Stutopia

I hope this is the best place for this post, but apologies if not. I just had an inspection report (I'm still learning) back on an a Zed I'm desperate to buy. Largely all good news, but there are a couple of items I was hoping to float here and someone might be able to warn me if I am staring down the barrel of a huge bill in a couple of months. I hope not as I am super-psyched about buying my first Zed. Please bear in mind she is a 2004 model, with 33k on the clock, with 5 stamps. I am most unsure about the "sub-frame/mountings comment" · Wheel bearing noise evident on road test. Requires further investigation and replacement as necessary. · Pipes/connections - Corrosion to nearside front brake pipe. · Rear LH tread - Tyre unevenly worn low on inside edge. Whilst the tyre is still within legal limits, Replacement is recommended. A full steering and geometry check is highly recommended. · Clutch operation - Clicking noise evident from clutch mechanism when pedal is depressed. Requires further investigation and repair. · Minor indentation (ding) to nearside front wing. A localised (smart) panel repair should be possible. · Minor paint blemish to nearside door mirror cover, plus glue spots to roof. Localised (smart) paint repairs should be possible. · Exterior trim/grille - Nearside door mirror rubber split. Replace as required. Paint peeling/corroded on gear-lever knob. Replace as required. · Wipers/washers - Squeak evident from rear windscreen wiper mechanism. Repair as necessary. · Sub-frame/mountings - Corrosion to rear under-body stabiliser frame. Limited life remaining. · Heat shields/mountings - Corrosion to front exhaust heat shields. Limited life remaining. · Wheel Rims - Alloy wheel rims scuffed and corroded. Refurbish as required. Any comments appreciated.

GT test drive booked, can't disclose any details as two have already been snapped up from eight under my nose, damn snow. Eyes only from now!!! Anything to watch out for in a test, other than the ordinary?

Thanks

Probably an idiotic noob question but... I see loads of ads, some mention limited slip diff, some don't. My understanding from reading bits on here and other sites is that all UK models come with a LSD. Is this correct or is it a GT spec goody?

Welcome. I'm a fellow noob, as soon as the weather breaks I hope to join the club. Hope I find one as nice as yours. Congrats on the purchase.

Some good tips, thanks all (yet again). Just trying to fill up my mind tanks before I splash the cash. Next up I'll be looking for the top 5 things to check out on a test drive....

I'd planned on 6k but 8k seems more realistic from what I'm seeing for a lowish miler. Up north the prices are obviously a bit higher than south of Derby. I'm hopeful buying in the snow might save me a few quid.

I'm slightly more audiophile than engine bay, but I'm not a huge bass head, I'd be looking for detail of sound rather than sheer volume. Having said that it's not like a home hi-fi though, the environmental variables are too great (tyre road, engine noise, enclosure size & shape, wind etc etc). I imagine I may well upgrade the stereo anyway but just trying to get more informed.

Gotta have some proper phat speakers bro. Innit?

The GTs I see in my price range are all silver, I've seen a base in black which I really like the look of, but I'd obviously spend more time inside driving it than outside looking at it. I'm not against the silver just prefer the black. I'd totally not thought about the cruise control as I'm not a big motorway miler so thanks to those who mentioned it, the wheels is also something I can change myself anyway. I noticed mentions of the stereo being upgraded. What's the big difference?

I am weighing up if saving a few quid (about a grand) on a non-GT model is something I'll regret further down the line. I'm not too worried about the re-sale price and I've read about the differences in the spec but what I'd like to know is... What's your favourite thing about having the GT pack?

Fascinating stuff. I love sciencey bits.

Love the colour, price is at the top end but doable. Anyone have any thoughts on this? http://www.djamotorgroup.co.uk/used-cars/nissan-350-z-3-5-v6-300-3dr-preston-201303498686423 Doesn't say GT pack, but looks to have all the toys. Any comments appreciated.

A mate suggested to me to join a Zed forum and simply ask questions, at first I didn't really see the point and assumed I'd get a load of grief for not knowing anything at all. I couldn't have been more wrong, in just a couple of days there's been loads of positive posts, links, welcomes, leads and info. I owe him a pint or two for the tip. I've gone from thinking that I quite fancy a Zed, to KNOWING I want one. A manual, GT, preferably in Blue or Black, ideally with Ray's. I've read about how to reset an electric window motor, that you need to bang the passenger footwell if the speaker cuts out and I can say things like plenum spacer to people and make it sound like I know sort of what I am on about! Also that I can't be too picky in my hunt for the perfect Zed, that a well looked after car is a better deal than one in the colour I'd like, and to think about eventual resale value. I've also learn not to worry too much about mileage, £800 insurance quote isn't too bad, I need to go through service history with a fine toothed comb and, most importantly, not to go around kicking people's tyres! It isn't too much of stretch to say Nissan should be paying you all commission, as they are very likely to get some custom out of me in the near future. This few days has given me the confidence to find one and should I need any help I know exactly where to look! I Just need to keep looking and hold on to my wedge until Miss Right turns up. I'll post some photos WHEN she arrives. Thanks all for converting me!

I'd not considered what would be best for selling it on, only what I was after right now, but it's a very important point, thanks! I've been to a couple of comparison sights and been quoted £800 for a UK and £1000 for JDM. Whilst high, I had budgeted for this, but I am hopeful an independent insurer might give me something a touch more reasonable. I guess I'll have to go old school and actually ring insurers up, that is sooo 90s!

Two obvious options it appears in my budget and search area, both in Slightly Disappointing Silver, but you can't have everything... Lower miles with no GT http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201212114583853 or GT http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201301124896816 I thnk I'd rather give up the leather seats than the 12,000 miles, but opinions are very much welcome.

Thanks all for the positive comments, a nice change from the usual internet noise - no one has even abused me (yet)! I'll read the link posted and go from there, as well as check out the For Sale. Just to clarify....I wouldn't say I had 8k "going spare" AK! For that I was hoping to purchase, tax and insure. Speaking of insurance, can any one recommend a specialist provider? I've not owned a car for a few years and my NCD has evaporated, so I'm going to have to take a hit on the next policy - technically this my first car! Last but not least, and at the risk of using up all my noob stupid questions budget on Day 1, is it worth holding out for a Zed with the GT pack, over the standard? Thanks again all.

Hi, I was a whisker away from buying an RX-8 and a friend switched me on to the 350Z. I'm now all worked up into a lather about buying one (budget 8k) and spied the bargains to be had buying JDM imports. Before I hand over my cash is there anything terrifyingly different about imports I should worry about? I've read bits and pieces about the brakes, autos, 17" wheels and the different rear bumper (which I think I prefer). Will it collapse into a pile of rust in a coastal northern UK town? Should I just stump up the extra for UK model? Any advice/warnings would be hugely appreciated? Ta. Stu