350z, anyone with one? looking for feedback Options

[block]

MOST likely going to pull the trigger on one of these cars: AP2 S2000, 350Z, or G35. Most likely the 350z because I absolutely love the body style and power it delivers. I'd probably consider the G35 Coupe too because it has seating for four (3 kids - although still will have the CRV to haul around) with same performance as the Z.

It's going to be a DD with simple mods with some 19x9.5 and 19x10.5 (maybe wider) wheels slammed on coilovers. Really looking for a semi fun, good handling RWD 2 seater.

Anyone here own, owned, or driven one have any feedback on how it drives, problematic areas, better years, etc. Our local club's website has been shut down and I don't feel like joining another forum. I'd peek (or google ) but I figure I'd ask first to see if anyone out there has first hand experience. I'll probably test drive my good friend's brother's 03 350Z this weekend.

THanks!

[richee3]

I haven't dived too far deep into it but it doesn't look too complicated under the hood of my 350. I never have seen the interior of a G35 but a lot of people complain about the Z being too cheap in terms of materials used. The first few drives in a Z are a hell of a lot of fun and after that, you get used to the power. But 0-60 in the mid 5 second range plus great handling makes for a very fun car. The S2000 will undoubtedly get through a corner faster but the Z is no slouch. Definitely drive a 6 speed Z to see how you like it. Personally, I hated the clutch feel and the fact that you're in the top 1/2" of pedal travel before it releases, so you sit there revving, not moving, and looking like a douchebag. After a few stops and starts I was able to get used to it, but I certainly wasn't even a little satisfied with it. There is a company that sells pedal brackets to adjust this. What they can't fix, though, is how delicate I felt the need to be in between gears. It feels like ricer gear-slamming will decimate the transmission. Although I know the tranny can handle it, I still hated the feel.

Overall, my vote is absolutely for the 350Z. Just get an 04.5 (Made after 01/04) or 05, there are plenty of them out there. '06's are updated inside and out, and really made a nice difference but the M/T oil consumption was enough to keep me out of one. I know it sounds like 350's are troublesome unreliable nuisances of a car, but those are honestly the only issues I can think of. I think the 04.5 model started with the upgraded syncros, so if you don't mind the feel of the clutch then the trans should be perfectly reliable.

Plus, many would disagree with me, but I think the VQ35 makes a fantastic noise. This results on poor gas mileage, probably many speeding tickets, but a whole hell of a lot of fun.