2012 Base or 2011 Sport?
 

So I am narrowing down my search for a Z.

I can get a 2012 new base for the same price of a 2011 with say 5K miles.

Which is the better option and why,eventually will swap out wheels.


How important is the sport?

Thanks

Are you going to upgrade the brakes aftermarket as well if you get the base? The wheels/brakes are what make up the sport with the addition of the rear spoiler and chin diffuser.

And the Rear Limited Slip Differential as well... also better wheels.

But this has all been covered b4.

Sport is ideal. A new base is cool though. I'd take a new car, that's just me. I like to be the only one to have driven it.

if ur into the synchorev get the sport, comes with slip diff and 19inch, i regret not getting one, on the other hand if ur gonna mod extensively than go for base

2011/ thread

don't know about the base... I liked my sport a lot though... brakes were excellent and for me the wheels didn't ever need to be messed with... I liked them stock and didn't have a desire to get others or powdercoat them. Some people like to change things around... others want to be happy with what's already there. Those Rays are NICE wheels and very expensive. If you stay stock on the base tires will be a little bit cheaper when it comes time to replace them though. I doubt that's what's on your mind anyway.

Sport will get you the akebono brakes, much nicer wheels, SRM, VLSD, and stiffer springs. I personally think it's a must-have with the Z, unless you plan to upgrade brakes, wheels, LSD and coilovers anyway.

The used car has 5k miles. Its still pretty much brand new. I would go for the sport. You will be kicking yourself later if you dont.

the only benefit i see of the 2012 vs 2011 is that you dont have to worry about the steering lock any more.

but one can be had for $500. hardly a bargain not getting the '11.
also remember that buying used can mean buying someone else's problem.

:iagree:

Get the base model with the manual and sport package, best bang for your bucks, the extras the sport package provide are well worth the extra money.

Drive both.
 

The most significant thing the Sport brings to the table is the SynchroRev system. I say that because it's the only thing that you can't add later. You could upgrade the wheels, springs, brakes, add an LSD, etc all on your own. And in some cases, you'll do a lot better with aftermarket gear than OEM. The OEM VLSD, for example, is not very highly regarded around here (so I've read, anyway). Granted, you're probably going to spend more money doing it yourself than you will from just buying the Sport package. But then again, modding a car like the Z can be part of the fun of owning one.

But the SynchroRev system is special. It's very cool, lots of fun, totally unique to the Z, and quite useful. I would highly recommend that you at least drive a Sport so you can experience it. AFAIK, there's no way to install it in a non-Sport Z. Counter-point, the SynchroRev system is the one part of the Sport package that you can actually have for free, provided you're willing to put in the time & effort to teach your right foot how to heel-toe & rev match properly. ;)

That said... I wasn't thrilled with the ride quality with the Sport package. Yeah, I said it. I'm a wuss. :shakes head: When I went to the dealer, they had both an '11 Z Touring 6MT and an '11 Z Touring+Sport 6MT on the lot. I spent quite a bit of time in both, but came home in the non-Sport.

While the SynchroRev system is really slick and every Z ought to have the VLSD (even if it's crappy), I personally didn't really care for the rest of the Sport package. I'm indifferent to the rear spoiler. The front lip spoiler doesn't do anything for me except drag itself on every banked driveway & parking lot entrance. The Sport brakes are visually & technically superior to the base brakes, but I doubt it makes much of a difference in street driving. And given the Z's brakes' reputation (deserved or not), I'm not sure I'd trust either the base or Sport brakes on the track anyway. The 19" RAYS are visually stunning, but the 19" tire + spring combination doesn't do the ride quality any favors. The Z isn't supposed to be a cream-puff, obviously, but the Sport package makes the ride even stiffer & harsher. I could definitely tell a difference with every expansion joint on the highway when I was driving the Sport. Yes, yes, no need to flame me, it's a sports car, a stiff ride is the point (...that's what she said...). But my Z is going to spend most of its miles as a daily driver & weekend toy on cracked & cratered midwestern roads, not on the track. There is something to be said for ride comfort. And 18" tires are cheaper to replace than 19's, so :icon23:.

Seriously, I mean no flames. Just pointing out that the Sport package isn't always the best choice. People's priorities differ. Again, to the OP, go drive both if you can. That's the only way you can really tell what works best for you.

All that said, I do wish the Z had a "Grand Touring" trim line that added the VLSD and Synchrorev to the Touring. But that's it. That'd be perfect, IMHO. :tiphat: And off topic...

To the OP, if you get the 11, others have a valid point about the steering wheel lock problems. Check the manufacture date. It's on the driver's door plate. IIRC, 2011 Z's made after March 2011 don't have a steering lock. My 7/2011 build MY2011, for example, doesn't have it. The oil cooler on the 2012's is a welcome feature for many. I personally have not witnessed high oil temps in my 2011, but again, I'm not tracking my Z.

Good luck! You can't really make a wrong decision here. :tup:

I'm curious where you were looking at the used Z? In CA or in the states?

2012 also has a factory oil cooler. The 2011 does not.

That won't make up for the better brakes, wheels, and other added things others have mentioned the car with the sport package has. Oil cooler can be had for 500-700.00.

Can someone tell me what a 2011 370z touring with sports package consists of vs a 2011 base with sports package?

Please and thank you..

So i have searched and looks like i have answered my question..however cannot figure out if the reverse camera in the rearview mirror is standard on the touring or is it only part of the navigation package

I would imagine its part of the navigation package

Touring gives you more interior stuff; leather inserts on the seats, Bose stereo (6-disc, XM, more/different speakers, sub), Bluetooth hands-free, heated & powered seats, aluminum pedals, auto-dimming mirror w/ Homelink (garage door opener), rear cargo cover. I think that's about it.

Sport gives you external/mechanical stuff; the VLSD, SynchroRev (if manual transmission), rear spoiler, front lip spoiler, 19" wheels, upgraded brakes, stiffer suspension setup.

Touring + Sport gives you all of the above.

Satellite navigation is available. But only with the Touring Package, and then SatNav is an additional cost. Adding SatNav changes the whole center console stack; it removes the storage cubby & replaces both the stereo and the HVAC controls. The SatNav option also adds a reverse camera system that displays in the SatNav screen.

The in-mirror-display reverse camera system is a dealer-added accessory that could be installed at any time. You might even be able to add/install it yourself, perhaps check the DIY threads to see.

http://www.nissanusa.com/zcoupe/accessories.html (look at interior)

2012 Nissan 370Z Coupe | Vehicle Specs | Nissan USA

You should be able to get them to come down more on the 2011. $3k less than new doesn't seem like the best deal.

I agree... it's not like the cars are in high demand... they aren't trust me lol. I tried to sell mine for a while. I guess it's because they made plenty of them. If I were to go back to a Z, I would go with the 40th. I really do like them, and I think value wise they will hold up much better later on.

Oh and keep in mind as was said that the Nav does away with little cubby area by the radio. The Z has NO storage space when it comes to the glove box or center console... i'd get your phone out and use that as your nav and save that space for your change or whatever. That was one thing that always bugged me. I know it's not meant for space but a big glove box would have helped out a lot. Then again there are the small areas behind the seat too that can be used.

Owning the sport pkg I can say this. Better rotors and lines are a given. So you are looking at a $600 upgrade there. The $291 brake cooling kit by Stillen now makes the brake cooling issue obsolete. So that's $900. Then you need an oil cooler on the 11 that's $600. So you are looking at $2100 to be track ready.
On the base package, there is so track ready with those brakes.
The stock oil cooler is subpar
There is no LSD on the base. VLSD works great on the street. NO ISSUES.
VLSD is NOT suitable for track IF you will track often. It won't last.
The sport pkg in the long run will save you thousands. A comparable brake kit will run you the price of a sport pkg kit. (Unless you buy the same kit) finding wide 19" wheels the same weight of the sport wheels will cost you the price of the whole sport pkg. The bridgestones, while not THE best are one of the best in the game for stock sports cars.
The sport is a better value all around. No way around it. It just boils down to needing it. Will you mod extensively? Or will you build on what nissan created? The sport pkg isn't without flaws. But for what it costs to fix those flaws, vs building from scratch. You will save yourself $10,000 vs $2,000 to bring the current pkg up to spec.

Touring = $6,000 of fluff
Touring + Nav= I got raped for $8.5k. Should have bought a G instead. Lol.

Same here... The first 5000 miles are soooo crucial on how the engine is broken in.

When i pick up my 370z this summer its going to need to have just rolled off the truck NO test drives...

more of same, more or less
 

this may be repetitive ..

re; prev. comment on brakes, 370z brakes are much upgraded compared to 350z, which had issues. see link:

***************************************/tabid/57/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11/370Z-Brakes.aspx

Also I believe the 18'' 370z wheels are 7 lbs lighter than 350z stock 18'', and
the S/P 19'' are another 5 lbs lighter than the 18'' 370z's, each wheel that is.

Contra Augustus, noise is about same IMO compared to 18''s, just higher frequency. Suspension's 'anti-ripple' and other improvements make up for 19'' sensitivity. ( Things are either too sensitive or not enough, a theme on this site.) I use it as DD, and the oil cooler seems to be fine but I have yet to try extended >100 cruising speeds..

Also, that article goes into description of lighter, stronger bearings, spindles etc. To track, adding steel lines and higher temp brake fluid could be all that's needed .. as the article states.

My S/P came with backup cam, wireless remote & compass auto dim mirror, $800 retail. Loss of rear wiper is irrelevant with cam, as far as backups, & could also just add something like aquapel to rear window if need be ( a non-silicone version of rain-X.)

The S/P is $3K, but wheel upgrade alone can easily be 2K if you're trying for 19'' and branding, same ultra-lightness, etc. Add 14'' 4 piston brakes with constant pressure,the LSD, Synchro, chin and spoiler for zero lift and 0.29 drag, a usable oil cooler that does -something-, and the backup mirror for 1K more, not a bad deal?

re: methodical4u: '12 has the glove compartment, as well as cubby, btw. plus shelf behind seats and door storage, plus console in middle, padded. but agree, phone (or tablet) could be nav tool, charger in console. Also, easy to toss stuff in 'trunk' area behind your headrest.

mho sports package

you can't get everything that is in the sports package for 3 grand after market.

anything else depending on your budget you can add... which i'm betting will be
the radio shack sound system in the base.......................

Pretty much a repeat of what I said so :iagree:
:tup:

there is nothing like a brand new car with the brand new smell, knowing you the first owner. is like have sex with a girl that had 5 guys already or a virgin chic. we all know that we love to be the first one. that being said get the brand new one.
i had found a Z with 5K 2011 for 31K. exactly how i wanted, pearl white stick sport package.... than i found a brand new for $33 2012. i did the brand new one of course.
also sport package on the Z IS A MUST. trust me, after going over 125mph you will going to want to stop at some point. lol

:iagree:

If you're the type who is very hesitant to let anyone else drive your car, I'd buy new. I'm the type the doesn't use valet either. :driving:

If you're the valet type or doesn't care who drives your car (especially during break in), then buy used. :)

If you see how much people with the used ones are savings, sometimes you just take the bullet and go for the used one. The difference the OP referred to didn't seem all that much

Your guys thoughts on color combination.

I am getting a smoking deal on a 2011 Black Cherry with Sport,Touring and the orange interior,which I want and is so rare to come by...but I am not sure about the Black Cherry..Do not want to regret the color.

I like Black but am worried as it rains 6 months out of the year that it will be tough keep it clean,I like silver and graphite however reminds me too much of last two Z's which were both the same color.

Then i am thinking white but i feel the color does not pop,there seems to be an excess amount of Black Cherry Z's on the market.

Not sure what to do man.

Think "Touring" on a Z is the dumbest thing. Why? Because is a race car. Sport car. Speed car. You want luxury buy a family car. A four door. A big car. (that's my opinion) on these cars what's important is what the sport package offers. Better breaks suspension spoiler. Not even the most expensive version the Nismo gives you all that leather navigation ******** !!!

GPS on the track makes you faster. Just follow the line :happydance:

LMFAO. I bet leather seats too uh lol lol