Readers Request: The 350z & 370z ($8k, $15k, $25k)

Sorry for such the delayed posting of this review. I have been busy with other things and this just kept getting put off. Today I write to you about a reader requested Nissan 350z/370z, or as I like to call them, the Z’s. One might not think of Nissans being quality cars as base models, let alone a sports car. This thought is incorrect in every meaning of the word. Nissans are great first time cars because they have extreme longevity. The interiors are also quite nice too, although don’t be expecting BMW Z4 nice. These cars are perfectly fitted with the right amount of interior comforts, tech gear, and power to make any teenager or adult pleased with their purchase. Even though your buds won’t be thinking “Luxury, Expensive, and Quality” do not be disappointed. Instead they will be thinking “Fast, Great Design, Cool and Fun to drive.” The Nissan Z has been around since before I was born (But that is not really saying much because I was born in ’94). In my opinion, the “classic” Z is the 240. That car had great styling, it was fast, and it looked like it could be a Ferrari (a stretch I know, but if you squint your eyes and hop on one foot, you can see it).

The Z family like every other company has certain styling elements that make the car identifiable by just one glance. The styling that is so identifiable consist of:  Low roofline, low and wide body stance, lots of subdued curves and front bumpers with (in more recent years) boxy air intakes. The base model is the regular 350z/370z. Other models that Nissan has to offer include: a convertible option, and even more recently, a NISMO 370z. The NISMO is an absolute BOSS of a roadster and could easily take on any other “common” roadster while giving it a run for its money. Granted, the NISMO 370z is $41,000 base. Not a pretty sight for the pocket book, but fun to look forward to in the future years.  I will compose this article just like the Porsche article.

350z: : This is going to be an UBER let down…While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. Well, actually you can find a few cars but all of them are either wrecked, crashed, damaged, bad title or all of the above. Sorry!

370z: While scanning around in the $8,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. Based on Nissan’s production, the 350 is older than the 370 so it is not unusual that you cannot find a 370z in this price range.

350z: While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find '06's with 65,000+ miles on them; however I did come across 1 ’03 350z Track edition that had 12,000 miles on it for a price of $12,000. Lucky for you, these cars are both coupes and convertibles! There is not that many (if any) 350z in this price range. The 2003 350z started off a new generation of Z with a bang from both a styling and performance point of view. This model set the tone of what aggression should mean for a car. This car has both hard and soft lines throughout the exterior, a long sloping roofline, aluminum door handles, and a massive rectangle of space to provide the 287bhp 3.5L V6 with plenty of much needed oxygen. Another feature that proves these cares are not just “Junk/Crap/never-want-to-be-seen-in-this” kind of car, is the fact that the Track trim level gives it Brembo brakes. AKA some of the best racing brakes on earth!  Yet another cool fact is that this car is featured on the cover of FORZA Motorsports 2 because the car is so easily tweaked for on the track. Do not be disheartened by sitting at your computer reading about how great a 7-8 year old car is with some miles on it. These cars still have plenty of life left in them, and can be easily (SO EASILY!!) customized with aftermarket parts. The interior of these cars are pretty comfortable, and have the signature Z placed quite avidly throughout the cabin. The driver will feel a shift in mood the moment they start the engine. No matter what they start out feeling, it will end with feeling charged and ready for fun. The quality tends to be in average-great condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

370z: While scanning around in the $15,000 maximum price, one can expect to find nothing. Based on Nissan’s production, the 350 is older than the 370 so it is not unusual that you cannot find a 370z in this price range.

350z: While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find '08's with about 25,000+ miles on them; however I did come across a $20,000 ’04 Convertible that had just less than 4,000 miles on it. Lucky for you, these cars are coupes and convertibles! There are lots of convertibles in this price range. The mid 2000's that started to develop the styling and aero kit get only slight modifications just to make it “Modern”.  These cars can be easily customized with aftermarket parts. The interior of these cars have been upgraded from the 2003’s and are even more comfortable, and have signature Z elements leaving the driver with a content driving experience. If you get upset over a car that has 25,000miles on it and that is 3years old, something is wrong with you. Please grow up. These cars are perfect for anything you could possibly need to do (in a small car). The quality tends to be in Great-Almost new condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

370z: GET EXCITED. While scanning around in the $25,000 maximum price, one can expect to find a few 2010 370z’s with around 25,000+ miles on them. There are only a few out there, but they are GREAT cars. Another benefit is that these cars are 2010’s! Meaning that they are only ONE YEAR OLD! The ones that I found to be for sale however are not convertibles. They are sport coupes built for fun. This car is extremely comfortable, and everything still has the Z plastered wherever a designer saw fit. The 370 just improves on the already almost perfect previous Z, and picks up where it left off. The 370z has little “snake-like” fangs that help separate the big open rectangle air vent into something visually appealing. The quality tends to be in almost new-pretty new condition (depending on the car) for this price range.

Bottom line: 350z: Great fun little toy, interesting styling, and has a never-ending power-hungry engine.  If you can get one, or if your parents just want you to get a more common sports car, get it. The only thing that it is holding me back from one is the front air intake. I don’t care for the styling.

Bottom line: 370z: An absolute rocket for the price, great value (because it is the newest car I have reviewed so far that you can get for $25,000), and looks amazing. They fixed the massive intake and left little to be desired, so what could possibly be holding you (and me) back from getting one? I’m looking at a Lotus Elise, that’s why. I don’t know what your reason is, but I hope it is a good one.