Nissan 350Z

Cosmic Penguin

Folks, I'm thinking of changing from an IS200 to 350Z.

I have done the maths, looked at it from every angle I can think of (Running Cost (Petrol, Insurance, Tax, Service, Tyres), Lack of space / practicality, C**K factor, Power, Fun etc)

I drove it recently and it blew my socks off. Also, I could spend the same money to move from one nice saloon to another, but where is the fun in that?

Anyway, the only really reaon to get it, is that I want to - Am I mad? Should I give it more time and see if the lustre wears off?

Cheers,

CP

Mr Benevolent

Buy it. Now. What's your price range?

Cosmic Penguin

In around the 15 mark

ShadowHearth

As long as you go with your head clear and no illusions then I vote for yes.

Lovely car. It does not have boyracer image. Alot of fun with rwd.

They are really cheap now too. 15k will get you a really clean one.

Blazer

Get it

I'm in the same boat..looking to upgrade from a 1.6l primera to a BMW 520D..
everyone is telling me it's too big..what do I need it for...
But as I tell them...I don't smoke, I barely drink so why not treat myself...
I've one on a test drive and love it and don't want to give it back..

The 350z are fantastic looking and still a rare sight on the road..so if you can afford it, have no illusions about it then by all means go ahead and treat yourself

Padraig Mor

Drove one a while back. Sure, they're about as practical as a wet paper bag................but they go like ****ing stink!

CompleteCarGuy

Smashing car - only really let down by a poor quality interior

dharn

go for it.. beautiful car post some pics when you get it

Squall19

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

Folks, I'm thinking of changing from an IS200 to 350Z.

I have done the maths, looked at it from every angle I can think of (Running Cost (Petrol, Insurance, Tax, Service, Tyres), Lack of space / practicality, C**K factor, Power, Fun etc)

I drove it recently and it blew my socks off. Also, I could spend the same money to move from one nice saloon to another, but where is the fun in that?

Anyway, the only really reaon to get it, is that I want to - Am I mad? Should I give it more time and see if the lustre wears off?

Cheers,

CP

IS200 is a dog on petrol but a 350Z is still a good bit heavier.

Running costs will be alot more, tax is more than double, it will take 30% more fuel, insurance will be higher of course, tyres more expensive, servicing im not sure about.

If you do average milage I would say it will be costing you about 3k-5k more per year.

1k extra road tax.
1k-1.5k extra on fuel
Insurance depending on age.

For starters

It is just money though:D

Vertakill

They're a class car. Very fast, handle well and have a real torquey, powerful feel to them and have the exhaust note to match. And they're one of the most attractive cars on the road at the moment.
I also found it incredibly easy to drive. It felt so torquey that you didn't even need to change gears that often and I could cruise along @ 80mph at about 2800rpm.

It was my dream car in my teens and I still love it - never had so much fun in a car!
I'm selling my one though, for less than half of your budget.

@ 15k, I would be looking at a low mileage GT spec'd 2006 onwards.
They're so cheap now so I wouldn't settle for less if you're going to spend that money.

Lex Luthor

you'll get a really nice one for 15k
I'm jealous...!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of black & grey ones out there...it will still be rare if you get one in this colour and will probably sell on slightly "easier" than going for the Sunset Orange which is probably the best colour for it. (if you can find one)

Look for the GT version which has the Bose stereo and some extras

Vertakill

Squall19 wrote: »

IS200 is a dog on petrol but a 350Z is still a good bit heavier.

Running costs will be alot more, tax is more than double, it will take 30% more fuel, insurance will be higher of course, tyres more expensive, servicing im not sure about.

If you do average milage I would say it will be costing you about 3k-5k more per year.

1k extra road tax.
1k-1.5k extra on fuel
Insurance depending on age.

For starters

It is just money though:D

I think you're just pulling numbers out of the air here...

350Z will get about 24 or 25mpg provided of somewhat mixed driving. The IS200 will get just shy of 30mpg in most cases.

Tax, yes, is going to be at the high end but that's a given.

Insurance... depending on the OP's age, I can't imagine they'd be dramatically different. IS200's and Altezza's have a shocking reputation from an insurers point of view, whereas the Z mostly suffers here from it's large engine size.

And the Z is very, very reliable.
In nearly 3 years of ownership I've only had 1 electric window issue going wrong that caused me some grief that was fixed at the cost of about 10 euro.

So, the running costs will be slightly higher, not much higher like you're claiming.

Cosmic Penguin

Vertakill wrote: »

I think you're just pulling numbers out of the air here...

350Z will get about 24 or 25mpg provided of somewhat mixed driving. The IS200 will get just shy of 30mpg in most cases.

Tax, yes, is going to be at the high end but that's a given.

Insurance... depending on the OP's age, I can't imagine they'd be dramatically different. IS200's and Altezza's have a shocking reputation from an insurers point of view, whereas the Z mostly suffers here from it's large engine size.

And the Z is very, very reliable.
In nearly 3 years of ownership I've only had 1 electric window issue going wrong that caused me some grief that was fixed at the cost of about 10 euro.

So, the running costs will be slightly higher, not much higher like you're claiming.

Thanks - Your running costs as described are more in line with what I was thinking, based on research.,

Glad to hear about reliability - The big concern about letting the IS go is that it is bullet proof.

eljono

PM sent Cosmic Penguin regarding Orange Sunset GT Spec

Blazer

Nissan 350Z 35 Anniversary edition 310 BHP

Looks very nice ...


http://www.carzone.ie/search/Nissan/350Z/35-Anniv/201036199443709/advert?channel=CARS

Vertakill

Sc@recrow wrote: »

Nissan 350Z 35 Anniversary edition 310 BHP

Looks very nice ...


http://www.carzone.ie/search/Nissan/350Z/35-Anniv/201036199443709/advert?channel=CARS

Lovely car in a very rare colour.

However, if it's the one I'm thinking of, it's been for sale since around the time I bought mine... 3 years ago.

listermint

CompleteCarGuy wrote: »

Smashing car - only really let down by a poor quality interior

This for me is the downfall of this car. Cant stand the interior. Its very Hyundai Coupe inside and they are awful.

M3 OP ????..........

Cosmic Penguin

listermint wrote: »

This for me is the downfall of this car. Cant stand the interior. Its very Hyundai Coupe inside and they are awful.

It is disappointing for sure, but I wouldn't be buying it for the interior

Cosmic Penguin

M3 eh? The one I would wnat is well out of my price range

Lex Luthor

eljono wrote: »

PM sent Cosmic Penguin regarding Orange Sunset GT Spec

if you have a link to one, throw it up...would love to see it

Sc@recrow wrote: »

Nissan 350Z 35 Anniversary edition 310 BHP

Looks very nice ...


http://www.carzone.ie/search/Nissan/350Z/35-Anniv/201036199443709/advert?channel=CARS

couldnt live with the colour

If I was getting one it would be Sunset Orange/Blue/Grey in that order

Cosmic Penguin

Sc@recrow wrote: »

Nissan 350Z 35 Anniversary edition 310 BHP

Looks very nice ...


http://www.carzone.ie/search/Nissan/350Z/35-Anniv/201036199443709/advert?channel=CARS

Nice machine - Way over priced

Vertakill

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

M3 eh? The one I would wnat is well out of my price range

Which one do you want? The only ones out of your price range are the E92 M3's.

I've just bought an E46 M3 to replace the Z (which is for sale may I add again! ) and, again, it came in well under your 15k mark.

But while the M3 is a better car, I haven't found the difference to be as big as some people have you believe.

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

Nice machine - Way over priced

That's the main reason it's not sold in so many years. Such a shame.

Nissan doctor

If the interior of the Z is a downside, why not look at a skyline 350gt/infinify g35? Mechanically identical to a Z, vastly better interior and toys and much rarer too.




I happen to know where there is late model, low mileage example for well below your budget:P:P

ShadowHearth

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Those seats look like they have done more than 29K.

totally agree. interior looks horrible! import? then 99% clocked.

Cosmic Penguin

Vertakill wrote: »

Which one do you want? The only ones out of your price range are the E92 M3's.

I've just bought an E46 M3 to replace the Z (which is for sale may I add again! ) and, again, it came in well under your 15k mark.

But while the M3 is a better car, I haven't found the difference to be as big as some people have you believe.



That's the main reason it's not sold in so many years. Such a shame.

I have fallen out of lust with the e46 body shape, so wouldn't go down that route. As you say, E92 is out off my price range.

Thanks for all the comments folks - a lot of soul searching and hand-wringing to be done. I will keep you posted as to the outcome.

eljono

Lex Luthor wrote: »

if you have a link to one, throw it up...would love to see it

Hi Lex, the car hasn't yet been advertised.

ShadowHearth

Nissan doctor wrote: »

If the interior of the Z is a downside, why not look at a skyline 350gt/infinify g35? Mechanically identical to a Z, vastly better interior and toys and much rarer too.




I happen to know where there is late model, low mileage example for well below your budget:P:P

i see what you did there

Plug

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

Folks, I'm thinking of changing from an IS200 to 350Z.

I have done the maths, looked at it from every angle I can think of (Running Cost (Petrol, Insurance, Tax, Service, Tyres), Lack of space / practicality, C**K factor, Power, Fun etc)

I drove it recently and it blew my socks off. Also, I could spend the same money to move from one nice saloon to another, but where is the fun in that?

Anyway, the only really reaon to get it, is that I want to - Am I mad? Should I give it more time and see if the lustre wears off?

Cheers,

CP

E46 M3's are about the same price or less, better build quality and a bit quicker. The engine is also a bit smaller so it might help in the insurance department(not sure). You have about 8000 revs to play around with the M3 and I think it looks better but everyone to there own.

Vertakill

@Plug: They're not cheaper... they're quite a bit more expensive.

You won't find many, or any, E46 M3's under 10k. Any of them around 10k are 2001, 2002's etc.

There's a rakeload of Z's under 10k that are as new as 2004.

jenizzle

These were on my shortlist when I was changing my car last time. Just couldn't quite afford to buy it AND keep it on the road. Lovely car though... maybe next time...

Compton

try and get this for 15k mmmmmmmm

listermint

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

I have fallen out of lust with the e46 body shape, so wouldn't go down that route. As you say, E92 is out off my price range.

Thanks for all the comments folks - a lot of soul searching and hand-wringing to be done. I will keep you posted as to the outcome.

Oh lord, how can one fall out of it with the E46 M3, It has everything you want. including masculine strong lines.

Incidently 03-05 ones can be got for around the 15K mark.

I am saddened by your loss for such a beautiful machine. Each to their own I suppose. But personally the M E46 beats 350Z in the aggressive styling department. 350Z to me looks japanese dated.

Mar4ix

well.. in 15 k euro range i would go for m3 , also merc slk series not bad at all, or get real fun driving yoke - 300 zx with twin turbo engine and manual gearbox (reconditioned ones) some in uk - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?s=70&dist=10&pc=&min=5000&max=13000&y1=&y2=&txt=&px=&filter=TP&o=p&Submit=Search . i saw one in action ... really impressive.... never see anything go like that.

Lex Luthor

eljono wrote: »

Hi Lex, the car hasn't yet been advertised.

any pics then? A car that good looking should be appreciated by all of us

Cosmic Penguin

listermint wrote: »

Oh lord, how can one fall out of it with the E46 M3, It has everything you want. including masculine strong lines.

Incidently 03-05 ones can be got for around the 15K mark.

I am saddened by your loss for such a beautiful machine. Each to their own I suppose. But personally the M E46 beats 350Z in the aggressive styling department. 350Z to me looks japanese dated.

Fair points all round - People's taste in cars is pretty unique, thankfully.

Wazdakka

Buy one!!
It's that simple..

I have a 06 GT model, I use it as my daily driver and it's my absolute pride and joy.
Every time I get into the car it brings a smile to my face.

The tax is pricey all right but the insurance wasn't particularly expensive for me.
The petrol cost isn't as bad as I thought, You can get fairly ok MpG if you drive her gently and use the cruise control on the motorways. or you can drain half the tank in 20 min if you're really in the mood

At the end of the day It as an absolutely fantastic car to own and drive.
I really can't recommend it enough.

Matt Simis

Vertakill wrote: »

Which one do you want? The only ones out of your price range are the E92 M3's.

I've just bought an E46 M3 to replace the Z (which is for sale may I add again! ) and, again, it came in well under your 15k mark.

But while the M3 is a better car, I haven't found the difference to be as big as some people have you believe.
That's the main reason it's not sold in so many years. Such a shame.

I dont think its too cheeky to link to your car ad in such a relevant thread:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2308890

Its the same one that was at the Motor Meet in the 350z vs 370z photoshoot.

OP, there is absolutely no need to spend 15k on a 350z in todays market. Plenty of nice examples waaaaay under that. Vertakill can do a compare and contrast to the e46 M3 (which is a more costly car in every manner of course) right now in his garden too. :pac:

Atomic Pineapple

That is a seriously good price for a 350Z!

alanmc

Do it. You won't regret it. It's simply the best car I've ever owned (and possibly driven). It's a rare thing in Ireland - a car that I don't mind paying tax on.

Sure, the interior is a bit of a blemish on an otherwise fantastic car. But it doesn't bother me one bit. It isn't that bad.

jimbling

I wouldnt be spending 15k on one either (And if I was spending 15k I'd be getting another M3 ). You'll get a low mileage 04/05 easily for under 10k. Then you dont have to worry so much about depreciation.

They are a great car. I've driven one a few times and I came close to getting one recently enough myself.

Here's a few I was looking at when searching recently:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Nissan/350Z/350-Z-CO/201105201135941/advert?channel=CARS
This is pretty good value. Its not a jap import and has low mileage. Thing is, it has zero service history. They dont really know what has been done to the car, although they were confident it was in good condition. They offered a 12 month warranty for 400.


http://www.carzone.ie/search/Nissan/350Z/GT-Coupe/201116202058292/advert?channel=CARS
This one's a beautiful GT at a great price. I don't really like the interior colour myself, but it was a very popular version.... you may like it.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2172448
this is a great looking one, but highish mileage and just seems to shout "I've had the bollox driven out of me" :pac:

jimbling

Matt Simis wrote: »

I dont think its too cheeky to link to your car ad in such a relevant thread:
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2308890

Its the same one that was at the Motor Meet in the 350z vs 370z photoshoot.
:

Dude... just go buy that.

BArra

get the Z

slightly regret getting an ST over a Z

my friend sold a 07 Z model recently for around 15k with many extras, beautiful car.. the rumble off the exhausts is spine tingling

just dont park one on a steep hill in the wet!

Nissan doctor

As a very close alternative...

http://www.carsforsaleireland.ie/used-cars/detail/2006-Nissan-Skyline-Louth-Used+Car-Unleaded+Petrol-Manual-378348/

Open to offers...:)

Cosmic Penguin

Nissan doctor wrote: »

As a very close alternative...

http://www.carsforsaleireland.ie/used-cars/detail/2006-Nissan-Skyline-Louth-Used+Car-Unleaded+Petrol-Manual-378348/

Open to offers...:)

PM Sent

Cosmic Penguin

All,

thanks for all of the replys. It's great to hear from car people, rather than family and friends telling me I'm nuts.

Some great points made about coming down the years and saving on price. The big plus for me on this is that I don't have to worry as much about sell on value.

For those off you who have had them, are the any good indy specialists for service around?

Thanks,

CP

Mar4ix

Nissan doctor wrote: »

As a very close alternative...

http://www.carsforsaleireland.ie/used-cars/detail/2006-Nissan-Skyline-Louth-Used+Car-Unleaded+Petrol-Manual-378348/

Open to offers...:)

that's really nice one ... :rolleyes: kind of my dream car.

thirtythirty

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

PM Sent

Mar4ix

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

All,

thanks for all of the replys. It's great to hear from car people, rather than family and friends telling me I'm nuts.

Some great points made about coming down the years and saving on price. The big plus for me on this is that I don't have to worry as much about sell on value.

For those off you who have had them, are the any good indy specialists for service around?

Thanks,

CP

I'll bet Nissan doctor is a specialist of nissans, and i wouldn't drive that skyline miles near to indys.

I did my skyline myself.

Nissan doctor

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

For those off you who have had them, are the any good indy specialists for service around?

Thanks,

CP

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056244591

I've also done work for a couple of bordies with Z's and have spent the last few years working on performance Nissans, both full time and after hours mso even if I wasn't doing the work for you, I'd be happy to advise on sourcing parts etc.

Cosmic Penguin

Nissan doctor wrote: »

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056244591

I've also done work for a couple of bordies with Z's and have spent the last few years working on performance Nissans, both full time and after hours mso even if I wasn't doing the work for you, I'd be happy to advise on sourcing parts etc.

Great - Thanks!

ShadowHearth

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

Great - Thanks!

Yup, he is your man. Check out his thread in modified section about 350z.

Wait that might be a bad idea, it will rape your wallet