WDWFreak53, car discussion

[garyhoov]

Have you driven a Z? Take the 350 out for a test drive (actually, I think they have officially dropped the '350' from the name). The GT-R is also in their 2008 vehicle lineup. I got the brochure at the auto show and it's in with the rest of them.

I like the way it makes you feel completely "wrapped in speed and performance."

Awesome...just an amazing vehicle.

For the money...you can't go wrong.

I drove one about a month ago. I liked it and would consider buying one, but since I probably won't get anything for roughly another year, I'm waiting to see if we find out anything more on a new model (that's why I know a little bit about the rumors, I've been keeping my ear to the ground).

For my tastes, I prefer the Cayman (but that's roughly twice the price and the 350Z comes close enough to consider for the lower amount of $).

So I'm having fun, hanging out, considering options and trying not to go too strong one direction or the other. I did stop by my Porsche dealer last week, because they were offering 2007 models "at their cost". He had a Cayman for $46,000 which was a good price, but not enough to make me jump (it had a few features I didn't need, so I should be able to order my exact model and, with a little discount, get it for a couple thousand more than his great deal whenever I want).

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I drove one about a month ago. I liked it and would consider buying one, but since I probably won't get anything for roughly another year, I'm waiting to see if we find out anything more on a new model (that's why I know a little bit about the rumors, I've been keeping my ear to the ground).

For my tastes, I prefer the Cayman (but that's roughly twice the price and the 350Z comes close enough to consider for the lower amount of $).

So I'm having fun, hanging out, considering options and trying not to go too strong one direction or the other. I did stop by my Porsche dealer last week, because they were offering 2007 models "at their cost". He had a Cayman for $46,000 which was a good price, but not enough to make me jump (it had a few features I didn't need, so I should be able to order my exact model and, with a little discount, get it for a couple thousand more than his great deal whenever I want).

For 10K less, you can a VERY well equipped Z!

If you were to get a Z...what model would you want? Enthusiast, Touring, or Track?

 

[flynnibus]

Touring edition?

Mine is a 2003 Touring - so no brembos for me. But I wanted more of a GT - so I wanted the leather and other comforts. Got it in Nov 2002 (pre-order car).

 

[garyhoov]

For 10K less, you can a VERY well equipped Z!

If you were to get a Z...what model would you want? Enthusiast, Touring, or Track?

I think if money was no object, I'd get the Nismo . . . but part of the attraction of the Z is the low price, so I think I'd be tempted to get a pretty basic one and then maybe get a Buell 1125R to go along with it.

I'm not really into "luxury" features. The main thing I'd want that the base doesn't offer is the upgraded sound system . . . but then you have to get the whole package and a lot of other things I don't need or want (and I can always add an after-market sound system). Some of the traction control and other things they add on the upgraded models are actually something of a turn-off for me.

That's one thing I like about BMW and Porsche: you can get exactly what you want without getting a "package" (but the individual components can cost as much as some of the packages on other cars).

 

[flynnibus]

Have you driven a Z? Take the 350 out for a test drive (actually, I think they have officially dropped the '350' from the name).

Still the 350Z. The Z title has been around since the 70s.. but the car models have always specific model numbers.

All this talk needs some nostalgia though.. to give you that tingle!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THWpxHLCUFM

For the money...you can't go wrong.

depends on the criteria.. it's getting to the point where a significant bump is necessary, but is still a good GT car and can be tuned a good bit with $$$. If I just wanted raw performance, there'd be some other cars I'd pick first.

But for me - I wanted a car with style, comfort, and performance. Not just a tuned Ford

 

[flynnibus]

I think if money was no object, I'd get the Nismo . . . but part of the attraction of the Z is the low price, so I think I'd be tempted to get a pretty basic one and then maybe get a Buell 1125R to go along with it.

I'm not really into "luxury" features. The main thing I'd want that the base doesn't offer is the upgraded sound system . . . but then you have to get the whole package and a lot of other things I don't need or want (and I can always add an after-market sound system). Some of the traction control and other things they add on the upgraded models are actually something of a turn-off for me.

That's one thing I like about BMW and Porsche: you can get exactly what you want without getting a "package" (but the individual components can cost as much as some of the packages on other cars).

I'd ignore the sound system - unless you wanted the NAV. But in both cases, a solid 3rd party install will blow the doors off both pieces for less money. The current Z nav needs an update (like the one in the G37)

Critieria I'd recommend
- no 17" wheel model unless you are immediately upgrading
- tcs/vdc are good and not too aggressive in this car - you want them. The only thing where they still get in the way is if you try to do standing burnouts.. and then you just need to pull the abs fuse
- I think they all have the upgraded headlights now.. and TPS

I think vdc/tires/brakes/interior would be the driving factor in model selection.

Nismo is overpriced unless you are the type that doesn't want to mod the car at all yourself. Customized vs off-shelf.

Mine is only has minor tweaks, mostly cosmetic.. true dual exhaust, cold air intake, colored grounding kid, colored SAMCO hose kit, carbon fiber accents on doors, mirrors, shifter, and engine bay

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I'd ignore the sound system - unless you wanted the NAV. But in both cases, a solid 3rd party install will blow the doors off both pieces for less money. The current Z nav needs an update (like the one in the G37)

Agreed...I had the Bose system and while it was decent...it's not worth the extra dough. Much better to do a nice aftermarket system.

 

[garyhoov]

I'd ignore the sound system - unless you wanted the NAV. But in both cases, a solid 3rd party install will blow the doors off both pieces for less money. The current Z nav needs an update (like the one in the G37)

Critieria I'd recommend
- no 17" wheel model unless you are immediately upgrading
- tcs/vdc are good and not too aggressive in this car - you want them. The only thing where they still get in the way is if you try to do standing burnouts.. and then you just need to pull the abs fuse
- I think they all have the upgraded headlights now.. and TPS

I think vdc/tires/brakes/interior would be the driving factor in model selection.

Nismo is overpriced unless you are the type that doesn't want to mod the car at all yourself. Customized vs off-shelf.

Mine is only has minor tweaks, mostly cosmetic.. true dual exhaust, cold air intake, colored grounding kid, colored SAMCO hose kit, carbon fiber accents on doors, mirrors, shifter, and engine bay

Good info. Thanks! I don't know if you can get anything less than an 18" wheel anymore. Maybe on the automatic?:shrug:

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Good info. Thanks! I don't know if you can get anything less than an 18" wheel anymore. Maybe on the automatic?:shrug:

I know the Enthusiast model came with 17's at one time...but they may have done away with them.

 

[flynnibus]

yeah.. 17s were on some models and even on the touring if you got.. *cough* auto.

Looks like all 18s or 18s with 19s on the rear now. The 17" wheels were ugly and had too tall of a side wall.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

yeah.. 17s were on some models and even on the touring if you got.. *cough* auto.

Looks like all 18s or 18s with 19s on the rear now. The 17" wheels were ugly and had too tall of a side wall.

I love the rims on the newer models. Obviously by the pics you can tell that I had the same rims as you (which, in my opinion, were the nicest offered at the time), but the new chrome ones are mint! I wasn't a fan of the Nismo rim offered.

 

[NemoRocks78]

So... I got something (on Tuesday actually but just got around to getting some photos). :lookaroun

Unlike the CTS and Highlander that I've had, this one actually has options in it. :lol: I love the interior and especially the screen.

It has iPod integration, and the iPod can only be used from here (controls on the steering wheel). It's probably the only thing I'm disappointed with... wish it could be done through the screen.

The color is Iridium Silver.

 

[mkt]

Nice car... it's missing a pedal though :lookaroun

 

[DMC-12]

So... I got something (on Tuesday actually but just got around to getting some photos). :lookaroun

Unlike the CTS and Highlander that I've had, this one actually has options in it. :lol: I love the interior and especially the screen.

It has iPod integration, and the iPod can only be used from here (controls on the steering wheel). It's probably the only thing I'm disappointed with... wish it could be done through the screen.

The color is Iridium Silver.

NIce! Me likey! -- A LOT!! The CTS has a better screen though.. and rises out of the dash like that one. Also... the iPod interface is much better (and done thru the NAV -infotainment screen).

Gratz on the new ride... tis very awesome! :sohappy::sohappy::sohappy:

PS: your owners manual must be 3 inches thick...lol... the CTS's is pretty thick to though...lol. Lots o buttons.

 

[garyhoov]

Congrats James. Enjoy!

 

[garyhoov]

The first real Dyno chart has surfaced for a production Buell 1125R. The Buell engineers have been hinting that even though they only claim 146 crank HP and Ducati claims 160 crank HP, they're not overly concerned that the Ducati has as big an advantage as some would assume.

Here's a Ducati 1098 chart:

And here's the first Buell 1125R chart that I've seen anywhere. Completely stock, just out of the box:

Now that's what I call a torque curve . . . correction: torque line.

 

[TowerOfTerror]

Dam James that's one hell of a birthday gift ! :lookaroun

Chevy Volt production photo !

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Dam James that's one hell of a birthday gift ! :lookaroun

Chevy Volt production photo !

Oh god...they ruined it I loved how that car stood out...and now, the front of it looks like a Malibu bumped uglies with a Scion xB

 

[garyhoov]

I like it better. I wasn't a big fan of the original Volt's styling. I thought it looked okay, but not great.

It does sort of look like a Malibu, but the problem with the Malibu isn't that it's ugly . . . it's that it's a Malibu.

My first thought on the new Voly was that it looked like a Saab.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I like it better. I wasn't a big fan of the original Volt's styling. I thought it looked okay, but not great.

It does sort of look like a Malibu, but the problem with the Malibu isn't that it's ugly . . . it's that it's a Malibu.

My first thought on the new Voly was that it looked like a Saab.

After seeing the Malibu in person at the car show...I REALLY liked it. They need an SS version. I would definitely put it above the 3 Series. I say that after being in Tina's friends' brand new 335. The Malibu is just sharp...I love the interior (hated the 335's), and the styling is so much nicer.

I liked the Volt because it had sharp lines...and it still looked like a Chevy. This new styling has no personality...it's like they gave up and instead of pushing the envelope...they put a familiar face on something unfamiliar. All cars, nowadays, look alike.

For instance...aside from size...

Avenger, Charger, Magnum, Caliber. Heck, even the Ram and Dakota. They all have the same look. (This is why I like the Challenger...looks completely different)

Altima, Sentra, Maxima, Z, Versa, Rogue...all have the same look.

Don't even get me started on the Pontiacs.

The Volt still had the look of a Chevy...but was completely different. Now...it just blends in with the rest.

Ford is really the only company that has variety. Sure, their trucks all look the same...but the Mustang, Taurus, Focus vehicles...they all look different.