Considering a Z; need some advice and wisdom

Wayfarer

Hey everyone. Let me start by saying that this forum has been a wealth of info that I've been lurking and reading over the past few weeks. Lots of really good stuff and a helpful community. Thanks for that!

I know there are probably a bunch of other threads on this sort of topic, but I couldn't find all of the answers using search, so I'm just going to ask for your wisdom anyway.

I'm in the market for a new car as my current one (VW Golf) is getting too expensive to maintain when compared to it's worth. I bought the golf in college and it's served me very well, including 5 coast-to-coast road trips, lots of time in the snow and salt in the north east, and running over the mountains here in Washington. Great little car, but now that I've been in a stable job making good money, it's time to have some fun and be a little impractical. No wife or kids, so why not?

I've been looking at and test driving a bunch of different "fun" cars that have come to mind. WRX, EvoX, Nismo 370 have been test drove so far, and I enjoyed the 370 the best. Other than those three, I'm not totally sure what else I should be looking at. I've been eyeing the G37 too, but it's a bit higher than the price range I'd like to stay in (<40k prefered, but would consider going higher if it's REALLY worth it). I haven't driven one either. Should I be looking at anything else in this category? Knowing what you know, and having owned a Z, would you make the same decision if you were in my shoes?

Factors to consider:
-This would be my DD
-My work commute is about 40 miles RT. Would split miles with my motorcycle for commuting miles
-I don't plan on tracking this car
-I live in Seattle; the roads are wet here 7-8 months out of the year. Normally not a concern, unless I should be taking that into account
-I get employee pricing (at least invoice) on Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Chrysler auto group vehicles
-I would prefer new. Since it's my DD, I don't really like the idea of not knowing it's whole history.

I've been shopping around and have gotten some pretty good deals quoted on Zs in the area, which is exciting. There are quite a few new 2012s hanging around that I'm sure I can negotiate the price further down. I've read the differences between the 2012 and the 2013 refresh, but I'd like to hear from those with 2013s; was the switch worth it, or would the 2012 still be just as great?

Sorry again for asking what probably gets asked a bunch, but I appreciate your input. Thanks in advance!

6MT

Doooooo ittttt!!!!!!!

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Andrew

2009 370Z Sport/Touring 6MT sold
2013 Honda Civic Si coupe D/D

2010ZilverZ

What he said ...

lemon-fresh

I'd recommend taking a look at the mustang 5.0 as well (if you can get over the looks), a lot of forum members have switched to them.

Other than that it looks like you've cross shopped the main performance vehicles in your price range, if you liked driving the Z best then I'd go for it. Seattle's climate is mild enough that a Z should be fun year around. Also consider that if you are going nismo for more than just looks you can get the same performance or better with a few mods relatively cheaply.

kenchan

the Z for the most part is a comfy ride. and you mentioned you're on wet roads often. i suggest running tires like bridgestone S04. it has superb wet traction.

continental DW or DWS also do well in the wet.

if ur going to drive in the snow, have dedicated snow tires set. LM60's do very well in the snow. GL.

shadowfax

Here's what my brain has to say to you:

-I would say if the VW Golf is getting too expensive, the 370z will probably be expensive as well.
-Since it's rainy a lot, a WRX or EVO would make more sense and you wouldn't have to deal with tire swapping.
-You can get employee pricing or invoice anywhere.
-WRX and EVO are both a bit more practical.
-Other cars you could consider are BMW 3 series coupes, 1 series, Audi A4/A5.

Here's what my heart has to say to you:

-The 370z is by far the sexiest out of all the aforementioned cars.



I just picked up a 2013 370z Pearl White Sport. I was considering all these same cars. I think to be honest with you, if I lived in rainy/snowy weather, I'd go with something AWD. But if you can manage it, try to get the 370!

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nmjaxx9

370z get it!!!

lemon-fresh

The haters should show up around page 2 to talk you out of it. Just get the Z.

1st

Get a 2011-13 Z! Get it, Got it, Good. All cars are prone to hydroplane when driven incorrectly in the rain etc. There isn’t any statistics in Seattle that state rwd car owners are in more wrecks then awd, fwd car owners. You drive in the rain you slow down.

280z/300zx

I agree with this. Considering how often it rains there I would be looking more at the STI/EVO option. Sure the 370z can be driven safely in the rain but the STI and EVO will be much better at it. Also with the 370z you have to sacrafice dry traction by getting a better wet traction tire. With the AWD option you can have the best of both worlds. Get the car that makes you happy but if I lived anywhere like Seattle I'd be driving a STI no question about it.

Red__Zed

I really don't think that the potential benefits of AWD are worth it IF the OP is looking for a RWD experience. It's not secret I'm a huge fan of the WRX, but if the goal is a RWD coupe, there's no way I'd buy an STI/EVO instead just because of some piddly rain. Snow is a different story.

That said, if the OP doesn't care, the EVO and STI are both great cars. I'd also second the suggestion to at least test drive the new mustang--preferably one with the track pack.

You really can't go wrong with any of the cars TBH.

ZeeingAround

^^^This is the same thing on my mind. I have owned a Suabaru since 1986. I have a 2002 now. I love the WRX, but the 370Z was "it" when I saw and drove one. I am in Michigan so the roads are similar. I have Continental DW series and they are great for Dry roads and not so much for anything else> So the right tire for all rear driving would be critical.
I might even suggest getting another set of cheap 18" Nissan rims and getting some Blizzak tires for the winter. I have Blizzaks on the Chrysler Town and Country and they great in the winter.
My Z is in the garage for the winter season. I will take it out on nice dry days after the salt has been washed off the road. I have a winter beater for the bad days- a '91 pathfinder. That way I don't worry about the idiots out there.

The Subaru would be a great all season car though. I cannot justify the cost, cheap interior, so so outside looks and insurance.

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R0bDC

Pull the Steering lock Fuse! You have been warned!

Z_ealot

late production 2011 and up Z's have no steering lock so no

RandyD

i believe fixed mid 2010's