Morning all,

 

Considering getting a 300ZX, and wanted honest opinions on the car, things to look for when buying, service/running costs etc.

 

Also, I noticed that the majority of the TT engines are auto - does this restrict performace? Is there a manual box available as an aftermarket replacement?

 

Thanks

 

Andy

What ho Andy (good grief, another one)

 

Usual first question so here's the usual first answer!

 

Loads of buyer's guide info here:

http://www.300zx.org.uk/tech_20.htm

 

Oh, and please don't start the auto vs manual "discussions" off again!

 

Autos are best if you like autos, manuals ditto and there are even people who have converted their auto to manual and like these too.

 

IMHO a 300ZX is the dog's. Had mine since Aug 1999 and don't want to change a thing.

 

Except the door rubber leaks so my arm get dripped on in the rain. Oh and the paint is starting to fall off my wiper arms again. And the rear spoiler needs some TLC from the Z Centre. And my wheels need refurbing. And the front spolier needs paint job. And I need to fit Leigh's bulbs. The driver seatcloth is slightly stained where the rain gets on it. I want a set of S03s or is it F1s these days or do I wait for the S04s? What about satnav - that looks pretty cool. Might as well go to Bob at the same time to upgrade the ICE.

 

And...

 

Well, you get the idea. Love it to death anyway....

lol!! thanks for oyur reply, I'll check out that link.

 

sorry bout the auto/manual thing, wasn't trying to start anything!!

like Gio said, dont ask which is better!! auto owners think theirs are best, manual owners know theirs are

 

also Gio:

 

The driver seatcloth is slightly stained where the rain gets on it

 

oh really!!!! i know you like your car, but........

 

honest opinion tho Andy - they are spot on!! how many cars for the money these cost can you get with performance & looks like the zed??

 

running costs can be high tho,they eat tyres & drink fuel!!

 

------------------

I feel the need, the need for speed!

 

I was gonna ask - what is the fuel (dis)economy like? can't seem to find it in any of hte FAQ's?

i prefer to think of it as "fun per gallon"

 

i prob average 20 mpg

MPG is right foot / mods related. I am a poor ancient schmuck who believes the human body falls apart over 30mph. Hence I get up to 24 mpg last time I looked.

 

Some of the younger generation get as little as 15/16/17. (If Paul's right and it's Fun per gallon, does that mean I get more fun than them?)

 

I'm only on my second set of Bridgestones since 1999.

 

Oh, and Paul:

 

"There are holes in my roof where the rain gets in,

they're ever so small, that's why rain is thin."

 

(Sorry, Spike, RIP)

OMG!! 20MPG!!!! hahahahaha, I can see this is going to be costly!!

Originally posted by Gio:

"There are holes in my roof where the rain gets in,

they're ever so small, that's why rain is thin."

 

(Sorry, Spike, RIP)

 

The meaning of this is obscure, that's why the higher the fewer.

If Paul's right and it's Fun per gallon, does that mean I get more fun than them?

 

Sorry Gio, its inversly proportionate to mpg!!!

 

------------------

I feel the need, the need for speed!

 

AndyD......have a good read around on this site.....things like 'How much have you spent on your Zed' and the like.

 

Whatever you consider to be 'Expensive' to run a car....it won't be enough. Don't get me wrong...the deal you get for your hard earned pennies is (with a bit of luck...and a good deal of caution!) is the best you can buy. Just read around.....the bloody things are addictive...its bad enough keeping a stock one running...but if you venture down the road of power increasing mods...well, be prepared.

 

To put it into perspective....if you consider what the driver of a new car (any new car!) looses in depreciation...then its not too bad. There is nothing...and I mean NOTHING ...that comes remotely close to the performance for the price (of a good used one).

 

I think the stock model is bloody gorgeous....there again I DO like Big Mac's awesome piece of equipment ( the CAR...the bloody CAR!!)...but,sadly I couldn't afford anything like that.

The thing is....the choice is yours.......but be careful,it does become addictive.

Hi Andy D

 

Buy one from a forum member, like this one

 

 

Its great and yours for £8250

 

Nice choice and good luck, great cars.. never had any bother with mine....

 

------------------

->Glen

Yep - good advice.

 

In fact, you could even go to Billing on 27/28 and see for yourself. There'll be more concentrated Z knowledge and samples of lurvely Zs in one place than is strictly good for you.

I was planning on going to Billing actually, because it's only just up the M1 from me.

 

senna - that is an awesome car - I did have a look in the for sale section actually, and was very tempted.

 

Unfortunately I've got to sell my car before I can do anyhting else, so I can't make an offer.....

 

.....yet!!!

senna, excuse my ignorance but why are you selling such a lovely beast?.

Hi,

 

If you want a cheaper option go for the NA.

 

Looks almost identical to the TT and will do more like 30 to the gallon. There's also less to go wrong as well (no turbos, HICAS etc.).

 

If a SWB manual NA for sale at £4990 if you're interested (also listed in the for sale forum).

 

Here's a piccy:

http://www2.sherston.com/barbel/car/andys300zx2.jpg

 

Give me a shout at afrances@sherston.co.uk

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

 

well, looks like my car has been sold with all its extra bits, so I'll soon be joining the ranks of the 300ZX owners in the UK!!!

 

Now to find a decent one at the right price!!