Terrible idea?

Hey all,

So I've been looking into the 350z lately. I always thought these cars were heavy pigs (they are), but I've been surprised by what they are capable of. I actually love the way the V6 sounds, and the power delivery is pretty good. Especially in the newer HR engine cars.

I guess I am looking for a decent grand tourer type car that I could take to the autocross or track day, so a daily driver that comes loaded with some good performance. I had an E36 M3 before, and it was almost the perfect mix of performance and practicality.

So I'm looking at the 2007-2008 350z. Seems like by this point they had worked out all the kinks, and actually made a really decent car. It would be really cool if I could get a Nismo edition. Like this one:

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/2619436?ad_cid=5

What do you guys think? Fair price? What else could I buy with that money that would be better for what I want? Before you say E46 M3, I've heard the 350z is actually faster in a straight line. In the corners, who knows... Besides, I'm not sure I want to jump back into the BMW game just yet.

Anyways, I have a decent amount of money saved up. I could throw down a big fat downpayment of like 5 grand, and then have it payed off in a few years. Do you think the Nismo will keep its resale?

Any words of caution against these cars? Is it a trap? Thanks for all the advice!

If you're looking for a GT type car, why not go with the G35-37? Kind of the same thing, but with useable space. That's my major complaint with them, the lack of space. If I want something with that little practical useabality I'd go looking for a Corvette before a modern Z car.

Haven't heard horror stories - just that they're a bit fat and the interior is cramped - more muscle car than sports car. But as a muscle car, no v8 and more expensive than mustangs and camaros. I kinda like the looks although that nismo bumper got whacked with the ugly stick pretty hard. The real question is what else does 15k buy and would you rather have that.

Hmm comparable miles and price, the 350z seems like a much better deal. I do hate the lack of trunk space in the 350, but lack of rear seats isnt a problem for me. Its just I'm coming from "racecar" daily drivers, and I just want something with a little more refinement I guess.

I've always found it interesting that people think of 350z as fat heavy pigs @ 3200lbs for hardtop cars. The first thing everyone seems to talk about with the 350z is how heavy it is but when we talk about C5s which admittedly are faster/more powerful no one mentions their weight at 3200lbs.

I enjoy my 2005 track. It is capable of what you seek. Mine has been modified some to run underprepared in STU and has proven competitive at local events. I bought the car from a guy who autocrossed it locally since new and at 90k miles it still runs well and has no major issues.

C5 vette prices are creeping up and the 350z is still declining. At 15k it would be a difficult choice between a 350 and a base C5 but I would lean C5. At 7-10k you get a nicer 350z then vette. There isn't much else out there in this price range that is a Sports GT type car. Mustangs/camaros are similar laptime but not near the drivers car at this price point (previous gens for <15). Everything else is convertible.

Hmm, I read specs somewhere that said the car was in the 3400 lb range. False information perhaps (on my side).

Not terrible cars just not well loved cars. 06-07 were the worse years through as the Rev-up motor was prone to oil consumption. I believe it was a rings issue. They replaced more than a few under warranty. Other than the oil consumption issue, they were pretty reliable cars. I think it was pretty well solved by 2008 though. I know my 2011 G37 doesn't burn a drop.

Other than that, it was really a car without a class. A little too heavy for a true sports car and a little too weak for a muscle car. I liked the idea of the car but didn't really like the drive. It wasn't playful enough for me (Wanted a true sports car at the time)