370Z, A4, or BRZ

GSS138 · 05-17-2013, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

I wouldn't buy a used Audi at gunpoint. If I had to have one, it would be new with the longest extended warranty available. And it would be sold the day before that warranty ran out. Check out repair costs and frequency before you sign yourself up for a lot of time in loaner cars.

As much as I love the S5 I am way happier that I bought the Z. Audi out of warranty is a nightmare. Probably worse than bimmer or even a Porsche according to some people I have talked to.

edub370 · 05-17-2013, 08:38 AM

no need to scare him with the vdc of nonsense... its jsut like any car, don't drive it like an idiot and you'll be fine. i'm guessing u guys saying its a handful with the vdc off have never driven an 80's or 90's porsche, or any car before pretty much 1990. this car, even with vdc off, is extremely predictable imo. u can feel the back end starting to lose grip very gradually before u swap ends or hit a pole or whatever.

Bucketlist2012 · 05-17-2013, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edub370

no need to scare him with the vdc of nonsense... its jsut like any car, don't drive it like an idiot and you'll be fine. i'm guessing u guys saying its a handful with the vdc off have never driven an 80's or 90's porsche, or any car before pretty much 1990. this car, even with vdc off, is extremely predictable imo. u can feel the back end starting to lose grip very gradually before u swap ends or hit a pole or whatever.

We are not trying to scare him, just give him the heads up..

I grew up on rear wheel drive, no computer controlled , High Horse Power cars...

We just don't know his skills and want to let him know what to expect...Big difference with VDC on...The "nanny" does the driving for you..

Oh and this is what I have driven for 30 years...No computer and plenty of Posi drifts..

N8GTOL · 05-17-2013, 09:15 AM

I like all three cars you are considering, but all for very different reasons which others have highlighted above.

The majority of the people who complain about the Z are the ones that thought they bought a Porsche. It's an all around fantastic car IMO for what you pay. Yes there are faster cars out there. Yes there are cheaper cars out there. Yes there are cheaper cars to track. But if you want a pure driving experience and want to feel connected with the car and the road and go fast, then the Z is one of the best cars for the money.

As far as getting scared due to comments on here...the Z handles incredibly well...so well that you can get over confident and wreck if you are not used to RWD power (especially on wet roads). I too came from a truck as my first long term vehicle for almost 10 years. I drove my truck hard on occasion so I knew how RWD with a light a$$ would react to loss of traction...the Z just amplifies this because you need a lot more energy to break it loose. The stock understeer helps mitigate over rotation which is good for a novice driver trying to find the limits of the car.

Obviously I am a huge fan of the Z and I encourage others to look at it as an option. But, if you're spending $25K+ on anything, then make sure there is no doubt in your mind on your choice. The OP is on the right path doing his research and seeking first hand opinions but based on reading the OP's posts so far, I'm not entirely convinced the Z is the exact right car for him. Best of luck in your search and let us know when you pull the trigger on whichever option.

kenchan · 05-17-2013, 09:33 AM

i still think the op should get the 2013 honda accord sedan in that 6MT sport trim. $25K or something new. looks good, sporty driving (per reviews), can handle people and some cargo. great for someone that's on a budget with only one car.

im sure swift will be releasing springs for it, get some 19's on there down the road, should look

370Z's are great for someone that already has another car or two, and some extra mula to spare. hardly a budget car even though it is sold that way... sort of.

UNKNOWN_370 · 05-17-2013, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

i still think the op should get the 2013 honda accord sedan in that 6MT sport trim. $25K or something new. looks good, sporty driving (per reviews), can handle people and some cargo. great for someone that's on a budget with only one car.

im sure swift will be releasing springs for it, get some 19's on there down the road, should look

370Z's are great for someone that already has another car or two, and some extra mula to spare. hardly a budget car even though it is sold that way... sort of.

kenchan · 05-17-2013, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

XiP · 05-17-2013, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

Chuck33079 · 05-17-2013, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

i still think the op should get the 2013 honda accord sedan in that 6MT sport trim. $25K or something new. looks good, sporty driving (per reviews), can handle people and some cargo. great for someone that's on a budget with only one car.

Yeah, it's great. Other than that whole FWD thing.

ElVee · 05-17-2013, 10:15 AM

If you've got some time and not pressed to have a car very, very soon, then by all means take your time. Other than a house, a car is probably most people's biggest single purchase in their lives. And unlike the house, you can pretty much not expect to make any money back off of it.

I highly recommend looking up youtube vids of all three cars. Owners who talk about them are useful (probably more brz vids in that vein than z), but also car reviews and comparisons. This can let you see what the cars usually are compared against for other options.

If you can wait a bit, you might be happier with a brz/frs in convertible form, or with some upgraded power; even just 20-40hp should be a sweet spot. The convertible should age better and not look quite as readily like a kid's car (basically how I see every Civic or WRX these days...it makes me sad).

Also, be sure to ask questions of yourself like others have mentioned. Is this your daily driver? Do you need cargo space? Will you be driving it in the winter? Do you do stupid things while driving, or do your stupid things only very cautiously?

Welcome to the forums, btw. There really is no better Z resource on the web than browsing around the threads here. Take a few days to cruise around the stickies and such.

Tazicon · 05-17-2013, 11:14 AM

Never mind, you can delete this post.

DLSTR · 05-17-2013, 11:21 AM

Stick with a sedan. The A4 is nice but its a very bland design compared to the past. If you want an A5 wait and get one later. Do not buy the Z if you think the A4 is great car. Its pedestrian at best with a 2.0 Motor. The S4 is a better car but in a different league. The A4 is a boat.

Im an Audi guy and that is the worst car they make in terms of looks and I had one here in Germany. Nice solid very very boring car. The new S3 sedan will crucify it. Dont waste your money on a Z if you find the A4 that good. Buy it and hit up Audizine for all your needs.

RollTideZ30 · 05-17-2013, 12:49 PM

Thank you again guys for your time and input! I honestly appreciate each and every comment and review. I am going on vacation for a week and planned two stops that have a 370 and a BRZ/FR-S that I plan to test drive. If this thread is still alive when I get back next week I will gladly give my reviews and update you guys on which car is leading the race

synolimit · 05-17-2013, 10:00 PM

Brz might handle but has track numbers losing to a toyota camery. A WRX is on par with a 370z but can be loaded to kill almost anything due to the turbo. Get what you want with future plans in mind.

Chuck33079 · 05-17-2013, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by synollimit

STI is on par with a 370z but can be loaded to kill almost anything due to the turbo. Get what you want with future plans in mind.

If you're buying a Subaru to mod, start with the 6 speed. Your wallet will thank you.

05-17-2013, 08:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
edub370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: KCMO Posts: 3,458 Drives: 09 370z S/T 6MT Rep Power: 21	no need to scare him with the vdc of nonsense... its jsut like any car, don't drive it like an idiot and you'll be fine. i'm guessing u guys saying its a handful with the vdc off have never driven an 80's or 90's porsche, or any car before pretty much 1990. this car, even with vdc off, is extremely predictable imo. u can feel the back end starting to lose grip very gradually before u swap ends or hit a pole or whatever. __________________ 09 370Z ST 6MT//Injen CAI//Greddy CBE//TP//TSW's//Swifts//Stillen lip//Whiteline sways 326whp/268tq

05-17-2013, 09:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	i still think the op should get the 2013 honda accord sedan in that 6MT sport trim. $25K or something new. looks good, sporty driving (per reviews), can handle people and some cargo. great for someone that's on a budget with only one car. im sure swift will be releasing springs for it, get some 19's on there down the road, should look 370Z's are great for someone that already has another car or two, and some extra mula to spare. hardly a budget car even though it is sold that way... sort of. UNKNOWN_370 likes this.

05-17-2013, 11:21 AM	#12 (permalink)
DLSTR A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: Süd Germany Posts: 2,462 Drives: 21Supra 2.0/22 M240i Rep Power: 21268	Stick with a sedan. The A4 is nice but its a very bland design compared to the past. If you want an A5 wait and get one later. Do not buy the Z if you think the A4 is great car. Its pedestrian at best with a 2.0 Motor. The S4 is a better car but in a different league. The A4 is a boat. Im an Audi guy and that is the worst car they make in terms of looks and I had one here in Germany. Nice solid very very boring car. The new S3 sedan will crucify it. Dont waste your money on a Z if you find the A4 that good. Buy it and hit up Audizine for all your needs. kenchan likes this.

05-17-2013, 09:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
N8GTOL Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 228 Drives: and flies Rep Power: 23	I like all three cars you are considering, but all for very different reasons which others have highlighted above. The majority of the people who complain about the Z are the ones that thought they bought a Porsche. It's an all around fantastic car IMO for what you pay. Yes there are faster cars out there. Yes there are cheaper cars out there. Yes there are cheaper cars to track. But if you want a pure driving experience and want to feel connected with the car and the road and go fast, then the Z is one of the best cars for the money. As far as getting scared due to comments on here...the Z handles incredibly well...so well that you can get over confident and wreck if you are not used to RWD power (especially on wet roads). I too came from a truck as my first long term vehicle for almost 10 years. I drove my truck hard on occasion so I knew how RWD with a light a$$ would react to loss of traction...the Z just amplifies this because you need a lot more energy to break it loose. The stock understeer helps mitigate over rotation which is good for a novice driver trying to find the limits of the car. Obviously I am a huge fan of the Z and I encourage others to look at it as an option. But, if you're spending $25K+ on anything, then make sure there is no doubt in your mind on your choice. The OP is on the right path doing his research and seeking first hand opinions but based on reading the OP's posts so far, I'm not entirely convinced the Z is the exact right car for him. Best of luck in your search and let us know when you pull the trigger on whichever option.

05-17-2013, 10:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
ElVee Track Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 750 Drives: 13 370z 7at t+s grey Rep Power: 17	If you've got some time and not pressed to have a car very, very soon, then by all means take your time. Other than a house, a car is probably most people's biggest single purchase in their lives. And unlike the house, you can pretty much not expect to make any money back off of it. I highly recommend looking up youtube vids of all three cars. Owners who talk about them are useful (probably more brz vids in that vein than z), but also car reviews and comparisons. This can let you see what the cars usually are compared against for other options. If you can wait a bit, you might be happier with a brz/frs in convertible form, or with some upgraded power; even just 20-40hp should be a sweet spot. The convertible should age better and not look quite as readily like a kid's car (basically how I see every Civic or WRX these days...it makes me sad). Also, be sure to ask questions of yourself like others have mentioned. Is this your daily driver? Do you need cargo space? Will you be driving it in the winter? Do you do stupid things while driving, or do your stupid things only very cautiously? Welcome to the forums, btw. There really is no better Z resource on the web than browsing around the threads here. Take a few days to cruise around the stickies and such.

05-17-2013, 11:14 AM	#11 (permalink)
Tazicon Track Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Vegas Baby! Posts: 773 Drives: German/British cars Rep Power: 15	Never mind, you can delete this post.

05-17-2013, 12:49 PM	#13 (permalink)
RollTideZ30 Base Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Tennessee Posts: 14 Drives: '11 370 SR 7AT T+S Rep Power: 13	Thank you again guys for your time and input! I honestly appreciate each and every comment and review. I am going on vacation for a week and planned two stops that have a 370 and a BRZ/FR-S that I plan to test drive. If this thread is still alive when I get back next week I will gladly give my reviews and update you guys on which car is leading the race

05-17-2013, 10:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
synolimit A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2013 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 5,051 Drives: 2013 Silver 370z Rep Power: 3390	Brz might handle but has track numbers losing to a toyota camery. A WRX is on par with a 370z but can be loaded to kill almost anything due to the turbo. Get what you want with future plans in mind.