350z or wait for an FT-86?

[edi sucks]

I've basically owned Honda's/Acura's my whole life, and since Irene took my 08 6spd TSX out I'm in the market...I don't *need* to buy a car anymore, as there's a vanpool to/from work leaving less than a mile from my place, but I like having a fun car. Also trying to get something...different.

I also have a connection that'll buy me any car I want from a dealer auction at cost+$500, which is a pretty decent savings.

For the 350z, I'd be looking at a 05-06 and from historical selling prices would end up paying $13-$16k (+TTL) for one with around 60k miles and in good condition. FT-86 doesn't supposedly come out till next year (i can wait), and I'm guessing will be around $23k.

Any opinions?

 

[SithSolo1]

I know they are both RWD but any reason in particular you are looking at a higher mileage 6yr old car vs a 0 mileage yet to be released car? I mean yeah that would make kinda make sense if they were remotely the same price but you're talking about a 7-10k difference. Once the FT-86 comes out you could probably find a lower mileage 370z for roughly the same price. If you can wait, do it. When you are ready to buy then set a price limit and start looking at whats out their.

 

[ballmode]

Personally if I couldn't get the 05 anniversary model

I'd want the 07-08 models for the extra HP, better gearing, and revised styling.
The 07-08 got the HR motor which revved higher, produced a tad less torque but did the quarter mile in 13.3

Which is very very good, too bad the magazines didn't really make a big deal about this as it was quicker than the Mustang GT, and about the same as a C5 vette.

I think by the time the 07-08 came out people were over it, the 370z was making the rumor mills and people were looking forward rather than what was happening.

That FT-86 has alot of specs to be revealed before i'd jump the gun, personally I dont think it will make more than 225hp.

The subaru version specs aren't out, nor do we know if it will be a RWD or AWD subaru.
Keep looking for a deal on the 07-08 350z's

 

[cyclistca]

The Subaru version of the FT-86 will be rear wheel drive.

 

[Zivic]

Any opinions?

I am a 350z owner -

I find the car HUGELY impractical... if you are fine with purely driving this car for fun, go for it. OK power, OK handling, OK looks (jack of all trades)

I see a lot of hype over this new toyota/subaru coupe. I just don't see it being worth the wait. The price point seems to low to be something I would consider good. I am a believer of you get what you pay for. I think it will be along the lines of a srt neon... if that makes any sense. Maybe I will be proved wrong, but I think it will just be a scion TC type car with RWD...

I'll throw this out there considering I am a Z owner -> I bought an 06 evo last year. If I had driven the evo in 04 when I bought my Z, I would have never bought the Z. It is much more fun to drive, cheaper and easier to get power out of, and very practical. The Z is still a good and fun car, but the evo is on another level for overall driving experience

 

[Howard]

I'll throw this out there considering I am a Z owner -> I bought an 06 evo last year. If I had driven the evo in 04 when I bought my Z, I would have never bought the Z. It is much more fun to drive, cheaper and easier to get power out of, and very practical. The Z is still a good and fun car, but the evo is on another level for overall driving experience

Some people like the Miata, too.

 

[Monster_Munch]

I'll throw this out there considering I am a Z owner -> I bought an 06 evo last year. If I had driven the evo in 04 when I bought my Z, I would have never bought the Z. It is much more fun to drive, cheaper and easier to get power out of, and very practical. The Z is still a good and fun car, but the evo is on another level for overall driving experience

I'm surprised you say the evo is cheaper to run. I thought they had to be serviced very frequently every 4500 miles?

 

[Zivic]

I'm surprised you say the evo is cheaper to run. I thought they had to be serviced very frequently every 4500 miles?

cheaper to get power out of... different than 'cheaper to run'

that said, They don't need to be serviced that often. I think it's more along the lines of 15-30k miles. And that is mainly changing fluids, which if you can change your own oil, you can do.

Either way, the evo is much more fun to drive

 

[soccerballtux]

Ft86 is not something to wait for IMO. Max 200hp I believe.

 

[exdeath]

If it's going to be a Z, at least get a 370Z. 350Z and FT-86 look like a fun car on paper, but the first time a 2GR V6 Camry rapes you on the way to the grocery store, you're going to have some serious buyer's remorse about your "sports car".

I understand a sports car isn't all about being the fastest in a straight line and all, but at the very least you shouldn't have to worry about Camrys and minivans tying you to trees and having their way with you.

 

[JulesMaximus]

What the hell is an FT-86?

 

[Jumpem]

What the hell is an FT-86?

Toyota's new light weight Miata sized RWD coupe. The Subaru version will be called the BRZ.

 

[Christobevii3]

Ft86 is not something to wait for IMO. Max 200hp I believe.

It probably will have the wrx motor in the top trend pushing $35k so 265hp? I really wish they'd just say what the damn thing will have.

 

[Jumpem]

It probably will have the wrx motor in the top trend pushing $35k so 265hp? I really wish they'd just say what the damn thing will have.

Subaru has already said there will be no turbo engine.

 

[thescreensavers]

I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the FT-86 only having 200ish HP.

It needs 100 more

 

[Zivic]

If it's going to be a Z, at least get a 370Z. 350Z and FT-86 look like a fun car on paper, but the first time a 2GR V6 Camry rapes you on the way to the grocery store, you're going to have some serious buyer's remorse about your "sports car".

I understand a sports car isn't all about being the fastest in a straight line and all, but at the very least you shouldn't have to worry about Camrys and minivans tying you to trees and having their way with you.

come on now, the Z aint the fastest thing on the road, but "raped" is a bit of a stretch. Not even going into the minivan comment.....

disappointed

 

[thomsbrain]

I have extensive time behind the wheel of both the 350Z and S2000, and I can tell you that the S2000 is a far superior car for your needs.

The FT-86 concepts look cool, but 200 HP doesn't sound too inspiring. I think I'd wait until the tuners or Subaru start turbocharging them.

 

[lavaheadache]

08 350z owner here. The car is simply fantastic. Plenty of power all over the place. Looks are mmv but I think it is sexy. If you want a 2 seater "sports car" with less than average cargo space, then go for it. I love mine. My car is a fair weather car only so this may say my opinion slightly. I would not want to drive it in snow, nor bad conditions in general. You would be hard pressed to find many cars of the same year to match its stats any where near the same price bracket.

As to the STi comparison. Different cars built for different purposes. I am a former WRX owner as well as countless other performance cars. For me the Z has one of the most "connected" feelings among them. Mind you I've owned a 2002 miata LS, 88 Mazda RX7 T2 (highly built), 2001 GTi vr6 with a blower, and lastly my latest street bike is a 2007 Hayabusa.

I urge you to test drive one and see if you like it. I don't know if I could recommend a Z if you need any kind of utility out of it though. Trunk space is horrible and overall the car feels slightly cramped.

 

[Howard]

08 350z owner here. The car is simply fantastic. Plenty of power all over the place. Looks are mmv but I think it is sexy. If you want a 2 seater "sports car" with less than average cargo space, then go for it. I love mine. My car is a fair weather car only so this may say my opinion slightly. I would not want to drive it in snow, nor bad conditions in general. You would be hard pressed to find many cars of the same year to match its stats any where near the same price bracket.

As to the STi comparison. Different cars built for different purposes. I am a former WRX owner as well as countless other performance cars. For me the Z has one of the most "connected" feelings among them. Mind you I've owned a 2002 miata LS, 88 Mazda RX7 T2 (highly built), 2001 GTi vr6 with a blower, and lastly my latest street bike is a 2007 Hayabusa.

I urge you to test drive one and see if you like it. I don't know if I could recommend a Z if you need any kind of utility out of it though. Trunk space is horrible and overall the car feels slightly cramped.

Miata LS?

 

[KeithP]

I also have a connection that'll buy me any car I want from a dealer auction at cost+$500, which is a pretty decent savings.

It may or may not be a good savings, it depends how the dealer's cost is being calculated. Are holdbacks figured in that number? Depending on the car, demand and holdbacks involved, you might be able to haggle a better deal than that.

-KeithP

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

since you're waiting, i'd save a little more and go 370z.
2009s are mid 20's used now so in a year, they'll be low 20's.

 

[ballmode]

370z has improved on the 350 in the trunk space, interior quality, got rid of that strut.

Still its got alot of road noise

 

[Dman8777]

Look for a 2009+ WRX. I had a 04 TSX and moved to an 09 WRX. After adding some aftermarket shifter bits, the experience was in every imaginable way improved. Faster, tigher, more practicle (hatch), worth modding, and the same fuel mileage. And you won't get blown away buy a camry

 

[soccerballtux]

I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the FT-86 only having 200ish HP.

It needs 100 more

you'd think it would, considering how mean it looks.

 

[satyajitmenon]

I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the FT-86 only having 200ish HP.

It needs 100 more

Any estimates on how much it weighs?

200hp on 2500lbs isn't all that bad.

200hp on 3500lbs is going to suck ass.