A&Q about 350Z
Q:
So it's been 12 days since I last drove my Z as it has been in the shop under repair after my "sliding down the embankment" incident. Having driven a four-door Sebring with a four cylinder for the last 12 days put owning the Z into perspective. It took me back to the moment I first took off from the dealer lot after purchasing the Z.
Now keep in mind that I grew up here in the midwest in a poor family that never really owned nice things, especially nice cars. As a matter of fact my father still drives a 1993 Ford Ranger with over 200,000 miles on it. I drove three beaters before owning this car.
I remember sitting at the loan desk after the purchase, my heart pulsating and my hands shaking as I was just realizing what I was about to get into. I was buying a Nissan 350Z and would be the first person in my immediate family to buy a car costing more than 30 grand. I'm only 24 but I worked hard to get where I am now financially and it seemed to finally be paying off.
As I drove off the lot, I was screaming aloud, "I just bought a 350Z!!" while punching the steering wheel. I had never been that excited in my entire life and the car felt like a dream. It was like I had just won the lottery.
Anyway, after missing my car horendously for the last 12 days and having to endure the pain of driving that awful Sebring, as I left the body shop today in the Z I had the same wide grin and same pounding heart I had when I rolled off the dealer's lot. It reminded me of why I bought the Z in the first place. Sure, there are faster cars that cost less, there are more practical cars I could own and there are more practical cars that throw up similar performance numbers, but few cars feel as good as the Z. We didn't buy the Z for it's performance numbers (even if they are damn decent performance numbers). We bought the Z because of how it feels and how it looks.
Few cars have the heritage the Z has and few cars draw as much as attention as the Z (for under $30k). The first weekend I had the car, I was getting looks on the road and overheard people saying, "Hey, that's a 350Z. Some people don't even know what kind of car it is but talk about how great it looks. At the body shop today, one of the ladies working there thought it was a BMW. As awful as that may sound, I still took it as a compliment.
Many people have complained that the quality is an issue, that the interior is cheap and that it's heavy and over-rated. Quality is no more an issue than most cars during the first few years of initial production. The interior lacks flare because they took a minimalist approach to designing it. It's not supposed to be flashy inside. The whole reason I didn't buy a G35 sport coupe was because the Z had more of a "purist" feel to it. It feels more like a racecar than a sportscar. It's heavy, but it's safe. It's not supposed to be a tin can. And being over-rated, well they just need to take a spin in it to be able to appreciate the beauty of the Z.
Like I said, it's all about how great the Z feels when you're driving it. You sit nice and low like a sports car should sit. There's the exhaust tune that in unmistakably 350Z, and it handles like a racecar. Getting onto an onramp feels like you're rounding a turn at Laguna Seca and you look damn sexy in the process.
Remember to appreciate the Z. It's a great car and a will continue to be a true legend in the years to come.
A:
yah, I admit I feel damn sexy in my Z :)
how much was the repair bill?
2005 350z Silver Coupe Touring
“while your busy contemplating your dream, i'm living mine......”
A:
Cheezy-z - Man, you really captured the spirit of owning a Z. Thanks for that! Sorry to hear of the damage, but glad you are back on the road.
'04 Black Touring
A:
Thank God you didn't have the same experience with your accident as NHZ!
Yes, It is nice to own a 350Z. I have owned mine for over 3 1/2 years and still get a great big smile everytime I drive her.
-Zanioed '03 Le Mans Sunset Touring Coupe w/ Nav.
Post Edited (Sep 16, 5:04pm)
A:
Great news.
Post Edited (Sep 15, 11:19pm)
A:
$3551 was the total repair bil, I just paid the deductible though.
A:
do you mean wholeheartedly or foolhearty?
;}
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'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z
A:
Justin: Do you mean foolhearty or foolhardy?
cheezy-z: Thanks for the post cheezy!!!! I understand the feeling. I have been out of my Z for a little over a week (long story), but I miss that power and the excitement. Enjoy it a little bit for me.
Previously owned: 2005 Z Enthusiast, Super Black, 6 spd.
Currently lease: 2006 Pathfinder S, Silver, Auto
"She is (and always will be) my little deuce coupe, you don't know what I got!"
A:
i meant foolhearty.
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'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z
A:
Hey Cheezy-z,
Nice Story!!! This is my fourth Z. Two 1975 280Z and a 1989ZX. There is nothing like the Z heritage 35 years of Z'ss and counting. I could have purchased a used Porsche but my heart was with the Z. I have no regrets. I had a Infinity G35 tell me my Z was slow. I just giggled at him and told him it was about the Z heritage which he didn't understand. Enjoy the Z and be careful out there.
04 350Z Roadster Silver
A:
Well, as much as I love my Z, i'd still trade her in for a '95 or '96 993 body porsche any day. I still can't afford a $38k 10 year old porsche, which is why I went with a Z in the first place.
A:
cheezy... honestly, me too. lol i love my Z, but would trade it for the right porsche in a heartbeat.
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'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z