Option prices/packages seem really high
 

Kudos to Nissan for keeping the base price under 30k, but I've got to say that the option prices for the Touring and Sport packages really seems out of line, IMHO.

I'll start with the Sport package. It's about $3000, and includes:

Larger/Fatter wheels & tires
Brake Upgrade 12" --> 14"
LSD (which comes standard on inexpensive domestics like F-body & Mustang)
Spoilers

I'm have a hard time seeing how that really adds up to 3 grand more than the standard kit. LSD ought to be standard, as it was on less expensive domestics like Mustang GT and the 4-th gen V8 F-body. And back when LSD was a separate option on Fords, it was something like a $250 option.

Brakes...well it's not like the standard 12" brakes are tiny. Is there really that big a difference in cost?

And we know that even with the sport pack, the car is missing coolers that early reports suggest are quite needed for track use.

As to the touring package, now we are looking at over $4000 for this. Which really only gets you leather, premium stereo, some electronics like Bluetooth that probably have a material cost of $2.50, and a bunch of frilly things like aluminum trim on the pedals, and a map pocket and cargo cover. And floormats are STILL EXTRA. On most cars, this kind of "premium" package is only $2000-3000.

The more I look at the option packages, the more I think Nissan is gouging customers on options. If and when I'm ready to buy, the no-option base model is going to get a good hard look from me, it sure seems like the best value. I don't plan on tracking the car anyway.

I think the Sports package is an outstanding value - even here in Canada where the LSD is standard. The rubber alone is at least half that.... A set of wheels and tires as an upgrade is going to be 3K anyhow... its a no-brainer for me to get the Sports package... Wheels/tires, spoiler, brakes - way less than you would spend upgrading...

You're missing the most important (probably expansive) feature from the sports package. SynchroRev Match Transmission. Here are what's included in sports package:

The Z is not a Mustang, and I'm not in any way ashamed to say that.

I'm buying mine with the confidence that I've driven these vehicles before and others of similar comparison and I still think the Z comes out on top.

In regards to Nissan, let them ask what they want for a price. If reviews and public opinion matter, then the car will lose value if they think its over priced and you can easily buy one cheaper at a later time.
Time will tell but I think Nissan got it right this time around. :tup:

Interesting. I thought the sport package was a pretty good deal. The main reason I got it was the synchrorev match, like someone said don't forget that.

I, like those that have already posted, think the sports package is a great deal. If you do not plan on upgrading wheels, $3K for very nice wheels and tires plus pretty good brakes plus LSD plus the spoiler is a very fair price. Add to it you get the synchro match and it is even that much better.

The bundled approach is good in that you get great value but becomes expensive if you do not want the majority of the items. If you are looking to upgrade the wheels, than $3K does not look as good. If you do not like the spoiler, even less so. But for me it was a great package for a good price.

+1 to FricFrac and AK

The sports package is a GREAT deal. The brakes do just as good a job (if not better) than the EXTREMELY pricey Porsche brakes, the wheels are very light, the tires are very good tires, and the syncro-rev match is one of a kind.

I won't say anything for the LSD because I don't know anything about it or it's strength, but I will say that even though the Trans Am/Camaro got it standard, they were crappy LSD and broke with stock power on drag radials. (I'm hoping the Z's LSD is stronger than the F-Body's LSD)

LOL nice! oh yah they're better brakes for sure :rofl2:

No for real. what do you need the sports package for? the only thing i think is a must is the LSD. what's the cost of an after market one? then yah a BBK is probably needed. if BBK is in the equation that 3-5k (correct me if im wrong). the LSD is about 1500-2000 + installation, which yah u might get a better one aftermarket with better gearing, etc. but it's still gonna cost u around 2500 at least to get it on. So the LSD alone costs nearly as much as the whole package. so yes it's a pretty damn good deal already...

wheels arent a must, u can always go after market (sell stockies and get some cheap light wheels.. say like Advan RS for example) u can even use same tires

synchro-rev match isnt a must either, u can live without it...

I'd like to see a review of how well the stock (base model) brakes work and how badly they fade. Even the stock 12" brakes on the Z ought to work a heck of a lot better than the 11" brakes on my 3700 lb GTO. Just makes me wonder if the uber-brakes with the sport pkg may be overkill. And although I haven't seen the wheels in person, I prefer the look of the base wheels to the sport wheels. And the smaller tires may help a bit with road noise and ride.

If the LSD isn't standard, I wish it was a standalone factory option. It was really nice back when you could order just the specific options you wanted a la carte, instead of picking from one or two mega-packages. But every carmaker has abandoned that business model...

You must be on crack bro...
For 3,000 this is seriously awesome.
Don't get it if you don't like the price.
Better for me if less people have the sports package, ya dig?!

If they separated the different items in the Sport Package and offered them "a la carte," that would make for a huge headache for car dealerships. Same thing goes for the Touring vs Base deal. So many people would want so many different options that there would be endless combinations. Most people would end up special ordering their car because one or two options were/were not present on the models located at dealerships.

Thats cool if you do not want the other stuff. Get a base and pick up and aftermarket LSD and you are set. :tup:

I think it all depends on what you want/need in your car.

If better brakes and LSD are something you would want, aftermarket solutions will cost 3k for brakes alone, and probably another 1k for LSD with installation. Then you have 19" Rays Forged wheels and tires. Probably another 3k if you were to go aftermarket.
If the options do not fit your needs then you are more than welcome to spend 6-7k for aftermarket alternatives, however most people seem to think it is a pretty good deal.

And yes the SRM is pretty nifty.


Touring package is a little more subjective, but in summary I think the options list is reasonable, especially compared to some of the German competitors.

I think the sport package is a great deal, but I have a hard time justifying the touring. I think this is everything it comes with:

- Bose sound system
- Leather 'appointed' seats
- Power adjustable seats
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- 6-disc changer (if you don't get the nav)
- Bluetooth integration
- Garage door opener whatever-they-call-it
- Passenger seatback map pocket

... $5-6000? I don't know.

I mean I'd love to have the factory nav, but that's almost another $2000 by itself.

I can buy a top-of-the-line aftermarket nav with Bluetooth connectivity and Ipod integration for $1200. Leather seats with power adjustability would be especially nice and I wouldn't mind having all those other things too, but do their combined value add up to the price Nissan wants? Not for me.

I read another thread earlier today about how people don't even think the Bose system is that great anyway. Might as well start with the base and go aftermarket. With all the money you save you could buy something earth-shaking and still have cash to spare for mods or whatever.

As most have said, the brake package alone is just about worth the $3000. Factor in just the LSD and you've definitely got a bargain with the sports package.

As far as the basic brakes, if I recall they are the same as the basic (non-Brembo) brakes for the 350z, single-piston sliding calipers at 12.6" diameter, I believe. They are notorious for fade and poor pedal feel making brake system modification almost a necessity for a car that's going to see any track time, although they do provide decent stopping distances so they were ok for street use.

The OP mention that the brake upgrade is 12" --> 14", but that completely misses the point. The upgraded fronts use 4 piston fixed calipers and 2 piston calipers in the back- this should result in a huge improvement in pedal feel and -along with the increased size- more fade resistance.

BUT--- I feel that if you think that the $3k upgrade is too much, then for you it might be. If you aren't going to be hammering down twisty roads or taking your car to autocross or road course events, you probably don't need anything that comes in the sport package.

In the end, on this board you are going to see people who want a screaming beast for a car who can't understand not buying the sport package and absolutely hate the touring model. You will also find those who want a sports car with creature comforts and can't imagine why someone wouldn't want a touring model or why they want or need the sports package. Base model with sports package for me.. :driving: