my NA is my first car and i LOVE it. I went the NA path purley on insurance rates and maint costs. besides ur semi right in the fact that NA does have a lot of power, i have almost spun out like 3 or 4 times on a dirty or gravel road simple because of the rear wheels when u hit the gas on first. im used to much slower cars like my das pos and my moms minivan when i was learning to drive. definatly very very fun car and recommended if u can afford. and Z can be a "first car material" i mean this was my first manual too!