Replace a CTS-V with...... What?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Do you prefer AWD porsches?

[Bubba1]

Do you prefer AWD porsches?

Nope, and I've driven a few of them. I don't hate AWD Porsches, in fact they're very impressive. I prefer my Porsches to be rear engined, aircooled, skinny tired, no electronic nannies, no flappy paddles.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Well then you can come hang out too. Meet @ Middlesex diner

Bring fruit.

[Jesda]

34k?!
I think I could get you into a brand new one for less than that. Did you ask them about VPP pricing?

^^^^^

[elwesso]

34k was already under invoice according to them.

I went and drove the 911 though yesterday. More on that later (when I procure an actual keyboard and not a phone)

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Unless the thing was fully loaded (and even then I doubt it tips 34k), or a convertible, they are wrong.
www.insidenissan.com
Really all you should want would be the base Z with a sports package to get you the rev-match trans and a limited slip diff.

[RicerX]

Z prices have skyrocketed for 2013. I briefly considered doing a VPP and trading my 40th for a Sport/Touring 2013 in white or blue. The same configuration used to cost $38,xxx MSRP and now it's $42,xxx MSRP.

In MY2012, they added a factory oil cooler to the mix, but I also blame the strength of the yen against the dollar, which would also apply to the increase of the GT-R pricing over the years while the pricing of other Nissan models remain stagnant as they're produced in North America.

As far as $34k for the '11... all I can say is that it'd better be a Sport + Touring + Nav. And a $2,000 off coupon in the glovebox.

[elwesso]

It was just a sport + touring

I'm pursuing the 911 right now if it falls through I'll consider the Z heavier. I'm guessing it won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

[Mr1der]

Boss 302. like a boss.

[nissangirl74]

have you picked a replacement yet?

[gwoods]

I heard he bought a 348 Ferrari

[krash]

I heard he bought a Smart car

[Kompresshun]

I heard he made a late night deal in a dark alley for a slightly used and dented Leaf.

[Jesda]

I heard he bought a 348 Ferrari

Or 348 Ferraris



REAL TALK: Fingers crossed for 911.

[gwoods]

he didn't suck it out of a hose did he? (south park)

[elwesso]

The scoop is that I was looking at a 2011 Z, still brand new at the local dealer. Silver/black, 6sp w/ rev-up, sport and touring, so pretty good for what I wanted. The MSRP was 38k, they offered me 34,6k for the car, and I offered them 32k. They didn't take the offer, and didn't counter anything. Realistically the car will still likely be there in Feb or March so if nothing else materializes until then I might be able to re-negotiate. For me, 2010-2011 Z's that are CPO can be had for high 20s, and they still have a nissan warranty, so why would I pay more just to have one brand new?

The 911 turbo is probably still on the table, he wants 38k for it so I could probably get it for 37k with some good negotiating.

The thing about the Z was it was a good car, I really enjoyed it when I drove it but the 911 is no comparison. I could live with the Z for 32k (or 5-6k less than the 911), but for 2k difference I still think I'd rather have the 911, despite being 12 years old...

[WDRacing]

Then buy what you want...why settle?

[gwoods]

Get the Porsche never look back....

[elwesso]

The major issue I had with the porsche is a little more serious though, which was it's lack of legroom. I can't fully extend my left leg even with the seat all the way back, and I'm concerned it wouldn't be the most comfortable ride.

[IBCoupe]

How many hours do you plan to spend in this car, and how many years do you plan to keep it?

[elwesso]

Well the thing about the 911 is it's likely to hold it's value over the next year or two, so if I had to flip it I could. I would say at a minimum I'd be driving it on my 1 hour commute to work, and possibly on road trips, so I'd want it to be reasonably comfortable to be in for 3-6 hours at a time.

[IBCoupe]

How much time have you spent in the car with your leg in that position? If you've had a 10-minute test drive and you can't get comfortable then, I'm not sure that you're going to want an hour-long drive every workday (and longer on the weekends) for the next year or two (or more).

Do you think that, given enough time in the car, you'd find a comfortable position? How much was the discomfort related to simply being in an unfamiliar car?

[RicerX]

From the sound of how often you'll be driving whatever you buy, you won't be flipping either one. Mileage matters in a Z, and mileage matters even more in a Porsche with respect to resale value.

From my personal experience, I've driven 18 hours straight minus pee breaks in a 2011 Dodge Charger V6 and was pretty tired upon arrival. I've driven 5 hours straight on the interstate in my Z and was almost as tired. The Z is comfortable... for a sports car. I imagine the 911 is a bit less plush as far as comfort for a long trip. I would definitely not be able to drive to home in NY with so few breaks in the Z. It would likely take me almost twice as long to get there. Don't know why, but I was just beat after driving it on a longer road trip. I'm 5'8" and 155lbs and in pretty decent shape. Maybe you have a higher tolerance for that kind of driving than I do, maybe not. I can tell you this, I have another car to drive and I will never be taking the Z on a long road trip because of that. The Z is an ideal second car for me and my lifestyle (hard to fit a hockey bag or a drum kit in a Z). Some of my friends drive only a Z.

I would very much recommend finding a friend with one to take a longer test drive in whatever you decide. Eventually in whatever you buy, the honeymoon phase will be over and you won't have that initial "ERHMEGHERD PERSCHE" feeling to compensate for whatever discomfort you may feel driving it long distances.

As far as legroom, my buddy with his '12 370Z is 6'4" and has zero issues with his ability to get comfortable and his only other ride is a crotch rocket. There is a good amount of legroom with the Z.

Just some food for thought. Either replacement option is gonna be an awesome car. Lots of fun to drive and you'll turn heads with either one. However, that said, neither one is going to be as good on a commute as a CTS-V.

[IBCoupe]

^ What he said.

[frapjap]

The major issue I had with the porsche is a little more serious though, which was it's lack of legroom. I can't fully extend my left leg even with the seat all the way back, and I'm concerned it wouldn't be the most comfortable ride.

I have this issue with my Miata. When I'm on the highway for a long trip, there are a few things I do to be more comfortable- depending on the distance to be traveled.
1. Take off my shoes. You can easily gain 1-2" of space this way. This is my typical solution.
2. Remove the dead pedal. I've done this a time or two.
3. With shoes removed (or without depending on the type of shoes), put left foot behind the clutch pedal. Its pretty easy to get your foot back out from under it.
4. Snug up the small of your back with the seat bottom and seat back. Sometimes a thin pillow/lumbar control is helpful here.

[elwesso]

How the two cars compared in terms of room was surprising to me. The Z had kind of limited headroom (although adequate for me) but lots of legroom. The 911 had plenty of headroom but not so much legroom.

I would have thought it would have been the opposite, considering German people are typically much taller than Japanese.

I do realize neither is going to be as comfortable as my Q on long trips. In my Q the limiting factor is the size of the gas tank, I can easily drive all 400 miles the tank can get me without stopping.

[WDRacing]

I didn't have a ton of leg room in my Miata. But I'm very...make that VERY, glad I owned one. The fun factor totally trumped a little bit of uncomfortable for me. I spent lots of time in that car, driving it around just to drive it around.

[Bubba1]

Well the thing about the 911 is it's likely to hold it's value over the next year or two, so if I had to flip it I could. I would say at a minimum I'd be driving it on my 1 hour commute to work, and possibly on road trips, so I'd want it to be reasonably comfortable to be in for 3-6 hours at a time.

Unless you buy it for a deep discount, the Turbo is gonna depreciate on you pretty quickly. Heck, that's why it's in your price range now. It's not going to become collectible any time soon. Now If you want a modern 911 that's more likely to hold it's value, you might want to look at a 993.

[nissangirl74]

I know you've already said No, but I really think you should re-consider the Vette. Unbelievably comfortable, tons of room, the performance is unbeatable, they are cheap to mod, and their forums are spectacular. You mentioned that it seemed like a mid-life crisis car: you own a Q45 and a CTS-V, neither of which are exactly targeted to your age group. Just throwing that out there. Also, something no one has really mentioned: I would think that you would feel cramped in the Z on a track day while wearing a helmet, especially if you feel like you have limited headroom as it is.

[elwesso]

Bex unfortunately you make a good point..