Here's a little backstory:

I used to own a G35 coupe, and then I got a G35x sedan. I a selling my X on Monday, and have been seriously considering a 350z as my next car. Driving around the G35 has lost it's luster for me; it's just no thrill. I've test drove a 350z and it was such a blast to drive in general. I am in college with no kids, and never have anyone in the car besides my girlfriend, so no reason to have back seats.

I loved my G coupe and sedan, but I have been having the itch for something new. The next car needs to be a manual, which neither of the G's were.

I've been looking at a couple cars, namely the Audi S4 and the 350z (2003-2006). My main question is, are there any other cars around the $15k price range that would be more suitable than a 350z? I am solely looking to have a car that makes me smile just driving it around town, which neither of the G's did for me.

The things I am looking for in my next car are:

-Manual
-Has to get decent gas mileage
-At least as much or close to the power of the G35.


Thanks to anyone that can chime in with an opinion!

 

You could get a very nice LS1 trans am/firebird or I guess a camaro if you dare.
You could also get a fairly nice BMW for the money.

What do you like to do with your car's?

 

I am looking for something imported. I have had bad luck with anything domestic.

I am looking for something that is just plain ol' fun to drive. not just in a straight line, but around town as well. The G just doesn't do it for me anymore. I rarely drive like a dumbass, though.

If I got a Z it would most likely get basic bolt ons, wheels, and suspension work. not looking to build a race car.

 

I dont get why you feel the 350z is so different than the G35x. It should feel almost if not, the same as the 350z when compared to the G35 coupe you use to own. Yes the Z is lighter but theres no reason it should make you want to change to a Z. They ARE the same car after all.

I believe your problem is transmission. Automatic is truly no fun to drive. I have a 6MT sedan and its fun as hell to drive besides the body roll >_>

oh AND if you want decent gas mileage, well... since you are complaining already with the G, you are not gonna like the Z. again, same engine. As for the S4, what year? I forgot which year had what but I remember the 2005 ones have a V8. The ones before 2003 had a V6 turbo. So with either of the Audis, you are looking at gas mileage on par with the G and Z. For sure WAY worse with the 2005 S4.

And you dont want back seats? The S4s are sedans. Seems like you need to do more research.

But what I recommend is a S2000. 4 banger means 23+ MPG. 2 seats, but you wont have the backseat to mess around with the GF =D. They look also, sexy and that VTEC will bring a smile to your face. But remember, its not going to be as fast as a G.

They are definitely in your price range though. They've depreciated to the point where any young adult can get their hands on one and they really are nice cars. IMO they drive smoother than the Gs and Zs. Their manual trannys is not as rough as ours.

 

Z4, m3 ?

 

if u goin for a Z gotta be 07+ with HR motor...
look for 6mt 335s with some mileage.

 

why not 370Z?

 

supreme 1911 hit it on the head- the cars should feel pretty much the same. Transmission will make a larger difference than anything else. I believe the G37 and 370Z differ more than the 350Z and G35 did.

 

I have to say that my G sedan is completely different than he Z I drove, auto to auto. The Z is a slightly rougher ride stock compared to my Z H. Tech dropped sedan, the throttle response is roughly the same with the Z being a bit more aggressive. The body control on twist road is completely different, my G has a tendency to pull to the outside of the curve on my coupe 19's sub INVO's; the Z had snow tires mounted and still handled better due to the geometry of the suspension, even with the revised springs. This was a comparison between my '06 G and a '03 Z, I would look for an HR powered Z personally.

 

Basically, these are all very similar cars. Same platform, drivetrain, and nearly all the suspension bits. Why are just switching around from G to G to Z? Not knocking, but it doesn't add up to me right now.

I would have to say that in college, you need reliabe transportation that can withstand a few dings and dents. I had an altima with the 3.5 in college.

I think my replacement fun car is a gonna be a g37, 370z, or c6 corvette. But that's a few years away.

 

Let me rephrase myself: I want gas mileage on par with the g, back seats are not necessary but not a factor, and anything v8 is out of the question. The z I drove was just much more fun to drive in the sense that it sits lower with much deeper seats. Feels much more sporty. I would also be fine with a g35 coupe. My price range is around 15k (this is what I have allotted to a car, not what I have). I have a good full time job and am financially stable, so no need to not play around with cars. I have came out ahead price wise on every car I have owned. I just happen to get lucky that way

 

You want the most bang for your buck? A $15,000 Mazda Miata is what you need. It is a drivers car. A little short on horsepower but very big on handling and FUN!!! It has been a top ten pick since it's inception and on a sunny day with the top down on a winding road...just can't be beat. I know from experience I have owned number 21,195 of 9,000,000. (all years combined) for 22 years.

 

Ehhh.... I'm not really a Miata guy. Good suggestion though. Another thing is if I got a z I would want a hard top. I'm not a fan of convertibles. My car will be picked up tomorrow, but I have another to drive meanwhile so im in no hurry.

 

I understand Miata's aren't for everyone. I would stay away from German cars though. They cost alot to maintain and repair if they break.

 

I test drove an S4 the other day and it broke down during the test drive. definitely solidified my faith in japanese cars. I am 95% sure whatever I get next will be a nissan/infiniti. i will probably end up with a z. I just wish I would pony up and get an HR z, but right now it's better if I don't blow too much money, I want to save most for college.