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

SouthArk370Z

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.

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Tward

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

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SouthArk370Z

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).

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blackcherry20

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7speed

If you have vw close by I would say gti.

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09 370z 6spd traded 1/12/15 for 15 Challenger RT 6spd

Redglare

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

SouthArk370Z

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.

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Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

Malm

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.

Whytlytnin

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

Magic Bus

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.

Tward

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

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Nismo S - Tune Body Kit/ UAM Fenders / Fast Intentions CBE 12/ Stillen CAI/ PWD JDM Shift Knob/BlueBat Vinyl'
R.I.P Garrett Uekman

SouthArk370Z

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

__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

kenchan

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

Redglare

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.

Footloose301

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.

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2010 40th Anniversary 370Z