theres no differance in power between uk and import
a few differances are imports have electic folding mirrors, differant speedometer readings, however most imports have been converted to read in MPH
imports were built until 2000
uk cars i think were late 94 when production seized so the newest uk model would be an M registration
all uk cars are 2+2 targa auto/manual
imports there is non turbo/2seater TT/2+2 targa/slicktop/convertible.
import models have lap belts for the rear seats but 3 point ones can be fitted
wheel sizes are slightly wider on the uk model being 8" opposed to 7.5"
import autos have smaller cooling radiator, so make sure you fit an aftermarket oil cooler if its a fresh import etc
there is things im missed so im sure people will add to this. As im going from out of my head
not all uk cars are rusty, however due to the fact we use so much salt on the roads over here its more likely to suffer from rust issues especially after 15 years. Dont be to put off though! as its down to how well the cars looked after!
UK cars tend to be cheaper to insure as there is more knowledge of mileage, history and the like
when buying i would suggest you either a) buy from a reputable person from here who has a good knowledge of the 300zx, or use the buyers guide and ideally ask someone off here to come along with you, as there is bound to be someone who lives local? maybe go to a meet and have a look around
there is a nice uk model in the for sale section which is red and manual and looks a good buy
dont buy to cheap as this will normally indicate either poor condition or running issues
manual models are more desirable so tend to fetch a bit more, although check 4th syncro but other than the that the z32 transmission is spot on
autos are far more likely to have problems in there life, more likely on an import model which has poor cooling, unless an aftermarket cooler has been fitted.
check sills and rear arches for rust, this seems to be the worst area for rust on the 300zx less likey around the front end
on the test drive check boost gauge needle is going to the far right/but not of the scale but not sitting in the middle which may indicate a seized turbo or similar problem
make sure the car has had frequant oil changes and good service history
most problems with such a car, are down to poor service.
things to look out for
vibrations at low speeds up to and around 60mph may indicate knackered prop shaft bearing (fairly common around £200 to fix)
skipping rear end (rear shocks approx £35 each +fitting) or worn hicas parts
in auto guise check all gears will select(downside is you may need to get above 100 mph to make sure your getting final gear)
manual make sure all gears are smooth, 1st is tight from cold which is normal, most common problem is a notchy 5-4th or 4-5th selection (again infrequant as the z32 is a good box
as with any car check for oil leaks/smoke or rattles a good 300zx will sound quit on tickover with no odd noises
car should pull smooth with no hesitation if idle is erratic it may mean a boost leak in the intake systym or a fault on the electrical side.
check your rear view mirror for any smoke on boost or overrun, which may indicate turbo failure
if car rumbles at idel it will mean there is a cylinder down, whih is failry common asnd normally a simple fix, either coilpack/plug/connector or ptu
if you have time and someone with knowledge get the car compression tested, it will be a good sign the engine is in good health, last thing you want is a lemon with expensive bills
if the car dont feel allright walkaway, i had my 300zx for 2 years and had no problems! so again if your unsure about SH/quality walk away.
summary
take someone who knows what there looking at!
dont buy the first you see, unless its mint and has records to show so!
bare in mind its a performace car nearing on 17 years old in some cases, you should keep some money in the bank id say £1500 this is worst case scenario as if turbo s fail its engine out. Dont be put off as these cars are well built, although any 300hp car will have problems wether it be expensive tyres/frequant oil changes/turbo replacements :D
average cost of parts vary, but iv driven alot of japanese cars and the 300zx is the best GT of the lot, roofs come off for the summer and you can do long journeys and still smile by the end of it!! comfort levels are perfect, expect 30mpg on long motorway journeys and around town maybe 20mpg so not terrible
power is smooth or should be! 3rd gear has more torque than you can throw a stick at! and never seems to end, gearing is spot on IMO and in a good car doing 120+ feels like your doing 60mph(private test track off mine in the garden)
enjoy but tread carefully, there are some poor examples which tend to put the shade on the good ones.
greg
downside it leaves the engine in a greasy film and everytime you touch it you get dirty hands :( looks good though :D