A&Q about 350Z
Q:
Hi. Just found this board - seems like you guys know your zs. I'm about to buy a 350z but need to figure out the best trim level. I like the "Track" model (brakes, wheels, etc.) but it's several grand more. The "Enthusiast" model seems like the deal - $7,000 buys a lot of aftermarket add-ons (wheels, brakes, chip, etc.)
The car will be a daily driver with some autocross/track time.
I'm sure my question is simple and has been answered many times (sorry for that) so I'd really appreciate the help.
Thanks!
A:
Honestly, I have a Track Model, and while I love it more than any other Z because of the Brembos and Rays Wheels I still can't justify spending the extra money on the brakes and wheels other than if you just can't live without them. The Enthusiast model is your best bet like you said.
If your gonna AutoX your Z, you might want to look at some aftermarket suspension options, like Eibach lowering springs or full coilovers if you're bonkers! If you really want aftermarket wheels with the Track look, the Rays Volk Racing TE-37 wheels are exactly the same except for the three dots on each spoke.
1990 Nissan 300zx 2+2 -- NEW FORMULA RED
- Labree cat-back Exhaust, H-pipe w/ resonators
- '99 JDM Fascia
- 17x9 Enkei RP0-1 (+38mm), 255/40-YR17 Bridgestone Potenza SO-3's
- Stoptech Big Brakes (322mm)
Post Edited (Jul 20, 4:14pm)
A:
Get the Enthusiast and change the brakes....track is over rated.
2003 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast Coupe (Fast)
2003 Mercury Marauder (Faster)
1996 Ford Ranger (Don't ask!)
A:
I love my track and get many compliments on the wheels and brakes. Many think they are aftermarket because there aren't nearly as many track models on the road.... here anyway. If you get aftermarket wheels & tires (if you upgrade from 17's) that is a pricey investment. I don't have to change a thing....warranty coverage...etc.
Either way you can't loose!
Best of luck!
Mastro
03 CS Track
Connecticut
A:
I've got the Enthusiast trim. I originally paid $30K out the door, but I'm getting a $974 refund for taxes charged. I wasn't supposed to be charged city tax because I don't live in the city limits. So really, I only paid $29K.
The Enthusiast is also a better start if you plan on building.
'04 Silverstone Enthu
A:
Enthusiast...definatley need the traction control in any wet or slippery conditions. lots of power to that rear drive can get tricky & Xeon lights sre nice. i added aftermarket leather for $600
A:
Enthusiast. . . get it through fleet sales if possible. They are doing this even for these cars now (at least mine). 28k out the door with some oprions. I think I got lucky because the dealership was under construction and I bought at the end of the month. Their monthly numbers were probably low so they might have given me a deal for that reason. . . I got it at Power Nissan El Monte in Los Angeles.
No need for the 18" wheels if you are thinking about putting new wheels to replace the 17"s.
Good Luck!
'04 Silverstone Enthusiast
'74 260Z
A:
got my performance for 29,500
------------------
04.5 DB Performance
Typhoon Intake
Injen SES Straight Tip Exhaust
Blue Z-Xtreme Grounding Kit
Kenwood MP3 Player
EBC V4 Greenstuff Pads
Clear Lens
Carbon Fiber Piller Covers
20% Tint
5 Coats of Zaino
......
'01 Yamaha R6
A:
enthusiast
A:
I went for the performance because of the vdc, HID's and 18" wheels.
A:
sorry, my mistake...
it is in fact your enthusiast model that's special or maybe your 350z with cheap and heavy aftermarket wheels that's special...
and of course you saved thousands of dollars by buying the base model and outsmarting those rat dealers pushing options...
but lets not forget what was spent on the cheap heavy rims and ridiculous aero package that know makes your base model "special". ha
and despite the same horsepower, with all that crap on your special car my car is faster!
A:
LOL...nice angry comeback my friend! You definately proved the point that you really MUST feel as if your car is special and looks SO much different than say a base model.
Hey whatever you have to tell yourself for justifying the thousands more you spent on your unrecognizable car....lol....what a joker you are.
Do you honestly think the dealer has the best interest for you? They are a business and are out to make a buck on your 'upgrade' package. You already know the Rays track wheels are available aftermarket, as are brake packages, so if we so choose to get them, we can, and since they are aftermarket we can shop around and get a better price than by going thru the over priced dealer anyday.
So beyond those 2 upgrades, I would be willing to wager any amount of money if I parked my enthusiast (which I paid $22.5K for with only 9K miles on it) next to your $34K track, and we were to ask Joe Public which car was recognizable as a 350Z and which one wasn't...I'm sure they'd either say both are 350Z's or not know a thing about them.
Get over your track, get over yourself and learn to appreciate you got upgrades to a great car, the upgrades you paid for are not what make your car great or special.
A:
350Z Track... I think you misunderstood me. I'm not looking at a Mustang or a Camaro. I'm considering an Enthusiast 350Z. It's 99% identical to your car... why are you bashing it? Why would I have to buy "cheap" "heavy" wheels? With the $5,000 couldn't I buy some nice wheels? Maybe even some light wheels... and Brembos... or maybe Baers.... Ooh! Ooh! Because I'm no longer at the Dealership - I can shop other (non-dealerships) sources... maybe get a better price on those same wheels....???
Post Edited (Jul 21, 5:12pm)
A:
i dunno, the track was my choice. i like the seats, they don't get hot in the summer sun. i think the rear spoiler is tasteful and moderately useful, but not gawdy. i think the ray's are the best look i've seen on a Z.
2003 350Z LeMans Sunset Track with Nav
No mods
A:
yea sorry dude but with the extra money you save from not buying the track you could buy lighter wheels and just as good brakes that will make your car not only more exclusive than a track model but probly one of a kind or atleast maybe 1 of 10 or 20 with the same setup.
A:
knock yourself out...
buy a base model and upgrade it with aftermarket wheels and brakes and then run your tally...
new base model 350z $24K
18" top of the line aftermarket wheels & tires $5000
4 corners tof of the line aftermarket brake calipers, rotors and labor $5000
aero package $500
one $34K riced up 350z $ priceless
sorry MAG but i'm comparing a new car and parts and professional labor, not flee market specials, used car dealer prices, buddies hand-me-downs, etc. and i don't have to justify what i bot because i bot exactly what i wanted and could afford. get over it if you couldn't do the same.
A:
dont get offended though.. and you obviously have no clue about aftermarket parts, just because it came stock doesnt mean its the best stuff out....your being very obtuse if thats what you think. many people would rather spend more money to customize the car to their likes/needs. If your saying a new set of aftermarket te37's or SSR's(insert quality aftermarket wheel here) and a stoptech(rotora etc.), bbk is rice then your retarded. not too mention the suspension mods you could do, but thats a whole different topic. the track model is great but dont dismiss the whole aftermarket as crap just because you think your rays and brembos are the best thing since sliced bread.
A:
also the ugly color
____________________
AIM: DrewZ926
I don't own the Z, the Z owns me.
A:
I am getting the Track model. Everything you could add to the other models except the ground effect package.
A:
there the same car as others have said before..and people are arguing over the options.if you want your Z to look different by customizing thats cool.do all tracks come in orange??
92n93Zs
____________________
AIM: DrewZ926
I don't own the Z, the Z owns me.
A:
If money is important then buy the base model. (as long as you don't mod and void the warranty).
You need mod?
1> wait for 5 years?,(still under warranty)
or
2> purchase the track model.
Other options? NOT "the best bang for the buck"
A:
very good points 350ZNewbie and obsidian02.
A:
Buy what you can afford !! i bought the base model because of my financial situation. Regardless, all the Z's look the same besides the brakes and wheels....big deal you can ALWAYS get them later. Base-enthusiast-performance-touring-track; they are all beautiful in my eyes. Stop the arguing!! we all here have 350z's Enjoy them.
2004 Base 350Z Pikes White 6Sp.
A:
first i suggest you refer to some earlier posts on "orange" vs. le mans sunset. here's orange:
it was so gross i didn't even finish coloring it in.
but no, not all track models are le mans sunset. you could order one in any color you want. perhaps a lot of the dealer pre-purchase models were le mans... because that was the car in all the ads.
2003 350Z LeMans Sunset Track with Nav
No mods
A:
Those who provided useful information - thank you. Thank you very much. The insight was invaluable.
Those who turned this post into a pissing contest over a trim level.... well, never mind, you'll turn that into a pissing contest too.
A:
thanks 350znewbie for the ACTUAL info.i learned something
____________________
AIM: DrewZ926
I don't own the Z, the Z owns me.