Thinking of getting something cheaper..

Skorch · 10-04-2012, 12:53 AM

So I've come to realize that my Z is the most expensive thing in my life. I'm not saving much money with it, because the payments + insurance + gas easily put it over $1000/mo for me. Having owned a 350Z and this being my second 370Z, I've come to love the car quite a bit. But I think it's time to get something cheap and a little more practical. My thinking is a Lexus IS300 and here is why. My buddy is a mechanic at Toyota, and used to be a mechanic at a Lexus dealership prior to that. He knows the car inside and out, and he said it is very reliable, being one of the least common cars to be brought in for service when he worked there. Also, he can help me look for one in good shape and should I need to repair it, he can order parts at dealer cost for me.

The thing is, I don't know that much about these cars.. I've always liked the way they looked and know they have the same engine as the N/A Supras, so they should be pretty reliable. Does anyone here have any experience with them? Would you recommend the IS300 as a daily driver, considering they are 8-12 years old now?

I would like to find something for $13K or less. Do you guys have any other suggestions for cars to consider? I don't think I want a coupe anymore, and I'd like it to have semi-decent fuel economy. Thanks for all your input in advance!

OMGiGOTaZ · 10-04-2012, 08:21 AM

My Hyundai Sonata before the Z was cheap and reliable! Only $285 a month and I bought the 2011 in 2010

As far as Gas, My car actually get's as good of gas mileage as my Wife's 4 banger! The Z is my Daily Driver and I put A LOT of highway miles on her

jcosta79 · 10-04-2012, 10:24 AM

My sympathies on you getting old and responsible.

DEpointfive0 · 10-04-2012, 10:49 AM

I've got a LOT of experience with them, I am a Toyota fanboy, BIG TIME... The major things you have to look for in the older IS300's is random maintenance, the engine is bullet proof, we all know that, but I'd still try to find something under 100k miles, if you're looking for a manual, make sure its a POST 2002 model, or else they did a swap (I don't trust people who do that, LOL) And most people beat on the manual, especially because it was hard to find...

Honestly with a car that old, your biggest things will be belts, plugs, pumps... Make sure the belts have been replaced recently, if it's under 100k miles it'll probably need a timing belt, which CAN be pricey, I'd change the spark plugs, and just have some spare cash in case the A/C dies on you, especially because you're in Phoenix...

Skorch · 10-04-2012, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEpointfive0

I've got a LOT of experience with them, I am a Toyota fanboy, BIG TIME... The major things you have to look for in the older IS300's is random maintenance, the engine is bullet proof, we all know that, but I'd still try to find something under 100k miles, if you're looking for a manual, make sure its a POST 2002 model, or else they did a swap (I don't trust people who do that, LOL) And most people beat on the manual, especially because it was hard to find...

Honestly with a car that old, your biggest things will be belts, plugs, pumps... Make sure the belts have been replaced recently, if it's under 100k miles it'll probably need a timing belt, which CAN be pricey, I'd change the spark plugs, and just have some spare cash in case the A/C dies on you, especially because you're in Phoenix...

Thanks for the info! I'm most likely going to be getting an auto (sigh) as the manual versions are nearly impossible to find. Thankfully my buddy is a mechanic, so he can hook me up on maintenance for it. I'm in no hurry to get it immediately, but I'm already looking for some decent deals. What would you say is a good price to pay for one with a clean title and less than 100k miles?

DEpointfive0 · 10-05-2012, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skorch

Thanks for the info! I'm most likely going to be getting an auto (sigh) as the manual versions are nearly impossible to find. Thankfully my buddy is a mechanic, so he can hook me up on maintenance for it. I'm in no hurry to get it immediately, but I'm already looking for some decent deals. What would you say is a good price to pay for one with a clean title and less than 100k miles?

My rule of thumb is pay the KBB trade in value for a good condition if it's in amazing condition... And if the person really has ALL maintenance records, maybe more...
Figure for a 2005 with 75k miles, $10-11k?

If you can ask to have the car's compression tested, do it, again, I don't assume the engine will die, but if you're serious about buying it, $20-40 is worth the money more than any damn carfax... Also, if you don't know how to tell if a car has been painted or repaired, please look it up, or take a buddy with you... (If you're looking to buy a car from the Southern CA area, I'd be more than happy to give it a look over for you)

This isn't a smokin deal, but I'm just throwing it out there:

2002 Lexus IS 300, $12,870 - Cars.com

ImportConvert · 10-05-2012, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skorch

So I've come to realize that my Z is the most expensive thing in my life. I'm not saving much money with it, because the payments + insurance + gas easily put it over $1000/mo for me. Having owned a 350Z and this being my second 370Z, I've come to love the car quite a bit. But I think it's time to get something cheap and a little more practical. My thinking is a Lexus IS300 and here is why. My buddy is a mechanic at Toyota, and used to be a mechanic at a Lexus dealership prior to that. He knows the car inside and out, and he said it is very reliable, being one of the least common cars to be brought in for service when he worked there. Also, he can help me look for one in good shape and should I need to repair it, he can order parts at dealer cost for me.

The thing is, I don't know that much about these cars.. I've always liked the way they looked and know they have the same engine as the N/A Supras, so they should be pretty reliable. Does anyone here have any experience with them? Would you recommend the IS300 as a daily driver, considering they are 8-12 years old now?

I would like to find something for $13K or less. Do you guys have any other suggestions for cars to consider? I don't think I want a coupe anymore, and I'd like it to have semi-decent fuel economy. Thanks for all your input in advance!

If I were going to get out of a 370Z and needed to get into something for $13K or less, it would be a C5 Corvette with highway miles.

Why?

300rwhp, great handling/dynamics, the LS1 is a VERY durable engine (mine had 150K miles and ran the same as it did when I bought it at 72K miles), the T56 is a very durable transmission (same story), and the C5 still looks "new" because the styling is very contemporary, even today. If not for the C6, people would think the C5 were current production.

That's the only $13K car I can see myself driving in the sports-car category, but you will have to stretch your budget a bit to get into one for that, or you will have to find one with highway miles on it or something. I recommend a 2001 or newer because they got the LS6 intake/PCV system, and that will give you 10whp and save you some headaches as well. The C5 gets better mileage than your 370Z, as well, btw. My LS1 car got better average and highway mpg than my 370Z, at least. It was a heavy brick of a Trans Am, too, compared to the lighter, sleeker (0.34CD vs. 0.29CD) C5.

The C5 is a pretty robust system. You might go through some wheel-bearings if you track the car hard, but that's about it. I was told T56's need a rebuild every 80K miles, but I got 150K miles out of mine with no problems except reverse was a touch hard to get into sometimes, which is a common ailment of the T56 (nothing crazy, just hold pressure on reverse and let the clutch out slow and it pops right in.) Anyway, over-all, the C5 is cheap to work on (except the transmission, sadly), and very simple, while retaining very very good performance and feel. It probably feels way better than a 370Z, I know I prefer how my C6Z felt compared to my 370Z, over bumps and in corners. Much better car, stability-wise.

Now, all this being said, I totally empathize with your wanting to cut cost. I am going to either refinance my 370Z, or move into something cheaper myself in the next 4 years when I build a house. Why? I would rather be able to afford more house and less car, and the 370Z will be a "has been" after 2015, anyway, what with all the new stuff coming out. I would love maybe a little BRZ if they can find a way to install a turbo...

Anyway, you might also consider an S2000 in your price range. I dunno, I am thinking sports-car to sports car.

PS: I would NEVER own a car with timing belts. F that. I never have, and never will. Go into any dealership that belongs to a brand that predominantly sells timing belt equipped cars and I promise you will find several mangle-valved heads sitting around. They pop. Simple as that. A timing belt is as much of a deal-breaker as if you told me that the car had a giant apparatus that plunged up through the driver's seat-cushion and randomly had its way with you. Because that's exactly what it does to your wallet.

cossie1600 · 10-05-2012, 08:06 AM

That's why they have non interference motor....

Skorch · 10-05-2012, 11:47 AM

Thanks again for the replies guys. The reason I'm not considering cars such as the C5 and S2000 is because I won't be saving much in terms of gas or insurance. Both are classified the same as the Z - 2 seater sports cars. I want to get away from that, and get something 4-door. I'm sure that later down the road I'll be returning to the sports car world, and can definitely see myself owning another Z, if they don't screw up the next gen too bad. But for now I need to take a back seat

and save some money.

jcosta79 · 10-05-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skorch

Thanks again for the replies guys. The reason I'm not considering cars such as the C5 and S2000 is because I won't be saving much in terms of gas or insurance. Both are classified the same as the Z - 2 seater sports cars. I want to get away from that, and get something 4-door. I'm sure that later down the road I'll be returning to the sports car world, and can definitely see myself owning another Z, if they don't screw up the next gen too bad. But for now I need to take a back seat

and save some money.

Corvette (at least in Texas) is cheaper to insure than a Z. Also gas mileage in a Vette is MUCH better. I would EASILY get 30+ MPG while driving 90+ on the highway. It was a heavily modded car as well with a big lumpy cam, headers, etc... I was very surprised. Most expensive to insure IIRC is a Mustang GT.

If you think 4 door car is going to be cheaper on insurance, don't get an EVO. You will be surprised.

Skorch · 10-05-2012, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcosta79

Corvette (at least in Texas) is cheaper to insure than a Z. Also gas mileage in a Vette is MUCH better. I would EASILY get 30+ MPG while driving 90+ on the highway. It was a heavily modded car as well with a big lumpy cam, headers, etc... I was very surprised. Most expensive to insure IIRC is a Mustang GT.

If you think 4 door car is going to be cheaper on insurance, don't get an EVO. You will be surprised.

To be honest, I've never been in a C5. However I did test drive the C6 after my first 370Z was totaled, and I wasn't impressed. I felt like I was stuck in a cockpit and the interior quality made me miss my Z. I'm not sure how the C5 compares to the C6 quality-wise, but I can't really see myself driving one. The Evo and the Mustang GT are definitely not on my radar either. Evos are terrible on gas and I did hear the insurance on them is expensive. Mustangs are everywhere and I would never want to drive one simply because it's so ubiquitous.

jcosta79 · 10-05-2012, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skorch

To be honest, I've never been in a C5. However I did test drive the C6 after my first 370Z was totaled, and I wasn't impressed. I felt like I was stuck in a cockpit and the interior quality made me miss my Z. I'm not sure how the C5 compares to the C6 quality-wise, but I can't really see myself driving one. The Evo and the Mustang GT are definitely not on my radar either. Evos are terrible on gas and I did hear the insurance on them is expensive. Mustangs are everywhere and I would never want to drive one simply because it's so ubiquitous.

Mine was a 2008 C6. I've also driven many C5's. The C6 is a HUGE improvement over the C5 in terms of interior quality (and pretty much everything else). To be honest, my 370 is not that much better as far as interior quality except for the seats. The seats in a Corvette are horrible.

What IS a lot better in the 370Z is the suspension. I had to install coilovers in my C6 because the Z51 suspension was a joke. The 370 inspires A LOT more confidence.

LakeShow · 10-05-2012, 11:53 PM

Look into Volkswagen. Really solid quality German cars for reasonable prices and great fuel effiecency.

DEpointfive0 · 10-07-2012, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeShow

Look into Volkswagen. Really solid quality German cars for reasonable prices and great fuel effiecency.

If you want it to break, and you want headaches, buy cheap Germam...

I'm sorry LakeShow, I agree with a lot of your posts and feedback, but this I don't agree with... My 2010 BMW 3 series, making engine noises after 30k miles of highway miles... Mom's 2008 VW Passat, 3 water pumps in 30k, 3 years, best friend's 2005 VW Jetta, 2 water pumps, overheated a few times struts blown out, 55k miles (in 2009, then he sold it)

Germans make AMAZING CARS... For a short time... Most of the time German cars take a dump at 50k...
And they USED to make really reliable cars, now they just have reliable owners...

Btw, the IS300 isn't going to get great mileage...

And call your insurance to get quotes, I got an estimate for a DeLorean, half of the premium of the 370Z... I made sure they looked into it, $1000 bumper, door skins are like $2000, hood costs another $3k, and mind you, these are USED parts on eBay, AND you can't Bondo the damn car to repaint it, but they confirmed, and they said they have all the estimates in their system... Even the Toyota Supra was cheaper, they even looked into it to give me the money they'd pay out if the cars got totaled... They were going to pay out like $4k over the price I was going to buy either car... God knows why, it just worked out that way...

OMGiGOTaZ · 10-07-2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEpointfive0

If you want it to break, and you want headaches, buy cheap Germam...

I'm sorry LakeShow, I agree with a lot of your posts and feedback, but this I don't agree with... My 2010 BMW 3 series, making engine noises after 30k miles of highway miles... Mom's 2008 VW Passat, 3 water pumps in 30k, 3 years, best friend's 2005 VW Jetta, 2 water pumps, overheated a few times struts blown out, 55k miles (in 2009, then he sold it)

Germans make AMAZING CARS... For a short time... Most of the time German cars take a dump at 50k...
And they USED to make really reliable cars, now they just have reliable owners...

Btw, the IS300 isn't going to get great mileage...

And call your insurance to get quotes, I got an estimate for a DeLorean, half of the premium of the 370Z... I made sure they looked into it, $1000 bumper, door skins are like $2000, hood costs another $3k, and mind you, these are USED parts on eBay, AND you can't Bondo the damn car to repaint it, but they confirmed, and they said they have all the estimates in their system... Even the Toyota Supra was cheaper, they even looked into it to give me the money they'd pay out if the cars got totaled... They were going to pay out like $4k over the price I was going to buy either car... God knows why, it just worked out that way...

STAY AWAY FROM VW, ESPECIALLY USED ONES!

IF YOUR PLANNING ON MODDING THE IS300, MY BUDDY HAD VERY POOR RELIABILITY ONCE HE STARTED... ENDED UP TRADING FOR AN S2000 I BELIEVE

10-04-2012, 12:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
Skorch Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 469 Drives: 2012 370Z Rep Power: 541	Thinking of getting something cheaper.. So I've come to realize that my Z is the most expensive thing in my life. I'm not saving much money with it, because the payments + insurance + gas easily put it over $1000/mo for me. Having owned a 350Z and this being my second 370Z, I've come to love the car quite a bit. But I think it's time to get something cheap and a little more practical. My thinking is a Lexus IS300 and here is why. My buddy is a mechanic at Toyota, and used to be a mechanic at a Lexus dealership prior to that. He knows the car inside and out, and he said it is very reliable, being one of the least common cars to be brought in for service when he worked there. Also, he can help me look for one in good shape and should I need to repair it, he can order parts at dealer cost for me. The thing is, I don't know that much about these cars.. I've always liked the way they looked and know they have the same engine as the N/A Supras, so they should be pretty reliable. Does anyone here have any experience with them? Would you recommend the IS300 as a daily driver, considering they are 8-12 years old now? I would like to find something for $13K or less. Do you guys have any other suggestions for cars to consider? I don't think I want a coupe anymore, and I'd like it to have semi-decent fuel economy. Thanks for all your input in advance! __________________ '12 370Z + Sport \| Stillen Gen3 Intakes \| Stillen UD Pulley \| Motordyne M370 \| FI Exhaust \| FI HFCs \| 4.08 Gears \| Uprev tuned

10-04-2012, 08:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
OMGiGOTaZ Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 316 Drives: 12 370Z Auto Sport Rep Power: 13	My Hyundai Sonata before the Z was cheap and reliable! Only $285 a month and I bought the 2011 in 2010 As far as Gas, My car actually get's as good of gas mileage as my Wife's 4 banger! The Z is my Daily Driver and I put A LOT of highway miles on her __________________ all you gotta do is...

10-04-2012, 10:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
jcosta79 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: N/A Posts: 1,430 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 15	My sympathies on you getting old and responsible. DEpointfive0 likes this. __________________ 2012 PW NISMO #0559 - GT Spec Brace Kit - Swift Springs - ARK TP & Invidia CBE K&N Intake - UpRev Tune - 15mm Z1 Spacers & Studs - StopTech Slotted Rotors & SS Lines - ZSpeed CMAK with Stage 2 Clutch and Lightweight Flywheel

10-04-2012, 10:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
DEpointfive0 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 14,824 Drives: a lot Rep Power: 17152	I've got a LOT of experience with them, I am a Toyota fanboy, BIG TIME... The major things you have to look for in the older IS300's is random maintenance, the engine is bullet proof, we all know that, but I'd still try to find something under 100k miles, if you're looking for a manual, make sure its a POST 2002 model, or else they did a swap (I don't trust people who do that, LOL) And most people beat on the manual, especially because it was hard to find... Honestly with a car that old, your biggest things will be belts, plugs, pumps... Make sure the belts have been replaced recently, if it's under 100k miles it'll probably need a timing belt, which CAN be pricey, I'd change the spark plugs, and just have some spare cash in case the A/C dies on you, especially because you're in Phoenix... Skorch likes this.

10-05-2012, 08:06 AM	#8 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	That's why they have non interference motor.... DEpointfive0 likes this.

10-05-2012, 11:47 AM	#9 (permalink)
Skorch Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 469 Drives: 2012 370Z Rep Power: 541	Thanks again for the replies guys. The reason I'm not considering cars such as the C5 and S2000 is because I won't be saving much in terms of gas or insurance. Both are classified the same as the Z - 2 seater sports cars. I want to get away from that, and get something 4-door. I'm sure that later down the road I'll be returning to the sports car world, and can definitely see myself owning another Z, if they don't screw up the next gen too bad. But for now I need to take a back seat and save some money. __________________ '12 370Z + Sport \| Stillen Gen3 Intakes \| Stillen UD Pulley \| Motordyne M370 \| FI Exhaust \| FI HFCs \| 4.08 Gears \| Uprev tuned

10-05-2012, 11:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
LakeShow A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: L.I., NY Posts: 5,307 Drives: Everything Rep Power: 26	Look into Volkswagen. Really solid quality German cars for reasonable prices and great fuel effiecency. __________________ \|2013 Audi S4\|Ibis White/Black\|S-Tronic P+\| \|2013 370z\|PearlWhite/Persimmon\|Touring/Sport/Nav\|F.I. CBE 18" CF\| \|Sold\|2011 370z\|Gun Metallic\|Touring/Sport/Nav\|

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