Just completed my first long run with the family and thought I'd do a write up as I'm sure there must be a number of people interested or wondering what it's like.

 

I've done a number of 200 mile round trips in the Z ON MY OWN but this was the first 500 mile round trip AND with my wife and daughter (5 year old) in tow.

 

First the facts:

 

- Car : 1993 NA 2+2 Manual, 98,500 miles (claimed).

- Average speed : Can't say!

- MPG : 28 over 480 miles (Basingstoke to Yorkshire and back)

- Ownership : Since June 2009 although lusted after one since 1990!

 

Considering I usually do this journey every 3 weeks in an E-class (one of the best motorway cruisers around), I have to say that the Z experience was generally very good. Of course it was noisier than the E, the ride was harder, my right foot was aching from the lack of cruise control but what do you expect from a sports car?

 

My wife of course complained that there was no where to put her bottle of water and no door pockets but hey, who's listening?

 

What my wife didn't complain about of course were the number of people staring at the car all the way up the M1. You don't get those kind of looks for 20 times the price!

 

Oh, and my daughter felt the TV screen on the headrest was too close to her face in the rear, but then she's used to the E-class which is as big as your bedroom. Spoilt brat!

 

What was surprising however, was how much luggage I managed to fit in the boot. I expected this to be a nightmare and was ready to fill the seats with stuff, but I didn't have to and was easily able to fit not just a couple of holdalls, but also my laptop and quite a few shopping bags. The boot doesn't look very deep but the area is large so a weekend away is easy to manage. Very impressed.

 

Finally, I know that many do not use Zs regularly. Mine is used 3-4 days per week in all weathers, and I have had no issues whatsoever. It's even more economical in town than my Merc! (18mpg vs 15mpg).

 

Obviously winter will be interesting...

 

In summary, a very usable car.

NICE!!! What a car we all own!!!! My mate is about to spend 17 grand on a e55 amg, i cant justify all that money on a big merc that will depreciate so much, he wont go zed for some reason, but hey ! Its his money

Sounds strange I know and can't explain it, but I respect the E-class even more now that I have the Z. And I like the Z...

Good going my man, Mrs and I had a wedding to go to a while ago In Edinburgh and the round trip was 550miles round trip and we hit the same MPG as you! Only difference is mines a TT but as you can see made no real difference when super cruising down the motorway!

 

Good Going :)

Nice write up mate!

 

They sure do eat through the miles with ease, and I can honestly say I have not been in a car with a driving position as good as the Z.

 

Glad you are still enjoying the car :dance:

I cannot wait to get back in mine :(