2006 Model Year Nissan 350Z

[Taz]

The Nissan 350Z is getting a mild tweak for the 2006 model which will become available in April 2006. Power is given a slight boost to atound 300BHP (up from 280BHP). There will be a couple of new colours available and a factory-fit satnav. The plastic-feeling switches are replaced by soft-feel switches.

Prices are expected to go up a little from the current model. A fully-specced 350Z Coupe should still come in well under £40K. What do you guys think about the 350Z?

I test drove the Lotus Exige and it was fun but totally impractical. I also test drove the Porsche Cayman S but to spec that one with enough toys takes the price to £55K, way outside my absolute limit of £45K.

I admit I am a German-car fanboy but years ago I had the Nissan 200SX and it was one of the best cars i've ever driven. Would a Nissan 350Z mix it with the German competition in terms of build quality (eg. against the BMW Z4, Audi TT and Porsche Boxster)? I don't care about the badge but only care about performance, reliability and build quality.

[5lab]

what about waiting for the z4 coupe? i dont think its too far away..

personally, in that price range my money would be with either the new lotus (is more practicle than the exige - could be what you need??) or the s2000.. maybe long in the tooth but what a looker..

[Butuz]

Well my 200sx is coming up to 11 years old in april, and has juct cracked 153,000 miles and it still going strong as ever.

Personally, i wouldnt downgrade to a german car. You just pay through the nose for not much in particular apart from a badge IMHO.

350z is a great car, not worth £40k mind. Personally i would buy a second hand low milage one for about £20k - the cars and running gear will go on for ever, get one a couple of years old that someone else has wasted £10k running it in for you. Ding Dong!

Butuz

[Fox]

£45k?

Buy a used 911. I doubt a better Coupe exists for the money.

[Knoxville]

Originally Posted by Fox

£45k?

Buy a used 911. I doubt a better Coupe exists for the money.

+1

Much as I like the 350z theres a reason why 911's come out top in so many road tests.

[t_aitch]

I test drove the 350Z, and i didnt like it, i found the clutch was way to stiff, and i was surprised at this for a nissan.

I spose it would take a lot of getting use to, the car handled very well though.

[Butuz]

Grow muscles

Butuz

[Moby-Dick]

I'd imagine it woudl be more cost effective to buy a nearly new one and tweak it to 300

or fuse some of th saved money to fit the greddy twin turbo kit

[hitman67]

£45k? Buy a Maserati Coupe.

Massivly ignored car, but they are amazing. Full 4 Seater, plus luggage, and will keep a Porsche honest to 180mph. Plus they are well built, very good looking and are great value.

[just_laze]

The 350Z is a fabolous car, i own a Nissan Silvia S15 myself and before had a Nissan 200SX S14a. I've not driven a 350Z but i've been a passenger and it's a lovely drive, firm but comfortable with acceleration that never seems to decrease from 10-100mph+.

I am seriously considering the 350Z as my next car depending on whether i decide to start modifications of my S15, saying that, importing an S15 from Japan is an option you should consider, for your money you'll be getting one hell of a car.