Take it easy pal, I was mainly wondering what the clear bra cost was, and at the same time offering up an alternative that maybe others would be interested in looking into.

:tiphat: Fair enough. I should have added that I wish I had a friend who painted...and has a lift.

In all honesty, it's my father-in-law's friend. That being said, it usually isn't hard to find a paint/bodywork hookup, especially through a forum like this. I used to get free lift time and exhaust help from friends found on my old VW forum in exchange for a case of diet coke or a few tool loans or new business recos.

Enjoy the new ride. I'm Z obsessed at the moment.

I learned to paint over the summer. Not hard at all really. It's all in the prep and just work smoothly. I painted a hood and bumper on my old Honda Accord and it came out great.

I just read this thread, but thought I could add some personal experience since I just switched from a 2008 GTI to a 2012 Z. I miss the gas mileage a bit from the switch and being able to carry larger items like golf clubs or coolers, etc. For instance, I can't fill more than 2 5-gallon water jugs at a time. It was also nice being kinda unassuming on the road, not bringing much attention to myself in a mid-sized city.

On the other hand, I love the Z's boost in HP and handling, but there aren't many Zs out there and I have to remind myself to tone it down in daily traffic because my Z is the only one like it in town. That wouldn't be the case in SD, though. Also, the Z gets the "pussy factor" bump-up over the GTI, since it is much sexier. That will help since you're single.

Hope this helps a bit.

I own both and daily drive both. :driving:

We sold our 07 GTI for a 13 Durango R/T...kids were starting to grow fast!

I'd get a used gti and a used Z and call it a day. You can't compare the two in terms of DD use. It just depends on what you need. My idea is the best compromise. A 2012 z and a 2008 gti with low miles.

I have both an mk7 gti and a '16 370z. I drive a lot as my z got through the break in period in the first month. From my own experience, the gti is hands down a better daily driver (if your looking for comfort and mileage).

Hope I'm not too late for an input on this thread. Lol

The OP probably has sold whichever car he bought by now. :icon17:

I never owned a VW, but I recently switched over from having a mustang gt. So insurance, gas and maintenance arent really any different. I did obviously lose space, but like you im 32 single, no kids. So I never haul anything bigger then a few grocery bags.

I love the Z so far, its my first Japanese vehicles, heck first non mustang car ever. I smile every time I drive it. It feels like a souped up go cart it handles so well. And the shifting is firm and crisp, worlds better then my mustang.

Only thing I could possibly say about the VW is what I know about maintenance cost, having an extended warranty etc.

Cant wait for DiCaprio's VW movie!!!

I had a GTI Mk IV as DD for 4 years, it was awesome.

Dammit man, buy both, Puck it!!!

Zombie thread. Good stuff, guys ...