Taking the plunge - But not so fast!
 

:tiphat:Hello friends. I was this >< close to buying a 2011 NISMO (seriously have all the paperwork filled out) when I realized I should probably test drive one first! And for that matter, I should probably test drive a Touring Sport, too. Yes, I know I'm retarded for not doing this first and foremost, but honestly I was intoxicated by the whole affair, and luckily I woke up and searched for "370z NISMO vs Touring Sport," etc.

That brought me here. I wanted to ask for updated advice.

1. I have never been on a track. Not that the prospect doesn't excite me, it's just not likely. Should I even consider a NISMO other than for the marketing "WOW" factor? I must admit the luxury of the Touring Sport and its unapparent (presumably to someone like me) difference in overall performance makes it seem like the better choice. Also, the roads in Atlanta are terrible! The 18-year old kid in me is lured by the facade of the NISMO being the "best".

2. Should I bother with a 2011 or get a 2012? The 2011 Black NISMO I found was a corporate fleet vehicle, has 8k miles on it, is CPO and with tax and a 100k WRAP warranty the total comes to $43k. I'm worried it was stepped on hard, I guess. I assume I could find a similar deal for a 2011 Touring Sport. I really like the idea of a 100k bumper-to-bumper warranty from a CPO. Also, what am I fundamentally losing out on if I go with 2011 vs 2012 options-wise?

3. Are oil cooling parts still not available from the dealer for 2011 or 2012 models? Should I really be concerned with this if I'm not tracking?

Thanks, and I look forward to being a fellow owner!

IMO $43K for a left over, possibly beat to hell NISMO is way overpriced. Right before Xmas they had one nearby that had a couple hundred miles on it and they were trying to give it away for $38K.

I went with the touring/sport for the extra creature comforts.

I kind of agree with you. But, that is including 2700 in tax and 2700 for a 100k WRAP warranty. My starting price was a little less than $38K, and it's the only black CPO NISMO of any year that I could find. Here is the exact vehicle, btw...

Nissan : 370Z Nissan : 370Z | eBay

not 100% sure but i dont think that warranty should cost that much, bro

Well, afaik the CPO WRAP extension is 2900+ normally. All NISSAN CPO come with a standard 100k powertrain and inherit the 36k mile b2b. The WRAP basically extends that from 36k to 100k and makes the powertrain moot.

Just came across this one that is local to me. I'm going to a Nissan dealership right down the road from it to test drive a NISMO and Touring Sport.

Cars for Sale: 2011 Nissan 370Z in Alpharetta Hwy, GA 30076: Coupe Details - 316804775 - AutoTrader.com

If I went with this instead of my original I would save nearly 10 grand after paid interest is calculated. Looks like it was registered as a government vehicle. Is this too risky? Any opinion is welcome.

Who says 2012's don't have oil coolers? I'm pretty sure mine does.

They do.

Wow, $43k!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :shakes head:

nismos are a huge waste of money unless you plan on never doing any mods of your own. just get a sport and save lots of money!

tl;dr

Get a new 2012 sport package. Upgraded brakes, RAYS, synchro rm on manual, and a couple other things. Save thousands, use thousands to mod car for more power.

Ok. Alot of the information from stickies and otherwise are from 2009 where oil heating problems are mentioned and stuff about oil cooling parts.

To be honest, I probably won't perform any mods. Also, the 2011 NISMO for under 33k I posted seems like a bargain as long as there wasn't a government dump taken in it. Going to go take a look at it now. :)

There's just something about buying a brand new car that makes it seem like I'm getting robbed. It really feels like if I did that I'd instantly regret it in June when I could get a 2013 similarly priced. I didn't realize that was coming so soon until a few hours ago.

:iagree: Truth was written by Mr. Glokwork.

Nismo was not for me, go with the 2012, all models of that year have an oil cooler. Not sure you can still special order one like i did though, in Tochigi Japan they can be very selective when taking orders, unless your options are just that rare like mines were for a 2012 model.

1) The nismo really shouldn't be looked at as a better performing car. It basically is just a less restrictive nismo exhaust which makes a HP gain. You'll likely change your exhaust later on which will result in the same gains. Yes the chassis is stiffer, but likely not a huge factor for you.

2) If you like the looks of the Nismo, that should be the deciding factor. $43k for a used nismo is ridiculous. You should be able to walk with that for like $36-37.

3) Tourings are great because they have a nicer stereo and other creature comforts that are great like heated seats, ipod interface, etc.

4) Definitely test drive the car - you will undoubtedly love it

5) 2012 has a better oil cooler, but not a huge deciding factor is you find a 2011 at a better price.

You were on the verge of buying a $43k car. I'm sure that a new 2012 is cheaper. But sure, look for a used sport package and test drive it.

i would do a 12' base with sport package instead. but that's just me and everyone else. :icon17:

If you need to think twice about it, the nismo is NOT for you. You should be able to get a sport and/or touring for less since those models are usually more widely available. Good luck with your purchase.

I am going to build my own Nismo soon. Rims, body kit, and I have the luxury features already. I couldn't do with the Nismo interior. :tup:

43k is rediculous. If you don't plan on tracking it i wouldn't worry about missing out on the oil cooler on the 2012's. Obviously if you were about to pay that 43k premium, then you're not worried about money differences between models. If the Nismo looks THAT much better then the others, get it. Which, IMO, it does.

43k is over priced. I paid less for brand new with most of the options on my nismo...

Get the nismo if you never plan on changing the rims or body. Those two alone are worth the price difference.

If you are planning to go aftermarket body kit and rims then get a touring or base.

The only reason to buy the nismo is if you love the looks, other than that it isn't worth it.

Is Nissan still offering that 0% for 60 months or whatever crazy financing option on the 2012s?

Yes till April. There's no other crazy financing than 0% unless they do negative financing and pay you to take the car.:tup:

I've owned both a touring/sport 6-speed and a Nismo. I've written several comparative posts regarding this; try finding them as I'm not about to do it again. You can search under title or simply search for posts made by me until you find the topic.

Short and sweet of it

1. Love them both but prefer the touring sport
2. the Nismo just feels faster. mag times won't really report much difference but I'm sure if they did a 50-100mph pull or 5-60 or some other kind of rolling test the Nismo would pull on a regular Z.
3. the suspension is much stiffer in the NISMO. Coming from a 1977 280z as a DD that is modded I didn't think I would care much but the NISMO is just really stiff.
4. price, shop around is all I can say. I got my 09 touring sport 6-speed with kick plates and mats and in yellow (500 dollars extra) for 34k and change. This was June 09 when the Z had only been out a few months. The car was also special ordered and yet I still managed a great price. Fast forward to Nov 2010. My poor Z was totaled and needed replacing. No cars similar to my previous could be found, not even in blue (2nd choice color) so rather than wait 3mo for a special order I got a Nismo that was on the lot. Had dealer mark up, tint, window etch, door guards. Stick was 43k and I got it for 35k and change. Only had 50miles on it. Took 3weeks of negotiating.

Basically, test drive both but you can't go wrong with either. Be patient and make sure to get the best price. Don't let the dealers get the best of you.

Thanks so much for the responses guys! I essentially am feeling what everyone is saying.

I'm definitely not getting that original one, so I can put that point to rest. To be fair though, I'm not sure if people are considering that 43k was with all fees, shipping, it's a CPO (starting to believe that isn't what it's cracked up to be), and a 2700 bumper to bumper for 100k/7years (also probably not worth it. I read a stat that said extended warranties pay for themselves apprx 2% of the time!)

I think the touring sport is the way to go. If seasoned modders are saying NISMO is too stiff then I should certainly take that to the bank.

One last favor, please. Advice on this one should flesh out the scope for what I should be looking at for pricing. I just found this classified yesterday, and I live pretty close to the dealer. It seems cherry to me, and the autocheck score is 93. 2010 40th Ann Touring (Sport, I think) with 9,295 miles. Dealer seems to think it makes 350hp though, heh.

They counter-offered with 33k. I'm thinking I won't budge until 30k. What do you think? Looks like it has a lien record. Is that worrisome? Would I want to look at title insurance/protection or something?

The classified ad

KBB price @ $36,216

If you actually read this far I really appreciate it!

good choice you can find a better deal. as far as the warranty goes.
if you really won't one wait until you reach around 35,000 on your car then
buy one. why pay for something before you need it.

i bought one from nissan bumper to bumper for 975.00 good up to 75,000
because that's when i plan on trading in.......

From what I have read, the Nismos are not very pleasant to drive daily. They are more for track. Who wants to feel every rock in the road every day of the week? Not me..