Better start here then.....
- Thread starter MattZCars
- Start date
Haggisman said:Welcome from NZ. I’ve owned 2 350Z’s, one was fairly well tuned engine and suspension wise and was a great car to drive but let down by a plasticky interior. Still great bang for your buck. WHen I stopped racing my M3 I wanted some convertible fun and looked at the Boxster, 350Z and the Z4.
Also, now retired and this was going to be a 3rd “fun” car my budget was restricted. Ruled out the Boxster because the year I could afford looked dated and running costs likely to be high. The 350Z doesn’t look good with the hood up and visibility is poor. Plus, in standard form I always thought the engine felt strangled and rough at the top end although the reliability and running costs, spares etc quite cheap.
At the end of the day the quality of the Z4 interior, smooth engine and gearbox won out and I love it. Have had it on the track and it handles very well as standard. Did ditch the run flats, bought some Schnitzer wheels and very happy. Soft top adds another dimension to normal road driving. I wanted a manual which are rare as hen’s teeth here in NZ but managed to find a low mileage one imported from the UK. So far so good.
Welcome to the forum and Z4 ownership.
Yeah I think our thought process was very similar on our way to Z ownership. I've got a real soft spot for fast Nissans having had 2 200SX's (S31 & S14), two 300ZX's (one I owned twice, still quite possibly my favourite ever car) and a 350Z. They aren't classy but they're good! Like you, Boxster just has too many drawbacks second hand compared to the competition. I have a good friend who's had Porsche's since the late 80's, mostly 911's and although it's clear they are great cars I just don't get them at all. So not for me. The 350Z convertible really is ugly and so I arrived here. After just over 24 hours of ownership, I'm glad I did
I think I'm going to enjoy the journey