Why a Z
 

So since 2009 I've been wanting to own a Z, for many reasons I traded my 2005 TL for a 2010 FJ Cruiser and then to a 2013 VW Beetle Turbo, until a day after dinner wifey and I drove by a Nissan dealer and stopped by to check out the Frontier's. After a test drive on both vehicles I said to my wife this is the time. I know it can fly and can drift (lol did some drifting in the rain intentionally :rolleyes:) So this is now a happy guy who again will tell you that he bought the Z because of it's looks more than it's capabilities but nobody believes me. Even the cafeteria lady calls it a kids car and I must be going thru male menopause but seeing that she drives a beat up 2000 Camry I just agree and don't reply to ridicule her for her comment.
My leftover 2013 Gunmetal Touring/ Sports package, navy has already 400 miles (it had 8 when I bought it a few weeks ago) and has not seen 80 mph , well maybe once and seeing that I'm driving it like a little old lady I'm getting 24 mpg (gas used vs miles driven not the computer average).
So I ask you why a Z?..Thanks for reading and hope I didn't bore you

HEK aka Hector

For the money, no other car comes even close on performance and style.

Everything else going for less $ or that is in the ballpark is either a hot hatch, underpowered cone dodger's car, or a bloated pony/muscle car.

Everything that reflects an equal or greater performing sports coupe is significantly more expensive, and frequently not any more attractive.

So, for me, that's why the Z.

After the 2005 TL, your choice in cars took a big plunge! :p Glad you got your ducks in a row and bought a Z. Good choice. You will love it!

Last year my wife told me if I gave up my motorcycle I could get any car I wanted. I agreed if I could get a Corvette.
Well, I sold the bike & test drove the Corvette along with several other two seaters. I wouldn't consider a four seater as this was a third vehicle and I wanted something that would be my "toy".
The 2014 Corvette at $72K outshined the pack in both performance and technology. The BMW Z4 35is at $68K was a little tight for an old man and I didn't like the confusing I-Drive system. I never drove the Miata, its' looks didn't do it for me. I couldn't find a Mercedes SLK to try. I did test an Audi TTS and liked it but research indicated it was a car you buy and drive, not to be tinkered with.
When I considered the Z, it's initial looks had me. Now I wanted a convertible but the coupe looked so good. (Here in Alabama you probably only get to comfortably ride with the top down four months a year and the convertible is an extra $4k+.) Its' ride is a little rough (but no more than the Vette), rear road noise is excessive (I've solved that with added insulation), and rear visibility is, well, "poor". (Nissan really should add a rear collision alarm.) On the plus side, it handles as good as the Z4, goes as fast as I want to, and the cost was less than $40K after negotiation, "out the door" for sport, touring, auto, and nav coupe. If this was to be my only ride I probably would have spent the extra for the Vette but I'm happy with my decision and that's all that counts.

Why? Because race car.

Because you dont see it on every corner like the Corvette

Warning: Driver appear more handsome than they really are.

That's why a Z.

^^^this.


:icon18: :tiphat:

LOL, well wifeys worried that the women at the gym I frequent and train with will ask me for a ride, but none have and I has hit on in this Z Forum by a guy so I may tint my windows.. :superghey:

Well the FJ being an ugly mobile served it's purpose while I was building my garage, it's towing capabilities were awesome, now one big misconception of the VW Beetle is that is a POS or a girls car but I really liked the torque, sunroof, the Fender sound system kicks the Bose and I could drive it like I stole it and get 30 mpg. Wifey drives a 2013 Jetta Hybrid SEL and for a hybrid it can move out of it's way and it's a more civilized car, but I agree Elan, looks wise both my last 2 cars failed in that department.

^^^^I agree on the looks. But...i recently picked up a 1990 Miata for auto-x and DD. :eek: it is surprisingly fun to drive. Doesn't compare to the Z in looks though. Not even close.

Probably one of the best summaries of the Z's advantages I've ever read....way to go


Underpowered cone dodger.....what a great phrase.......LOL...was just reading the twins forum....

I had liked the looks of the 350Z since they had first come out. They were a little to pricey for me, but a car I would love to have. But when the 370Z came out, I kind of feel in love with the looks. Same basic shape as the 350Z, but with much nicer lines and a much more aggressive look to it. It was at that point that I decided that if a chance to get one came along, I would take it.

I had spent a majority of my driving career with basic, commuter type vehicles (88' Chrysler Lebaron, 97' Toyota Corolla, 87' Volkswagen Fox, 79' Ford LTD Wagon, etc). I love cars, but had never had the money for anything that I actually enjoyed driving. Then my brother managed to find an 09 Sport 370Z that was cheap enough that if I got a good interest rate, the monthly payment would only be a little more expensive than the 07' Versa that I was currently driving. Went to the dealership, held out for the interest rate, and got a bite. Needless to say, I drove home with her that day. Haven't looked back since.

uhmmm..nah
https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/..._2022363_n.jpg

uhmmm..nah

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...37319184_n.jpg

yep...

https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/...86673630_n.jpg

Back when I got mine I was cross shopping 2 year old C6 vettes. Believe me the power and sound of that 6.2L V8 is intoxicating. But I went with the Z because I just didn't trust a used C6 and the Z would be all mine 1 owner with full warranty, etc. And for the money its the best deal for an all around sports car with sharp looks and is quite rare on the road.

Absolutely this!

My mother made me a very similar offer when I was in high school. But her list was far more restricted than your wife's. I loved my bike, but it didn't have a back seat :D But she achieved her goal as I never even considered owning another bike.

Your definition of "comfortably" is much broader than mine. I would probably concede that there are only four months where you have an opportunity to ride comfortably.

Friend of mine let me drive his 350 a few years back. It was the first sports car I had driven, and come to think of it I don't think I've driven any others since. But I knew after that short drive that I wanted one. When I got in a financial position to be able to get a new car, I considered Mustangs, Camaros, and a couple others, but I kept coming back to the Z. One of the best looking cars on the road & to me it fits the bill perfectly for what a sports car should be.
I drool over a GT-R & Corvette as much as the next person, but for the driving I do it's a lot of investment for not a lot of return. The Z gets me down the road in style just fine.

I saw a 370z at the gym parked next to a GTR that i have been looking at everytime i go to the gym cause the bastard is always there anyhow, but then i looked over the Z and some reason i was hooked. I do have a CRX, so maybe i'm just attracted to hatchback/fastback bodystyles. I wasnt completely taken by the Z but enough to look at prices and quote around. Now with the right price, i walked out with one and have no regrets

I will say that I have a secret guilty fetish with wanting to own a new Dodge Challenger with an enormous roots blower and (although I don't think I ever shared this) I do actually own a late model PRHD MX-5 as a second car -- which I really, really love (and would probably be similarly fond of the FT-86) -- but the only other car that I would consider trading for the 370Z is either a turboed Z4 (out of my price range) or possibly whatever Toyota ever makes (if anything) out of the FT-1, assuming it's in the Z's price range.

Otherwise the plan is to just get the next gen Z in due course.

I certainly wouldn't turn down a GT-R, but that's a 6-figure car now...

I suppose I could have added the Gen Coupe to the list as a "proper" sports coupe in the price range, but I don't think it has been found to keep up with Z either.

One "deal breaker" the Z4 turbo has is a terrible "turbo lag". All of those I tried had it. When you step on the gas, the power lags, then comes on strong.

Actually the VW looks kinda good haha! Still sexy Z!

I bought a Z because I have a little **** but it's not small enough that I needed a Mustang.

:icon17:

Always wanted a 300zx, then that went to wanting a 350z. Saw the 370z driving past me one day and my jaw dropped. It's such a gorgeous and unique looking sports car. For the money, power, handling, you can't go wrong. I hate owing money but when I drive my car, "ha, bills? ha!" vrooooooooooooom

:iagree:

I got to drive a 350z back in high school and ever since the Z was my dream car

Why?? Because you had a turbo beetle ;)

The only obtainable car that I hold greater in value and fun over the 370Z is the C6. I have test driven and considered the C6 for my last 3 sports cars. Since a new Corvette was out of my price range each time, I went for the next thing in line. First, a 2007 350Z Grand Touring. Second, a 2007 Cayman S. Finally, a 2014 370Z with sports package. Just couldn't trust a C6 as a second owned car. Each time, I never looked back wondering if the C6 would be more fun. Nissan still kills it with the most bang for the buck. Plus you have something that you don't see all over the roads like Mustangs, Camaros, the Dodges, and Corvettes. The Porsche was fun and original, but I always had that worry in the back of my mind that I wouldn't be able to afford costly repairs associated with driving the car like it was meant to be driven.

Anyone, who even considers buying a Z, should put it on their bucket list. You'll not be disappointed. My wife and I have owned two - '09 coupe and '10 roadster. Loved both. Awesome sports car, full stop. :tup::tup::tup:

I don't get the fascination with the sound of the LS V8's or even the Ford's in their Mustangs. They sound good and they are fast but I've driven and really love the sound of a Merc AMG, Audi RS4, and the Porsche GTS. They just have this finessed and cleaner V8 roar in the cabin. I could just imagine an exhaust and it's double the pleasure but I digress.

Back on topic -- The Z because it is just a cool car without extra work. Some cars have to work hard at it. Now if you mod it, it becomes a magnet. It is just easy on the eyes and an attractive looking car. Some babies are just born ugly, but the Z, it's got good looking parents.

More like an entry level sports car.

Ehhh... well, it all depends where you set the bar, but I think the twins and maybe the MX-5 would be more reasonably deemed as such.

For me the big "how exactly do we classify the 'level' of this 'sporty car'" problem really rears its head on the pony cars (especially the base model variants) and the well sorted FF hot-hatches.

Then there's the rally cars... purpose built (at least in theory) for motorsports, and yet somehow, not quite sports cars, at least in the classic sense...

:tup:tup::driving::tup:

HEK, axmea is right, you do appear better looking in the Z than the FJ! :icon17:

lol...I shaved :icon18:

I have to add one note and maybe it's just me but since I've had the Z some people from work have stopped talking to me, these are guys that make much more $$ than me but are in crappy relationships and know they can't or wont consider buying a sports car because they may end up in a divorce, weird uh?..
one told me he wanted a Vett for as long as he can remember but his wife spends money like crazy, another manager told me he wanted a Cobra but his wife is a drunk...just weird to see people envy you...:shakes head:

^^^ For me, this is why. And because I'd wanted one since the first 240Z came out! :tup:

Wow Z envy, that's uncool but it sucks to be those guys. I'm the same age as you and have been married to a wonderful woman for 27 years. She spends money reasonably and has always understood that I need my toys.

Same here my wife is irreplaceable, she makes money grow and cooks. I don't spend a dime in the cafeteria at work like most people do and if you do the math it all adds up, but you're right in calling it Z envy. :ugh2:

I'm 24, I fell in love with the 350 back when I was in 8th grade. It just looked so damn sexy too me, and the stock note was so smooth! As the years rolled on I always envisioned saving up enough to buy my own. The first time I saw the 370 was when I was playing NFS Undercover. I thought, "what have they done!?" But it grew on me so much, and then the Nismo came out!!! I finally started making decent money and bought my dream Nismo 370z in January of 2012. Why a Z? Not because it was the best for the money. Not because I was in the market for a sports car. I chose the Z for the passion. Roll the credits ;)