Help me out, 04 Max or Z?

[MinisterofDOOM]

Okay, guys. My '93 Max died and I'm pretty sure she's going to go for good within the next year or so (or maybe less). I need to buy a new car, so I have decided to start putting some money away for a brand new Nissan. I am trying to decide whether I should go for the Z33 or the new Max. I'd probably be getting a still-new year-old model (you know what I mean, right?) so I can save some money. But what I need to know are some of the details of Z ownership. What did you guys pay for your Zs? What is your insurance like? How are the maintenance costs (as bad as with a Z32?)? I can get a lot of information from Nissan's site, but I'd rather hear what actual owners have to say about it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go for the Z, since I am single and have no need for more than two seats and mainly want a fun car, but one that will still work as a daily driver.

Thanks for any input!

[PalmerWMD]

1) I'd probably be getting a still-new year-old model (you know what I mean, right?) so I can save some money. 2)What did you guys pay for your Zs? 3) What is your insurance like? 4)How are the maintenance costs (as bad as with a Z32?)? I can get a lot of information from Nissan's site, but I'd rather hear what actual owners have to say about it. 5)but one that will still work as a daily driver.

1) Yes it can mean that, but the VQ35de which new the Max (and the Z)has is a very reliable powerplant.but first year probs still occur, for example the the 03 Z (first year) had some teething problems.2)I paid $28.3 k for a 2004.5 (yes there is asmall distinction to the 04's) production date 06/04 in 09/04.It is Daytona Blue 6 Speed Enthusiast, with the Aluminum kick plates, fancy floormat and trunkcarpet option and the Areo package.MSRP was $29,900.3) Actually it was lower than I thought in Lousiville 37 year old male with risk ( i think), I pay $185 per month for the 94 Q45t and the 2004 Z , the Z has full coverage comp collsion ect, $500 deductible and teh Q liability only.,I just dropped the Q and the price dropped some, but I dont remember by how much.4) Maintenance I think will be much lower, for one its naturally aspirated and engine is based on a widely produced engine the VQ. Its also being sold in larger number s than teh old Z was which will make for better availability of used parts years down the road.The VQ engine is common enough, a lot of techs know it and there is also a lot more room under the hood.5) I sold my 2 otehr cars and use the Z as a daily driver now.I am a big guy and when I wear my combat boots ( am in Army) it feels a bit small but otehr wise it perfect.The driving postion in this car is Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I have NEVER owned a car with better ergonomics and this is coming form a man who has owned a lot of nice imports.Even now after so many have been sold the car still atracts so many compliments where ever I go.

The aftermarket is also HUGE.

In summary:If you need 4 doors 4 seats and space, get the Man an awesome car.

If you dont and will likely stay single for the forseeable future get the Z.Not even close!

In my opinion its 90% of a $70,000 Porsche 911 for less than half the price.

I paid under 30 k for my brand new Z and folks always seem to think its a 35-40k car.

Fred..

PS: Xenons, Corbonfiber reinforced driveshaft, 6 Speed transmission, awesome bucket seats, all aluminum multi link suspension ala 70 k Porsches.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Sweet. Sounds like I might be able to pull this one off. My parents are really trying to talk me into getting a cheaper/older car but I really want a new car so it will last me a while. Right now the first thing on my list for a new car is milage, and I can get a Z33 with low miles fairly easily. I would just settle for a Z32TT but they are hard to find, expensive to maintain, would have high miles, and would cost so near to what a Z33 would, so I say its worth it to go for the 350z, and I don't think I'd regret it.