GTI or 350Z?

Question

I own a six month old 2006 VW GTI. I've recently fallen in love with the Nissan 350Z. And as much as I've put into my GTI and have enjoyed it, it's kinda pissing me off. Electronic malfunctions specifically. I've read (on Yahoo! Answers no less) that Nissan is THE most reliable car manufacturer out right now. The GTI is bought and paid for and I'll get about 20,000 for it after taking out the subs and amps and selling them on the side. So i'll have relatively low payments. I'm hoping maybe some Z owners can give me some recommendations. How the pain at the pump is, is the thrill worth the lack of room? Things like that. I learned stick in my GTI and now I'm hooked. I looooove performance. I'm starting to form an addiction. Sub question: Any other reccommendations? P.S. I just got married and we just bought her an 06 RSX Type-S, so money is a factor. Thanks for your time guys. Let the battle commence.

Answer 1

I say if you love the 350Z go for it. They are pretty decent cars. I don't have much experience with the gti so i'm not sure how they compare. The trick is to find a dealer with old stock, a good time to shop is now. When I was shopping for mine this summer the dealer still had 2 05's on the lot, I talked them down because they needed to move them. The total cost of the car after taxes and charges was 23K, and these were just leftover stock that hadn't sold, they gave me the new warrenty. So if you can get 20K for your gti, look around at the nissan dealers in your area and don't be afraid to shop around. Find an 06 or 05 and you should be able to pick it up for cheap.

Answer 2

I am in a similar situation right now. I have a 2005 Acura TL and I would like something faster. Unlike you I am totally over a stick, I've driven one for 10 years, and they don't interest me any more.

If you want more space than the 350Z there is that Mitsubishi Evo or the Subaru WRX. Those have some crazy performance and are not available in an automatic.

I have nothing but good things to say about Nissan. I drove an Altima from new for 68,000 miles and other than new tires the only other maintenance bill I had was $20 to clean the battery.

I've driven the 350Z and loved the performance and handling. I am still a little wary of buying a sports car with no storage space in it. But I've tested an Audi TT, Porsche Boxter, BMW Z3, and none come close to all round appeal of the 350Z. The TT has more space, the Boxter is more of a true sports car, the BMW seems too small. The 350Z is fun and awesome to look at. Although having owned an Acura the interior seems a little basic and plastic.

Personally I am very excited about the new 2007 Nissan Altima. 270BHP and 258 ft lb of torque with CVT. But like I said, I am looking for something a little different to you.

Ignore those telling you to get a Mustang or a GTO. If you buy a so called American car (most are outsourced and made in Mexico now), you will lose your a55 in depreciation. What good is a car if when you come to sell it, it is worthless? How will you be able to afford your next car? I trade at LEAST every three years, so I couldn't possibly afford to buy something that was going to plummet like a stone as soon as I drive it off the lot.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Well I know what you mean by watercooled VW's being a pain in the butt in terms of their reliability. I owned many a watercooled VW's in my day from a supercharged vr6 corrado, to a 16valve markII GTI, each one of them were plagued by numerous gremlins. Anyhow, as for the 350z, indeed the car is quite reliable as well as fun. The engine, a VQ35de has quite a lot of potential, and is the base for which the new Nissan GTR will be built upon, although beit the engine will be overbored and turbo'ed. As far as the driving experience goes, the chassis,engine and transmission seem well suited towards long straight highways rather than narrow canyon roads. In many respects this car reminds me more of an American sports car than other more nimble Japanese sports cars. However, if the type of performance driving you enjoy is blasting down the highway at full speed, you are perhaps better off buying a used corvette, but then again corvettes aren't always noted for their long term reliability, or practicality.
Some other cars that I would suggest would be the lancer evolution,Subaru wrx STI. The reason I say this is because if you decide to start modifying your car, you will typically spend more money and receive less in terms of increased power output modifying a NA engine, whereas a turbo engine you really dont have to spend that much as well as modify too much to get a significant power increase. On that note if you are not opposed to used cars look at a supra twin turbo, in terms of its driving characterisitcs it is more in line with a 350z, but being that it is turbo, it is easy to squeeze extra power out of this engine, not to mention the supras engine is a time tested, reliable,strong powerplant. As an example just go to ebay, and notice that most of the supras posted here have well over 500hp, and are priced below the $20,000 price range. However, I wouldnt go for it, I would look for a used supra from a more mature driver, and then spend the money to build up the engine.

Answer 4

I work for Nissan and bought the 2006 Pontiac GTO. Not because the 350Z is a slouch but because I work on the car every day and need more different challenges. Sway Bars, SLP exhaust. GMM gearshift, K&N cold air intake, And predatior programer and now needing wider tires to bring the 421 horsepower to the road. The Z with Nismo wheels Yokohama track tires and track model 30 anneversary Z with Brembo brakes Headers lightened flywheel high flow cats and Nismo exhaust is track ready. Either way expect to be out about 43k GTO or 48K nissan 350 Z . Darn the horsepower! Torque Rules?

Answer 5

out of the first two, definitly go with the Z...even though the GTi isn't a bit*h the performance of the z/g35 is incredible(but they are doughnut machines)

If you could afford a WRX/STi or EVO either one will blow ur mind...other options would be a to go wit some older american power houses like camaro/firebird, or stick with the forign market and look into 3000gt vr-4s, supras or if your real lucky a skyline...

my personal expierance has convinced me to stay away from most honda motors...require way too much time and money to bring up to the standards of the cars built to do so...but i will say if u can find anything thats type-r or is running a turbo/super charger...try it out..youu might like

sorry if i'm not a help

jeff

Answer 6

in my view if I had 12K, i might in all probability decide for a Nissan 200SX S15 you are able to p.c.. one up for around 6-7K rear wheel tension flow vehicle! Then i might spend something on a VW golf Gti as a on a daily basis commute.

Answer 7

hey,you can modified your wife's car.ok,350z is a rear wheel drive while gti is front wheel drive.if you like 350z,you can buy it,but if you want to modified it,you cannot sell your gti's car.you already spent about twenty thousand dollar to customize it.if you customize 350z,you can spent more than 50+thousand.ok?

Answer 8

Id go for another RSX-S or a ford mustang GT/Foose design :)

nissan is OK. not the greatest..many problems..not worth the $$

but VW is worst!

Answer 9

Yea go with the 350Z

Answer 10

360Z has GREAT PRICE in its class to be able to compete w/ porsches as you might know. my friend has one and DRives!