Hi Everybody,

 

I was looking for some advice. I'm looking to purchase a 300ZX TT, but have hit a road block. I have 2 prospectives in mind, a 93 TT Auto, and a 91 TT Manual. Which is going to be best?, both are pretty standard with very few mods, 60K miles, and look the biz.

 

What things do I need to look out for with each of these bad boys?

What is going to be the better drive?

At what point should I walk away?

How much should I be looking to pay?

what are the hidden extra costs associated with a 300ZX?

Is the squeaky whistle normal in auto?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Paul

I would go for the one that suits you best, manual is more fun, but auto CAN be more practical. as for extra costs, insurance can be quite high and petrol as well, and one you have subscribed the traders world opens up to you and it like a black hole in your wallet :D

 

HTH

 

Neil

http://www.300zx.co.uk/tech/BuyingZ.htm

 

Check out this buyers guide

take em both and and see what you think.

 

try and get a fellow member from your area t have a look with you.

take em both and and see what you think.

 

try and get a fellow member from your area t have a look with you.

 

What he said, really.

 

Drive both and see what you prefer.

 

The auto box is a good set-up so there is no performance difference in either variant. There are a few dogs out there - lots of "£2000" ebay junk, so buy carefully. If you have no preference in auto/manual then just buy the best, most cared for example.

 

Richard :smw:

A manual is rarer.

Autoboxes can give problems at high miles but should be ok if well maintained.

 

I have an auto and love it but it's up to you to decide which you like.

The car is a drivers car.....a manwell makes this even more true.

If you're not bothered about what drivetrain you have, then I'd go for the best condition one you can.

 

Personally, I'd never go for the auto. They are cheaper to buy generally, but do cost lots when the go wrong. That's not the reason I bought my manual. I just wanted the feeling of a true sports car.

If you're not bothered about what drivetrain you have, then I'd go for the best condition one you can.

 

Personally, I'd never go for the auto. They are cheaper to buy generally, but do cost lots when the go wrong. That's not the reason I bought my manual. I just wanted the feeling of a true sports car.

Agreed.

As said, drive both see what you prefer.

 

There ARE differences in performance between the Auto & Manual, but the Nissan did go to a lot of trouble to ensure the auto does'nt suffer as much as typical auto equiped cars.

i have both and basically the auto is better at cruising or for town work but the manual is a fair bit quicker and when you behave uses slightly less fuel (they both drink like fishes though). the manual is deffinately more fun but the auto is easier to get on with and more relaxing.

if its a second car deffinately go for the manual but if its your only car i'd agree with the others and say just get the best condition one.

as for the money you pay, you still see some Z's with loads of money spent (usually later ones) going for 10k or so but you can get them as low as £1500. basically you usually pay for what you get and a £1500 Z will most likely cost you more than a £10k one over 3yrs. all the better if you can get them cheap but these cars cost a lot to maintain properly and if someone has spent thousands on keeping it in good nick they will (quite reasonably) want some of it back.

look to pay 3-5k for a nice one (depending on age, spec, etc) but the manuals do hold their value more so pay a bit less for an auto of the same age, spec.

HTH

si.

What things do I need to look out for with each of these bad boys?

The main thing to watch out for is any form of smoke .. esp when idling.. when you check the car .. let it idle for 5 mins

 

What is going to be the better drive?

Manual .. i was brought up on the track, a true sports car should be manual IMHO

 

At what point should I walk away?

when you see the day to day running, servicing costs etc and you look at your bank balance every month and cant afford it

 

How much should I be looking to pay?

depends on condition ... about 4-5k will buy u a very good quality one these days

 

what are the hidden extra costs associated with a 300ZX?

the fact you have to tow a fuel tanker behind you

 

Is the squeaky whistle normal in auto?

no idea never driven one but id say no

 

John

Is the squeaky whistle normal in auto?

no idea never driven one but id say no

 

LOL

LOL

 

its true .. i hate autos nearly as much as barry'd 106's lol

my first zed was an Auto, was reasonably quick but imho they aint a patch on a manual. The manuals can handle higher tuning mods. Now thats gonna spark an argument :rofl: I would go for the manual personally

I’ve had both and there’s not that much in it, you’ve just got more control with a manual and you can make a quicker getaway in gear. The car I have now is a manual and to be honest I do like the manual more, but that’s not to say I don’t like the autos.

One thing I don't like about the autos is the way the engine revs and changes gear effecting exhaust note. Just doesn't sound as sporty through a loud exhaust.

I've had both and the manual is much better.

Sweet, I'm kinda leaning to the manual, even though it's a 91 model. Providing it checks out, and I get it I'll have to post some picy's. Have some mods inmind, but not many, interior, extra oomph, replace the original foam spoiler, but apart from that it'll stay pretty stock, wolf in sheeps clothing if you see my point. Looking forward to handing it down to my kids like the old Dodger RT Chargers (1969)...Wonder if this car'll last that long. Right I'm off for a pint (dutch courage, before I tell the wife) :duffer:

sheeps clothing? 300ZX? hmmm. must be some vicious looking wolves near you. lol