Erm....interesting few comments there...
I would say drive one.....to really appreciate a 350Z you need to be really pushing it....then it comes alive. Lovely engine....but I found the cockpit a bit plasticky. My brother works for Nissan and I can get a brand new 350z for like 14k. Was tempted but need rear seats to be honest. If it had rear seats I would have had it...I think Nissan missed a trick there to be honest and reckon they would have outsold the TT.
When I was looking (last year) I went round and round the houses trying to find a great car.
I looked at and drove:
350Z
Audi TT 3.2
Porsche Boxster & 997 C2
BMW M3 (E46)
...plus numerous others...
I ended up buying a 54 plate 3.2 TT DSG...which for drivability was fucking lovely. Except for the torrent of abuse I got from tits who had never driven one saying they are girly..he he. I let a few people drive mine and needless to say they loved it. Chrisblack10r will tell you how nice it was. Unfortunately, due to the newer shape, a massive amount of deprication and a few personal niggles I decided to get shot.
I then bought a 2007 Golf GTI DSG....and I don't regret it. I bloody love it. Brilliant. 200bhp and you can really use it...despite it being 2wd you can really point it at apexs and go. Loads of feedback too. Other bonus, is comfortable on long journeys, practical and looks great. However, I do have a heavy right foot so ecomony could be better. I get about 32-34mpg on a normal journey. But around 20ish when I'm in Manual giving it the berries. (Funnily enough, my 3.2 TT was slighlty better (average 35)...must be the V6 form)
Now, some would say I am a bit like a magpie. I like sparkley things to much so will be replacing my GTi within the next few months (yes I know, I am changing for the 3rd time in 12months). I need something a bit more economical...I am starting to do long journeys and could do with something a bit less thirsty. I am tempted by a 335d Sport...but will end up with something completely obscure again and probably regret it again.
Go with what your pocket can afford and your heart yearns for. Personally, if Mpg ain't a big issue and you want something refined but special I would recommned a brand new R32 golf. You can pick one up from dealers for less than 18k...BRAND NEW! I was so nearly driving away in one two weeks ago but the mrs went fucking spazz. The 3.2 V6 lump is too die for and will set you alight....and you have to drive like a real tit to upset one. I guarentee you will bottle it before the car lets go. I would recommend a few tweaks though (just to make it perfect).
Good luck and if you want a lovely Golf GTI give me a bell!!!!
