Finally decided to step up my search for a zed, I’m smitten by Matts (Sgt C) SWB manual. Now at 10k its above my budget but I could stretch a bit. Question I suppose is if anything where to go massively wrong engine/gearbox ect I’d be struggling to get it fixed, what are the likely costs of engine / turbo rebuilds ect.

Given that buying Matts car would wipe me out financially for a while am I being daft. i.e. should I be buying a cheaper car so I have some repair funds available just incase.

It would be a good move dude as this is one of the best lookin zeds I have ever seen...

 

Sh*t, if I had 10K I would bite his arm off.....lol...in a flash...

Matts car is one of the best examples around. It is a later 93 car with a known history.

Of all the cars I know this one is probably the LEAST likely to go wrong. And Matt is a straight talking honest guy. He wont mislead you on any detail of this car.

IMHO.

And Matt is a straight talking honest guy. He wont mislead you on any detail of this car.

IMHO.

 

Didn't want to come across as if I was worried about being mislead by the seller. I just appreciate that the zed is a hell of a complex car and at the end of the day nothing is certain. Have emailed matt so hopefully he's around at the weekend for me to see the car.

I would say that the amount of money SgtC has put into that car its not likely to go wrong for a very long time IMO at least by then you would have saved up some pennies and just think there is nothing that you need to do to it that has not been done already, so it is saving you money.

Finally decided to step up my search for a zed, I’m smitten by Matts (Sgt C) SWB manual. Now at 10k its above my budget but I could stretch a bit. Question I suppose is if anything where to go massively wrong engine/gearbox ect I’d be struggling to get it fixed, what are the likely costs of engine / turbo rebuilds ect.

Given that buying Matts car would wipe me out financially for a while am I being daft. i.e. should I be buying a cheaper car so I have some repair funds available just incase.

 

To be honest the gearbox can handle a lot of power and abuse on these cars,so i would not be worried much on that front,as for the engine,well respect and vigilance at all times in my book,there reliable/strong/will take more than they were designed to do,and many do well over 100,000miles.The engine compartment develops a huge amount of heat,more than any car i know,so lets say you in traffic jam/slow traffic,hot day,maybe with aircon on,result=too bloody hot,and before you know it temp gauge way high(stock temp gauge total shite,fit aftermarket)resulting in headgasket failure/steam/water pissing everywhere,so allways keep eye on water temp gauge,secondly,change oil/filter every 3000 miles minimum,dont overfill with oil as the dipstick is shite,check water level weekly or if paranoid(me!) more.

Dont razz it to often,especialy when hot.Dont miss agear at high rpm,may cause valve/piston damage(get it limited to 6500rpm to be safe(me!).

If you have a serious problem with engine or tubs,yes can be exspensive,i had engine go, cost 1600 with labour to replace,but considering what you can buy these days(boring)that amount of money spent is no great deal,more of a bloody pain to get sorted.Theres plenty of people to help you on here,some great traders,so thats half the battle won :D

 

I have known Matt for about three years now,great bloke,very enthusiastic,has looked after his Z impeccably,a credit to Z ownership and the forum.I have been out in his Z,and in my opinion is A1,but remember,these cars are getting old,you will get the odd problem/niggle,buying one is only the start,its ongoing,if you think thats not for you then maybe something more mainstream/newer would be more ideal,but if you want the grin factor 10/excitement on the road,meets,shows,and genral arsin about :D then BUY IT NOW ;)

 

Tony :)

Am i about to get my 5th Z! will see ;)