favor will be returned.

m4a1mustang · 01-04-2011, 11:06 AM

3/4 cosigned loans end with the consigner picking up payments because of primary signer default. There's a stat I learned the other day.

kenchan · 01-04-2011, 11:07 AM

i was about to post rent a van when you have to move things, but then a lot of places require that you're 25. is that rule still around?

it use to be clumsy when i was out on biz trips at age 23... lol

ImportConvert · 01-04-2011, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

i was about to post rent a van when you have to move things, but then a lot of places require that you're 25. is that rule still around?

it use to be clumsy when i was out on biz trips at age 23... lol

Yes, still a rule. Louisiana, here.

WhiskeyHotel · 01-04-2011, 11:19 AM

Some good advice above. Compromise and get the 7AT for your mom (I don't think it's a huge loss on your side).

And you'd be surprised how much you can get in the Z - but, obviously, as others have said better - you're not gonna' be haulin' furniture or french horns.

tsolin01 · 01-04-2011, 11:42 AM

I think if you're not married and no kids, the Z will be just fine. I've had my Z since March as my DD and only car. I lived by myself and never had an issue with the trunk size for everyday things.

The only issues I could see for you will be:

1. Winter time in NYC and if you park it on the street. You'll need a set of winter rims/tires. I used to live in NYC with a G35 and it was a pain in the *** to have 2 sets of rims/tires but it was a necessity.

2. You'll be spending a lot on gas, so make sure you can afford at least $250-$300 a month on gas if it's your DD. My commute to work sucks and if I do that without driving on the weekends I still basically fill up once a week.

3. Maintenance isn't bad, except for the tires but once you replace the OEMs with some cheaper or longer lasting tires, it'll be fine. Mine need replacing soon and I'm up to 20k miles.

4. There have been plenty of times where it would have been great to have back seats to fit 3 or 4 people. That's really the only thing I miss about a more practical car.

5. Insurance rates are pretty bad for this car so you'll need to shop around for insurance. You can probably get away with having it under your parents but it's still going to be more than an a normal sedan.

Overall the car is practical for everyday use as long as you can afford the extra costs. Your friends probably aren't car people or those types that think it's a waste of money. They'll never understand what it means to have a sports car, so just do what makes you happy man. Life is short, I rather live it now while I'm young than be the old man regretting I didn't do it when I was younger.

shadow2k · 01-04-2011, 11:38 AM

Keep the Integra too, problem sovled.

I get the distinct feeling you still live at home though. Maybe think about getting your own place first. And at your age, you may want to think long and hard about getting that type of help from your parents. I mean, you're almost to the point of getting an AT instead of a MT due to guilt. That guilt can easily spill over into other areas, and will last for the next 6yrs of your loan if their names are on it.

ImportConvert · 01-04-2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadow2k

Keep the Integra too, problem sovled.

I get the distinct feeling you still live at home though. Maybe think about getting your own place first. And at your age, you may want to think long and hard about getting that type of help from your parents. I mean, you're almost to the point of getting an AT instead of a MT due to guilt. That guilt can easily spill over into other areas, and will last for the next 6yrs of your loan if their names are on it.

If OP still lives at home, I bet it already has. Sounds like its time to move out and make it on your own.

Jessobear · 01-05-2011, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadow2k

I get the distinct feeling you still live at home though. Maybe think about getting your own place first. And at your age, you may want to think long and hard about getting that type of help from your parents.

Listen to this guy. I really don't think you should be buying this car. You're 24, why don't you worry about moving out of your parents' house first? Then you can just bring girls back to your place, which trust me will impress them way more than any car you could possibly own. Not to mention the fact that you don't appear to be able to afford this car on your own. Unless you're in high school or college, your parents shouldn't be springing for your car, especially a completely impractical, expensive toy like a 370Z.

Also, if you truly live in NYC (which I'm assuming you don't), owning any car is going to be a total nightmare. Most people there don't own cars for a reason.

wdkwang · 01-05-2011, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessobear

Listen to this guy. I really don't think you should be buying this car. You're 24, why don't you worry about moving out of your parents' house first? Then you can just bring girls back to your place, which trust me will impress them way more than any car you could possibly own. Not to mention the fact that you don't appear to be able to afford this car on your own. Unless you're in high school or college, your parents shouldn't be springing for your car, especially a completely impractical, expensive toy like a 370Z.

Yes, moving out first would be the more logical choice but I live in NYC and it's hella expensive. The car is something I see for myself, to fill that gap I been wanting to since 17. The drifting scene and taking it out to the track is what I'm into. The 6 years driving the Teg has been fine but it's falling apart. I graduated in the Spring and worked a few odd jobs since then. Competition is crazy here in Finance. But I'm expecting to be hired not too long from now.

Oh and yes, I do live in NYC, in Queens. I think what your thinking about is Manhattan, in which I would agree in not being able to justify a car. Manhattan is a nightmare to drive in, parking is rare and expensive before 9pm. I mainly hang around other boroughs, where cars are convenient to have. I take the MTA to Manhattan.

01-04-2011, 09:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
kielbasa16 Track Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY Posts: 770 Drives: 09 Blk Z Spt Rep Power: 19	I recently went snowboarding and though I didnt drive the Z all the way to the mountain, I had to get my board, boots, and a duffel bag full of clothes over to my buddys place nearly an hour away. Was it safe - not really, but I did fit it all and get there just fine. Others have reported being able to fit 2 golf bags in the trunk. In other words, practicality isnt an issue unless you commonly drive more than 1 passenger. Even in the snow my Z has proven to be more than capable as long as you can invest in a set of good tires and drive carefully. As for chilling with a girl, the Z enhances your chances of chilling with girls just by owning it. I prefer taking girls out over sitting in the car with them, but if that really floats your boat theres a great thread in the gentlemens club section that offers a handful of positions that should both excite and challenge you hahaha. Im 23 and own a manual transmission, though everybody in my family is capable of driving stick. If your parents are helping you to finance then do them a favor and compromise, get an automatic. __________________ Mag Black Kielbasa

01-04-2011, 09:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
ProfessorDave A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,580 Drives: In the fairway Rep Power: 21	No 2 seater car is practical. If you want to combine performance and practicality, look at an Evo, or the hot-hatch market. I second what Full Monty said (I'm paraphrasing here) that practical is overrated. The times when I've needed to pick up something large I've borrowed a friend's pickup or SUV. __________________ Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

01-04-2011, 11:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
theDreamer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 30,879 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 4212	Lets break this down. -Ignore your friends, if you like the car, and enjoyed the test drive then get it. -See if you can finance it yourself, if the parents are just co-signing and it will be primary under your name then so be it. But it sounds like it will be your car, the parents are just 'helping' in the credit department -Practical is what you make of it at that point. I had a Saturn Ion before this car and remember hauling a few bigger items around, but honestly I just plan now. Ask friends, do favors, etc. A good friend will help since he knows the favor will be returned. __________________ theDreamer's Z // Fast Intentions // Uprev // GTM // HKS // TEIN theDreamer's Silvia // URAS // GREDDY Houston Zs // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

01-04-2011, 11:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6964	3/4 cosigned loans end with the consigner picking up payments because of primary signer default. There's a stat I learned the other day. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

01-04-2011, 11:42 AM	#11 (permalink)
tsolin01 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 657 Drives: 2010 370Z Rep Power: 18	I think if you're not married and no kids, the Z will be just fine. I've had my Z since March as my DD and only car. I lived by myself and never had an issue with the trunk size for everyday things. The only issues I could see for you will be: 1. Winter time in NYC and if you park it on the street. You'll need a set of winter rims/tires. I used to live in NYC with a G35 and it was a pain in the * to have 2 sets of rims/tires but it was a necessity. 2. You'll be spending a lot on gas, so make sure you can afford at least $250-$300 a month on gas if it's your DD. My commute to work sucks and if I do that without driving on the weekends I still basically fill up once a week. 3. Maintenance isn't bad, except for the tires but once you replace the OEMs with some cheaper or longer lasting tires, it'll be fine. Mine need replacing soon and I'm up to 20k miles. 4. There have been plenty of times where it would have been great to have back seats to fit 3 or 4 people. That's really the only thing I miss about a more practical car. 5. Insurance rates are pretty bad for this car so you'll need to shop around for insurance. You can probably get away with having it under your parents but it's still going to be more than an a normal sedan. Overall the car is practical for everyday use as long as you can afford the extra costs. Your friends probably aren't car people or those types that think it's a waste of money. They'll never understand what it means to have a sports car, so just do what makes you happy man. Life is short, I rather live it now while I'm young than be the old man regretting I didn't do it when I was younger. __________________ SOLD 12/30/2011 2010 370Z Coupe Monterey Blue 6MT/Touring/Sport/Nav** F.I. CBE CF w/ 12" Res \| V1 \| SecondSkin \| Stillen G3 \| EVO-R CF B-Pillars \| Volk GT-S Ti Gunmetal 19x9.5 +30 F, 19x10.5 +8 R \| Swift Spec-R Springs

01-04-2011, 09:33 AM	#4 (permalink)
ZedZed Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Belgium, Brussels Posts: 237 Drives: nothing Rep Power: 17	Get your 370z with auto box : 1) You're happy cause you got a 370z without the guilt of having bought a car your mom can't drive 2) your mom thinks you're a wonderful son cause you love her enough to purchase it with an auto box 3) have sex with girls in your bed instead of your car 4) Sorted

01-04-2011, 09:34 AM	#5 (permalink)
EL Diablo Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: USA Posts: 91 Drives: Not a 370Z Rep Power: 16	Get the 6MT Z... you wont regret it. Case closed.

01-04-2011, 11:07 AM	#8 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141522	i was about to post rent a van when you have to move things, but then a lot of places require that you're 25. is that rule still around? it use to be clumsy when i was out on biz trips at age 23... lol

01-04-2011, 11:19 AM	#10 (permalink)
WhiskeyHotel Track Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 530 Drives: 2015 GT-R PW Premium Rep Power: 18	Some good advice above. Compromise and get the 7AT for your mom (I don't think it's a huge loss on your side). And you'd be surprised how much you can get in the Z - but, obviously, as others have said better - you're not gonna' be haulin' furniture or french horns.

01-04-2011, 11:38 AM	#12 (permalink)
shadow2k Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 143 Drives: 09 PG 370z 6MT Rep Power: 18	Keep the Integra too, problem sovled. I get the distinct feeling you still live at home though. Maybe think about getting your own place first. And at your age, you may want to think long and hard about getting that type of help from your parents. I mean, you're almost to the point of getting an AT instead of a MT due to guilt. That guilt can easily spill over into other areas, and will last for the next 6yrs of your loan if their names are on it.

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