New and proud owner of a 2k2 but maybe I should have waited for the new 350Z

http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/pr_...0z/photos.html

and if you think thats bad take a look at this:

http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/pr_...z/pricing.html

 

If I didn't have a wife and a kid...I would definetly go for the new Z.

 

Here's my post on the Gen forum with Pics!

 

I'll be signing up for an Enthusiast model to replace my 2K Altima. I've already priced it out online at $29,495 with the aero package. I have a wife and two kids ... but that's what the Maxima is for.

 

I showed a couple of people the new updated pics of the 350Z and asked them #2 simple questions:

1. How much they thought it costs?

2. Who do they think makes it?

Some of the replies I got were:

Out of my price range...

Porche

I'm cheap, so about 50,000+???

I don't know but I want one...

When I first started this post; I mentioned that I was "thinking" of the new Z but in all actuallity it turns out I am only dreaming...

 

I feel bad for you man, the new Z is evil, if I didn't have 3 kids I would have to buy it. I have a fealing the initial demand will out number the supply. I suspect dealers will gouge people for at least 3 to 6 months.

 

Sorry about all the kids,I'm getting one for sure.

 

I want the new Z too, but I've been thinking, Nissan says they're giving you $50K performance for under $30K. That means something else is going to suffer for quality. Since they're using the same VQ35DE engine and probably the same transmission from the 2K2 Maxima, it looks like they're not skimping there. So what will they skimp on? Maybe a plasticky interior like on the Altima? Maybe cheap internal components, audio components, or suspension parts? These fears are tempering my overwhelming desire for Summer\Fall 2002 to roll around so I can have this car. Hopefully these concerns will keep me from going crazy waiting for the car to be available.

 

I'll be at the NAIAS (Detroit auto show) a week from tomorrow. They'll have one there, and presumably it will be pretty dang close to production trim, so I'll get some good shots and try to get close enough to get a tactile (touchy/feely) impression of the interior.

 

The 350Z is rear wheel drive, which means the 6 speed cannot be the same as the Maxima 6 speed. I cannot speak to the materials used in the 350Z interior, but the pics I've seen make the leather AND cloth look like really good quality, and the dash/radio controls/etc plastic quality also look good, although you really can't tell until you see it in person. As far as the styling for the dash goes, I think that's subjective. It looks pretty retro so some may love it while others hate it. The 350Z uses an all new all aluminum multilink suspension. That type of suspension type is regarded as the best performing, all-around best suspension available on any car today. The 350Z suspension is top-notch.

Personally, I would wait until fall or winter to get a 350Z. There will be price gouging when the car first comes out. Prices should be more reasonable about 6 months after the car is first released, although I'd still expect to pay MSRP. That's better than $5000 markups and such that may happen when the car first comes out.

 

Keep us informed-I'm looking forward to the STL auto show..Should be the end of this month/beginning of Feb...I would think they would have a Z on display there.

Trevor

 

I hope the new Z is as high quality as you think it will be. I plan on getting one myself, but I'm holding my breath on quality. Sure the pictures make it look great, but that's still a show car model of the car (was it even driveable or was it stationary?). So what you see now may not be what you actually get in summer 2002. Looking at it logically, Nissan is offering a $50K-performing car for under $30K. So they have to either be losing a lot of money on this car, or they're saving money by skimping on parts.

 

as I remember, the early auto mag reports on pre-production models said the suspension was not as tight as they (the writer) hoped. It was still being tuned. They said they expected it to be much improved/polished before the actual production models. so who knows. They seem to have everything they need to make it a nimble car.

as for price.. yeah, there's a kicker. I want one of those things pretty badly, but...
1. never again will I put a deposit on a Nissan that I havent fully inspected, so ordering/waiting list is out of the question.
2. with resale, I wouldn't ever pay much more than invoice on any nissan. regardless.. period. Even MSRP is iffy. And we all know they will be asking a few thousand over MSRP for the first year.

I guess one of you guys can have mine Maybe I'll get a s2000 now that they have rear glass and are selling at MSRP now.