gymratter

X2

92 SC400

They went after the Boxster and TT before the 370. IIRC, one of their original banners for the Z33 (350 model) was something along the lines of "places to go, things to do, Porsches to pass," and it featured a Le Mans Sunset Metallic 350Z. The price of the Z crept upward just like pretty much every other car in the past 10+ years.

Many people also seem to forget that the Z32 wasn't exactly a sub-$30k car either...

gymratter

what do you think made its sales dropped so bad?

it was listed for $26k in 2003. but most of the ones on the lot were around $30k give or take. So fair enough. but if you think you are you are going to find a new 370z on the lot for its list price of $30k keep dreaming.

92 SC400

I'm not arguing that, in fact you're probably 100% correct that I won't find one with a sticker under $30k - base model starts below $30k but that does not include destination charges. I was simply stating that the 370 model was not their attempt at going up market to target the Boxster and TT - that happened well before the 370 while the MSRP of a 350 was under $30k.

The Z got more expensive as the years went by, what else is new? The 350 also had its VQ power plant updated twice in its 6 year run. I'd attribute the sales dropping because it is just underwhelming - regardless of price - more than anything else.

speedflex

The Z was sort of a sensation when Nissan debuted the 350. It was the return of an iconic import sports car. But it was a harsh, hard edged sports car. There were never going to be big sales. It was Nissan's halo car until the GTR came along. Then came the 370 which remained a harsh-riding, hard core sports car with a higher price. Once again, there would be a small market for something as difficult to live with day to day.

But Nissan deserves some admiration for being the ONLY Japanese company to put out a pure sports car during that period. Yeah Toyota is finally showing some commitment to the enthusiast but for that period both they and Honda rode the bench while Nissan got in the game.

gymratter

aww no love for the RX8, Miata, and MR-2.

gymratter

in addition too the power bump the 370z also got a nicer interior. I'm pretty sure that also made pricing goes up.

I'm just saying the 370Z is priced pretty high. it's sales are really really bad. idk what Nissan has in mind for the next Z. but I think we can all agreed that their current game plan isn't working.

gymratter

Nissan was a hot mess before getting picked up by the French

Initial B

iTrader: (2)

that's because: no torque and reliability issues, no power, and non-existent (you're probably referring to the anemic MR-S, which was the worst of all 3).

disclaimer: there are parts of the RX-8 and Miata that I like....but never enough to commit to one

Vh_Supra26

iTrader: (1)

A little off topic, but the 350z had interior quality issues and didn't the early VQ had oil consumption issues?

92 SC400

S2000 was always an alternative until it got discontinued, but yes, it was one of the FEW options during that period - I'm not sure there was really anything around $30k that was comparable for a while.

Agreed. Nissan needs to do something with it, I just don't think dropping the Z down into entry level territory is the answer. Hopefully whatever that new car is will fill that void. As Speedflex alluded to though, no matter what they do with it, the Z is not expected to be a volume seller...

I don't recall if it was the DE or Rev-Up model, but one of the VQs suffered from moderate oil consumption issues. Also, the interiors were incredibly basic, bland, and plasticy (making up words now! ).

Tantrix

wow I hope those concepts don't become reality. it just looks horrible. Maybe good for a veloster competitor.


let's face it, the current 370z design is pretty lousy...and got lousier every single year they did a cosmetic upgrade to it. The front bumpers went from having fangs with air vents to no air vents at all. It's just a very unattractive car. And insurance on it cost a grip since it's classified as a true sports car.

gymratter

the 300zx cost a lot no? it was dropped and than Nissan reintroduce a new cheaper Z "350z". it had good sales when compared to the 300zx. seems like Nissan should go back to their early 2000 game plan.

speedflex

The RX8 was also mothballed but Mazda gets big props.

gymratter

i didnt care for the RX8 but at least it handled well.