A&Q about 350Z
Q:
I currently have a 97 boxster, and am considering a 350Z convertible. Have had two nissans before and am sold on the quality/low maintenance required, but was wondering if anybody had any comparisons with the boxster? Thanks!
A:
Don't know anything about the Boxster, but so long as you don't get the touring or track Z, the Z will probably be worth the money to you.
Not sure what you mean by "sold on quality".
Personaly, I have had nothing but quality problems with my preorder:
-3 transmissions
-3 stereo amplifiers
-2 set of tires due to suspension flaw
-every piece of interior replaced because service techs end up scratching the pieces to all hell and back during service
- bad paint job
- grease streaks on windows
Some people have had no problems however - though I think everyone pretty much has the tire-feathering issue.
A:
As long as you do not get the Touring or the Track Z?What does that mean?
A:
It means I think they are overpriced for what you get. It means I think the base/enthusiast versions are a better value.
I think if you want more luxury, you can get a different car, because the Z is not meant to be luxurious. Even after spending the extra money for the touring, though the HID's, heated leather seats (nice, but not altogether useful in houston, tx) etc are nice, you still have an expensive car with a lame "upgraded" stereo, cheap interior and a bad paint job.
I think if you want a sporty version of the Z, do the mods yourself; don't waste the money on the track version. The brembos are nice, but definitely not worth the extra cash, IMO ... and not altogether needed unless you are going to track the car. Also, there is a suspenion problem (I think everyone and their g-mama knows this) ... so don't get the track for that. Do yourself a favor: get the suspenion you want without the tire-feathering and bounce problem.
The car is beautiful, handles decently and has ample power. Besides that, it's a Nissan and exemplifies Nissan quality with every shift_subpar.
Just my opinion.
A:
lets see, i have a lemans sunset roadster, touring trim, and if I could afford it I would buy everyone I know one. I think the 350z is a great car, and I do have a friend who has a porsche boxster S convertible and he prefers that I drive wherever we go (my car seems to turn a lot more heads) plus the ride is much smoother while still maintaining a sporty feel, (the 04 suspension has much less bounce to it)
A:
the Z convertible in any trim is a much better value than the boxster and will certainly hold its own with even a boxster S in the performance categories
A:
Well, yeah, if money were no option, then yeah, maybe I'd buy some people a Z or two, but money of course is what we back the value of are Z up with ... so, I refer you to what I already said above.
I agree the Z is a great car, but for my money only in the base/enthusiast versions. I haven't looked into convertibles, but I could see how the roadster would be more value than a Boxster to many people however, there are those people that have the extra money and would rather have the boxster because it is a Porsche and maybe other reasons. It may or may not make sense to you or me, but to each his/her own I guess.
So the bounce is better in the 04's (meaning it is a little less bouncy)? Great. What's the difference in hardware? How can I fix the '03?
A:
i can tell u the z is faster and looks a lot better.
A:
I agree. It looks better for sure.
Never driven or raced Boxter, but I believe it.
A:
My good friend and nieghbor owned a 2001 boxter S among other cars until he sold it in March for a vette or something. The z feels more eager for gas and hard turns, where the boxter is more poised and a bit smoother in most cases. The z likes to take aggressive driving but I prefer the gearbox of the boxter slightly more. As long as the z was cheaper by any amount of money, it will be the better value. Both cars are fun to drive, but i'd honestly rather drive the 04z.
19[TT]91
My TT beauty is gone.
2[00]2 Honda 954RR
Suzuki 1200 S; sportscar eater
19[I4]94 Integra GSR Sedan
Long live the Z...
aka SAHTT
A:
i have the 04 track and have had no problems with it at almost 4k.the track model in my opinion is a very good value.i sticker price 34,500 not bad for what you get.now i do agree you can get a base,and add the brakes,stereo etc. i have no problems with that.base models atleast in my area are hard to find especially for the so called 26k price.yeah find one for 26k thando all the upgrades.sure you'll come out a couple of grand less but why buy a brand new sports car only to put it in the shop every time you want to upgrade something.why not buy it that way for a couple of thousand more.save the time in the shop and spend more time driving.
zya
Z's are like woman maintenance,maintenance,maintenance!
1971 240Z gunmetal metalic 5sp 4:11 gears in the rear
illuminas and purchased from the original owner w/136k original miles
A:
well, I hate every stereo Nissan puts in their car, for starters, so no need paying them more for that if I am just going to gut it and redo. plus, they have made it difficult to upgrade the premium Bose stereo .. speakers have nonstandard ohm rating
also, I think the brembos are great, but not enough better to justify the price or having to get the track version
I don't ever use my heated leather seats (have touring)
the HIDs are important to me though :)
I bought aftermarket rims, so the larger wheel you get with track/touring didn't benefit me either.
Kinda like the way proprietary computers used to be, yeah, you can pay top dollar for the latest spec devicesparts in your computer, but just because they are the faster model, have the better ratings or are larger in capacity etc ... doesn't mean you got good quality
I'd rather build it myself, know what I am putting in and make it better quaity for the same price ... Screw Nissssssssan markup. Of course Dells these days are cheap and good it seems, but then again, name brand doesn't necessarily mean anything either ... look at the premium Bose setup. Yuck!
Just my opinion. Some people lie to do the work and build themselves, some people would rather pay more and maybe even get less just to have the complete package the night they buy their car ... that's what I did ... big mistake in hindsight.
A:
Who keeps a stock stereo?
If you're into tunes that much you ALWAYS replace.
I agree with lemonman. Get the Enthusiast (26k in Oregon) and add on.
A:
I absolutely love driving my 1997 Boxster, everything from the handling to the engine sounds to the gearing. Not too thrilled with some of the expensive maintenance required, but all in all the Boxsters have been fairly reliable. If I'm going to keep a car for a while, I think the Nissan would be more reliable in the long run if it is anything like my last two. Maybe I'll give them another year or two to figure out the suspension/tire problems... It is a great looking car - maybe a test drive this week would be a good idea. Thanks again!