350Z as a daily driver (versus Accord)

[bloo dragon]

Hey guys, I'm considering an 08 350Z for use as a daily driver (for going to the store, post office, 800 mile trips to LA, etc). The other car I'm considering is a 09 Accord coupe 2.4L. I would like your feedback on the Z as a daily driver.

Important for me, in descending order, are:1. reliability2. practicality3. comfort4. performance

I know the Z wins for #4 but what about 1-3. I'm concerned about the small trunk.

How comfortable are the seats for driving 5 hrs nonstop?

[Mr. Z33]

I use mine as a dd. Knock on woods, but Ii havent had any problems with the Z. Gets really good mpg on the highway especially for a 6 cyl. Especially if you get leather the comfort is really good I would def recommend the Z over the accord!

[Watermelonwarrior]

Its only a problem if your having to carry large items. I mean sometimes im at the store and I want to buy something but then I know I have to come back with my moms car to pick it up. Otherwise I would say go for the Z

[bloo dragon]

How are the seats for 5 hrs of nonstop driving?
Modified by bloo dragon at 2:26 AM 4/20/2009

[aris_unlimited]

^^^ The seats are fine for prolonged drives. I drove to california and back for vacation in the Z last year. 9 hour trip 1 way and I wasn't too uncomfortable. Just getting out to stretch my legs every time I stopped for gas was enough for me.

[marlin29311]

I chose against the Z as a DD....there just wasn't enough cargo room for stuff like weekend trips to the shore, hockey bags, and the occasional need to bring a 3rd person along...hence why I went altima coupe. If you have another car that can handle these situations, the Z would make a great DD.

[Zedcar35]

Get the Z! I make regular 400+ mile trips in the Z, comfort is never a problem and I'm just over 6" tall.

The trunk has enough room for a bunch of grocery bags, up to 3 suitcases (the carry-on size), and some golf bags...not all at the same time of course.

[dasoupdude]

IMO, the 350z scores out 2 of the 4 (check marks on reliability and performance.) where the Accord would get a 4 out of 4.

How comfortable are the seats for driving 5 hrs nonstop?

I get worn out just driving for an hour, but maybe thats just me. But I really never experience fatigue as much if say, I were in a different car.

Friend of mine has the 06 coupe, I have driven it a few times. One of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven, it was pretty agile for being the regular 4 cyl. I would imagine that Honda's improvements with every new generation of Accords, would only remain stronger than the last.

But only a test drive can tell.

[maximus108]

1. Reliability: I love my Z but you can't touch Honda for reliability. Resale for the Accord will be better. 2. Practicaltiy: This one will go to the Accord. Even though they both have two doors the Honda has two more seats. They're pretty useless unless you want to do the nasty or something. Accord also has more cargo room too.

3. Comfort: Accord again. My friend has an '08 Accord coupe. I drove it and it's smooth. The ride is soft. The steering is effortless. He later drove my car and though that it didn't have power steering. The interior noise in a 350z gets to you during long trips. Actually it's more like music on short trips and noise on long trips.

4. Performance: 350Z FTMFW!!! Honda Accord you can't touch this!!!Accord V6 0-60 in 5.9'07 350z 0-60 in 5.2But it's not all about Acceleration. The handling of a Z is way better.

Here's the thing though. You know you love something when you're willing to put up with all of it's shortcomings. My Z isn't as reliable, practical, fuel efficient, or maybe even as fast as other cars but I got it and put up with it because I love it. One is a coupe and the other is a sports car. Go test drive an Accord then a Z. You'll see what you like better; a true sports car that turns heads, sounds awesome, is compared to cars costing thousands more: or an economy car.Arguably, when you drive an Accord it's more about the destination, getting from point A to point B. When you drive a Z it more about the journey.

[Watermelonwarrior]

I get worn out just driving for an hour, but maybe thats just me. But I really never experience fatigue as much if say, I were in a different car.

I get the same. My brother vette is way more comfortable to drive

[dasoupdude]

I get the same. My brother vette is way more comfortable to drive

Indeed, both the C5 and 6. I can imagine driving the Z for five hours nonstop would only initiate the process of rigor morits in my body.

yeah folks, its that bad for me sometimes.

On the other hand the 370z isn't as bad, it holds me like a baby.

I still cant get over the fact that a waste of a gauge pod was used as a clock.

[bloo dragon]

One is a coupe and the other is a sports car. Go test drive an Accord then a Z. You'll see what you like better; a true sports car that turns heads, sounds awesome, is compared to cars costing thousands more: or an economy car.Arguably, when you drive an Accord it's more about the destination, getting from point A to point B. When you drive a Z it more about the journey.

Thanks for your feedback. I'm sure the Z is more fun to drive but I already have a weekend car that's plenty fun and turns heads but it's a 2-seater and impractical. I'm leaning toward the Accord or Altima C for their comfort and practicality. The reason I suddenly considered the 350Z is because the 2008's are being discounted so heavily they're about the same price as a 2009 Accord coupe ($22500).

[dasoupdude]

Thanks for your feedback. I'm sure the Z is more fun to drive but I already have a weekend car that's plenty fun and turns heads but it's a 2-seater and impractical.

s2000??miata??

[xjmxstac]

Get a g37. You'll get your cargo space, and comfort on top of performance and fun factor.

[bmike818]

If you are getting a deal on a 2008 I say go for it. For the price, you can't beat the performance that you will get. You will have to sacrifice some comfort. I have a Touring and drive 60 miles just for work everyday. You get used to the car. IMO i like the way it rides, it's a sports car. If you want a sissy ride, go for the Accord.

[spitalul2bad]

Get a g37. You'll get your cargo space, and comfort on top of performance and fun factor.

makes sense. you'll get 370Z engine, instead of the 350Z one and practicality and comfort to boot.

[rmezz13]

practical DD is an accord. The Z is a toy but can be used as a DD but not very practical for that. If you are looking at an accord def look at the altima.

The seats are stiff, and the ride is stiffer but for some reason it stays comforting on the interstate and holds onto you tight in the corners. The ride is great, oddly enough. I've never driven it further than a 2 hour trip though....

In this situation, Accord (altima) FTW. IMHO

[ZedHead]

If your a bigger guy I cant see the Z bein a good daily driver

Tougher to get in and out of than an accord for sure

I dorve for 360 miles non stop, 5.5 maybe 6 hours and loved it. Decent mileage on the hwy too.

Whats your fun car you mentioned?

[dasoupdude]

Don't forget you can always make the z just as comfortable and luxurious as a G coupe, like this guy, who decided to put suede and gator skin on his seats.

You can even decide to add the optional katanas on your door panel for when you wander around at night.now you can fend off from unsuspecting ninjas which will hide in nearby bushes.

[alphapig]