Number86

Just thought I'd chip in here. I drove the 350 back from chesterfield, and got over 500 miles to the tank (340 used +220 predicted). No, I didn't think it was possible either, as usually I get 22mpg and 300 to a tank. But there you go, the 350's long gearing is useful in times of need! I averaged 34mpg btw, and peaked around 36mpg. I must state though, this was proper disicplined driving. Set the cruise control, and observe traffic conditions ahead to make sure you never have to hit the brakes and never have to touch the cruise control, so you stay at a constand 60-70 the whole way. Holy crap though, was it boring, and due to constantly anticipating traffic was actually quite stressful!!

TBH I don't think my engine uses a litre every 1000 on reflection. I think it's probably just enough to fit within the guidelines of the TSB. Whether or not they'll honour it with it being over 3 years old and 30k miles we'll see. But I thought i'd keep this topic updated, as surprisingly few people are aware of this engine replacement in the UK!

BUMP on this thread for a quick update. I took the car into my local Nissan dealer in Eastcote/ruislip. I got Nissan UK customer services to instigate an oil consumption test. So they've done a quick initial reading, for me to take back in approx 1000 miles to measure any oil used. The dorris at service reception was telling me how she'd never heard of a 350 using oil, rah rah rah. I told her some do, specifically the REVUP 06's and GT4s. Just as I was leaving the service manager came out and asked me how much oil it was using. I said approximately a litre every thousand miles, to which he came back with "that sounds reasonable, and within normal levels". Unfortunately I was already late for an interview so I had to split before arguing the toss with him. Needless to say, the TSB states more than a 3rd of a litre (or quart to be precise) is in the "NOT GOOD" range. Incidentally I rang up Watford Nissan to enquire about servicing and the guy new exactly what I was talking about regarding the oil, and said it would require an engine replacement, as per the TSB. So I don't know where I stand right now, but I guess I'll see in a week or so, when I take the car back in. If anyone wants to move this into a separate thread so it can be monitored separately, be my guest!

It's also funny that someone says they're image/brand conscious, yet drives a Nissan... Nobody, NOBODY bought the Z because it's the best car. Facto. But I reckon at least 90% of people bought it because it's the best sports car for the money.

I think that tells you something. Everyone knows a TT when they see one. Even car retards. Some people don't know the Z. It's certainly more exclusive than the audi or beemer. Even if not more expensive!

HID's warm up as you put it. Also, when starting up from cold, they almost "spark" into life. Very bright for a split second (20,000 volt ignition!), then very dim. They then brighten up and change colour over the course of 10 or so seconds. Standard halogens don't show these characteristics. They simply turn on up to full brightness within about a second. You'll also notice HIDs shut off instantly. The gas is either on/off essentially with no transition. Halogens fade off, as the filament cools, like an ordinary light bulb. No Idea where the ballasts are. Honestly though, it's easy to tell with the above, with the corresponding behaviours.

I just ditched my Cupra R in for 4k to a dealer 2003 remapped. Check the fans as said. They should both spin. Check for water leaks round the door sills. Sniff the carpets and see if they smell musky from water getting in. Check for coolant leaks under the radiator and auxiliary water pump. Anything else like faulty sensors, MAF etc would probably be evident on a drive, and there isn't anything else that typically goes critically wrong with them. Don't buy a red one with GU03 on the plate, that was mine! While fast had lots of little niggles which would add up to fix!

I will assume you've never driven a renault sport clio then! Nope But shouldn't a RWD 2 seater sports car handle better than a retrofit hatchback!?? OUTRAGE

It'll be pretty obvious if you've got HID's or not just by looking at the lights when you turn them on!

Golf ED30. Remap that, and you'll be out out dragging your old 350z all day long. Focus ST (worse on fuel) Leon Cupra - Same as the Golf. But it's a bit ugly, unless you get the outrageously expensive body kit. S3 Audi S4 Impreza/Evo

Im suprised eveyone is beaten round the twisties by a clio! Do they handle that well???

8k looks great in that picture. But I think anything over 6k and you're bordering on ricer. Headlights shouldn't be blue, or purple. Like so: and stolen from another forum: 3000k - 2800 lumens 4300K - 3200 lumens 6000K - 2600 lumens 8000K - 2200 lumens OEM HIDs are usually around 4300k.

Guys. Word of warning. If it's mis-reporting temps. It's not advisable to drive it either. Especially not over 5k degrees. You'll damage the clutch and gearbox as well.

Where did you get the bulbs from dude? I fancy something a little whiter. 10k is a bit blue I reckon though. Im not sure how good the pre facelift lights are. But does anyone find the HID's on the 06's to be @*!#. I'm really not impressed with mine at all. They look the part, and are better than halogens, but not by much. I think changing he ballasts would be an expensive affair as well EDIT: I should add, increasing the colour temp will only reduce the brightness. Not increase it.

Urrgh, what inconsiderate areswipes. Before you consider any sort of retribution speak to them first. It could be *fairly* innocent. But that many times i'm not so sure. If through legal channels you get no recourse, then I'd say call some "independent" boys down to do the punto over. Company car or not, they'd have to do the talking to their employer why the car is getting done over. Just make sure you're no where near the scene at the time, with an iron clad alibi, when the sushi is getting stuffed through the shiats air vents.

If you read the thread on the MY350 forum, the owner threw a hissy fit when people said it was awful. KEEP IT REAL - KEEP IT POSITIVE. What a douche. If you post it on a public forum, and ask people to "keep it real" don't get annoyed if people don't like your monstrosity.

Wow. That's sad. What an amazing job on that car. but why do such an amazing job and ruin it so much. I do goddamn love flip paint though!

You bar steward. That's only a grand more than I paid for my 06 a few months ago. WITH HALF THE MILES! Gimme your address, I'm going to stab you. EDIT: There is something to be said with getting an older Z though and pocketing the cash. We're lucky in the fact the facelift changed bugger all really. A few interior tweaks here, some LED lights there. But joe blogs won't have a clue if he's looking at a well kept 03 or one of the last 09's. Good for the guys with 03's but not so good for the guys with 07/08's. You could potentially be spending 7k more for not much difference. Apart from age. Go from a 08 350 to an 09 370z and it's a whole other ballgame. Maybe wait another 6 months/year, and pick up a 370z for 20k?

The zed is an arse in this weather, as has already been said. I came from a Leon Cupra R, so I know the compromise your feeling. All this stuck in traffic, driving like a nanny in the wet. Apart from the look and sound, there isn't anything to inspire you. You're paying all this money on fuel etc, and you're getting nothing more than you would from a V6 saloon, except less space. So it can seem like a tragic waste of money. When it's dry roads though, it's simply amazing. Sports cars like these are on a different plane to normal cars. The experience you get with Z's, boxsters, Z4's etc is something you'll never get with any hatch, and only a handful of saloons that happen to have RS or M in their tag. WAIT. The money and everything makes perfect sense then.

I've got an 06, and I say get the 07. When I looked late last year the premium over the 06 was AT LEAST £2500. Which I didn't quite think was worth it, as the 06 was at the upper end of my budget anyway. If it's only 1500 or so, I'd say get the 07.

Good plate for your girl, not for you. Guess we know who wears the trousers!

The topic was regarding the 370 not the 350 though.

Does anyone get this issue into third? I found when I'm hoofing it all the way up the 6k in 2nd that I always miss 3rd gear, then end up releasing the clutch while in neutral and re-engaging 3rd. Oh and look like a tit. I'm not convinced it's entirely me being a retard, but I don't know!

Excluding the title of the thread, I don't think anyone is arguing about the actual build quality and reliability of the Z. We know it's good. We know it's a good car. I like the interior on my 06, it's stylish and functional and fairly sturdy. But it is cheap. There's no arguing there. Especially when it's a 30k car new, which is shamed by the interior finish of a Golf. THIS is why people complain, and it's total valid complaint. It's not dreadful, but it's not up to car to the other marques in this bracket.

Didn't fifth gear or someone do a test with car washes. The automated machiney ones came out best. With minimal damage to the paintwork.* The carpark boys I recall coming out quite badly. *Assuming you don't drive INTO the side of the machine...