Price of new 2003 Z - $25k the magic point?

[noelsaw]

Two reliable sources have indicated that the new Z will begin at $25k. So far there looks like there will only be on engine so performance wise the new Z trim models should be very similar.

Is $25k the magic point that would make the Z a resounding success? How many would still buy/lease it if the car was starting at $30k?

[2HD]

I think that 25k will be the magic point that will bring the kind of success that the first gen Z brought. If there is lots of standard equipment and less options plus the car stays below 29K, this will be a car to be reconed with. Although I don't believe they're will e any threat to XVL these 2 cars should have 2 different personalities. At 30k price point the Z becomes closer to the last generation which became to costly overtime. I'm sure the price will rise sonner or later after the New Z comes out. Plus the price gap between the Z and some other competitiors like corvette become closer and some biased people might not think its worth it because Zwill have a V6 and corvette has a V8. If Z starts at $25k (which is probably the best spot for it.) with 300hp or and one of the worlds best engines it is sure to be a hit. I believe if the price was any lower people would believe that Nissan must of cut corners or it would not be as powerful as they claim.

[dfw_alan]

$25K sounds like a good starting point.... Definately not lower than that though. You want to keep the ricers away http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/wink.gif When the new Z does arrive I will wait for the 2nd year before considering any kind of a purchase should the vehicle live up to the hinted performance and looks good..... Else I'll be in the market for a used Supra Turbo (which hauls ass and looks like it to http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/wink.gif).

[thearabian]

At 25k, i just hope it won't be a POS with cheap interior and compromise after compromise.

Also, i am weary of Nissan base prices, after adding all options on a Nissan its price can jump almost 50% (case in example, Altima)

[noelsaw]

I think with someone like Patrick Pelata on board at Nissan, poor quality interior materials are a no-no at Nissan.

I predict the base 2003 Z at $25k will offer ABS, power windows and doors, A/C, 16" alloy wheels, and a CD player standard. Options to bump it up to $30k plus? Limited slip differential, Bose audio, vehicle stability control, HID, 17" alloy wheels/tires, etc.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by thearabian:
At 25k, i just hope it won't be a POS with cheap interior and compromise after compromise.

Also, i am weary of Nissan base prices, after adding all options on a Nissan its price can jump almost 50% (case in example, Altima)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Nismo]

$25k! Wow! Hubba hubba! If Nissan could follow through on the performance expectations AND keep the price to $25k, then I'd seriously consider trading in my just-bought Integra GS-R when the new Z comes out.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

mmmm, I think the Z car has a little more presteige than that! I mean come on! The old Z car was pretty close to being an obomination as far as pricing goes, but you have to remember it's been a while and inflation hasnt exactly sat still. 25k for a car will get a Prelude or Integra. Not exactly the kind of company you want to keep when trying to impress the masses. It's like inviting your "Hill Billy" neighbors to a wine tasting. It just doesnt make sense. I think 30k is a more proper starting point for a Z car.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

25 K sounds right to me.A base Maxima comes standard with power windows,locks,cruise,keyless entry,a/c..etc and start in the low 20's.I know the Z will be RWD,but it cant cost but so much more to manufacturer than a Max..and that would put it a few grand at least higher the Maxima starting off.

[jochi]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HammerMan:
mmmm, I think the Z car has a little more presteige than that! I mean come on! The old Z car was pretty close to being an obomination as far as pricing goes, but you have to remember it's been a while and inflation hasnt exactly sat still. 25k for a car will get a Prelude or Integra. Not exactly the kind of company you want to keep when trying to impress the masses. It's like inviting your "Hill Billy" neighbors to a wine tasting. It just doesnt make sense. I think 30k is a more proper starting point for a Z car.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think 25K is a good starting point, and you must think of it in another way. It's more like: The masses should enjoy the privileges the rich snob about. We all want to drink XO, and eat caviar and drive a 300hp sports car; and now we can have it..... well, at least the 300hp sports car part.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I think is the new Z try to be like the project 901 Z32 and starting in the low $25,000 this car would be a great success!! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[xlr8r]

25k is perfect. the only people who will buy the new z are people who like performance. and as we can see today, people who can afford 30k are buying trucks. the people who will be most interested are people who like the rice burners. if you think the nostalgia market will support car nissan may be in some trouble. what i think nissan needs are new buyers, people who will like the car and buy a nissan again. it's abvious that hasn't been the case lately- people who had original z's have not supported z's. kids are going to be the ones who want z's, so they better be affordable

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I think $25k would be an excellent starting point, providing that this will have the 300hp motor. We are still ~3 years off on the introduction of this car...remember boy racers grow up and want nicers cars. I'm still comptemplating the stable mate to my 99 G20...in 3 years the new Z is looking pretty sweet, especially at $25k 3 years from now!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I want to see some pictures of the Maxima Z edition http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Its about time, I have a autoweek from almost 2 years ago that has a nissan add that says the new Z would sell for less than $25k.

Some of you are missing the point, the Z is not suppose to be some sort of prestige car its suppose to be a sports car for everyone(like the first Z) Thats why the lower price is so crucial to the cars success. So what if the Z costs around the same amount as the integra, prelude or eclipse that just means more sales for Nissan(you would have to be an idiot to pick a fwd 4 over a 300hp Rwd V6 Z)
I cant wait when can we put an order in

[JonCarson]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by zbeast:
..."Some of you are missing the point, the Z is not suppose to be some sort of prestige car its suppose to be a sports car for everyone(like the first Z) Thats why the lower price is so crucial to the cars success. So what if the Z costs around the same amount as the integra, prelude or eclipse that just means more sales for Nissan(you would have to be an idiot to pick a [FR] 4 over a 300hp Rwd V6 Z)"...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well said zbeast.
And for those who are thinking that the Z should be a prestige car, let me add this:
I don't think that anyone at Nissan has really denied plans to bring a GT-R to the U.S.
That's a car that they won't be able to sell for cheap, and it's loaded with all the best technology Nissan has to offer. If they want (and can afford) to have a prestige car to rival the likes of the NSX, the GT-R is the better candidate.

Keep the new Z's goal task simple for now. Let it make some money for Nissan, bring back some old Datsun/Nissan fans, and make some new ones with a good ol' dose of automotive passion.
God, how I love to be in love with a great car! Know what I mean?
Oh, and the new Z can also kick a little S2000, M-Coupe, SLK, Boxster, ass as it sweaps through the automotive world like a storm. (Add any comparably priced/performing car to the list)

[**DONOTDELETE**]

25K....this will eliminate a good percentage of posible buyers. I think if Nissan strikes at 20K they'll sell many more. If you want to see the Z come back like never before offer a 20K model. For many people the extra 5K will mean to high of a monthly payment.

If people could live with slightly less of a supercar and more of a fun, inexpensive sports car, then the Z could really come back. Do all of you really need 300hp...I'd be happy with 250hp... I still drive my 280z (the only car I've ever owned), and last time I checked it wasn't a super car, just a really fun car to drive. The secret is in the weight (must be under 2700lbs) the suspension, and the handling. A big engine is nice, but not as necesary as you think.

just my opinion....make it more like the 240 (or 280) and less like the 300z (90's model)

[dfw_alan]

The perfect 20K car is the turbo S15....

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Since Nissan's success is important, they will probably try to slip a base model in at the lowest possible price. We may not like the outcome (everyone and their mom will have a Z) but in the end Nissan will probably profit more and thats all that really matters.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I think that $25-30K is the magic point in order for the Z car to succeed. Unfortunately, people would rather spend upwards of $40K on a SUV than a sports car. I think that the new Z car should be a back-to-basics car. We all know what kind of technology Nissan has up its sleeve as evidenced by the Skyline. I think the Z car should be something along the lines of a Miata (let me finish) . . .it should be lightweight, rear drive, manual, LSD, and have an appopriate amount of power (at least 250). I think that it should be affordable, but not so that Civic owners are able to afford it. There is a certain level of prestige that comes along with the Z name . . . it is not an economy car like the Civic is. I think some good options would be leather, HID (yummy), and a wheel tire package. Otherwise, I think they should keep it simple. The less gadgets and electronic safety devices (stability control and all that crap) it has, the lighter and more effective the car will be. As far as engines go, it would be orgasmic if we could get the RB26DETT from the Skyline, but the bean counters at Nissan USA would likely scoff at that idea. A higher output VQ would be the next choice, and with aftermarkert supercharger packages likely available (though turbocharging would probably yield more output and sound cooler) the new Z would be a very formidable competitor. If Nissan can bring the Z in under the cost of an S2000, they won't be able to build them fast enough. I think there are enough people out there that remember the original Z and the newer generation (myself included) that are have/are about to graduate and are looking for a true Japanese sports car that the Z car will be a success.

[This message has been edited by MaximaVT (edited 07-24-2000).]

[2HD]

I agree! The 25k price point is the best bet. Not too low to be considered with one of those so called "sport cars" like Celica and Eclipse and not to high to be considerd a luxury car thats out of the range of most consumers. Just remember that this was car compared with Japans best too reposition it with the lower likes will only hurt it's image. Times have changed and the Z has grown past the original that came out long ago. Plus the 25k point is huge drop from the last generation price. The oringinal Z was a unique one of a kind car, placing the New Z at 25k I think will help justify that once again.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MaximaVT:
[B]I think that it should be affordable, but not so that Civic owners are able to afford it. There is a certain level of prestige that comes along with the Z name . . . it is not an economy car like the Civic is.
B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



[This message has been edited by 2HD (edited 07-24-2000).]

[67PATROL]

I think 25,000 is a great starting point. The Z shouldn't be any cheaper than that. The best sellin z ever was the 280zx and it came in at around 10-16,000 bucks and that was in the early 80's. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that work out to at least 25-30,000 in todays money? Also, having a really cheap z, like below 25k would mean that the possibility of the Silvia ever making it here would be much less. Hopefully , Nissan will let the Z be their upper model sports car and also import the Silvia for the under 25,000 crowd. Maybe if we are lucky they will also eventually import the gtr as a 50k infiniti. I may be dreaming, but hopefully that is the way it will work out.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

&gt;Various sources confirm there will be two different body styles of the new Z car - one for the United States and the other for Japan.&lt;

I'm very sorry to hear this. How can this be
a true Z if it looks different then the one in Japan. The new Z has it's work cut out for it anyway. The legend of the Z's past is going to be a tought act to follow. The Fairlady Z always intrested me, and knowing
it was basically the same car that I was driving was part of the legend and mystique. Next thing you know they'll be building it in Tenn. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif
I'm just a traditionalist I guess!
I know it marketing and cost savings, but let the Z go if thats the case. Just put the energy in the Maxima, or release the Skyline
over here. Lets hear some other opinions on this different body style topic.
Steve

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Z32Rocket:
Since Nissan's success is important, they will probably try to slip a base model in at the lowest possible price. We may not like the outcome (everyone and their mom will have a Z) but in the end Nissan will probably profit more and thats all that really matters.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I dont think the Z will be as commonplace as a Taurus or Cavalier even at a 20 grand starting price.2 dr cars are not as desireable as they were a few years back (even teenagers are driving 4 doors and there not just their parents cars!).20 years ago,a good precentage of cars were 2 door and so the Z cars of the day blended in better.As cool as the car is going to be,dont think their going to trade in their minivans and boring Camry's for a sports car.Let me note that I believe the car will be a hit...and will help generate sales of other Nissan products (which is one of the main goals of the car im sure).The automobile industry isnt like drinking Sprite...Image IS everything!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Steve Carrero:
&gt;Various sources confirm there will be two different body styles of the new Z car - one for the United States and the other for Japan.&lt;

I'm very sorry to hear this. How can this be
a true Z if it looks different then the one in Japan. The new Z has it's work cut out for it anyway. The legend of the Z's past is going to be a tought act to follow. The Fairlady Z always intrested me, and knowing
it was basically the same car that I was driving was part of the legend and mystique. Next thing you know they'll be building it in Tenn. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif
I'm just a traditionalist I guess!
I know it marketing and cost savings, but let the Z go if thats the case. Just put the energy in the Maxima, or release the Skyline
over here. Lets hear some other opinions on this different body style topic.
Steve<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

i agree, the Z should be the same all over the world. i have a feeling the Japan model Z will look significantly more original (and better) than the porsche/audi TT copycat version the US might get

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Ok fine and dandy. great 25,000 would be perfect. IF they decided on 30,000 i think it would be close to impossible for the average guy or girl to afford. Look at the S2000 with a starting price of 32 grand the dealers mark the sucker up about 4 grand. So im just saying whats keeping nissan dealers from doing the same. So i say stick it at 25 so we all can atleast by it for thirty. not saying its going to happend but what are the odds it wont

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Z32Rocket:
Since Nissan's success is important, they will probably try to slip a base model in at the lowest possible price. We may not like the outcome (everyone and their mom will have a Z) but in the end Nissan will probably profit more and thats all that really matters.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Man! I am so mixed about this...if Nissan does provide say an entry level trim at 20K and the outcome is that everyone and their mom has one...which means more success for Nissan hopefully that translates into a Z that has that intrinsic pride of ownership image. I must admit that while I do not want a expensive Z by no means I still want some level of prestige while driving my Z. That is not to say that Z ownership should mean look at what I can afford and that other guy probably can't as the other guy many not want Z ownership but the thought of seeing Z's everywhere like Explorers or Camry's just makes me wonder whether the pride of ownership factor could be diluted a bit if at all? What do you all think? I don't claim a corner on understanding all factors and their implementations when it comes to deciding the price range for the new Z but while 20K could be a nice base level entry point..is Nissan really THAT price sensative where a starting point of 25K could make that big a difference for the success of the Z?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

25K could be the magic point for the new Z, yet I find it hard to imagine that a performance car worthy of the Z name to come out for such a sum. If Nissan’s interested in selling about 100k copies of the Z, that may be a wise move. Rather if they wish to bolster the company image by releasing a new generation Z full of performance at a reasonable price, they may consider increasing the price to about 30K. The only thing worst than having the Z with low sales numbers, is bring back the legend to be despised by the public because of it’s unoriginal design and poor workmanship.

[This message has been edited by 400R (edited 07-27-2000).]

[Infiniti]

The thing is that the design, so far, seems as if it will totally original, and Nissan, sometimes, has little quirks in fit and finish but I am sure that the Z will be top notch, as is the Maxima. And the Z will have a high performance V6, try like 280-300hp! And a 6 speed manual, possibly a 5, will really shoot this car like no other Z. Jerry Heisenburg ( I can't spell it ) said if it performs 75% as well as the engineers are going for, then the car will still perform like a crazy. Nissan will not debut the Z, as hyped up as it is, to be a slow, and week sports car. I am sure and confident that it will take enthusiats and the Country by storm.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I'm going to the dealership with the intend to get a new Z whent they come out. The test drive will make the finally decision though.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I got a feeling this is going to be an event like no other in automotive history. How many of us will buy it? I am not sure. But I do image swamped dealerships with all Z enthusiasts and new buyers saturating those dealers for test drives. Just think about Z club events across the country organizing an event to Nissan dealerships for test drives. Should be an exciting time at the least.

[JonCarson]

Hmm....

Maybe FreshAlloy should stage a Z-car release meeting.

I guess it could only really be a Southern California thing since that's where FA is based...

Anyone who is a FreshAlloy Forum member, Z fan, Nissan fan, Heck! any fan of sports cars could be invited to converge at a public unveiling of the new Z.

[mcervantes]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by carsonjon:
Anyone who is a FreshAlloy Forum member, Z fan, Nissan fan, Heck! any fan of sports cars could be invited to converge at a public unveiling of the new Z.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sounds like a good idea to me! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif Just imagine.... Nissan bringing out a few pre-production Zs for us to drool over and maybe even do a few hot-laps in. Just us enthusiasts that hang around the different websites [FreshAlloy.com, Z32.org, etc.] and maybe a few journalists. That would be a great way for Nissan to show that enthusiasts do matter to them.

Am I dreaming??? OH YEAH! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/tongue.gif

mikecervantes




[This message has been edited by mcervantes (edited 07-28-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

What about the rest of us, living on the east coast??? SELLOUT :P

[Infiniti]

Yeh. Im in NJ!!! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/mad.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Well, I'm in MD and I am glad the suggestion has struck a cord with some on the board I was wondering if I was being too anxious. =]

Anyhow, a bi-coastal event would be great! At the least if the West has it then the East and Central would have to pony up the $$$ to get there!

Even then, I am sure the various Z clubs could and probably will stage something at local dealerships at production time for test drives and purchase (I can see, or well, uh, dream of the Z caravans pulling into Nissans lots around the country...)but man a pre-prod view will the enthusiasts and press would be absolutely fantastic! If you guys here at FA coordinated something like this with Nissan...I AM THERE!

NISSAN are you reading this!?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mcervantes:
Sounds like a good idea to me! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif Just imagine.... Nissan bringing out a few pre-production Zs for us to drool over and maybe even do a few hot-laps in. Just us enthusiasts that hang around the different websites [FreshAlloy.com, Z32.org, etc.] and maybe a few journalists. That would be a great way for Nissan to show that enthusiasts do matter to them.

Am I dreaming??? OH YEAH! http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/tongue.gif

mikecervantes

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Even better will it be if they will be actievely seeking our input on the prototypes and doing some corrections based on it.

For example, do it in LA, Texas, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanata and middle of the New England ...

[2HD]

Hey! You forgot the Nations Capital and Florida which has a mighty Nissan following also http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/smile.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Poligraf:
Even better will it be if they will be actievely seeking our input on the prototypes and doing some corrections based on it.

For example, do it in LA, Texas, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanata and middle of the New England ...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Slack00]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by carsonjon:
Hmm....

Maybe FreshAlloy should stage a Z-car release meeting.

I guess it could only really be a Southern California thing since that's where FA is based...

Anyone who is a FreshAlloy Forum member, Z fan, Nissan fan, Heck! any fan of sports cars could be invited to converge at a public unveiling of the new Z.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll hop on that boat!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Well in three years I'll be 19 and if the Z magic point 25k then oh boy I'm going to work 24hr a day 7 days a week to be the first in my school to have one. I might even trade in My VW GTI http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif I might regret it) But it's all for a 2003 Z

[**DONOTDELETE**]

You may want to add time and a half to that Speedy, as the new Z is coming in 2002 as a 2003 model. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/grin.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SpeedyNissan:
Well in three years I'll be 19 and if the Z magic point 25k then oh boy I'm going to work 24hr a day 7 days a week to be the first in my school to have one. I might even trade in My VW GTI http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif I might regret it) But it's all for a 2003 Z<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>