Getting rid of my Z. Any recommendations for a replacement?
 

I've loved driving my '09 Touring but have been unable to find anyone competent to work on it and have decided to sell it. I'm wondering what to get for the next car.

I'm more interested in how it handles and HP is not a big concern (200HP or so ought to be plenty). Prefer a 2-door but a sporty looking 4-door would be acceptable (I realize I probably won't find anything that looks as good as the Z). Needs to be something I can get worked on locally (Ford/Linc/Merc, GM, Honda). No Nissans and since the local Nissan dealer is also the Chrysler dealer, Chrysler is low on the list (there is a good Chrysler service center about 25 miles away so they are not out, just not a first choice). I have budgeted $20-25K and don't mind getting a used car ('09-'12 ish) if it's in good shape. Something like Challenger/Mustang/Camaro are high on my list but very willing to look at less "sporty" looking cars if they handle well.

So, my question is: Does anybody have recommendations for a medium-priced car that handles anything close to the 370Z and I can get worked on in South Arkansas?

I've driven a base Mustang and a Camaro RS but both of those rolled quite a bit on hard turns. I've heard that the Camaro SS has a better suspension but haven't had a chance to drive one.
BTW, the new Camaro LS1 is outrageous. 580 freakin' HP in a bone-stock Camaro.

Move to Little Rock, Conway, or Northwest Arkansas and keep the Z! :tiphat:

:(

Great idea but this is Home to me. I've lived a few other places (and was lucky enough to visit many more) but I just didn't feel comfortable. I like being a backwoods hick even if that means I don't get to enjoy some of the finer things you city slickers have access to (like decent Nissan service shops). :)

If you have vw close by I would say gti.

+1 on gti, my friend had a newer model with dsg, that thing was way more fun than his frs.

Styling looks OK (not great but the looks don't knock it out of the running), the specs look good, and I should be able to get a new Wolfsburg (I didn't see any mention of a different suspension on the Driver's Edition and I don't need Nav) for what I've budgeted ... but the closest VW dealer is in Shreveport, LA, which is 105 miles away. :(

I would go GTI... or I love the looks of the Charger (2 door one right..i get that and the challenger mixed up namewise). Ive never driven one..but Ive seen quite a few set up really really nice..and the interior looks comfy, and plenty of space to add things.

I had a GTI, wife drives it now as she likes the power and handling over her Nissan Quest.;)

Seriously though, for a fwd it handles very well, feels quick & nimble, it's practical and a great daily driver. It also meets your 200hp requirement and actually feels more powerful than that. I'd say test drive one. That being said, I enjoy driving the Z more but YMMV. Good luck on your search.

I'd go with the Focus ST over the GTI. Can probably find a low mileage used one with the recaros for around 25k.

Completely understand your view point! I as well think that the Northwest Arkansas area is great and wouldn't rather live anywhere else.

Maybe check out the ford focus st.

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk 2

Carriage with 332 horses? Not very good miles per hay... :ugh:

focus st has huge potential too, I heard for $800 you can get 50hp and 50tq, plus that thing has gobs of low end torque.

Did some more research and found some distances to dealers.
Acura - 102 miles (too far)
Chrysler/Dodge - 45 miles (a little further than the 25 I posted earlier but close enough)
Chevrolet - in town
Buick - 35 miles
Cadillac - 45 miles
Oldsmobile - in town
Ford/Lincoln(/Merc?) - in town
Toyota - in town

Whats so difficult about doing any work on the Z? I wouldn't let that influence dropping it for another car.

Uhhhhh...another Z. Sorry! :)

Very interesting! I'll have to see if the local dealer has one available for a test drive. Thanks for the tip.

Drive a Mustang with the track package rather than the base.

You could probably pick up a nice 2009ish S2000 in your price range as well.

That's what I'd like to know. With a CONSULT machine, a few special tools, and the FSM, just about any shade tree mechanic should be able to handle it. Apparently, it's more than the three dealers I've tried can muster.

Bummer. I don't think the camaro is a bad idea though. I'd try to swing for a used SS, but I'm not sure where they stand pricing wise used. My friend has an RS and they're only a bit slower than our cars if thats better suited to your price range.

The Ford salesman said they should have "barely used" Mustang with some kind of sports package (he didn't have all the details) in the next few days and I'll give it a spin then.

An S2000 would be an excellent choice. I have a friend that used to work at the local Honda dealer when the S2000 was in production and he says it will do an "honest 150 but it was getting light". All the reviews I found say the handling is great. The local Honda dealer didn't have one when I visited but I bet they would be happy to look for one. ;) Thanks.

Edit: Did some looking on the Web and there are several >= 2006 (IIRC, that's when CAN became mandatory), fairly low-mileage (60-70K or less) S2000s within a few hundred miles of me and within my price range. Convertible-only make me a little nervous but definitely not a deal killer.

One ton deisel, lifted, 4X4, 28" wheels, dual stack pipes, dual rear wheels, hanging bull's balls from the rear bumper, black paint, shark's mouth grill, 9 foot CB antenna with a 'coon tail on the top, 18 KC Daylighter 10 inch lamps, roll bars, nerf bars, air horns..........

sorry

Fr-s?

Closest Scion dealer is in Shreveport. :(

My choices are limited to:
Chrysler/Dodge
Chevrolet/Buick/Cadillac/Oldsmobile
Ford/Lincoln(/Merc?)
Toyota
Edit: and Honda

That's what everyone drives around here. Or a Trans-Am with t-tops. I want something that stands out. ;)

Dang sorry to see you leaving. Thanks for all your help and knowledge on this forum. Good luck on your next ride!

Mustang Boss 302. Sorry to say it'll piss all over a Z on a track because it has about 100 more HP and handles just as well. The old adage of "Mustangs are only good in a straight line" just isn't true anymore...

A bit out of my price range, unfortunately. A Q&D web search says at least mid-$30s for a used one. And $OMG for a new one.

I've owned about a dozen '64.5-'71 Mustangs over the years (my first car was a 64.5 and I sold a '68 (or was it a '67?) to make room in the garage for the Z) and none of them handled all that well. Great looking cars, though.

Thanks! I don't plan on leaving The370Z - I'll stick around for the nudie pix in the NSFW section. :yum: I might even put my spare The370Z decal on the new car. :driving:

Thanks for all the input, folks. I really appreciate it.

Suggestions so far:
VW GTI - Dealer 100+ miles away. I did hear that there is an independent shop in town that can work on VWs, so the GTI may be a possibility. Need to do more research
Dodge Challenger - in the running
Ford Focus ST - in the running
Ford Mustang with track package - need to do more research
Honda S2000 - in the running
Chevy Camaro SS - looking for one to test drive
Scion FRS - Dealer 100+ miles away.
Ford Mustang Boss 302 - too expensive

Before jumping into this torque steering grocery getter, I would heavily consider the WRX and STI for the same price with AWD. The WRX 5spd is slightly quicker than the STI, but the STI has a better suspension and stronger drivetrain. 2011-2014 ones are nice and you'll have the option of hatch or sedan.

If you wait a month or two you can check out the brand new WRX/STI. The new WRX has a 6spd now, which makes it slightly slower and only has the 2.0L turbo, rather than 2.5L turbo like previous models (and 2015 STI's), but the new WRX will be a the higher end of your budget $26k or so. I've done so much research myself because I'm considering a switch. Reviews say they handle amazingly and comfortable in the WRX, the STI has a harsher ride.

....the Focus ST looks great on the outside, but its FWD and the interior looks horrible IMHO. The dash layout and shifter are not comfortable for me.

Are there any Subaru dealers near you?

Another quick thought on the mustang--see if you can hold out for the refresh.


I have a VAG as a DD and the reliability is better than it was historically, but still no way I'd buy one without a dealer nearby.

The WRX/STI looks promising but the closest Subaru dealer is about 100 miles away. But I do appreciate the info. Thanks.

I've had FWD cars before and, while not my first choice, would be a reasonable option for me. FWD loses a few points but doesn't eliminate it. I'll check out the interior next time I visit the dealer - thanks for the head up.

-----

Lots of good info, guys and gals. I really appreciate it. I have a lot of research to do before making a decision and y'all have been a big help. :tiphat:

np! :tup:


:ugh:

~100 miles. :(

Living in the sticks can have its disadvantages. :(
But I couldn't tell you where the keys to the house are*. Housing is a lot cheaper than in big cities (I bought my 3 bdrm/2 bath house for $47K about 25 years ago). Clean air. Clean water. &c, &c, &c.
Oh, and I don't have to worry about a lot of unconstitutional, anti-2nd amendment laws. AR is a no-permit-required-concealed-carry state and "assault" rifles, high-capacity magazines, &c are not banned. :)


* I have an Australian Cattle Dog in the house, so someone would have to be pretty bold to break in. Just ask my daughter what happens when you come waltzing into the house with stage makeup on. heehee

Good man!

BMW Z4 coupe or M-Z4 coupe!!

Wow that's tough, having to sell because of serviceability. You must be the only one with a Z out where you live. I was thinking wrx sti as well but if you must with the list you have, a Mustang is where I'd go. Put better suspension and tires, a nice exhaust, and you're set.