[HEY32G]

Okay I've pretty much narrowed it down to those three. Looking around the $35k mark. My thoughts:

Z4M - I've always loved them. Would probably get a very nice one from EAG. Reliability worries me, but would probably appreciate in value over time. The quality is by far the best of the three.

370Z Nismo - Would get a barely used 2015 - 2017 manual transmission. Love the reliability, love the looks, love the rev matching transmission. Would be so easy to own. Great performance and no headaches. Very tempting, but I'm 53 yrs old and it may look like a 20-something's car and not for me. Don't know if I want to pull up for a business meeting in one.

C6 Z06 - Amazing power, amazing grip, but I don't plan to track any car I buy. Lousy quality of materials. Can't get over the " 'merican V8 muscle car " stigma along with the fact most owners like chrome wheels and use walkers. Not being rude, it's just a fact. Went to a statewide Corvette Club show one time and geez, it looked like the old folks home left the gate open! Great value for the money. Am I stupid to pass on a 500hp car? But really, how much power can you use on the street? This is my wife's pick.

Plan to keep whichever I buy for around 5 years. I work from home, but drive to the gym and back in the mornings (30 miles total), so I'm never really stuck in traffic commuting.

Would love to hear opinions. In the end it's my decision but would enjoy hearing what other enthusiasts have to say.

Thanks.

[c1pher]

C6 Z06 performs similarly to the base Stingray, which is very good. But has almost an econobox interior.
I loved my 350z and feel the 370z is now getting old and the engine doesn’t sound as good, but it looks cool and performs. I could see myself in one for an awesome price.
Z4M, I really have no experience with. But if it’s better than my 135is, I’d say get that. Engine sounds beautiful, interior is very nice, handles wonderfully and you have a lot of tuning options.

[Scout10]

Thought the Z06 had more HP?? 650 !!!!!
And the truth is ... do you need it?
Can you get by with a 450 HP Grand sport? and not go to the
weekend show.
The younger people or a wider mix are usually in the local Corvette Clubs.
Had a few vets, its a seasonal car up here, BUT you'd like it even at 53.

[CirrusSR22]

Depends on what you're into. Luxury or performance. Z4M is certainly more luxurious than a C6 Z06, but the C6 Z06 is a vastly superior sports car.

What the C6 Z06 can do.

[NickyC]

I'd take the Z4M, and not worry about reliability one bit. I've had two of them now spanning nearly seven years, and the only thing I've ever had to replace on either has been the alternator. Obviously they're not on the same level as the C6 Z06 (add an ESS supercharger!), but I still wouldn't trade my Z4M for one.

Vettes are just such a dime a dozen too, with a Z4M the people who know what they are will really appreciate the car!

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by Scout10

Thought the Z06 had more HP?? 650 !!!!!
And the truth is ... do you need it?
Can you get by with a 450 HP Grand sport? and not go to the
weekend show.
The younger people or a wider mix are usually in the local Corvette Clubs.
Had a few vets, its a seasonal car up here, BUT you'd like it even at 53.

That’s the current Z06. The last gen Z06 (C6) had 505hp, IIRC. The OP mentioned the C6.

[PLCZ4MC]

Around 35k you should consider the Z4M Coupe.
If you must go for a Roadster, for 35k you can probably get a Roadster with very low miles. But i still would recommend a coupe, wont even have to worry about the top down engine and the looks are just amazing.

[Crimson92]

Z4M.

I would buy another one in a heartbeat if I could.

[eluded]

Unless you need The Horses I would go with the BMW and hope for the best in reliability.

[Sheck44]

HEY32, I've had a 350Z, Viper GTS, Mustang Roush 427R, Z06 and now on my 2nd 2006 Z4M roadster and I can tell you that for all round fun, sound and handling it's VERY hard to beat the Z ... btw I'm 48 (the Z06 would be 2nd)

Cheers
Steve

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by Sheck44

HEY32, I've had a 350Z, Viper GTS, Mustang Roush 427R, Z06 and now on my 2nd 2006 Z4M roadster and I can tell you that for all round fun, sound and handling it's VERY hard to beat the Z ... btw I'm 48 (the Z06 would be 2nd)

Cheers
Steve

Which Z? Z4M, 370Z or Z06? The OP appeared to have a fascination with Z cars

Seriously, it's a great problem to have - to be able to pick between any of them

[maddmatth]

Z4M is one of those classics that will hold value, maybe even go up in value. I'd get one if I could.

[Crimson92]

Originally Posted by maddmatth

Z4M is one of those classics that will hold value, maybe even go up in value. I'd get one if I could.

They're already going up in value. The 2000 E series M cars are starting to trend upwards.

[Mr Carrots]

I'd take the z06 as the 370 is meh and the z4m is likely going to get very expensive.

There seems to be a speed limiter installed on the c6 as every single one I've ever seen in the wild has been driven at 5mph under the speed limit, usually in the right lane, and they don't seem to sell them to people under 60. Very odd.

[kprocivic]

C6z mic drop.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Any reason Cayman S is not on the list? 2010 should be in your price range.

If you didn't already have a 3.0si, maybe Z4M would be the answer (and it'd be under $30k even for a nicely sorted coupe) but given your 3.0si experience I'd go with something different, in this case the vette.

[wdb]

If you're just going to drive it to the gym get the Vette.

[FriskyDingo]

Z4M or NISMO Z.

[eleniki]

I would take the Z4 Roadster - luxurious, comfortable and modern.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

Depends on what you're into. Luxury or performance. Z4M is certainly more luxurious than a C6 Z06, but the C6 Z06 is a vastly superior sports car.

This. Skip the 370z. Boring car, kiddie. I'd get an early c7 if you can. Better than the c6 in most ways and as stated almost the same power. Actually you're in the sweet spot for corvette buyers. They typically buy in their 50s. Just make sure you're good getting in and out. They're super low and a pita. As for the z4m, nice but my small and slow next to a vette without major mods. Also way more on upkeep.

[KingOfJericho]

The C6 Z06 is the performance bargain of the century right now. I love those cars.

[TomD335xicoupe]

Porsche 911 (2002-2005 , skip past 1999-01) aka 996 solidly in that price range, performance ,looks, extremely undervalued for that generation, and also for that one time you need to get your friends home a back seat.
P Car snobs will glance sideways but best deal for a sports car in that range