New Nismo vs Base?
 

I just recently totaled by 370Z, luckily I have GAP. I'm looking at replacing it with another 370Z. I was thinking about another base+sport with floor mats $30k or else I've got a dealer that just called me and said he just got two silver Nismos in and he can get me one for $38.5k and can't go lower because of their availability as Nismos. I was paying $625/mo for 5 years on my past Z. I have $1000 to put down now. I could possibly get a Nismo for $680 if I stretched it to a 6 year loan..... Which I could fit in my budget but I can't see myself paying 6 years when I get bored with a car after 4yrs or so.

Also, my Z was only 7.9% because I only put $500 down and I'm 24 and don't have much credit. I'd imagine I'd get a better interest rate now which could potentially get the base+sport for just $580/mo or lower.

Also, almost forgot but the $30k base+sport comes with 2yr free maintenance and lifetime powertrain warranty.

What are your ideas? Should I just say screw it and get the Nismo? Or stick with the cheaper base+sport?


OR....(flame suit).... I'm considering 2011 WRX fully loaded for $27k.

Base + Sport.

Base + Sports Package.

base+sport. i've seen a few members on here replace their totalled Z's with other cars, and then they come back to wanting a Z.

Well the Z has always been my dream car and I've never regretted a second of owning my base+sport. However, since I had an accident I'm assuming my insurance will increase even though I didn't get a ticket at all. If I got a WRX it would be less than $500/mo and insurance would probably be cheaper too. But the Z is my first choice by a mile!

if insurance premiums are your concern, take a defensive driving class, depending on your carrier, it should lower your premiums a decent amount, maybe even enough to put them back to where they were before the accident. the courses take 6 hours and you can do them online.

Base + sport. Why would you want to pay a $8,500 premium for nothing? That could go a long way in paying your higher insurance premiums! Also, look at Penfed for financing. They were advertising 2.9% last month. And it doesn't matter how much you have for down payment but your credit score may effect the rate.

Check the insurance on the WRX. You might be surprised. My buddy was looking at used WRXs and used EVOs. His insurance quote was significantly higher than the brand new fully loaded IS350 he ended up with.

Base+sport is the way to go. IMO the nismo is not worth the drastic price hike.

Well it has many upgrades like suspension and such but yeah I see your point. Even if I got the Nismo I would be replacing the exhaust, suspension, etc anyways. So I guess it would be a waste to me.

i think you'll be happiest continueing where you left off. were you able to salvage any mods from your Z?

Nope. The only mod was a Stillen G3 and they were screwed to say the least lol

:drama:

I learned my lesson from my first 350Z. I wanted a bodykit, rims, suspension, brakes......well you name it and I wanted to modify it. I will tell you one thing...there is nothing like getting factory built quality. I even had the APS turbo kit on it.

I love how the Nismo looks and it comes from the factory. Additionally it is a pretty rare vehicle on the road. If you play your cards right you can get a Nismo for 36k+ tax and a base + sport for 30k.

IMO, 6K isn't that bad for a bodykit that matches, sportier suspension setup and much nicer offset/lighter rims. No matter which Z I got...the exhaust would be the first thing to go so I didnt even include it in the price....

If you have plans to change the bodykit and rims than I would say don't bother with the Nismo. In my experience a really good bodykit and paint will run you upwards of 3k easily and high quality rims will easily top 3k as well. Those two alone are 6k.

It's easy to say the Nismo is a waste of money, but factory quality, whether its paint or fitment, is nothing to joke around about.

GL

Completely understand where you're coming from with factory installed components. At the moment I don't see myself getting a body kit. I like the sleek stock look but some TE37's might be in the future. Having a rare car would be very nice as well and I do prefer the look of the Nismo over the sport but it's a matter of cost efficiency to me. That's why it's so hard for me to decide. Right now I have the dealers fighting it out.

Base + Sport

The Nismo is nice but considering your options.. I'd go with the B/S. Save yourself some hassles. :)

If I were to arrive in your situation I would opt for the Base/Sport. Still PW though :tup:

I like to performance and practicallity of the WRX, but I couldn't live with the way it looks. The Evo would be the better choice if you wanted to go in that direction. Insurance is higher or those two because of the people that drive them. I actually compared the 2 aformentioned cars before finally choosing on the Z.

OP, you should probably look back and remember why you got the Z in the first place. You can't lose with either the Nismo or Base+Sport. The Base+Sport would be a "better" daily driver compared to the Nismo, although touring+sport would be an even better option if that was your primary use. Since the base & touring models aren't limted editions, getting a better deal will be easier. If you plan to keep the car for a while and don't plan on having any serious mods done, the Nismo would be the better choice, simply because it will more likely hold its value longer and already tuned with more power from the start.

imo, if you are undecided then go for the less expensive choice.

Well said my man. A lot of people say the nismo is a waste of money compared to a base + sport and I completely disagree. I have driven both versions of the z and they do not look the same and do not ride the same.

I must admit that as much as I love the nismo, it is not worth paying $680 a month. So if that is your only option, I would take the less expensive alternative. Good luck and I'm sure you will be satisfied with whatever you choose!

EDIT: Sorry just read that you would have to pay $680 a month for a nismo! Thats crazy

Nismo is way overpriced, but i got mine for 33.5k which was okay. A bit choppy and bumpy if you like to push it hard. Either than that base+sport.

Just talked to a local dealer and he's got a leftover 2009 Touring+Sport 6MT in Blue and he's working numbers to see if he can match the $30,180 of the 2010 Base+Sport...... Probably not going to go with that because I don't care about Bose and the colors aren't right for me. I like Blue, but it's not my favorite and it's got grey leather interior.... No Navigation. Not to mention it's nearly two years old. So I think I'll pass on that one.

Any miles? Two year old, but i see no difference.

He said he's not sure about mileage but he's certain its under 100 because it has been test driven. The only thing I would be gaining from this is the stereo and leather at the cost of it being worth less already(two years old) and its Blue/grey rather than Black or Red.

Haha, theres sooo many choices!!!!!:eek:

Found a 2010 40th Anniversary for $32,995 on autotrader. Might talk to them shortly to see what they can do with price. Now that car I would take in a heart beat. Not a big fan of red interior but theres just something about them and I still get Bose(not concerned with) and heated leather seats for the girlfriends comfort.:tup:

I upgraded my stereo on my Nismo because its just too loud for cruising. I love the 40th. Nice color match, I'd go for it.

Yeah actually I love the 40th........the red and dark gray go really well together. If the car is new at that price...it's a steal.

Nismo...but based on what you said about your finances, then go for the base/sport pkg. Or that 40th which is a great price if new.

+1 if that 40th's new = my recommendation (can you say BIAS?).

The Bose radio isn't THAT bad... *cough, cough*

Yeah the 40th is new. Just not thrilled about red seats, but they're growing on me.