Hi,

 

I've decided my current car ('97 Rover 214) needs to be changed and will be up for sale come June. So around then I'll be in the market for a nice little japanese number :cool:.

 

So far the 300zx has passed all my prerequisites. But There's a big list I've got to go through:

Mitsubishi

FTO (FWD, want 4WD or RWD)

GTO (xpensive, and not hearing good things about them)

Galant VR4

 

Nissan

180/200sx S13

200sx S14

Silvia S15

300zx Fairlady (looking good)

 

Honda

Civic

CRX

CRX DelSol

Prelude

Civic EP3

 

As you can see I've got a fair list, most will not be viable though. I've given myself a budget of £5000 and for that I expect a decent car (am I hoping to much for a '92+?) and at least a small smattering of performance/handling mods. I'd prefer to do the ICE myself.

 

Also, insurance will be a big deal for me (24 tomorrow, 2yrs NCB, no convictions etc.). Would I be better with the NA or a TT?

 

Are my expectations too high? What are the good points of owning one of these cars, and what is a 300zx SWB?

 

I apologise for the huge post and whean of questions.

Any help and/or advice you could give would be greatly appreciated though :)

Why? :confused:

 

Having had both I suggest that you try both before you make your mind up.

 

Personnelly I think auto is much better. Then ask your self this question. Why are all to racing cars auto's or semi auto and none manual? +Why are all top Drag cars auto?

 

 

Dragsters are not Automatic.

 

Most race cars are sequential boxes and not automatic. Sequential boxes are nothing like automatics they are basically manual boxes but with an electrinic motor moving the selector in the box.

Dont compair the automatic boxes in F1 cars too. They where manual boxes with sequential change operatied by computer. It was not an Automatic transmission. There is no torque converter in it.

Insomniac, Your not alone. Lots of people have a thing about automatics, it's because their dad had it and his dad before. I've spoke to people who say they'd never have an auto but have never driven one.

I love mine. Try one.

My dad has a auto Ford Focus and I can tell you that is is dreadfull compared to the manual. Example, I am in 3rd gear and I want to change to 2nd (without moving the knob), instead the car decides to drop to 1st gear and screames like hell then decides to change up to 2nd ??

I hope the auto z is not like this, that is why I decided to go for a manual z, you just have more control over the beast!

I thought the same when I had driven a nice Ford Granny auto!! Then I got an auto Soarer and there DEFINATELY was a difference!!! But I do like my manual zed. I think a 'sports auto' is a bit of a different thing really.

91 UK TT AUTO!

Never had an auto before my Z.

Driving manuals cos it is fun changing up & down gears feels good! Always had the impression autos were "boring". Oh my god! how wrong can one get!!!

Auto's? who friggin wants an auto there for old farts & grannies!!

WELL my ZX auto is friggin GOOD I mean VERY GOOD!!! keep your manuals & if you like manuals get a manwell.

Arthur

Insomniac, Your not alone. Lots of people have a thing about automatics, it's because their dad had it and his dad before. I've spoke to people who say they'd never have an auto but have never driven one.

I love mine. Try one.

 

I have driven a few autos and I dont like it.

 

:(

 

I will never have one if I can help it.

I have driven a few autos and I dont like it.

 

:(

 

I will never have one if I can help it.

 

 

Same with me and a manual Z,I have driven a few NO WAY would I have one!

oh, BTW, deffo stick with the manual gearbox, autos are for :xxx: (thats what they do with their left hand you know!! :D )

 

This is the problem with people who carn't drive :xxx: an auto :nelson:. Those of us who can drive actually use that thing called a gear sellector to change gear. :o :o :(

1) Dragsters are not Automatic.

 

2) Most race cars are sequential boxes and not automatic. Sequential boxes are nothing like automatics they are basically manual boxes but with an electrinic motor moving the selector in the box.

 

3) Dont compair the automatic boxes in F1 cars too. They where manual boxes with sequential change operatied by computer. It was not an Automatic transmission. There is no torque converter in it.

 

1A) I think you'll find the ones that are winning are

 

2A) An automatic changes gear by the use of an electric motor and servo switch just the same as a sequential box. All race car boxes where crash boxes. i.e. No clutch and a Torque converter is merely an electronicaly operated hydrolic clutch, But a crash box can only engage gears when engine rev's and gear speed coincide and this is what is computor (instead of a clutch or torque converter ) managed on a sequential box so that the gear sellection is made faster. Without the computor you cannot change gear. You push the button and it AUTOMATICALLY sellects for you. Torque converters are not as fast at changing gear as the computor, but still quicker than anyone with a normal manual.

 

3A) How can it be "manual operated by a computor" :rofl: :rofl:. If that the case then an auto is manual operated by a torque converter. + Most of the F1 teams (I think its all actually) the cars change down automatically controlled by a computor every time the brake peddle is applied. The driver only changes up gears and has the option to hold it in a gear (just like my auto :D )

"It was not an Automatic transmission. There is no torque converter in it.[/quote"

There's no torque converter on the lift doors in my office, but their automatic and the lift itself has an automatic gear box controled by computor. Do you know how the computor in a race car or a lift can operate the gear changes.

Well it messures the torque of the stressed componants then converts that callculation into a command. :nelson: :xxx: :xxx: :mac1:

Just my 2p worth, but if cost is a factor, buy another car along side the Z.

 

After owning the Z for a year, Ive bought myself a Pug 106 diesel and garaged the Z.

 

This means that i save money on commuting (55mpg), insurance (Saved £1100 by going to classic car), and the Z gets to stay nice and warm in this weather ;) And only comes out at playtime :)

 

Which means less wear and tear on the Z. If only Id done that a year ago, I would have had a lot more money to spend on the car! :)

Insomniac, Your not alone. Lots of people have a thing about automatics, it's because their dad had it and his dad before. I've spoke to people who say they'd never have an auto but have never driven one.

I love mine. Try one.

I've driven an auto before (like I said, my mom drives autos ;) ), there's just something about them, I feel detached from the driving experience... more like a go-kart (albeit a 300bhp, 155mph go-kart) than a car.

 

But I will give the auto's a try, I reckon there will be a lot of them between me and my perfect Z ;)

I've done the same with an 8v mk2 Golf GTI. Saving over £200 on the insurance on BOTH compared to JUST the Z.

 

Z only car.......£750.

 

Golf...............£250

Z on classic....£260.

 

The Z seems even more special now when I get it out of the garage!

James, totally with you on that! :)

Thats a good point guys (got your email James, thanks). My pal's got a 106 1.5 diesel, his fuel pump just went though... :rolleyes:

 

I currently park my car on the road, but I'd probably look into getting one of the empty lock-up/garages just up the road from me. Exactly how wide and long is the 300zx? They're quite big, but still, I'm wondering if it'd fit?

This is the problem with people who carn't drive :xxx: an auto :nelson:. Those of us who can drive actually use that thing called a gear sellector to change gear. :o :o :(

Spot on Mark , it is a lot harder to drive an auto properly than it is to drive a manwell properly, my daily driver is a manwell and is a peace of cake to drive hard and fast , My auto 300 on the other hand is a lot harder but more rewarding to drive hard :)

Personally I like to fiddle with me stick :D:D:D far more rewarding :o

Second car v/good idea mine is a micra.

Z is wide, too wide for me in my garage to open the door without it hitting wall & getting out comfortably. I push the targa top over, window down and climb out over the door!

How stupid is that!!

Arthur

Personally I like to fumble with me stick :D:D:D far more rewarding :o

That would explain why you are so slow Mike :xxx: :tongue:

That would explain why you are so slow Mike :xxx: :tongue:

 

We can't 'quick' as you Baggins :p :xxx: remember, it's not a race :rofl:

check out my car - ICE is not really included at the moment - u r just buying a good car/engine.

Been looking at your spec, its nice a nice car (still an auto tho :( ), 1992 is good, its a UK one as well which I'd prefer and the price is about right too. Its got a few more miles on the clock than I'd like though.

 

Did it have the cambelt done at 60k?

 

I'm only doing research right now (and lots of it). Not gonna be taken for a ride again like I did with my 214! I won't seriously start looking for another 5 to 8 months, which is pretty crap really cos it'll be winter again by then :cry: Although I imagine the 300zx could be a lot of fun in the snow :)

 

Whats the 200sx like in comparison, I assume you like it more if your keeping it over the 300zx?

 

Did it have the cambelt done at 60k?

 

Whats the 200sx like in comparison, I assume you like it more if your keeping it over the 300zx?

 

I think so - got a major service at about 60k miles. I bought the car in Nov. 2001.

 

200SX = softer (suspension differences I suspect -gonna get it stiffened) and lighter. More boy-racerish than the 300, which is more of a classy, high-powered cruiser. 300 is a beast on the motorway. Seats are comfier in the 300. I prefer the 200 because it is cheaper to run (assuming engine doesn't need more work soon!), I like a more understated car visually, and I've spent £2k on the 200SX engine. Speering is lighter in the 200SX - I think the 200Sx is more enjoyable to drive round town/small roads, while the 300ZX is better for motorways/A-roads. I also like the turbo-boost of the 200SX - actually more impressive than the 300ZX - because the 300ZX gives the illusion (due to superb suspension and balance) that it's not accelerating as fast as it is. 200SX can be more fun. 200Sx interior looks cheap compared to the 300.

 

I'd keep both if I had the money tho'

 

Note - wrt Autobox - I think the 300ZX suits being an auto more than a manual -also gearboxes in autos usually last longer. Most similarly powered cars on the road are autos - Jags/Mercs/Volvos etc. Also note that MAC1s car is an auto and he cud beat most manual 300s on the road - gearchanges are usually quicker, especially with uprateing of the box. Stock auto is faster to 100MPH than the manual.

Insomniac, my advice is don't get an auto, what ever car you decide to get. If your having doubts about autos and finally get one you will regret it. You really need to drive both auto and manual and then make up your mind.

Insomniac, your not thinking of getting a z for a while? Thats good. There is a Jap day at Crail on April 18th, could meet you there if you want?

Hi just my 2p.

 

I have a manual swb TT (very rare and highly desired so I'm told :D) and it has been fantasic. It is a import but I run as second car and insurance ~£300. It also has a wide kit and I fit it in my garage no problem. They do break and expensive to fix, mine still of the road needing another 1.5k but at the end of the day its fvcking great :D

 

Roll on the summer with the targas off ;)