Newbie Need some Advice

[pcharoe1]

Not sure if I'm posting in the right section. If so mods please move it.

Hi everyone, my name is Pete and I am 19 years old. First of all I have to apologize if my post contains a lot of grammar errors or wrong spelling, because I am an international student studying in the U.S. I have been reading on this website for quite awhile now. I always wanted a subaru wrx STi, but I found a very good deal on a 2006 350z. My parents are giving me $23k max for a new car. Before I only wanted a subaru WRX STi MY2005 or MY2006, but lately I have been looking into the 350Z as well. The price of the Z compared to the STi (same year) seems to be a lot lower. Here is the part where I need opinion from you guys and gals.

1). I did some research on the Z also, but have not read anything greatly in details, but it seem like the Z would be easier to service than the STi?

2). Is STi more sophisticated than the Z in terms of regular maintenance?

It would be nice to help my parents save some money too in this economy, but I always wanted the STi. On the side note I will not track the car or go to the strip. The car will be my DD for groceries and some road trip during my college years here in the U.S.I know that both of these cars are in a totally different class, but I just can't decide. Also, this will be my second car. Last weekend I test drove both cars. One was a 05 Subaru WRX Sti, and another one is an 04 350Z (of course manual). I love both, and would like to own both but I don't have the money, so I have to make a decision.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated,

Thanks

p.s. I live in Arizona, so 4wd is not necessary.

[xjmxstac]

THE CAR WILL BE MY DD FOR GROCERIES and some road trip during my college years here in the U.S.

I'd go with the STI, more room for Costco shopping!On the downside, less attractive, gas guzzler, and high maintenance(subjectively speaking).

[spitalul2bad]

If it's a daily driver, get the STI. You'll save yourself a lot of headaches with the Z when stuff won't fit in it.

Did you notice you only have 2 seats versus the 5 seats in the STI? That should've made the decision for you right there.

Still, if 2 seats are ok, and you're not betting on the car to handle luggage and friends like a minivan, get the Z.

[bmike818]

Welcome!

either way both cars cost a pretty penny to service, with the STI being a little bit more expensive.

Why not look at modified examples of the car? Since you can not make your decision in stock form, I would look down the road and see what look you like better. Both cars are fun to drive.

[pcharoe1]

I'd go with the STI, more room for Costco shopping!On the downside, less attractive, gas guzzler, and high maintenance(subjectively speaking).

Thank you guys for the fast reply. I live by myself, room for groceries will not be a problem for both cars. But I live in a dorm, and most likely will be moving once every year. Last year I had a MY2002 mitsubishi galant, and when I moved it took me atleast 3 trips to get all my stuff anyways. So I will not consider space as an issue for this debate.I am just scare that if I get the STi and see the Z on the street I will regret it. And if I get the Z and see the STi on the street I will regret that also.

Here is my conclusion on both cars when I test drove it.

STI: 1). Boxer 4, stock tubo charged 4wd 2). The engine sounds great 3). The hood scoop looks sexy from the driver point of view 4). Turbo lag, (very minute) 5). boy racer look but the car is attractive to me 6). scare of the maintenance cost, because there are so many other things I need to be aware of. I am no mechanic either. 7). Got quoted on the insurance. $172 a month full coverageZ : 1). Engine sounds great also 2). overall body lines, the car looks a lot better than the STi 3). no turbo lag, instance torque 4). driving position is not as good as the Sti 5). some how the rear view mirror is pretty hard to see the car behind (or I didn't adjust it well enough?) 6). Insurance is cheaper. $20 a month. Got quoted for $152 a month full coverage

Conclusion: I will save money with the Z no matter what, but is it worth saving those couple grand?

Could you guys give me some information on what to look for when buying a used Z? I searched the forum, but nothing specific came up on a used Z buyer's guide.

p.s. I do not have any big plan to mod the car.

[marlin29311]

The Z is more of a "2nd" car in my opinion - that's the reason I got my altima coupe over it. I loved every test drive I took in the Z, but I just couldn't bring myself to have a 2 seater with little cargo space as my main car. If you aren't bugged by that, definatly go with the Z - sexier body styling, and less negative appeal.

If you want something close to the Z in terms of appeal and performance, try buing a used G35 coupe - you get most of the benefits of the Z with a rear seat....

I'm just not an STI fan in any way. Probably because everyone that i've ever seen driving one has been a giant douche. Good car, bad persona...

Go Z or G.

[Gumby Gone Wild]

I've gone grocery shopping with the Z, and didn't have much of a problem. But, luggage wise I don't think it would be too sensible. I love both the Sti and Z, and still want an STi everytime I see one, but I think that'll happen with either of your choices. Like marlin suggested, did you think of a used G? That's one thing I wish I had considered. It kind of sucks at times only being able to drive one friend with you. But, it is a Z, so I get over it quick!

[dasoupdude]

2). Is STi more sophisticated than the Z in terms of regular maintenance?

p.s. I live in Arizona, so 4wd is not necessary.

Yeah right, thats like comparing the maintenance sophistication of a Lexus SC430 and a Kia you bought off some sort of random used car lot.

[pcharoe1]

Yeah right, thats like comparing the maintenance sophistication of a Lexus SC430 and a Kia you bought off some sort of random used car lot.

so does that mean the STI is more sophisticated than the Z?

Thats how I interpreted your post, sorry if i'm wrong.

[pcharoe1]

I've gone grocery shopping with the Z, and didn't have much of a problem. But, luggage wise I don't think it would be too sensible. I love both the Sti and Z, and still want an STi everytime I see one, but I think that'll happen with either of your choices. Like marlin suggested, did you think of a used G? That's one thing I wish I had considered. It kind of sucks at times only being able to drive one friend with you. But, it is a Z, so I get over it quick!

I have looked into the G as well, but it is too luxurious for my age. It is not the type of car I want to drive right now. I test drove a 2007 G35 S (sedan) also, it is out of my price range, but I wanted to give it a shot. At the end I did not need the luxury that the G has to offer. There are 2 things I did not like about the G sedan. One the exhaust note is not as loud as the G coupe or the Z. Two it is a an automatic gear box with paddle shift, I want a manual 6 sp.

I'm so lost and scare to make a decision, because I do not want to regret later or waste my time selling one car and trying to get another.

Keep the opinions coming guys I need it!!! Thx

[rmezz13]

I personally would rather have an EVO than an STI. You could find an evo8 for less than $23k. The 4g63 has been around awhile and there are a lot of parts for it (aftermarket) and its AWD and looks way better than an STi and are fast... Look at performance shops like Bushar and AMS that have sub 9 second evo8's with 1000+whp. I have never seen an STi with those numbers... EVO over STi and 350Z over STi....

[Gumby Gone Wild]

I'm so lost and scare to make a decision, because I do not want to regret later or waste my time selling one car and trying to get another.

Keep the opinions coming guys I need it!!! Thx

I was scared out of my mind when I signed the papers for my Z. It's the first car I've ever financed. But, I think no matter which way you go you'll be happy. If you really loved both the cars you won't regret your decision. You will find certain things you don't like about either vehicle, but the pros will surey outweigh the cons. I know I've loved every second of my Z! Best of luck with the choice!

[R350Zz33]

i say go z im 17 my z is my dd and i dont have any problems seeing its a great driving position and everything only had to tilt the rear vie up a lil so i can see out the back window while under acceleration. i love the sti also but the evo 8 mr is amazing

[dasoupdude]

i say go z im 17 my z is my dd and i dont have any problems seeing its a great driving position

its cause you drive auto

I enjoy and like my 6mt but we all have our fair share and list of complaints. (refer to what I dislike about the 350z thread)

so does that mean the STI is more sophisticated than the Z?

Thats how I interpreted your post, sorry if i'm wrong.

Other way around then you've got it.

I personally would rather have an EVO than an STI. You could find an evo8 for less than $23k. The 4g63 has been around awhile

EJ25 has been around for a while as well, don't forget about the GC8!!

The thing about me is, for some weird reason I just dislike traversed motors and transmissions.

Look at performance shops like Bushar and AMS that have sub 9 second evo8's with 1000+whp. I have never seen an STi with those numbers... EVO over STi and 350Z over STi....

darnit. you must have not seen this vid befores.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...lated

[Beancooker]

The G has a great sound, once you throw a "Z-Tube" on it. It's the intake tube from the Z, and makes the car sound the same. Remember, the Z and the G have the same engines and exhaust. The intake pipe makes a huge difference in sound.

You can get a G35 in a 6MT.

I won't have a two seater, so that's why I bought the G. It's a little heavier than the Z, but it has the same engine, transmission, suspension etc.

The EVO or STI will be a little more sophisticated to maintain than the Z or G, because the Nissan is naturally aspirated, and the STI and EVO are both turbocharged.

[dasoupdude]

Do you have the Nissan cover on your steering wheel as well, or is it still the Infiniti?

[rmezz13]

The G has a great sound, once you throw a "Z-Tube" on it. It's the intake tube from the Z, and makes the car sound the same. Remember, the Z and the G have the same engines and exhaust. The intake pipe makes a huge difference in sound.

You can get a G35 in a 6MT.

I won't have a two seater, so that's why I bought the G. It's a little heavier than the Z, but it has the same engine, transmission, suspension etc.

The EVO or STI will be a little more sophisticated to maintain than the Z or G, because the Nissan is naturally aspirated, and the STI and EVO are both turbocharged.

AH! i forgot completely about the G... they also have a G35x which is an AWD sedan, only in automatic though.

[R350Zz33]

there is nothing wrong with automatic.

[Beancooker]

Do you have the Nissan cover on your steering wheel as well, or is it still the Infiniti?

Still Infiniti. It's about $750 for the steering wheel cover, since it also has the airbag in it. Aside of that, it is near impossible to get the matching steering wheel cover, since it hasto be shipped as a Japanese part (Skyline part) which hasn't met safty inspection in the US, therefore, no company I have found will ship it from JDM land. So my only other option is to change out the wheel to a 350z wheel, but then it wouldn't look right. So it'll just stay Infiniti, or at least until I wreck the car and the airbag deploys.

there is nothing wrong with automatic.

Yes there is. It doesn't have a clutch, it sucks more power from the engine, and well, it's an autotragic.

[BusyBadger]

Yes there is. It doesn't have a clutch, it sucks more power from the engine, and well, it's an autotragic.

But he does save a lot of time by not having to work on his heel-toe technique.

[JDMZ32]

there is nothing wrong with automatic.

you say that cuz you can't drive stick. if you knew how, and you did drive one at least once, you wouldn't say this.

First of all I have to apologize if my post contains a lot of grammar errors or wrong spelling, because I am an international student studying in the U.S.

it's better than most americans lol. i actually didn't notice anything wrong with it. as for the cars, i'd pick the Z just cuz i'm a Z fan. but if you've wanted an STi for a very, very long time, maybe you SHOULD get that one. as for being a DD, i have no problem with my Z32 and that's lower profile-ish than the Z33, IMO. i also love the sports car look. you know what you should REALLY do? get a really really nice 300ZX TT for $14,000 (username sampsonJ wants to sell his and it's nice) and use the other $10,000 or so to make it absolutely amazing. or just save it. or invest it in the stock market. but that might be a bad idea right now. hmm...

[pcharoe1]

I have decided!!!!!! Thank you all for your opinions and posts. After serveral days of thoughts, I came to a conclusion that I will get the Z. First of all, with the two choices I am making as one member stated earlier I can't be disappointed, so I have decided to get the Z.One reason being that my parents are buying it for me, and I feel bad for them already paying for my tuition. 2. I talked to my parents about the Z being a 2 seater car, and they said it is no problem because they are not planing to visit me anytime soon, if so they can rent a car. 3. I live by my self, i don't need the big trunk of the STi. 4. I am no mechanic, and don't have much idea about fixing up cars etc. So, if something goes wrong with the STi, i have to take it to the stealership. 5. I am not planing on putting any major mod on both cars, just basic bolts on. 6. This will be my 2nd car, so I have decided that I can get a STi later when I graduated and have a job. 7. The Z with the same year is a lot cheaper than the STiAnd the biggest reason of all is that my Insurance rate for the Z is $20 a month cheaper than the STi.

With my choice, I have some questions about the Z now (sorry if some of this have been discussed before if so just ignore the questions).

1). If I change the exhaust for the Z, do I need to flash the ECU? Such as buying the COBB AcessPort.

2). Would the COBB AP void my warrenty?

3). What should I look for when buying a used Z? I want the car to be BONE stock, and never moded either.

Now i'm going to hunt for a Pikes Peak White 2006/2007 Zed.

Again, thanks you all for your opinion and advice.

Pete

[Burtonboarder950]

great choice buddy you'll enjoy it. I just bought a used Z and am loving it. All you need to look for is carfax (vehicle history report) and to make sure that it was never in any accidents. Make sure a mechanic checks it out before you buy it and the rest is just up to your taste! Good luck and keep us updated!

[R350Zz33]

please don't call it a zed its a Z.and i can drive stick who said i cant? who ever you got that info from is wrong,you should inform them and get your info elsewhere.

[BusyBadger]

please don't call it a zed its a Z.

Read and educate yourself. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zed

[Gumby Gone Wild]

Congratulations on your choice man! I know you'll love it, as we all do! And Pikes Peak White, amazing color! I wish mine was PPW.

[xjmxstac]

please don't call it a zed its a Z.and i can drive stick who said i cant? who ever you got that info from is wrong,you should inform them and get your info elsewhere.

So why did you get an auto again? You should read that link...while you're at it read the entire web site. You seem to be in desperate need of some education.

To the OP: Good choice! I'm confident that you will enjoy it! Welcome in advance!
Modified by xjmxstac at 12:19 PM 10/6/2008

[marlin29311]

please don't call it a zed its a Z.and i can drive stick who said i cant? who ever you got that info from is wrong,you should inform them and get your info elsewhere.

who called it a Zed? Either way, that's what it's called buddy. http://www.nissanusa.com/z reload it a couple times and you'll see a little slogan talking about "Zed."

Congrats on your decision!

[JDMZ32]

please don't call it a zed its a Z.

[Watermelonwarrior]

please don't call it a zed its a Z.

Maybe you should get your information elsewhere...