JDRegius

19 hours ago, coldel said:

If you can get a good deal on an import that's been in the country a while with a decent history then go for it. Check how it was imported and came through a reputable importer who did all the work on making it good for UK roads and to be honest its no different to any other car UK or otherwise. Just note that imports have a number of different specs, they are not just GT and non GT so check each on their individual specs. The insurance thing is a myth, I have owned an imported Celica GT4 and an imported R33 Skyline and both when I was getting them insured and chatting with the specialist insurers said the difference was negligible and made no difference for me getting it insured - maybe if you go via Elephant dot crap or something like that, but use a specialist and they will look after you. Parts wise it will be the same parts, you can replace like for like the forum has a shed load of traders here who can help out. 

 

Dont be worried about taking a list along with you to view the cars, you are the guy spending the money, dont be ashamed to be thorough, its nothing personal against the seller to go over it with a fine tooth comb! When I bought my Celica I took a notebook with a whole list of stuff and literally ticked it off as I went along. The guy seemed to appreciate that I was a genuine buyer and had done my research.  

Just the kind of thing I was looking for in a reply, I will probably aim for Uk spec as it just seems to be the simpler route, therefore I am less likely to miss something when looking or getting it all sorted. 

Thanks to everyone on the replies, especially concerning J17, though I prefer to buy and sell privately as I've never had great luck with any car dealership. 

On the massive plus side I've just got in from selling my bike so that's some of my budget ready to go! 

11 hours ago, Ekona said:

The biggest problem I can see with an import these days is the electronics, specifically the immobiliser and other random body ecus. We’ve had a couple of guys on here who have had issues with theirs and have had major problems sourcing replacements, whereas UK cars are a much easier fix. That alone would put me off tbh, as having a bricked car isn’t much fun when there is no solution to fix it. Mechanicals are easy to do, electronics much less so. 

Yeah where I had a look through the forum for posts about imports I saw a few of these and electronics in cars are my biggest fear. 

1 hour ago, Willsy1980 said:

Welcome along

General consensus is to buy UK spec if you can, there are always plenty for sale. But the one main thing is buy the right Z not just any Z. Always test drive a few and be ready to walk away 

Oh and stay well away from Junction 17.... 

Yeah It's going to be my first "nice" car so I am willing to pick and choose. My concern will be remembering the entire buyers guide from here when I go to look.

Is it due to insurance and parts availability for avoiding imports?   

Not sure on the junction 17 reference?

So I've rummaged around the forum as well as trying to do some research on other sites but I'm still unsure on this. So for those who have owned imports, or even both.

Is it a bad plan for a first time Z buyer? 

What are the real world disadvantages and how many arguments will I have to have with insurance/tax and so on?

Should it be a red flag for me if it's listed as an import. 

Honestly I am just struggling to find much good information from owners.

Cheers !

42 minutes ago, Lynchyy said:

Welcome along. This forum is and will be invaluable to you (as it has been with me).

Yeah, Owners forums have saved my backside with bikes and other stuff so many times before so a 350 owners group was one of the first things I looked for.

Just have to sell my van and bike and I'll be on track to start hunting.

Hi all, I am just stepping in to the process of buying my first 350Z. Due to some fortunate changes in life circumstances, I may for the first time be able to have a fun car!

I have a lot of questions and I'm still in the process of searching through the forums to see what has been answered and where but I am really excited by this. 

Will be my first car with a decent size engine, first RWD car and first car that isn't a cheap hatch back! 

Looking forward to getting to know some folks here and getting to drive something made to drive not just to move you from place to place.