Thinking of getting something cheaper..

ImportConvert

I have tunnel-vision when it comes to tires. I pushed the 'vettes at Spring Mountain, and the Pilot Sports on those cars were amazing. Great feedback, very predictable, they really let you know where you stood, wet or dry. For that reason, I want them. I know how they "feel". IF I am dissapointed with them, I will wear them out and when they are dead, look elsewhere.

I have a ton of positive things to say about my 370Z. I still own it, yes?

However, when I am ready to trade this car in, I will be leaving Nissan unless certain things change. I will probably go over to BMW or Porsche. I have experienced American sports cars, and found the over-all experience very lacking. I have experienced Japanese sports cars, at least a little, with this 370Z, and I would like to sample what Europe brings to the table, and Mercedes does not offer manuals in America that I know of. To me, cars are disposable, and they are fun, and life is about living. I could care less for the "If it's not a such and such it's a pile of crap" mentality. I want to sample them all (within reason). A house...wife (if I was a marrying type), gun, those things are "long term investments". A car? Buy what you want when you want it, and when that changes, change it. DEFINITELY no room for brand-centric emotion hard-ons automotive speaking, although I am sore at GM for the "Bail-out".

Right now, as it sits today, I cannot think of another new car I would rather have for the cost of my 370Z or less. Yes it has foibles, but its strong points (Style, interior, qa/qc, what performance it does have, affordability for what you get) outweigh its negatives (clunky transmission, bad weight distribution, horrible rebound control, windshield that cracks if you look at it hard).

So far my take-away from American and Japanese:

American:

Dude, this interior sucks and what's up with the NAV, is that a calculator screen?

"But...it's FAST! It pulls over 1G! It sets world records!!! Who cares if you hate the interior and the seat reminds you of your favorite bean-bag chair in gradeschool? ITS FAST!


Japanese:

Why is this thing only 332 horses? Do you really mean that 50/50 weight distribution is bad even though GM spent over 500,000 just developing lighter fenders for the Z06?

"But the VQ, it doesn't have intake cams! It's a marvel! It's so advanced! Look at this volumetric efficiency at low rpm! Also that radiator support, it's carbon-fiber! SO ADVANCED! No...I don't know why we did that or bothered with the other, but it's a marvel of modern engineering! The seats, good, yes?

German (as I perceive it):

Why the hell are you charging me $2200 to change the spark plugs?

Is ultimate experience. You like how holds road? Enjoy sound system? Silky transmission? Growl of 8,000rpm V8? Good. Shut up. We will charge you what you want and you can stew over it while ogling our receptionist and swilling this premium roast coffee we brought you. By the way, tack on $320. A coil pack also needs replacing.

Italian (as I perceive it, and will never truly know):

Wow...look at that.

"Hi, brochures are $50 a piece. Look, please do not touch. When you get a real job, I will be happy to have one of our staff take you for a ride in the Investment of your choice. Until then, I'll just follow you with this little micro-fiber cloth and detail spray because I'm afraid you won't be able to resist smearing your poverty on at least one door-handle since you don't believe me that yes, they are all locked."