I'm contemplating buying a ZX. I currently have a very modded NA MR2, but fancy more power and some turbo boost :D Since I've had the MR2 for a number of years I fancy changing to something else rather than get a turbo version. Few things I'm not sure about though and wondered if anyone can give me some advice, I have read the buyers guide which'll prove helpful if I go and see one. Firstly, I'll probably only have around £3k to spend, and will I be able to get a decent one for that sort of money, I suspect I'll have to go for an older one and are there likely to be any issues/problems with buying an early one? Also, from what I gather manuals are rarer and therefore cost more, so what is the autobox like? My only experience with autoboxes was on a Ford, and a friend's Supra, so do you get as good performance from the autobox? I can imagine it's pretty handy on a motorway cruise, but am I likely to find it's losing out on performance a bit on a hard drive round twisties etc?

Cheers guys :)

One thing to be carefull with is pre 92 auto's, I may be wrong or shot down but I bought a 90 auto (import) started modding it and after a year the autobox gave up. I since read somewhere that 92 on had a stronger autobox.

 

I went for the manual option instead of auto refurb.

 

So having had both on the same car these are my thoughts

 

Auto Pro's

Nice smooth ride

Less hassle and calming

Easier to get good launch control

 

Auto Con's

pre 92 thing

harder to maintain control of backend if having sideways fun

Less gear knob choice if you are into that kind of thing

 

Manual pro's

I found (after I had practiced alot) my 0-60 time was quicker

More control in the twisties (as previously posted)

Sounds stunning with dump valves

 

Manual Con's

Very hard to launch quickly without spinning wheels

Makes me drive harder now (more smiles but more fuel and points)

Hardwork in traffic if you have an uprated clutch

 

 

For me I'm happy with a manual, it suits me more than an auto but everyone has different driving styles and wants from a car.

 

Cheers

Cheers for all the advice guys, most helpful and lots of food for thought there. I'm planning to go and see a members car up in North Wales, Dave Macs, red manual so it's all looking good so far :D

Just thought of a couple of other questions, petrol wise, is it best to run them Optimax as with some high performance jap cars, or does this not matter? Also, what brand of tyres are the most recommended for them? I stick to Bridgestone SO3's for my current car, but wondered if there are any tyres found to be particularly good and grippy for the zeds.

 

Cheers

I always ran my import on Optimax, but then AndyP has always run his UK car on normal unleaded if I recall :) Some cars seem to like it, some don't..

 

If you have a car with a JWT chip then it'll be tuned for American fuel, so you might as well just use super.. All depends :)

 

SO3's work very well, but they're expensive (even at stock sizes), Toyo Proxies come recommended by me and quite a few others as a much cheaper alternative that work really well..

Just thought of a couple of other questions, petrol wise, is it best to run them Optimax as with some high performance jap cars, or does this not matter? Also, what brand of tyres are the most recommended for them? I stick to Bridgestone SO3's for my current car, but wondered if there are any tyres found to be particularly good and grippy for the zeds.

 

Cheers

 

Hi Gemmau

 

If you get a UK car then standard unleaded is fine - the only difference you'll get with Optimax is a little better MPG, but not enough to make the extra cost worth any more, it will still work out even (Just don't use BP - it's crap, I get 240 miles from a tank of Shell regular compared to around 210 from BP :x: )

 

Imports will benefit from Optimax though.

 

As for tyres Goodyear Eagle GDS3 - the best rubber you'll ever buy :bow: . Not just my opinion - a few of us here swear by them. Plus Evo mag tested them and declared them the best high performance tyres in the world.....

 

HTH

 

Richard :cool: