James Junior

Hi chaps and chapesses,

I have been hovering around the forum on and off for a while now and have nearly bought both a 350z and 370z on previous occasions, though never quite took the plunge.

I thought it time I introduced myself properly, as I am expecting a rather lovely low mileage 370z to be delivered to my home around 6:45am tomorrow morning, so will finally be a Big Zed owner!

I am sure my neighbors will be delighted with their V6 wake up call.

I am coming from a Z4 Coupe with a very nice fast road set up. Although the basic concept is the same as the 370z, the cars drive very differently indeed.

My outgoing Z4 was all about responsiveness and finesse. From the throttle response, to the exhaust note, to the handling, everything felt scalpel sharp and finely balanced. It was super economical too. However, it was getting a little long in the tooth and I craved something new, with a few more modern gadgets and a little more power. The 370z seemed to tick all the boxes whilst screaming great value compared to the other cars on my potential list, so I have finally taken the plunge.

Whilst I only have a brief test drive under my belt, the 370z feels totally different in character to my Z4 Coupe. The engine feels so industrial and raw. It seems almost sluggish to rev by comparison, yet reaching with your foot into the deep throttle pedal, you get a lovely sense of drawing from a deep reservoir of power. Everything feels burly and beefy as you rumble up the road. I imagine the grumbly V6 will make a great every day companion that's as nice to waft around in as it is to open up when the road permits.

Suffice to say, I am very excited to be finally experiencing Big Zed ownership. As a serial modifier I have already put a mod list together and have been in discussion with CougarSport about booking in soon.

I also love being a part of owners forums, so look forward to chatting cars and getting to know some of you better over the weeks and months to come. I think I am going to enjoy this...

Hi guys,

I am on the lookout for a new car and quite fancied a GT Edition Z.

I noticed that a silver one has come up near me.

However, I am scratching my head because as far as I know the GT Editions only came in black and white.

This silver one has the GT Edition decals down the sills but has 'normal' silver wheels.

Could it be real, or just a normal silver car with the decals added afterwards do you think?

I normally hate silver cars, but actually think it looks quite well. Would look even nicer with a few bits wrapped in black to contrast.

I am no Z offionado so can any of you crafty veterans give me a steer?

http://www.autotrade...matic?logcode=p

Hi guys,

I am a noob looking for some commentary from 370z auto drivers please.

I currently run a Z4 Coupe as a daily with an auto box and paddles. It is a fantastic car - quick, frugal (for a 3.0) and handles beautifully, especially after a few suspension mods. I went auto due to a knee injury and wouldn't go back to a manual now for my daily, even though I have healed enough to drive one. Besides, I am fortunate enough to have an old Alfa V6 with a manual box as a second car for when the mood takes me to go old school.

A lot of purists (luddites?!) deride paddleshift autos in all their forms, but for me I find an auto with paddles the perfect combo for a performance car in daily use. Relaxed around town in full auto, but totally engaging on a good back road when in full manual mode.

Anyway, I have been looking to change my Z4 for something a little more modern as I am craving a few more mod cons (heated seats and bluetooth) plus a little more power. A 370z looks like the perfect candidate.

I have been scouring the net for info about the auto but not really found much, so wondered if current owners could give me some feedback?

How good is the auto? When in manual mode how snappy are the shifts? Can you put it in full manual so that the auto doesn't interfere? Does the synchro rev feature work with the auto box too? Also what sort of MPGs are people getting around town in auto?

Any comments from current owners both good and bad would be really appreciated. Obviously a test drive is needed, but there aren't many autos around and none anywhere near me at the moment.

I am already sizing up wheel spacers, springs and a new exhaust system and I haven't even bought the car yet... Must be craving a new project more than I realised!

Its annoying how much people revel in it when a nice car is trashed.........

Yeah totally - people's jealousy gets the better of them in most cases...

Thanks guys - good feedback!

Thanks guys, My girlfriend plays the cello and is thinking of selling her banger and just sharing my car so might have to take her cello to a dealership this weekend!

She currently drives a Nissan Micra 1.0 so this will be a bit of a step up for her!

Good news about the cats - had to fit them into the MR2 this morning to go to the vest and it was a struggle.

Grandparents - yeah I guess getting them out is the big issue here! My grandfather isn't too mobile and I wouldn't risk trying to get him into the MR2. Hopefully the Zed is a bit better as I would love to be able to take him out in it.

Does anyone have experience of getting the following items in and out of their 350Z?

1) Cello (boot looks pretty big though unsure whether the roll bar would get in the way)

2) Cat carriers x 2

3) Elderly grandparents (is the car too low for access?)

Wow thanks everyone – great response with some very useful feedback.

Marzman - I'm with you on that regarding JDM's and road tax. Of course there is nothing to stop our government changing legislation but at least in the short term it would provide some relief.

Had a few JDM's in my time and don't have any problem with them. Bonzai cars once provided me with a comprehensive list of the different JDM specs. Can anyone point me in the right direction? If getting an import I would want it to be the same spec as the UK GT model. Do you have to run them on Shell Optimax etc? Does this also apply to the UK cars? I run my MR2 Turbo on high grade only which of course adds you a further 10% onto your running costs…

Chris - yeah I test drove one last summer as I was considering one back then. It was a UK car at a dealer. Great quality interior and general feel, though felt a bit slow compared to the MR2 turbo I had at the time, and I seem to remember visibility being a little restrictive. Was impressed overall though – I was left feeling it was more of a cruiser than an out and out performance car. Will have to go to my local dealer on the weekend to get a decent drive of one again to refresh my memory and check out the average mileage reading on the trip computer.

Charlie - thanks for that, I had clean forgotten about the drop to 25p after 10,000 miles! Lets hope after all the fuel price inflation the government upwardly revise the mileage allowances in April as its about time!

ADNCD - I see your point but don't think the Z is too flash really. Its not exactly an ostentatious car I don’t think and the badge doesn’t shout ‘pretentious’. I have erred away from some flashier cars such as junior Porkers as I don’t think they give the right image but reckon the Zed would be okay. At the end of the day you can’t please everyone. We have some clients who would feel a bit negatively about an adviser turning up in a flash cars whilst others would expect it and not take your seriously unless you turn up in a decent motor. I don’t think I’ll be slamming the car on 19’s with a Veilside kit though…

Murdoch - thats an idea I'd not thought of (I didn't know there was a diesel SLK) but aren't they in the high teens/ low twenties in terms of prices?

M13KYF - Naturally i am just doing my homework so I can gather some accurate data to take away and work my magic with... Manufacturer's data and Parkers etc can't tell you as good a story about what a car is really like as enthusiastic owners!

Thanks for all your feedback guys.

Sorry - I should have explained my circumstances better.

Its not literally a company car. Rather than offering company cars my emplyer adjusts our basic salary's to provide what they feel is adequate room for us to self fund our own privately owned cars.

Hence I will be buying and running it from my own pocket (including the tax unfoirtunately) though able to claim back 40p for every business mile.

I was hoping to spend around £10k on my new motor as I don't want to take on to big a liability until I've bedded in with my new job. Then hopefully I can trade up to something like and M3, A5 etc which i agree are more civilised and practical.

What do you think guys? (sorry for not being clear in the original post)

Hi,

I am shortly qualifying as a financial adviser and in need of something a little more presentable than my current vehicle for seeing clients.

I love my fast cars and currently own a mint yellow late plate MR2 turbo.

Depite being a blast to drive it is far from suitable as a company motor for my new vocation however!

I had discounted the 350Z despite wanting one since they were released, as the fuel consumption just seems too heavy plus you get raped by Gordon Clown's new road tax travesty.

I am not far from purchasing an Alfa GT JTD being drawn to the sleek looks, nice economy and reasonable performance.

However, some baaarstard left a copy of Autocar in my reception today and on thumbing through I found an article about top rated second hand performance cars. They were waxing lyrical about the Big Zed and it started my mind working again...

Does anyone drive their 350Z as a company car? I would be doing between 15k - 20k a year on 40p per business mile. Autocar reckoned 28 mpg was achievable on long runs but your FAQ's indicate more like 20!

Any constructive feedback other than the obligatory '350Z rocks!!!!!' dry humping would be really appreciated.

Would it be daft to use such a thirsty beast as a workhorse (albeit a very desirable one)?

Kind Regards

JJ

I do agree that the Roadster looks a bit wrong with the roof up but on a sunny day there is nothing more glorious than having the sun on your face and no roof above your head!

I may yet change my mind and settle for a coupe, though having not seen the roadster in the flesh yet I am in no position to make an informed decision.

Jacko - thanks, I may take you up on that offer yet. My only test drive of a Z coupe was with a Nissan salesperson sat in the passenger seat, would be nice to take a passneger ride with you so you could show me what the car can really do.

Dan - thanks mate, I might come and pay you a visit after the 14th then if its not too much trouble. Would be nice to take a closer look.

Is there a major performance difference between the two cars? Does the roadster suffer from loss of torque? Evo state the rag top to be around a second slower 0-60 if I remember correctly?

Morning!

As some of you are aware I am gearing up to purchase my first Z. I was looking at the coupe initially but on driving to work yesterday morning with my T-bar roof off in the MR2 with a grin on my face all the way, I began to have concerns about buying a hard top.

I am comfortable wih my sexuality and thick skinned enough to weather the 'hairdresser' comments so this is a viable option for me I think.

So I have a request to any Roadster owners out there in the Manchester area:-

Fancy meeting with me somewhere and showing off your car?

I often drive Snakes pass and Woodhead pass in the MR2 - if anyone fancies a drive up that neck of the woods this weekend and would care to meet me there, I'll throw in a free lunch at the Snake Pass pub (or whatever its called) plus the opportunity to have a play in my frankly slightly bonkers MR2 turbo.

Please PM me if interested - cheers

JJ

Thanks for all of your feedback - thats really useful.

I imported my MR2 Turbo through a great guy in Leeds - maybe I'll go back to him and see if he can find me a Z...

Thanks for the welcome all.

Ya gonna love ya 350Z, look round get a clean good one, make up a sig, and welcome aboard pal ?

RE: Your sig - how old are you?

Bonsai Imports are a major importer of 350Z's and a lot of the cars on there are low mileage and look in great nick.

The prices are very very attractive.

http://www.bonsaicars.com/

Does anyone have any experience in dealing with this company or know anything about them?

I have called them and they seem very professional and appear to be a pretty large scale operation.

Would you guys buy import?

I am seriously considering doing this!

Feedback and opinions please!

Hi All,

 

My name is JJ, nice looking site this.

 

I have a sad story to tell, after a loving relationship with an immaculate REV3 MR2 Turbo I have reached the sad decision that the two of us are no longer compatible. The sad truth is that my new job demands a car that is at least vaguely corporate and my MR2 is a little inappropriate. This is indeed a sad day...

 

So here I am, hoping to form a new and meaningful relationship with a 350Z - the only car that I think might fill the MR2 shaped hole in my heart. (er... well that and the fact that an S2000 was twice as much to insure)

 

Over the next few weeks I will be hoping to draw on your knowledge and experiences to guide me through my first 350Z purchase - any input or feedback you can provide me with will be gratefully received.

 

I look forward to talking cars with you all and wasting valuable company work time on your forum.

 

JJ

 

Welcome dude

 

I think your gonna fit right in

I'm not normally one to gush but that giant banana in your signature is a thing of beauty.

Seriously mate - she looks a stunner.

Its all about yellow!

Bet that gets you some attention doesn't it?

Is it the GT4 edition or did you respray?

Hi All,

My name is JJ, nice looking site this.

I have a sad story to tell, after a loving relationship with an immaculate REV3 MR2 Turbo I have reached the sad decision that the two of us are no longer compatible. The sad truth is that my new job demands a car that is at least vaguely corporate and my MR2 is a little inappropriate. This is indeed a sad day...

So here I am, hoping to form a new and meaningful relationship with a 350Z - the only car that I think might fill the MR2 shaped hole in my heart. (er... well that and the fact that an S2000 was twice as much to insure)

Over the next few weeks I will be hoping to draw on your knowledge and experiences to guide me through my first 350Z purchase - any input or feedback you can provide me with will be gratefully received.

I look forward to talking cars with you all and wasting valuable company work time on your forum.

JJ