I'm looking to buy a 300ZX TT in the next few weeks and am wondering whether to buy a Jap import model, due to being more available and cheaper, or stick for a UK model?

 

My main concerns with imports is part availibility. Do Jap imports and UK spec vehices come with the same parts fitted as standard? If not are the import parts more expensive than UK ones and more difficult to get hold of?

 

If anybody could advise me I'ld appreciate it, also who's the best insurer to go with?

get yourself a japkar mate if you need help speak with japkars@msn.com they can sorce any car to your order.insurance try tescos they are quite good............good luck

Originally posted by TrikiDicky:

I'm looking to buy a 300ZX TT in the next few weeks and am wondering whether to buy a Jap import model, due to being more available and cheaper, or stick for a UK model?

 

My main concerns with imports is part availibility. Do Jap imports and UK spec vehices come with the same parts fitted as standard? If not are the import parts more expensive than UK ones and more difficult to get hold of?

 

If anybody could advise me I'ld appreciate it, also who's the best insurer to go with?

 

 

Loads of info on this and other forums.

 

I've never had a parts availability problem - 1989 J-spec 300zxTT 2+2 - but you sometimes need to try Nissan / Grey importers / US people.

 

A browse thru these forums will get you a few sources / stories.

 

dan300's right about Tesco's - their quote was £120 lower than mine. Well worth checking.

 

Best advice? How are you going to mantain? Confident enough about DIY or do you need a local mechanic or even main dealer?

 

Make sure you have the resource you need before you buy.

 

BOTOH they are damn fine motors. I've had mine since Aug 1989 and don't want another car.

 

Check out this forums For Sale bit - there are some good ones going.

 

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I'd say go Jap Import but then you'll pay in the long run with insurance dude!

 

Then again, buying UK spec will cost you shit loads in having the engine rebuilt and gearbox so I dunno!

 

ME

 

 

 

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Hi mate!

 

Excellent choice ... there's nothing on the roads today that's even close to a Zed!

 

As for your question, J-spec or UK-spec, not easy to answer. A UK-spec vehicle will be easier to insure (read: cheaper) than a J-spec vehicle. In essence they are identical (bar a few cosmetic items) in kit, etc. The Japs tend to have lower mileage, folding mirrors and a few other goodies. The UK-spec cars tend to come with leather seats. I personally run a J-spec Zed and am more than happy with it! Parts availability is an absolute dodle as they are the same as UK-spec cars - so don't let anyone (i.e., a Nissan dealer) tell you otherwise. However, having said that, try to stay clear of Nissan dealers for servicing and repairs - they WILL rip you off. Since you are located in Lichfield, your closest Zed expert is in Tamworth (have a look at www.zedworld.co.uk). I work for them so you could also give me a shout. If you're going to look at a Zed locally we'd be more than happy to help you identify a good one, just let us know where and when!

Good luck and if you have any more questions just post here or call me. This forum is filled with helpful people who've all gone through the upheavals that Zed ownership brings with it! I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Danny

(07044016586)

Hello Mate,

 

I was in a similiar position to you nearly a year ago, I live in London so insurance was/is my main concern. For me to insure an import with full no claims and garaged was £1100 and I am 36, a UK car was £650. The difference in insurance quotations for me was huge, also if you get a UK car on a G or a H plate you can get classic car insurance with Firebond I believe,including modifications, a BIG money saver.

For me another concern was that you don't have as much access to the history of a Jap car as compared to a UK car, and there is higher chance of getting a stolen/written off Z.Also has the car been modified correctly to UK spec ie speedo,milometer,derestricted.The parts concern is of no consequence as the best and the cheapest Z spares suppliers know what to supply you.The Jap cars are generally cleaner and I think they are meant to be better serviced, my advice to you is to ring around insurance companies now and see if it is a big difference to you, put in a search on the forum for insurance posts. Does anybody know why we (the forum) don't have any special deals going with insurance companies, they would benefit from it and so would we, or has nobody told me that we already have!

 

Good Luck Mate,

 

Mark H

Regarding insurance.

 

Call Norwich Union Direct - they do not load any extra for the Jap 300zx Twin Turbo.

Not a penny more than the UK Spec.

 

They do however not permit more than 3 additional modifications.

 

Tesco also give fair (all things considered) quotes on imports.

 

I got a quote from Tesco for a stock R33 skyline GTR with zero NCD of £960.

Though I do live on a strange island with no car crime, s'all relative tho... do not let insurance put you off a good JSpec..

 

Cheerz,

 

Glen

Tesco insurance is supposed to be good for modified imports as they really don't seem to care what they insure. Also Elephant.co.uk and Osborne & Sons turned up some good quotes. Used to be with Norwich Union but the renewal notice came with a bombshell "sorry not covering imported cars anymore". Most disappointing quotes came from the supposedly niche market sportscar insurance brokers that advertise in every mag that I called.