nixy

that's brilliant!

looks like I'll have to put my son's board up!

He already moans about my CTR guzzling fuel so I've tried to persuade him it won't be TOO much more. Official stats for the CTR are 30MPG - I usually get about 270 miles to 30 quids worth of fuel but I do like to put my foot down. I'm not sure how much worse 24MPG is in real terms but the above comments are very reasurring.

Have managed to twist the husband's arm almost fully now in my quest for a 350z. The final sticking point is the running cost and not the cost of the car itself. There just doesn't seem to be any way around the fact that it's going to be expensive to run for a daily round trip commute of 50 miles in traffic. Do you think it's cost effective getting an old diesel to use occassionaly and in winter or does the tax, insurance MOT etc for another car outweigh the idea? I daren't even mention the cost of parts! What I'm trying to make him understand is that cars to me are a hobby with the added bonus of getting me to work. I have threatened to go out and buy a horse instead as a hobby - see how much that costs to run!

That's really helpful - thanks.

I'm not worried about selling it one afterwards as I realise that if you get it cheaper you sell it cheaper - therefore the depreciation should be the same. I've had a parallel import before that the previous owner sourced from belgium - it was great as it meant I got a car at an age and spec that I wouldn't otherwise have been able to afford - I traded it in no problem. The whole jap thing is totally different tho and the costs involved if you're the first uk owner seem to be quite steep which is why I wondered if it was worth it. Also what about the warranty? I know on my belgium import I only had two years but what about a jap import - is there any at all? Has anyone actually been through the process of sourcing one from japan and how was it?

but would there still be a benefit to doing this as opposed to just going for a uk car?

I have been looking at going down the import route for a second hand Z. I've done a bit of research into the costs and looking at a list of what prices cars reached in recent japanese auctions with all the associated costs etc added, there doesn't seem to be a great saving on what's for sale in the 2nd hand UK market at the moment. Has anyone got any experience of going through an importer for theirs?

looks like JK is the one having a fag.

I have quite a soft spot for the hamster - hope he'll be ok. Elvington airfield is quite near my house - i often see lots of amazing cars going in there as it's the longest airstrip in europe so is used for a lot of testing. Get well soon Richard!

Jealous bast*rds! Hope you get it sorted.

I think you have to simply put it into perspective. I get ear ache from my other half (who isn't into cars) about the running costs of a type R never mind a Z! My answer to that is that my car is also my hobby. I don't go out boozing and I don't smoke either. He spends a fortune on fishing gear and fags which he enjoys - neither of which can take him to work on a morning as part of the price!

my problem is that I like to change cars often so no sooner have I got a new one and I'm already planning the next one. I've only had the type R since December and usually keep a car for about 18 months. It generally means that I get exactly what I want at the right price because I'm hopefully very clued up before hand. I usually start with two or three things in mind then narrow it down which is roughly where i'm at now! Guess I'm a bit of an anorak really!

I am still in the process of bending my other half's arm - but he usually gives in in the end! I'll be looking at about 6 months time and for something about 2 - 3 years old so if anyone's got any bargains around then let me know. My only concern is the rear wheel drive as I live out in the sticks and in winter its un gritted and treacherous. I can't afford the luxury of only using it in summer it would be a daily commuting car.

don't tell me.......I've joined yet another forum with a 'dark side' .........

Hope you don't mind me gatecrashing. I'm not a 350z owner but actually own a Honda Civic Type R. I always plan my next car at least 6 months in advance and do as much research as I can. Hence my visit here. I'm hoping to get a 350z next year and any advice would be appreciated. Just out of interested this picture was taken by a friend at Rockingham over the weekend - is it any of you? [/img]