i test drove a car today (2012 nissan nizmo 370z) but i'm not sure if it's a bit too much boy racer for someone in their near mid 40's? thoughts?

the car reminds me a bit of the crossfire (which i miss)... unique looks, confined cockpit, smaller in size with 2 seats, large pronounced rear quarter and even blind spots... all which i like. the car really feels connected to road, performs quite well and i love the match revs on the down shift (6 spd)... as well as other features.

i would select the white exterior which is a bit more subtle than other colors…

see review below:
First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo simply rocks

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~ my other interests are: 2012 bmw 328i sport (4 door)... 2012 M/B C250 sport (2 door)

 

Naturally, I'd have to recommend the Nissan.

I will say this much though -- you will tire of the NVH, especially since you've driven German cars for the last several years. The Nismo is quick and the rev-matched downshifts are a hoot. It's just the engine transmits so much vibration at high RPM. Oh, and you lose leather in the Nismo. I think a regular 370 with all the premium goodies would suit you better. Synchro-Match is available in all 6-speed 370's...

The interior is much better in the Benz. I'd throw a few more $$$ into the mix and get the C-Coupe, with the next motor up from the 250. Even if you don't 'race' the 250 is an over-burdened motor in that car.

 

the c350 versus the c250 jumps another 5k... there are other cars i would select if i was getting into the 50k price point... i'd like to keep my cap around 45k.


i still like 328i sport in white ... familiar with many prior bmw cars (this one pictured with springs and all).
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the m/b and bmw are more grown up in many ways.

 

I would say that I tend to respect older people in cars like the 370 because you know they're in it to drive it.. so I don't think the age is too much of a factor.. I've driven the 328, 335 and newest M3 and I'd feel like I was "settling" for the 328

 

had an M3, 330 and 328. i'm more into the quality/craftsmanship, amenities and unique look than the speed factor.

 

If I needed a car today I would buy A VW Turbo diesel. The most efficient car I have experienced. GARY

 

By a Cobra Andrew, I can tell you it's way more fun. Hope you are doing well!

 

I wouldn't have a clue Andrew. I am an old car nut and love to check them all out. But, with having the XF's, I am more into SUV's now than cars. I will say, I didn't like the Nismo, as I tried out a silver one some time back. Nothing in the Mazda line does it for me either. Honda hasn't done anything, which leaves the Koreans....lol. So, for me in the 45 range, I would be going back to American. Probably a Camaro SS. Although that may be above even your budget. I haven't priced them in a few years. So, recently my wife was looking again, as she hates her Mazda. C-class MB's seem to be the way we are headed now. Probably a used one for sure....

 

If you are thinking lease, the Nismo 370Z is pretty awesome. We actually looked at one Friday and love the lines. The others are bit mundane to me in appearance.

I would think a Mustang GT 500 KR would be very slick as well.

What about a G8 GXP? Great lines and performance.

 

~ well after some consideration...



i currently have a hold on this car... i may be heading back to the benz roots. thoughts?

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Options/Specs:

2012 C250C $37,220

650 Arctic White

237 Red Leather

P01 P01 Premium I Package: SiriusXM Satellit $1,995

873 : Heated Front Seats

810 : harman/kardon Sound System w/Dolby 5.1

536 : SiriusXM Radio w. 6 mos. service

518 : iPod/MP3 Media Interface

049 : iPod/MP3 Media Interface Cable

069 Factory Code

104 Rear Deck Spoiler $300

318 318 Leather Seating Package: Leather Uph $1,750

242 : Power Passenger Seat w/Memory

P64 : Memory Package

319 319 Lighting Package: Bi-Xenon Headlamps $1,290

615 : Bi-Xenon Active Light System

608 : Intelligent Highbeam Control

600 : Headlamp Washing System

523 Audio 20

739 Aluminum Trim

786 18" AMG Twin 5-Spoke Alloy Wheel $1,040

889 Keyless-Go $650



SUBTOTAL $44,245

DESTINATION & DELIVERY $875

TOTAL $45,120

 

Nice cardboard floormats ;-)

I like the car, just would prefer the leather in a different color. Not a fan of red personally.

 

little light on the HP but otherwise nice! but i suppose with a turbo already in there, there's a lot you could do if you were so inclined

 

~ update... well i put a deposit down on the mb coupe and will be picking it up in maryland on the 30th... pretty excited to get back in the extended family.

 

congrats, i'm sure you'll love it

 

I think, for your driving style, you made the best choice. The new MB is a stunner on the inside.

 

~ thank you... your opinion is truly valued for we seem to have similar interests.

 

Andrew
Great decision on the Benz, with the classic color combo. I think the Red/Charcoal interior really is a great contrast to the white exterior. That interior color combo should have been offered in the Crossfire over the cedar/charcoal that was offered. Looks like another winner!
Dennis
DTMenace

 

Very nice Andrew. Congrats...

 

very nice andrew, very nice.

 

I'm humbled, thank you. I knew the NISMO would make you cranky after the new wore off... it's a hoot to drive but there's no way I'd take one over my '6....

Will you lower this one like you do with most of your Bimmers?