The 370Z doesn't baby.
 

This will pose a problem for me in around February of 2016, a date which begins my plan to populate the world with mini-Ricers. You have all been warned.

Sadly, my situation doesn't really make keeping my Z a reality as much as I'd like to, so it's the end of an era for me in 370 land for now (however, I imagine I will be back someday). Plus, I would rather indoctrinate my young ricer with fun little cars that can fit the whole family, and I anticipate AutoX ride-alongs one day. Even if I kept the Z, I would likely rarely get an opportunity to drive it for the coming couple of years.

I'm looking at stuff at a max of $40k for now, and it needs to be able to serve as a vehicle that can do a rear facing baby seat 5 days a week.

Right now, the strongest candidate is a 2015 STI. I have driven it, like it way more than I expected to, and can't really see going with anything else unless it's some earth shattering car that I'm not aware of.

Tough to break up with Nissan after 10 years of brand loyalty across Sentra SE-Rs, Altima Coupes, and Zs, but there's nothing they have that I want within my budget. I'm not interested in a G37 sedan or importing an R32 as a DD.

Here is my list of "would not hit":

1) Used turbocharged car that is known for being beaten on severely by most owners (which is why the Subaru would be purchased new)

2) Fiats.

3) Chryslers.

4) GMs.

5) Fords (that's more due to the wife and her long troubled history with the brand... I might like the idea of a Focus RS but I will get stonewalled. Though I anticipate that car to be over my budget.)

6) A lack of a third pedal.

The Evo X was a strong candidate, but my psychic powers say that if I ever need warranty work, I might be screwed after two years or so. I don't think Mitsu is going to survive on the American market much longer. Plus, rounding up a new one with Recaros (MY 2014) is just not happening with my being stuck in lovely Alabama. I'm afraid of a used Evo (hence bullet point #1).

I also need to get my HKS coilovers off the car and sell them. Sadly, I only put around 1500 miles on them and they have to go. I don't want to leave them on the car when I trade it - that's extra cash.

Anyway - wahoo being an adult!

http://www.nissanusa.com/future-and-...s/sentra-nismo

Maybe Nissan would make this? Great choice if you don't mind FWD that is.

Otherwise I think the new WRX/STI platform is great, had one ordered before I found my Z. Loved everything about it except the seat height. I like sitting closer to the ground.

yah, there's not too many cars i WANT right now, but the STI (while production model is ugly vs concept) it can be a candidate for a dd.

for me though, my knee kept hitting the last STI's steering column when i lightly heel & toe'ed during the test drive, and that was one of the reasons why i didnt get the hatch. will need to test drive the new one if that still is the case for me.

I liked the looks of the new one in person, thought it was hideous until I went to the dealership. Loved the dark grey metallic color. The cockpit was a lot roomier than the previous versions too.

you can get something nice from the veedub store for around $40k.

I have seen first hand the production of a VW (worked on their production line) and I will never buy one except for the R line since they are special productions that are given a lot more care than the typical VW.

That being said a Golf R is in your price range, and I believe they got a nice power bump this year.

hummm.. i will need to head up to the dealer in this case.

Juke Nismo? Just saw one the other day with dad with wife and kids in it. He looked pretty happy with it. It was white with red trim.

Don't know why you guys feel like you have to give up your cars because you have kids. If your looking at $40k cars, then you should be able to afford a $2500-$4000 four door for the family. I have two boys, 23, 9 and I've never at any point given up any car that I've had or not gotten one I wanted. Granted, my family car is a 465hp SRT8 :) I'd still buy a reliable beater to get around in before I got rid of my Nismo.

Were you in Germany? I was under the impression that all GTIs and Rs were made in VWs Wolfsburg plant.

I would second the R as the sti alternative. I personally find it more family friendly. If you don't need awd then I'd recommend the GTI to save some money.

Nope notice I said I wouldn't buy one other than the R. Anything built in Wolfsburg is good by me. I was in the states. On another note though all Golfs and GTIs are now made in Mexico. The Golf R I believe is still in Wolfsburg.

Too bad you have to discredit GM, the Chevrolet SS is one hell of a 5-passenger sedan.

If you like your 370Z, buy a 5-8 year old Kia or something to tool around in.

The Sentra Nismo is mighty enticing until you get to the FWD part. I used to own a Mazdaspeed 3. Neat car, but if I'm going to offload my Z, I'd rather try something different. I think I might have kept the MS3 in the garage if I was really blown away by it. I don't expect the Sentra to be much different/better.

Sadly, seat height is a concession I will have to make. I enjoy the Batmobile cockpit seating position the Z offers, but to get anything four door, I'm going to have to sit higher.

I love the Juke Nismo, but it's too small for me. Back seat doesn't quite have enough room for the ol' rear facing car seat action either. Finally, the wife HATES the Juke so even if I tried to make it work, I would get stonewalled there. lol

Sounds like the wife is the problem is all of this. Have you reconsidered trading her in? :p

im my case i would keep the 370Z and get the STI as dd... dat was the original plan back 6yrs ago.

didnt work out due to steering column issue on the STI, and my G is still around. im glad i didnt trade her in or sell her permaturely.

I guess I'm totally blind to the idea of getting something $5k or so that could be considered reliable and more importantly safe. I drive around in the land of bro-dozers daily and I could get something older, but I do have to keep safety in mind. The Subaru ticks the boxes of modern safety plus performance, which is probably why my thought process took me down the road of dumping the Z for something more accommodating and dual purpose.

I got PTSD from dealing with a VW Jetta Wolfsburg Edition around 11 years ago and I'm still not over it. That car cost me more to fix than my payments plus insurance over my ownership term. Complete piece of garbage inside and out.

The only part on that car that didn't break was the check engine light. I damn near replaced everything else.

Sadly, you'd never know that by looking at it. Blandest looking performance-oriented car on the market (I know looks are subjective, but that's how I see it).

I have no doubt it performs well, but with how GM has carried themselves over the last couple of years, I just don't want to give them my money at all.

yah, i checked that car out too a while back and it's definitely not a good candidate as dd with kids. that rear seat and foot well is tiny.

i can say from experience 2 door coupes are a pain too. nice and great on a sunny day, but introduce rain and storms + picking up a toddler from daycare is the biggest wtf when you have to buckle him in with the door open.

talk about water on the door panels and switch trim, etc. :ugh: i quickly promoted my G35C back to weekend car status and bought a new '12 honda fit sport 5MT. paid cash.

If you go for the Subaru, give the regular ole WRX a chance. I think that the new engine will be a better platform for DD, it is easily tune able and check the dynos and you will see that the power and torque are in a more street friendly area than the STI, also better MPG

I thought pretty heavily about that. You lose the stronger transmission, center diff control, and brembos that you get on the STI though. I may very well not miss them between the STI and WRX when you compare those two, but I think I'd definitely miss them stepping down from my Z. I definitely don't plan on staying stock with either car, and I guess I'm not as concerned with fuel economy as going to an STI from a 370 is pretty much a wash. The idea of being capable of 30mpg is a pretty nice thought though.

I'd have to have several test drives with the two. The FA20DIT is a nice motor, but the EJ257 is a pretty tried and true motor itself. I'll have to study the other differences pretty heavily, I suppose.

Concurrent congratulations and condolences!

You'll figure it out, and it will work out.

Happy hunting!

RicerX, Let me know how you like the STI when you test drive. First impressions and plus and minuses compared to the Z.

STI is an amazing dd...I'm seriously considering that as a dd in a few months if I keep the Z. For 40k sedan nothing really beats it right now.

They're big, but a surprisingly fun car to drive, especially with the mag-ride.

They look a lot like a Malibu - which is good or bad depending on what you are going for.

I'll go ahead and post my mini review here.

What I drove: 2015 Subaru WRX STI Limited in HOLY CRAP IT'S BLINDINGLY RED (I don't know what their red is called, but it's super red.)

Initial impression at dealership upon startup: "I can see things around me!" "I'm sitting high."

The one I drove had everything in it. The keyfob (the equivalent to intelligent key for us to facilitate push button start and stuff) is the size of a brick. Probably the most disappointing part about the car is the fact that I would want a pair of cargo pants to carry around the key. I used to complain about having two Nissan key fobs on my ring... but now I know better.

Anyway - it's relatively quiet compared to the Z. There are really cool storage compartments and usable cupholders in the center. The infotainment clobbers the Z with navi, but that's not hard as it's 7 years newer in design, and I don't discredit the Z for that. Didn't get any time in with the Harmon Kardon audio, but the Nav was snappy and touch screen was pretty responsive. There's a bit more room for the driver as well, and the seat was adjusted a bit high in height and I didn't play with it.

Visibility is nicer than the Z simply because you're in a sedan and not a sports coupe. The biggest surprise was that the giant rear wing was not intrusive to rear visibility for me. There's a bump in the crossbar of the wing that basically keeps it slightly above the horizon line you see in the rear, and it's clear they engineered that so it wouldn't be intrusive.

Now the fun part - driving.

Steering is lighter than the Z. I found it to be the perfect blend of "connected" in feel, yet not too heavy. The wheel itself is very nice. Looks great and feels good. The suspension setup is pretty freakin awesome. The car is pretty well planted, has tons of grip, doesn't beat you around too much, but you know you're in the "nismo version" of the WRX. Took a couple onramps/offramps with it and there's a minimal amount of body roll in the corners. I expected to feel a bit with a car that is relatively taller than my Z, but not so much. I imagine I would grind some out on the track, but as it sat, it was a tighter car than my Z with my HKS Hipermax IV GT coilovers on it. (I don't like my coilovers for performance - but that's another thread).

Low end torque is nice, but the car is nothing like the Z past 5000 RPMs, and the Z is nothing like the STI below 4000 RPMs. It stops making power around 6k yet redlines around 7k. I have experienced how easily this is fixed via Cobb with a Stage 1+ tune (cobb intake plus their OTS map - makes the car completely different) and it doesn't deter me. I think many Z guys would jump into an STI if it was a Cobb Stage 1+ straight out of the factory - it's that much improved. However, from the factory, the power band leaves a little to be desired coming from a Z. If you want to keep the car bone stock, you might be disappointed, and you'll really appreciate just how good the VQ37 is at delivering power, and you'll appreciate a good NA car versus a good boosted car.

The location of the shifter is fantastic - I found the lever to be the perfect height and in the perfect location for my seating position, yet I experienced a bit of the slop in the factory shifter bushings the car is known for. The action of the shifter can be rectified with aftermarket parts (yep - Cobb), but stock for stock, the Z's shifter is far superior to the STI in every single way.

Clutch - a bit different story. The STI was easier to clutch and the clutch is probably less aggressive than the Z's setup. I really can't say which I prefer over the other and honestly need more time with the STI to make a decision. I can say there is significantly less travel in the clutch of the Subaru, which is cool, but you don't get the same feel for engagement that you do with the Z. At the same time, you don't get as much of a window for sloppy engagement with less travel. Maybe this is a case of apples and oranges.

Braking - the STI is equipped with Brembos like the Z is with Akebonos with the Sport Package (my car). On the street - I will take the Z all day. The Akebonos have significantly more bite - this STI had 250 miles on it, and my 23,000 mile-old pads and rotors (all stock with stock fluids) walked all over this car. I found the STI to have too much pedal travel before the brakes actually grabbed, so I researched it, and I drove my buddy's 2011 STI and found the exact same problem even with SS lines, carbotech pads, and motul RBF600 fluids. Apparently there is flex where the BMC mounts on the car, and Perrin makes a part to stiffen it, and subsequently reducing the extra "slop" in the brake pedal. This mod is essential coming from my Z, and the one area where I was almost irritated about the car. I didn't feel confident in the braking during the test drive at any point. If you have only ever driven one of the Subarus, you wouldn't know the difference.
It's not a matter of weight, because, surprisingly, there is a negligible difference in weight between the two cars if memory serves me correctly.

Despite some of the things I nitpicked up there, I found it to be a fantastic car overall. The interior is much improved over the previous generation. Visibility is great. The trunk has pretty decent room (doesn't have the hump in the rear that the outgoing gen has). Styling looks better in person than in pictures, especially on a dark blue or dark gray color. AWD is freakin awesome, and is definitely an upgrade from a Z for the winter months - I would be confident in this car during inclement weather conditions in a way that I'm not in the Z. It's a more well rounded car that offers similar performance to a Z. There are plenty of things the Z does better, but the tuning platform to the STI is a bit more cost effective (it's factory boosted and has great adoption in the aftermarket) and you can have a 400whp base STI for the price of a new Nismo Z fairly easily.

If you buy the STi, get a tune IMMEDIATELY. The factory tune on the EJ257 has a lean spot on spoolup and those motors lose ringlands very often.

Tried and true with ringland failure right?

:iagree:

I love STI's so I am not trying to hate, but almost EVERYONE I know who has one (stock, and modded) is on engine # 2 or 3. Subaru does seem to be pretty good about picking up the warranty claims but still would make me nervous to buy one since there is no way I could leave it stock.

It used to be a bulletproof motor, but the tune they started running in 2007+ was crippled by the EPA. They had to get emissions down, so they leaned it out on spoolup. Good for emissions, bad for everything else. If one were to reflash the car in the dealer parking lot on delivery, I'll bet you'd never have a problem.

I'm in the same boat, but an Sti is off the list. I gotta make the jump to an SUV or Crossover soon. We need the extra seats and being a homeowner, we need trunk space to haul crap from the store. I had to leave my trunk wide open trying to bring home a compound miter saw from Home Depot. I know it's not something you do every day, but those little instances add up.

So far, I like the Highlander, Pathfinder, 2016 Pilot, Santa Fe & especially the new Murano. For sedans, I like the A4, 3 series & the Q50. All get pretty pricey with options. I like the new Maxima, but wish it came with AWD. Gonna miss the Z and wish I could keep it.

This commercial, lol

I am ambivalent about STI's, but imagine living in Colorado; they are everywhere. Quite a practical vehicle, but IMO the non-STI models of the WRX are much better looking. If you have a "Baby on Board" why go for the performance model anyway? I am not a father, but I imagine after having a baby I would want to drive much more conservatively (sanely) than I drive in the Z. I am sure the WRX has plenty of pep.

Every car has a throttle and your right foot controls all that whether you have 30 hp or 3000. If you have to rely on power output to be disciplined with your driving, you're doing it wrong.

I'm going for the performance model because the baby will not always be on board and while I will make sacrifices for my children and family, I don't have to give up my hobbies :)

Local guy switched from a Nismo to the new STI last year and he loves it. I love having two cars but if I had to consolidate the STI would be on my list as well.

I'd like to get out of the Z myself, but can't (too far upside down).

I've even considered going boring and getting something like a MB C250 (4cyl turbo, AT). I have just lost the fun of driving since I only do DD stuff and nothing else.

Wow, and I thought I was the only one. EXACTLY why I traded my Z. It sucks man...lol.

STI is hideous and can believe you guys are giving up Z's for this thing, to each his own :)

Have you ever driven one? They're pretty entertaining. AWD is a lot of fun. And you can't see the outside of a Subaru from the driver's seat. :roflpuke2:

LMFAO, you got me on that one. No I've never driven one, aesthetics first man, gotta look good before anything else :)