Hello all,

 

As a japanese car fanatic, I felt it was time to indulge again. I've owned a MK1 MR2, MK2 Turbo MR2 and most recently an FTO Mivec and Mazda Eunos. I've now reached the golden age of cheap insurance and want to get myself a 300ZX TT.

 

As a Nissan employee, I regulary see these cars and have fallen for them. What I want to know is basically this: in your well informed opinion, would you start with an auto TT or find a manual car. I see that auto TTs are plentiful, (but after owning the FTO with the auto box I have developed a strong dislike for them).

 

I'm approaching the stage where I am looking to buy, and need an educated point into the right direction.

 

-Sir Charles

Manual everytime.

Welcome mate :) If it was a choice between a similar conditioned auto or manual then the manual. But don't ignore a good conditioned auto they are still fantastic cars.

Is there a massive difference between the manual and auto in terms of performance?

Manual for sure :) ... and welcome

Welcome mate, there is a huge difference, and near enough without fail all Auto boxes will fail in the end.

Autos are plentiful and considerably cheaper to purchase (like for like car)...BUT, the are troublesome. You could always start with an auto if you see a good one, but can get a manual conversion done at a later date. All depends on your current budget I guess. I'd go for a manual all day long though.

welcome, ive had both. auto TT first, and now Uk TT manual.

Manual is more fun drive. good luck with the search

Welcome, I'm intrigued you went from a fast manual MR2 turbo to an auto FTO.. paying more insurance (surely?) yet opting for a slower car! hehe, but I must say I have always had a liking for the FTO's interior, noise and appearance. The 300zx might not feel as nippy as your MR2 did in all honesty but the top end is brutal once you get to 120 or so. I'm planning on upping my power soon as I can because the 280-300bhp has become tiresome already. It's not a light car so don't expect it to feel like a light car, it feels more like a meaty cruiser. If I was going to the expense of buying an ex-supercar I think you'd want the whole package so buy the manual and don't shortchange yourself buddy. I picked mine up in immaculate condition for 1500 pounds. When I say immaculate I mean not one speckle of rust anywhere on the body - it has a few niggles but nothing major so far!

How much do manual conversions cost?

 

Also is it worthwhile waiting for a UK TT or look at import Fairladys too?

How much do manual conversions cost?

 

Also is it worthwhile waiting for a UK TT or look at import Fairladys too?

 

Your looking at 1500 approx for a Manual conversion.

 

I would recommend an Import over a UK car. Around 80% of Z's here are Imports. Ofcourse each car should be accessed individually but in general UK cars suffer badly with Corrosion and are typically higher mileage, whereas Imports tend to be like new underneath, especially those that have only been here a few years. I personally also prefer a lot of the import specific differences - Front fogs, no ugly headlight washers, Z badge instead of Nissan badge, nicer Rear bumper, Electric folding mirrors, 3rd brake light .....etc.

 

Uk cars have the advantage of MPH clocks, Rear Fogs, Larger oil cooler, 3point rear belts in the 2+2 - But all of these are straight forward to change on Jap models anyway.

 

It also depends on which model your after. UK models are only available as TT 2+2(LWB) Targa, whereas Imports have all variations available -

 

TT, NA

2+2(LWB) , 2+0(SWB)

Targa, Convertible, Slicktop

Edited March 12, 201015 yr by Yowser

Also is it worthwhile waiting for a UK TT or look at import Fairladys too?

 

Either - just check any car carefully (be it import or UK)

I have to be fair, I've joined a few owners forums in the past (MR2 owners club, Corrado, FTO et al) and haven't had so much as a decent response - let alone an informed one. You seem like a cracking bunch of people. :)

welcome best forum on the net bud. :duffer:

Welcome bud - I went from a Mk1 MR2, to Mk2 MR2 (non turbo) to Zed so similar kind of history. You'll love the Zed fella! :D

 

Steve :)

welcome to the club :)

i agree with the above - mine is an import and was originally an auto but due to the box frying i had it converted and have never looked back!

Im new on here and have found a part for sale im interested in on the 'items for sale section' How on earth do i reply to posts or send PM's . Its the Manual Gearbox, up for sale by AC49er.

in my opinion i would buy the best car you can bodywork wise and worry about the box later. i assume you are a mechanic so a box change should be no trouble. mechanics are easy to sort compared with the time or cost of sorting out a rusty/bent shell.

in my opinion i would buy the best car you can bodywork wise and worry about the box later. i assume you are a mechanic so a box change should be no trouble. mechanics are easy to sort compared with the time or cost of sorting out a rusty/bent shell.

 

Nope Im no mechanic, i'm Nissan sales. Theres a few im looking at for the moment hoping to buy by the close of the month but im not gonna rush into it.

Hello all,

 

As a japanese car fanatic, I felt it was time to indulge again. I've owned a MK1 MR2, MK2 Turbo MR2 and most recently an FTO Mivec and Mazda Eunos. I've now reached the golden age of cheap insurance and want to get myself a 300ZX TT.

 

As a Nissan employee, I regulary see these cars and have fallen for them. What I want to know is basically this: in your well informed opinion, would you start with an auto TT or find a manual car. I see that auto TTs are plentiful, (but after owning the FTO with the auto box I have developed a strong dislike for them).

 

I'm approaching the stage where I am looking to buy, and need an educated point into the right direction.

 

-Sir Charles

 

Hi Mate, Welcome, I might be interested in going the other way.. see my thred http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=135555

 

Rich

Edited March 15, 201015 yr by Rev1Richie
oops.wrong url

Arrrgghh I nearly bought another MR2 turbo last week, but I resisted! I really want to get into a 300ZX. Looks like my quest will continue for now...

 

Its hard to find one that ticks all the boxes for me. In an ideal world I want a black, manual, t-bar. Any one looking to sell theirs?

What sort of money are you looking to spend?

Also to get full use from this site i would recommend spending the subs fee .

Good Luck..

Welcome to the club fella :thumbup1:

Im new on here and have found a part for sale im interested in on the 'items for sale section' How on earth do i reply to posts or send PM's . Its the Manual Gearbox, up for sale by AC49er.

 

You need to be a subscribed member to reply and send PMs in the for sale section mate and its well worth the money:yes:

I am now a Z owner :) , will post more details tomorrow!

congratulations - I hope you've got yerself a good'un :hyper: