lrh

Make sure you run matching valve dust caps as well, otherwise you'll oversteer into a bus queue...

Car & Driver test from 2009 http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/09q2/tire_test_nine_affordable_summer_tires_take_on_the_michelin_ps2-comparison_tests/hankook_ventus_v12_evo_page_10 Hankook V12's came second overall and out-performed the PS2's in a few areas, even in the wet.

Buying 2nd hand keys off eBay is very hit and miss because there are 2 types of key that look identical. One has an powered transponder on the circuit board (UK built cars) and the other a passive transponder chip (Jap built, UK-spec 350Z). When I finally got one of the correct type it still wouldn't encode... I think the chip has to be new and unused. Recently I think someone did actually manage to make up a spare key cheaply but I can't find the thread.

Front: 225/45 R18 Rear: 245/45 R18 Yes the front and rear have different diameters and traction control gets upset if the rears aren't spinning 2-3% slower than the fronts.

The Z takes very little looking after and uses standard Nissan servicing parts (e.g. oil/air filters)... These cars are well out of warranty now and receipts for parts are more valuable to private buyers than a stamp in a book. Biggest maintenance costs are tyres, brakes, and clutch/flywheel. As long as none of those are knackered it'll cost peanuts to run... Well, except for the fuel

Apple products that "just work" sure do break a lot

Rays were optional on both models before the 2006 facelift (£1k option that most GT buyers went for). After 2006 Rays were standard on all cars, GT and non-GT. Also both headunits are made by Clarion and 90% identical. Only difference is the non-GT has an internal amp while the Bose version has an external amp in the boot and Bose speakers. As a result the non-GT version is a hell of a lot easier to replace.

Personally I saved £2k by buying a non-GT and got a lower mileage car in better condition. Trade-In prices are only £500 less than a GT. If you're looking at the low-end (£6k-8k) a UK non-GT makes more sense than a tatty import or high mileage GT that needs a nose respray and wheel refurb.

A colleague has the 2.4 diesel. Costs him about £2k a year in repairs. Recently the handbrake failed and it ended up in a neighbours back garden

Look fine from a distance but a bit "Halfords" close up.

Tyres weigh more than either wheel (12-13Kg) and make up the bulk of the inertia. The weight saving for wheel + tyre is only 12-15%. Front: 23Kg vs 20Kg Rear: 24Kg vs 21Kg

The "tape deck hack" sounds fantastic and far better than any transmitter or cassette adapter. It simply taps into the output of the tape unit and pumps the signal straight into the amp. Tweak the EQ on your source (MP3 player, phone) and it can sound better than the CD player. Search the many threads about it and you'll find universal praise for the sound

Engine with timing chains tensioned by oil pressure can rattle for a second while the guide takes up the slack. Nothing to worry about.

Early reviews suggest the suspension is vastly improved but still plenty of moans about the engine, exhaust, noise, too much grip... http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Nissan-370Z-3.7-V6-GT-Edition/257525/ http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/268264/nissan_370z_gt_edition.html http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/270670/nissan_370z_roadster.html

Wouldn't bother going to a dealer now, unless your car is still under warranty. P1/P2/P3 dealer services are £200-400 for an oil and air filter change! Brake fluid, coolant, spark plugs aren't even included. The front suspension is much more complex than the SX and has a lot of weight on it so front dampers and bushes are starting to go.

I came from an S14a and in the same usage I'm getting about 5 mpg less. The Z has less faults and rust isn't an issue but when bills hit they're generally higher (Tyres £600+, Brakes £500+, Clutch/Flywheel £800+, Exhaust £500+). Depreciation is high, although no worse than your average family hatchback (~£2k per year). I had my SX 4 years and only lost £1,500 on it! Prices should stabilise in a couple of years because a clean UK 350Z will always be worth £5k+

A filthy throttle body is quite common on the Z: http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=37003 http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=50251

Induction kit? If it's not shielded and sucking in hot air then the engine will have trouble idling and have to open the throttle to compensate. Throttle valves also get gunged-up over time by oily air being sucked in from breather pipes.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Ginetta-G40-R/258522/ Price: £29,950 Power: 175bhp/6700rpm Kerb weight: 840kg Top speed: 140mph 0-62mph: 5.8sec Economy: 29mpg CO2: 181g/km

Shame the convertible weighs a bonkers 1.9 tonnes. No joke, almost as much as the Volvo XC90 parked next to it

Are you sure the car hasn't had a knock on that corner and been repaired? Factory galvanised steel and paint shouldn't bubble up that fast.

Head unit on the non-GT non-Bose is almost identical inside because they're all made by Clarion! The tape unit itself is identical and the mod works perfectly.

2008 press car

Take the transponder chip out of your spare key and leave it where thieves will look first (near the door). Could also pull the fuel pump fuse.

As you can see a P2 is identical to a P3 for a 350Z (viscous diff so no oil change) but they still charge £50+ more