Biased, non biased opinions... Help

Originally Posted by Bking

$60k is a lot of money for used cars. There are so many choices!

Lotus Exige, M3, Z4M, Carrera S, Cayman S/R, or even the Ariel Atom!

Originally Posted by jpkirk

Ariel Atom

daily driver, hmmm.

Originally Posted by Bking

Haha didn't read about the daily driver part from OP.

Originally Posted by jpkirk

I just added it for effect. Did it work? He didn't actually say it, I just assumed

Originally Posted by Bking

Damnit! I trusted you...

Originally Posted by FlyByGTI

Is this car a secondary toy or is it your daily driver??

What kind of power expectations are you hoping for??

What type of driving are you planning on doing -> Straight line vs. carving back roads??

Any specific type of features/creature comforts that you are looking for??

Originally Posted by 280z/300zx

I've been a Z owner since I was 17 and currently now 32. Still have my 280z and 300zx. Bought a 2009 sport touring 370z in 09 when they first came out. Unfortunately it was wrecked a year and a half later. Shopped other cars but instead got a 2010 NISMO. Two months ago I was itching for something new and faster. Like you I was looking to spend 60k or Less. I looked at C7's but it would have put me at 68k plus it's a first year model and don't want any issues. So instead I bought a 2012 Corvette Grand Sport with only 3k miles on it.

Let me tell you, it's loads faster than the Z and I get more compliments/looks than the Z. Like others have said the Vette is far more common place compared to the Z. I rarely see 370z's on the road like I do Vettes but for some reason people pay more attention to the Vette. Personally in the looks department I like the Z a bit more, but that's not to say I don't like the Vette.

As for performance, hands down better than the Z. Yes, the non-Z51 pkg or non-GS pkg Vettes are not as nimble as the Z is. My ex used to have a regular 06 Vette and compared to my Z on the auto-x course it was not as nimble. My GS Vette on the other hand is every bit as nimble as the Z, has better cornering at high speeds on say a fwy bend or on ramp, and is loads faster. Coming from a NISMO the Vette interior is on par or better. Basically this car is just a bridge gap until I feel comfortable enough buying a new C7. Letting them work out the bugs.

In my opinion for the money you are talking about I'd go with a lightly optioned C7 if you want to take a small risk or get a slightly used C6 Vette GS. The Z is a great option too but it's severely lacking in power compared to other cars in the 30k+ range. Yes you can mod it but modding a brand new car past doing exhaust has never been something I like doing. Other options I would recommend is the Camaro 1LE. My ex just bought one 6 months before we split and I loved that car. I almost got one myself but got lucky finding my Vette first. Any questions about the 1LE let me know, hands down better than the Z for the same money.

Originally Posted by njobe89

i just don't find it fun or exciting to drive a auto... a manual just connects you more to the car in my opinion.

Originally Posted by cigarclifford

I still say hang onto your money. Wax and Detail out what you have.
Maybe tint out your windows and drive down to your local beach and
pick up a honey.........What the hell while your at it spend some money
on the honey..........Then again I'm not a real doctor..................

Originally Posted by jpkirk

I just added it for effect. Did it work? He didn't actually say it, I just assumed

Originally Posted by Magic Bus

Bleek, 1st question I gotta ask you. Have you owned or driven a 6 mt 370Z? 2nd question, what are you going to use the car for, DD, track, 1/4, auto x?

Your initial post says you want something faster than a Z, manual trans, under $60k and new. A new base C7 or base Shelby GT will be right at that amount. A new Nismo will save you $20K plus and handle just as good, if not better, just a tad slower. But it will eat your A4.

So test drive the Z or better yet, have an owner near you really take you for a drive. $20K plus can buy a lot of other things that put a smile on your face as well.

Originally Posted by jpkirk

Ariel Atom

daily driver, hmmm.