Unbiased frs/brz opinion over my very own 370z
 

Why am i looking at the twins? Read below

Financially, I am in a bit of a jam. Ill try to make this short. Last year I didn't expect myself to be going back to school this quick so I bought myself a brand new 2012 370z touring sport.. I just got into UCLA's graduate program to become an NP and have come to realize the tuition is killer. I am looking at about 100k. Personally, investing in myself comes first so school is priority over fun. That isn't my reason to look for a cheaper alternative though. At my orientation, UCLA told us that to be successful in this program I would have to curb my hours at work and be part time.

That is where the problem lies. With me being part time, owning the Z is becoming more unrealistic. With full time I can easily afford the car, unfortunately its looking like I have to part with it since i may have to reduce my hours.

So the hunt begins....

For a cheaper alternative in the 20's there is no other car i wanted but the frs or brz.

Subaru in socal is a joke. They are all greedy pigs and want a ridiculous mark up. Scion however is more willing to deal. Today, i finally found a dealer to let me test drive a frs. MY first impression of the car itself was that it looks amazing. Now onto the drive.

As soon as you start driving the car you do feel the weight difference coming from a Z.

Handling: The frs feels sharp and crisp, the Z gets the job done but takes a little bit more effort. They both handle amazing, but because the frs is a lighter I got the impression that it handled better. The Z rolls a little bit while the FRS stays a bit more planted. I didn't go fast enough to throw the tail out so I didn't experience what most reviewers said about the Prius tires.

Engine: The frs in cabin engine noise sounds great. I did a few 0-60 runs and felt the engine sounded great up to redline. Power wise I felt this was a huge step back. If anyone is coming from 300+ horses this car will feel slow. Even though it feels slow, it works for this car though. I wasn't disappointed at all. It still felt sufficient.

Cabin: The layout is easy, everything is in reach. Seating position is great, i felt I was able to see out easier with less blind spots. The seats hug a little more. However, i couldn't help the fact that everything felt a little cheap. The Z's materials is superior, but I suppose I can live with the scion.

Overall build quality: The hood, doors, panels, everything just feels cheaper. I suppose this is why the car is so light. Thankfully....driving the car makes you quickly forget all that but i couldn't help to compare this aspect of the Z to the FRS.

Final oppinion: For the money, comparing new cars to new cars....... I definitely would not buy anything over the FRS or BRZ in the 20 thousand range, THESE CARS ARE DEFINITELY WORTH IT. However, i don't know if it was all the magazine hype but I don't get what the HOOPLA is all about. This car isn't a gift from heaven. I honestly feel advertisement money went along way here but what do I know. Don't get me wrong, this car is great, it looks nice, handles nice, and does have fun factor but THROWING money aside I WOULD NEVER EVER cross shop this versus a Z. The Z is in another class, The Z i felt is more well rounded, its FAST, and handles just as good.

Will I buy the car? It is very possible that I may have to do the switch. After driving the FRS, I felt I won't be missing much except the power, but even then the FRS felt sufficient like i mentioned above. If i wasn't in the JAM i am in, i wouldnt even think twice about getting rid of my Z. Unfortunately, in my position I will have to reassess my situation and see what I can do.

At the End of the day, these two cars are on separate playing fields. The Z is great for the price and for what it can do but so is the FRS. Bottom line is I wouldn't mind driving either, but will never ever pick one over the Z if I didn't have to. Thank you for reading! :tiphat:

... Frank, jump off a cliff, Z brothers FOR LIFE, if you buy a FRS/BRZ, a Justin Bieber fan will be born and another will win the lottery

Don't think it will help u financially getting another car that is already in the 20's then on top that probably having to roll portion of z that u owe on top, that will probably put u back in the same position.

Best thing is either find a way to pay on z or sell and get a car in 5000 range or less. Then when out of school and back to ft work get a newer car.

This is the best advice... Not based on my opinions but by your situation.

Well the situation is.

I have equity in this car. I paid almost half if it already. I would actually be getting thousands back because I owe less than what it is worth. If that money went towards an frs my monthly will be maybe 200$ cheaper.

Or I can buy old car route.

Ok let me get this right. You bought a new car last year and now you are are going to save money by selling it at a loss and buying another new car?

Yup you don't calculate sunked costs.

That money I already lost, the monthly wont change if I keep the z, if I get a cheaper car the monthly changes its simple.

I'm fully aware of what I lost already with the z. I'm just looking at a more manageable monthly payment.

You know you can refinance it right? I am sure the difference won't be that big if you re-extend the terms again

Or I can do this.

Nicely written review. I test drove the FRS also while car shopping and came to a similar conclusion. The FRS is a great car, but I wouldn't put it in the same category especially with the $10k price difference. Even the Scion sales guy (who is a family friend) told me to not even bother with the FRS if I was thinking about getting the Z.

As far as your financial situation, if it were me I'd get a car (preferably used) priced so that I wouldn't have any more monthly payments. Plus if you're really trying to cut costs, look at stuff like insurance costs, gas mileage, etc. to try to minimize long term expenses. Anyway, that's just my 2 cents. Good luck with your decision! I know it would pain me a lot if I had to give up my Z!!!

Just saying you're looking to lose even more money with a new car when you can least afford it? Why not refinance the Z? Or sell it buy a used car?

Price differential between Z and BRZ isn't that much. You're incurring California sales tax and registration too.

Just doesn't seem like you're thinking this through? Doesn't make sense to me.

I guess if you got terrible finance rate with Nissan dealer and scion is offering 0 percent 4 year loan and still discounting car you won't lose as much but your still a net loss. Your just borrowing more over long term while you in school with low income? Still would be better off refinancing the Z. Hope your getting a MBA. lol!

No I'll actually be gettin my MSN and np license.

NP is nurse practitioner? For $100k? Wow.

I'd either keep the Z if possible, or sell it and buy a cheap car with cash. No payment will feel great and you can save up for your reward car once you graduate.

I agree with your scion review. I think looking at the interior though day after day will be hard coming from a Z. A month+ of driving with that interior and i see many days of nausea and chronic vomiting. You can find a 2003-2004 350z thats well maintained for $11,000 and you can save another 14,000 and not lose the power level you're used to.

Or you can consider a lower insurance FWD funmobile like the mazda 3 for $20,000 and save an extra $5,000

You can refi the Z but risk massive equity loss due to slow pay. If you plan on keeping the Z once you refi... do it. If you're going to get new ride hungry in two years? Trade for a lower priced car.

Or you can get a FR-S and have civics and integras pull up on you day in and day out... over and over and over and over and over... :wtf2:

Sell the Z, buy a beater. When you can afford to buy a car cash, do it!