Would you trade...
 

A 2009 V6 Mustang (automatic) for a 2003 350Z (manual, fully optioned, cold air intake aftermarket)? This would be a straight trade across the board.

Am I getting the Z? In a heartbeat.

If they were both in equivalent condition and the Z didn't have crazy miles, then I would seriously consider it. I would do my homework first, particularly finding out the current values of each. All things being roughly equal I'd rather have the Z.

If you're getting rid of the Mustang to gain a Z...

Get you're head examined if you don't go through with it!

Ummmmmmmmmmmm
YES

Yeah, the thought is to drop the 'Stang for the Z. Biggest drawbacks to me are as follows:

Z is 6 years older, has 110k miles. 'Stang has 45k and I KNOW how I've treated/cared for it.
The Mustang is auto and is supposed to go to my daughter in 4 years...do I really wanna give her a Z (stick)?
I have kids...currently, the Mustang is the only car I have that sits more than 2 people other than my wife's minivan...which I loathe.

I love my mustang but I've loved the Z since the day they came out (really should've bought one back then, but I was being "practical" in not getting it).

[QUOTE=gacook;

I love my mustang but I've loved the Z since the day they came out (really should've bought one back then, but I was being "practical" in not getting it).[/QUOTE]

Answered your own ?

Depends on the history and condition of the Z. How many people have owned it and how did they treat it?

I had a 05 Z, nice car but not family friendly.

The dealership is about 4 hours from me, so all I've seen thus far is pics. Lots of detailed pics, and it LOOKS immaculate. We'll see when/if I decide to drive up there, though.

45K mile car for a 110K mile car? NO, unless it was something special. I have had quite a few nissans, and in my experience they are great cars up until a point where everything starts going wrong.

No.

The 350Z looks are very very dated. That and double the mileage + a bunch more years on the car are enough reasons not to even think about this. I would recommend you buy another fun car with a stick, but keep the Rustang for family duty / passing down to the kid.

G

No. I'd sell the mustang straight out and buy a clean lower miles Z.

rjp

This. Trading with a dealership means that they are coming out ahead. They aren't trading to be nice, they are trading because the Mustang is worth more and likely easier to sell.

Is that the 300 hp V6 Mustang?

I wouldn't, older more miles and modded.......

I take a Z over a V6 Mustang all day long until I see the mileage of the Z.

I'd be all over that trade. I like the Z cars far better than the Mustangs.

it's nice if you can do a little search for us on resell prices. If similar prices, I'll take the Z. If the mustang get a lot more, I'll sell the mustang and buy the Z.

Now the truth comes out. Keep the Mustang for the kid. It's likely she'll beat it up, but with it's safety features and low power, a much better car for her than a (likely) "rode hard and put away wet" 350Z. Will be much kinder on insurance rates once she gets behind the wheel as well.

I'm actually not all that worried about her beating it up; regardless of what type of car I give her. Granted, she's only 12 now, but she's a ridiculously responsible, good kid. I fully believe that trend will continue throughout her life, but we'll see once the teen hormones kick in.

Interestingly enough, I did find out last night that my wife will be pissed if I get the Z and give it to my daughter, but she doesn't care that my plan was to give the Mustang to her (new wife; daughter is from my first wife).

Get your daughter a $4000 2001-2005 Honda Civic. Beware of potential auto trans issues. The manuals are fine. 35-40MPG all day long, cheap, not fast enough to get into serious trouble, and reliable.

Funny you should mention...I just bought my step-son a Civic Del Sol. Hondas are good cars. BUT I really wanna give my daugher a "nice" car...something fun. This is a kid who is respectful, helps others, is always cheery, the worst grade she's ever brought home is a B, does her own chores and helps out with her brothers/sister...basically, she's the kinda kid that makes you feel like you did something right as a parent. And for that, I kinda wanna spoil her with her first car.

Search around a bit and look for info on the 350Zs and oil consumption. I'm not sure what all years were effected but Nissan had a problem with these. There is at least one TSB out. 1qt oil in less than 1k miles was common and 1qt in 500 miles was not unheard of. Nissan replaced engines if the consumption could be documented. This also affected manual transmission G35s as well.

-J

Yeah, I was looking at an '06 that Nissan had replaced the engine in for this reason.

Why don't you go with a newer civic si? I don't know anything about them, but they seem like a fun version of a civic. The problem with more affordable fun Jap cars is (like what was already said by others) that they were probably beat on. I think the Z is a cool car, but I would be extra careful with your PPI of it.