350Z, Practical?

[ra227]

Whats up guys,

I'm in the market for a 350Z, which I will be buying very soon if I decide to get it, and just had a few questions. Along with what you guys think of your purchase, was is or was in not worth it, do any of you guys think that the lack of a back seat and limited hatch space make this car impractical as an only car? I ask this because if I purchased the Z, it would be my only car, so I want to know if it has enough space to be somewhat convenient. Thanks Guys!

[Bdetore]

Originally Posted by ra227

Whats up guys,

I'm in the market for a 350Z, which I will be buying very soon if I decide to get it, and just had a few questions. Along with what you guys think of your purchase, was is or was in not worth it, do any of you guys think that the lack of a back seat and limited hatch space make this car impractical as an only car? I ask this because if I purchased the Z, it would be my only car, so I want to know if it has enough space to be somewhat convenient. Thanks Guys!

I bought the G35 because it DID have a backseat, so I may not have the best advice for the 2 seat Z. I must say that the backseat has come in handy on more than one occasion in the last 2 months since I got it, but after driving trucks and vans all my life, I must say there is not a lot I can buy at Costco. There will never be much room for big stuff, and you will always be borrowing a car from someone else to get bigger items. I love the car though. I like having something quick and sporty, and every now and again I catch someone looking over at the car and get a little swell of pride. As for practical? I am getting pretty shitty mileage. Right now I'm averaging 18 or so. That's less than the sticker said. I try to keep my foot out of it, but maybe that's just me. So,..for increasing gas costs, no it's not practical. For hauling things or people around, no it's not practical. Is it fun to have and drive? Yes. Am I glad I bought it? Yes.

[ra227]

yeah I originally wanted the G35, but out here in Cali., with the cars being so popular, both the G35 and the 350 are hard to bargain down. I would love to get the G35 but the 350 falls within my price range. I would prefer to have a new car or one with low miles and like I said with the popularity of the G35, used cars can go for almost the same as a new one, unless it has high mileage or is a 2003 or lower model or both.

[<SSR>David]

I drive a 2003 350z as a daily driver. I am a college student in southern california so I guess that is the reason why I am comfortable driving the 350z. I only have to drive my girlfriend around and sometimes a friend. But if you are a family man, of course the answer is go with the G35. Yes I do feel like the 350z was worth every penny, but with the lawsuit against nissan for their 350z models, currently I am not too sure. ( Somewhere in this forum about the lawsuit ) The car has a lot of power straight from the box, and has a great potential to have more power with some aftermarket gadgets. I would like to have more space in the trunk and such but it isn't so bad. The rear strut is "almost" impossible to take out because it is with the frame of the car. As I said before the car is a good daily driver car if you are a single person. If you have to drive a lot of people around then the G35 is your car. If you are not too sure go with the G35, but if you are sure about what you want then go with the 350z. The fairlady Z is an awsome car. ^^

[ra227]

I am not single but I am a college student just like yourself, although not full time. I do not carry a lot of people and do not plan on it either. I have a 95 2 dr civic with a very small back seat that I never use, except for holding my work boots on the floor and my work uniforms on the seat. Like you I would only really be driving my girlfriend with me. When I go out I usually do not take my car if I have more than two people anyway, I just always had that option you know. I really like this car, can't quite afford a G35 new, and with the money I have I rather get a new car than a used 2 or 3 yr old g35. Thank for your input You seem to closely resemble the type of lifestyle I do.

[<SSR>David]

Thats a good thing. College life is one of the best I heard. =) If your life style resembles mine then the 350z is the one for you buddy =). Awsome car =) Sure your girl would like the passenger seat also, good ride.

[ra227]

Yeah, my girl likes the car. She loves the G35 like me but like I said its a bit too much. She wants to drive whatever I get, out of the Z or G35, but....I don't know about that...were both used to Civic power and have a lot to get used to with the Z. Thanks for the info. though.
Does anyone know if the 2006 models will have any decent upgrades worth waiting for.

[jhansanG35]

i have a 2004 G35 coupe and do not have any complaints...I love the thing!!! I originally wanted to go with the 350Z but the G35, even though it is more money, was worth every penny!!! I now have the convenience, if ever needed, to hold extra passengers with the back seat. I put 19" Volk staggered wheels and installed Tein suspension and the car handles great...moreover, I do not feel as cramped as I would have in a 350Z. But I guess it's all personal preference.