Stutopia

You're not wrong. I was just reading the fantastic "how to wash your car" guide at: http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/2663-a-simple-guide-to-car-detailing/ I always thought washing a car meant finding a disused petrol station and asking someone there for the premium hand job. Looks like I was all wrong!

Have you a link to a walkthrough/guide by any chance? I did search but couldn't find one. I found stuff on removing the 350z badge and the burger but I want to keep them. The previous owner has stuck a Nismo badge on the boot, and as far as I can see there isn't a single Nismo product in the car. Not only that, it's faded and looks guff. Last but not least, where I live there's a strong possibility some enterprising 14 year old with a screwdriver and a single figure IQ will try and pry it off, making a monkey's breakfast of the whole backend.

So. Firstly, thanks all for the info and answers and knowledge I've picked up on here, ultimately it has led to the inevitable purchase of my very first Zed! Hopefully a couple of photos will appear below, better to follow. Picked her up today, little different to the rental Fiesta 1.25 I've had the last month (not bad little cars BTW). She's a 2004 GT and covered a little over 33k. Nearly 100% stock aside from a Nismo badge on the back (how do you get them off?) and a Scorpion exhaust. However, a new evo-r gearknob has just arrived and some cf door handle covers are en route (thank you to Steve @ Redline), also booked in for a new AV unit on Monday - can anyone live without bluetooth? Can't see me doing much more to her than a few more cosmetic tweaks, but I have heard about this Zeditis thing going around... Thanks again everyone who's chipped in on my posts thus far, you made me buy this. PS - Anyone else noticed the incredible sound these babies make?

I really want one. Even if it was slightly wide in the channels, possibly even slightly domed, to reduce obstruction of the gear stick. I'd pay over 20 English pounds. It'd have to be a chrome finish, maybe brushed aluminium.

Anyone got/seen a metal plate style gear stick boot in a Zed, like you see in Lambos or Ferraris? In case I didn't explain myself, picture here: http://www.wi4x4.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1424 I want one!

I'm so excited its unreal. Getting some of the more expensive questionable bits looked at this weekend and hopefully take her home next week, all done. Thanks all for comments and suggestions, the feedback, knowledge and excellent community here on the forum has meant I have a lot more confidence in my decision to buy a Zed. Broke my cherry and ordered my first bit of customisation from redline, but I'm not turning this into one of those nob comparison threads just cause I've sent for a titanium one! I'll post some pics of my very stock Zed once I've given her a once over with a microfibre and some leather treatment. Then I have some plans...

Have done. Ta.

UK. Got no photos. The ad has been taken down on account of my interest.

Thanks for the quick responses all, particularly the blow-by-blow Keyser) some things for me to to think about. Having read the written report (the extracts of which are above) I was concerned about a couple of things that appeared to be more than simply age combined with lack of use. However, the conversation I had on the phone with the guy was so much more positive. He consistently pointed out that the car was in good shape for her age, that he'd seen quite a few, and that although the stabiliser frame was corroded it was still solid and again would be expected at the age. I guess it's a question of what he was willing to say to me on the phone, and what exactly he was willing to sign his name to. Your comments have been helpful. I'll have a think. The roof glue spots were tiny, it makes them sound like puddles on here.

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.