Nissan 350Z Replacement Recommendation

Hey guys,

I'm looking at replacing my 2005 350Z with something just as fast 0-100, but with 5 seats, still sporty, budget is $45k max, don't want older than 2016 really and reliable.

Any recommendations?

Comments

  • +28

    Hyundai i30 n.

    • -3

      Think he'll have to settle for N-Line Premium if he wants it below $45K (for brand new)

      • +1

        2018 with 50k kms would be in budget

      • +18
        • You can shave another half second off that with the DCT i30N too

      • +13

        read the description, he wants sporty 5 seats.
        I went from a 370z to i30n, the pops and bangs are much more fun + the practicality of hatch.
        but I have to say I hate people's obsession with 0-100 times. go buy a tesla and enjoy your traffic light races.

        • +28

          c200 with amg styling pack?

          • +5

            @bobolo: shu cuzzz every lebo has this to make the girls think its a real c63 AMG

          • +1

            @bobolo: A series for life baby!

          • @bobolo: No it was an A200 "AMG" remember.

        • +8

          Found the real estate agent.

          • @johnno07: haha, he should be saving his money at the moment rather than spending unreliable income on tomfooleries

        • +2

          Sounds like a High Yield Investment

    • +2

      A year wait for it. Better to get Hyundai getz

    • I would recommend the i30 Sedan N in particular but I don’t think that’ll be doable for 45k, they only came out in the last year. Worth the stretch though if possible.

  • +25

    Kia Stinger

    • -3

      With a budget of 45k? Lmao.

      • +16
        • +13

          bloody hell even a few GT V6s at under $45k.

          I think the bloody 15/100km is getting to people.

          • +4

            @tonyjzx: I'd hope so. Those 2017 GT models would have sold for about $58k brand new. 5 years later with 150kms on them of course they're gonna depreciate a bit. Some sanity returning to the used car market I think.

            • +5

              @Keplaffintech: I’ve been keeping an eye on JDM car prices for the past 6-12 months. Starting to see a little bit of a trend here and there regarding pricing. The market working in peaks and dips. It’s been about 3 years (starting in 2019) since Covid pricing took off.

              Toyota Altezza manuals $20k (was $25k+)
              Honda Civic Type R EP3 ~$20k (was $25-30k)
              Nissan Stagea RS4 auto ~$15k (was $20k+)
              Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI ~$35k (still $40k+ but odd one here and there listed for $35k)

              Hoping to pick up a white or silver Evo V in the next 6-12 months for $30k if they start getting listed for ~$35k more often.

        • Thank you for that

    • +1

      Best option if acceleration is your key careabout IMO, given OP listed 0-100 first I'm guessing it is. Sub 5s 0-100, RWD and LSD is a great combo, with a practical liftback and all examples would still be under warranty. It's more of a tourer than the other options here, but then so is a 350z to an extent so it won't be a huge difference in character.

  • +5

    Auto or Manual?
    RWD, FWD or AWD preference?
    NA or turbo?
    V8, V6 or 4 pot?

    • +13

      come on OP.
      Can't just a post a question and leave these deets out.
      Let alone ask something on a forum and then remain inactive for 2 hours after posting it.

      ….and ofc they just joined 2 hours ago….
      what a waste of our time :(

  • +30

    2009 Camry

    • End of thread!

      • +6

        And you will have some spare change to buy a couple of boxes of tissues for the rear parcel shelf .

    • +1

      1980 Diesel landcruiser 0-100km takes about 1 week

    • at least a V6 Aurion

  • i30 N hatch, or sedan(literally the elantra N).
    Civic Type R?
    Focus ST?

    So many options try them and see which you prefer.

    • +1

      Or the GS350/GS450h sports luxury.

      with $45k you can find them if you look hard enough, bring a less popular car there's less of them for sale.
      Much roomier than IS350, not as sporty.

  • +6

    WRX STI
    if you can deal with a slightly dated interior.

  • +6

    As a fellow sporty coupe lover, I just wanted to say that the spiritual successor to the 350Z, the 'Nissan Z', looks so sexy:
    https://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/AU/Images…
    https://www-asia.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/AU/Images…

    I can't afford one, but I'm looking forward to seeing them out in the wild.

  • +6
  • -1

    New BRZ may tick your boxes
    370z are overpriced (imo)
    Q50 RS as someone said is cool, auto only though

    • +1

      370Z is 2 seat, BRZ is 2+2. One of the criteria is 5 seats.

      • +3

        Ah eyes painted on today.

      • I've had one before. The +2 at the back are barely a fit haha

    • +1

      He said he wanted a car as fast as the 350, the brz are slow as hell

      • New 2.4s are significantly better than the old FA20. Probably wouldn't get walked by a 350z (though likely not quite as fast)

  • +9

    Golf R.

    • +4

      I am assuming you were downvoted for not saying "Golf R Wagon".

      Something like this is right on budget:
      https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2018-volkswagen-gol…

      • +2

        If I’m not mistaken a golf R hatch has just as many seats as a wagon.

        But OP hasn’t really commented on any other criteria other than 5 seats.

    • +3

      Yep, you can do all your bolt on's and get a tune slapped on em to get em to do 0-100 in sub 4 seconds.

      Problem is though they are unreliable and expensive past the warranty period.

      • Unreliable standard or once you add the stage 3 crackle map mod?

        • +2

          Unreliable standard once warranty runs out. Ask practically anyone with a 6-10 yo Golf.

  • +2

    …with something just as fast 0-100

    So, like a tank? 😁

    As others have said, WRX is probably your best bet. It's one second or so slower to 100km/h, but it's got four doors and five seats and still fun to drive around in.

  • +9

    Barra turbo. Could maybe squeeze an FGX into your budget.

    • -3

      Better still, Barina turbo.

  • +4

    65 cars in the country match those requirements

    Can't search by 0-100, so instead chose power/weight (350Z - 140.8 kW/t, search is 165kW/t+)

    • +1

      Wow - didn't know you could do that.

  • +3

    Sorry, was working, i get it would probably not be a new car hence the no older than 2016 comment, im liking the suggestions, i looked at the i30n but i wasnt sure, i think id get the fastback if i did? The golfs have a lot of issues dont they? The Subarus a nice but the interior is shocking.

    • +1

      Honestly OP, other people's opinions are going to mean little when it's you that has to pay for, drive and hope to enjoy the car daily.

      Make a list of models you think you might be able to afford then go test driving. Only way your going to wind up knowing what you want.

      With the comments here it seems Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Skoda and VW dealers are worth a stop to try before you buy.

      Don't sleep on the Skoda, a few good options given the price and age/configuration you provided. Quick car sales check returned +50 offerings under your budget between 2016-2020 models RS variants.

      Bloody good cars and 5 year warranty, so if you nabbed a 2020 you would have quite a bit left in terms of manufacturer back up.

      TL:DR go drive cars then buy what you can afford and like the most. Tell us what you do. Buy a skoda

  • +6

    I was also looking at the ls350 f sport

    • -3

      Don't, its literally a toyota aurion.

      • +4

        Same engine but ones Sporty RWD and the other is a cheap comfortable family FWD car.

      • +8

        The only common hardware is the engine, and the IS has a direct injected version with an extra 33kW/42NM. The IS is based on the Toyota N Platform while the Aurion is based on the K Platform.

        *Different wheelbase
        *Different track
        *RWD vs FWD
        *Engine mounted longitudinally vs transversely
        *Double wishbone vs McPherson strut front suspension

      • +2

        The IS is RWD while the Aurion is FWD on a totally different platform.

  • +13

    Save yourself $10k and consider a Skoda Octavia RS

    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-skoda-octavia-…

    I have the exact same model minus the panoramic sunroof. It's full of tech;
    *Radar cruise control
    *Lane keep assist
    *Blind spot monitoring
    *Front multidirectional electric seat
    *Heated front and back seats
    *Multi color LED internal ambience lighting

    It's essentially a VW GTI in sportback form
    Whilst it's a little down on KW depending on the RS model you pick-up. A stage 1 ECU tune without any other modifications or additions will get you to 210kw (which is plenty fun for a FWD)

    • Also it's available in sportback, the greatly underappreciated form with the loading chops of a hatch combined with the style of a sedan.

      It's FWD though so don't expect to get much traction from a standing stop. You'll need the 4WD Superb for that.

      • Fully support this recommendation to look at Skodas. I had the MY18 Octavia Sport wagon for 3 years, sold it recently. It was brilliant! The sport has the smaller turbo petrol engine vs the RS, which I got due to budget limits.

        Overall can't recommend the Skodas enough, the quality, performance and inclusions are significant for the money you pay.

        Mine had the whole works for options; Tech Pack, Luxury Pack, Panoramic sunroof, powered boot.

        Additionally Skoda started offering 5 year warranty since 2017/2018.

        • One more vote for Skoda Octavia. I’ve also had a fully optioned 1.4TSI Wagon for 6 years now and can recommend it. Never gone wrong, warranty issues (battery & gear lever trim piece) fixed without me even raising them at service.

  • +4

    2018 VW Arteon

    • 5 seats
    • Fastback
    • AWD
    • More luggage space than most SUV's
    • 0-100 in 5.6secs

    Get a stage 1 tune for about 1k and it's sub 5 secs.

    • +1

      Such nice looking cars

    • Drove a 2021 version of this in Germany as a rental. Amazing car.

  • +1

    Maybe F20 M135i/M140i if you can score a good one within budget.

    • Had one, like the GRY but has back doors. Rear seat space is limited!

  • +2

    Hyundai i20n

  • +1

    I did think of the octavia rs245 or superb 206 but not sure what the reliability is like

    • I've owned a VW Jetta 147tsi 2.0L Turbo, Mk7 GTI and now an S3 Sedan 2017. All have been reliable with the 2.0L with the exception of the Waterpumps.

      Some earlier models have turbo issues so do your research and check service history (double check the DSG has been serviced on time as well as this can be a big down fall if not looked after)

      Hope that helps

    • The octavias are superb (hehe).
      As below water pump and belts aren't cheap but are known.
      No other issues on my pov spec Octavia at 120k+ and 7 years now. A mate had an older 245 and was bomb proof too in 5 years.

    • I've got a 2018 Octavia and love it, and before that I had a 2015 version in 6sp manual. They are extremely reliable cars, and fun to drive. My lease has just ended, and I'm wondering about getting another or waiting till the Enyaq EV comes out.

    • 2012 Octavia rs going strong here

  • +1

    The arteon looks lovely

    • +2

      The Superb is based off the Passat whereas the Arteon is its own design though all running off the same MQB platform.

      I agree with the water pump issue. It's a known fault with VW Group cars that they fail much earlier than other brands (cheap plastic) but beside that I haven't had issues with my Octavia RS

      Things to keep in Mind:
      Octavia RS is essentially Golf GTI but with a stretched out body which makes it more practical but less sporty on track

      Superb is a tourer based off the VW Passat. It's more composed and comfortable

  • +5

    Infiniti Q50 (It's a luxury Nissan)

    3.0TT V6 making 298kW
    0-100 in 5.4secs
    13.8sec 1/4 mile

    Engine was rated one of the world's 10 best

    • Should punch out a better 1/4 time. I managed a 13.2 with a bone stock 170kw WRX wagon.

      recently saw red sport at auctions that was intrested in

      https://www.grays.com/lot/0001-10078285/motor-vehiclesmotor-…

    • Aren't these things literally just a sedan 370z?

      • They use a VR30DETT motor as oppose to the VQ37VHR, same family, but the former is smaller and twin turbo'd

        • This has made me even more disappointed with the 400z now, it's just a q60 Red Sport…

    • +1

      I drove the q50s as a rental car for 6 weeks and it was so much fun! Id recommend it :)

    • These are cool are heck.

    • I have a q50 hybrid awd and looking to upgrade to redsport. Don't bother getting one as the turbos WILL fail and can damage the engine and cost ALOT to repair. Alot of reddit/facebook victims have spoken about their experience with this.

  • +1

    If you concerned with 0-100 times, then WRX is your answer but for you Q50 as above.

    • It's like the Golf R doesn't exist. Significantly quicker than a WRX for similar money.

      • +2

        OP wanted reliable.

        Golf R is unreliable, then a expensive grenade when modded and out warranty.

        I had a modded WRX wagon for 15 years, didn't skip a beat. Friend has a modded Golf R wagon with barely 5000km, drive shaft fell off…

        • Sounds legit. I've had a Subaru (spec b Liberty), BMW and Golf and in terms of reliability/build quality the BMW was noticeably worse, the other two about the same in terms of reliability, the Golf wayyyy better in terms of build quality. The Golf feels like an extremely solid, well built car. By the time I sold it the Subi had bits of plastic disintegrating all over the place, door locks failing, lots of cabin squeaks and rattles, etc etc as well as requiring significant transmission and engine work.

          I.e., anecdotes don't tell you much. Also don't by a BMW.

  • +5
    • +1

      Why Subaru didnt offer this is beyond me.

      Almost bought a Levorg STI but CVT just killed it for me. Bought the STI sedan but would of paid more for a wagon.

  • https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-alfa-romeo-giu…

    Alfa Guilietta.. serious bargain for the coin.. 0-100 in 5.8,DCT Paddle shift and engine yoinked out of the 4c supercar and only 30k

    • +4

      4c supercar

      Taking the piss? The 4C is widely considered a second-rate sports car, and another Alfa misfire.
      shrugs

      • -1

        go drive one yourself and come back and talk to me

        • -1

          Yeah, nah.
          Thing is, it meets none of the "supercar" criteria. Think a 1.7T is good flex? Look up the word supercar.

          EDIT: grumble spoon-fed kids grumble

          "The Alfa Romeo 4C (Type 960) was a mid-engined sports car produced by Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo."

          • -1

            @Speckled Jim: Cambridge website says "a very fast car, usually one that is an unusual or rare type"….. meets both criteria..now whats up

            • +1

              @blingdaddyking: Wikipedia, Top Gear and Alfa themselves say it was a sports car. They priced it to compete with sports cars.
              It was inferior in most respects to all established sports cars in the segment it was designed for.
              Inferior to Lotus Elise/Exige.
              Inferior to Porsche Cayman.
              Inferior to Alpine A110.

              A bottom-of-rung sports car cannot be promoted to supercar, incredibly vague Cambridge definition notwithstanding, except in your own mind.

              I'll tell you what IS a mini-supercar with the performance, steering, handling and quality to match: the Lotus Emira. Does a fine impression of a smaller McLaren. Universally applauded too.

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