Nissan 350Z Prices Paid and Buying Experience

Replying to: qbrozen (Oct 31, 2005 8:20 am)

I think they added exhaust valve timing in this case, and inreased the redline to 7000 (fun)...would think you would get better than +13 hp and -14 tq, and the fuel economy went down 1 on each side too. Anyway, I am about to go take a look at an 05 enthuisiast 6 spd and see what kind of price I could get. Does anyone have any thoughts on the 17 inch wheels, if they improve ride? How much do they weigh compared with the new 18s? Thanks for the response!

Replies to this message:
• qbrozen (Oct 31, 2005 8:45 am)
  • dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 9:29 am)
    • qbrozen (Oct 31, 2005 9:43 am) and 4 more...

Replying to: dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 8:41 am)

There was alot of discussion regarding that increased redline (also present on the previous 35th anni model, i believe). My understanding is that the power band is dropping off even before the standard model's redline, so going to 7k is actually hurting acceleration times because shifting to the next gear earlier would net more power to the wheels. Again, I'm just kind of reiterating what I've read from other, more knowledgeable, people. I can't prove any of this.

Replies to this message:
• dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 9:29 am)
  • qbrozen (Oct 31, 2005 9:43 am)
    • dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 2:32 pm) and 3 more...

Replying to: qbrozen (Oct 31, 2005 8:45 am)

Replies to this message:
• qbrozen (Oct 31, 2005 9:43 am)
  • dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 2:32 pm)
    • qbrozen (Oct 31, 2005 5:23 pm) and 2 more...

Replying to: dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 9:29 am)

I'd say more like 8/10ths on the street.
 
Cool thing about the Z that alot of those other "better" auto-x cars can't claim is that it can shine on the dragstrip AND be a ton of fun on the twisty track. Cars like the RX8 or S2000, which are typically regarded to be better auto-x cars, don't have the raw acceleration and low rpm grunt that the Z does (although mag acceleration numbers are decent for those other cars, you wouldn't want to do to your clutch what those testers do to get those numbers). This is a big plus on the streets, too, since you get power in pretty much any gear in the Z.
 
The Z isn't outstanding at any one thing, but its REALLY good at alot of things. Unfortunately, I think this is why it is sometimes looked down upon. Many folks and pro reviewers concentrate on ONE thing, rather than the overall picture, which is the one that matters in the real world of driving and car ownership.

Replies to this message:
• dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 2:32 pm)
  • qbrozen (Oct 31, 2005 5:23 pm)
    • dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 7:00 pm) and 1 more...

Replying to: qbrozen (Oct 31, 2005 9:43 am)

Well I just test drove the 05 enthusiast 6 spd in question. It drove very well. The clutch/shifter/throttle modulation was a little herky jerky, but otherwise a really nice ride. The ride was not bad, I think the 17" wheels help. It certainly didn't scream in the upper rev range, but in the mid and even lower, it really pushed me into my seat. And I'm coming from an 04 Pontiac GTO so that says something for the Z. Overall the car felt extremely buttoned down and solid. The steering was nice, but I noticed it doesn't "recoil" after turning the wheel. Also, it FEELS small to drive, even though it is a considerably sized car!

Replies to this message:
• qbrozen (Oct 31, 2005 5:23 pm)
  • dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 7:00 pm)
    • dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 7:04 pm)

Replying to: dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 2:32 pm)

good point you brought up. Yes, I did find this car particularly difficult to drive smoothly, at first. But you get used to it. It helped ALOT when I adjusted the clutch to engage closer to the floor. I've also heard that an auxiliary engine mount (something like a rod that attaches to existing bolts on the car ... i could probably track down the website that sells them, if you're interested), can improve the clutch action because the powertrain flexes a great deal on the stock mounts.
 
How it feels in terms of size? Hmmm... I guess I never considered it being large at all. It certainly fit in my garage with more breathing room than anything else I own, so it just never occured to me.
 
So... what's the bottom line? You buying?

Replies to this message:
• dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 7:00 pm)
  • dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 7:04 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Oct 31, 2005 5:23 pm)

made offer that was about 6 grand off of their initial offer including diff in trade (they offered 17g for 04 gto in exc cond). think that was a bit low! if they get close i will buy

Replies to this message:
• dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 7:04 pm)

Replying to: dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 7:00 pm)

also they initially offered '05 z at full retail price minus rebate ...then i had to leave and go to work so they said they would call me after they did some calling around about gto's...

Replies to this message:
• qbrozen (Nov 01, 2005 8:14 am)
  • miata007 (Nov 01, 2005 11:39 am)
    • qbrozen (Nov 01, 2005 12:02 pm)
    • qbrozen (Nov 01, 2005 12:06 pm)
  • dat2 (Nov 01, 2005 10:00 pm)
    • qbrozen (Nov 02, 2005 7:22 am)

Replying to: dat2 (Oct 31, 2005 7:05 pm)

Replies to this message:
• miata007 (Nov 01, 2005 11:39 am)
  • qbrozen (Nov 01, 2005 12:02 pm)
  • qbrozen (Nov 01, 2005 12:06 pm)
• dat2 (Nov 01, 2005 10:00 pm)
  • qbrozen (Nov 02, 2005 7:22 am)