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Off to view a Z tomorrow - tips?


Buckley

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Hey all

I'm off to view what I believe is the one tomorrow!!

It's a 55 Azure Blue roadster, it's non GT with cloth seats

 

Can anyone tell me what I need to be lookin out for please? Im I'm no expert but spending this money I wanna make sure it's 'right'

 

Obviously I know about paint and dents but that's about it!!

 

Any tips would be appreciated

 

Also, what do you get extra with a GT pack car, what do the buttons actually do on the steering wheel? I wanted leather seats but can make do if the condition is good

 

Thanks and hope for lots of replies :)

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Alright mate,

 

I also have a non GT Zed and to be honest I actually prefer the cloth seats to the leather ones... They hold you in the seat better compared to sliding around on the leather ...

 

The GT Spec Zeds have heated leather seats, cruise control and a bose sound system ...

 

The buttons on the left side of the steering wheel are for controlling the head unit and the ones on the right side are for Cruise control on GT Zeds ..

 

:thumbs:

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when you're checking tread, make sure you look on the inside of the tyres as well as the outside!

 

Azure blue - i wanted one in that colour, saw a GT with grey leather which I wanted like nothing else on earth but it sold before i got to see it! Settled for a metallic grey instead :wave:

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mis-matched paint from panel to panel(possible accident repair?)...............

 

But be aware that on a lot of cars the bumpers can look a slightly different colour to the rest of the car in certain lighting conditions, they came out of the factory this way.

 

Good luck!

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mis-matched paint from panel to panel(possible accident repair?)...............

 

But be aware that on a lot of cars the bumpers can look a slightly different colour to the rest of the car in certain lighting conditions, they came out of the factory this way.

 

Good luck!

 

Especially the petrol cap.

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mis-matched paint from panel to panel(possible accident repair?)...............

 

But be aware that on a lot of cars the bumpers can look a slightly different colour to the rest of the car in certain lighting conditions, they came out of the factory this way.

 

Good luck!

 

Especially the petrol cap.

 

i believe this is caused because the bodywork is metal and the bumpers and filler cap are plastic. the paint bonds differently.

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One thing i would definitely check out as its a roadster - make sure that roof goes up and down without any issues. Check inside and out for any indications of tears or pulling of the material. They seem to be prone to pulling material away from the corners in the top right and left corners about 5 inches diagonally above the window.

 

Also try and see the car when it rains, some roadsters (mine included) were prone to leaking which can get very annoying. Thankfully i had mine fixed by the garage but it is not an item that is covered by the warranty so could get costly. Make sure that roof is tip top as a new replacement could cost thousands.

 

Definitely check those tyres and listen for the clicky rear axle

 

Good luck with the viewing

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Oh, Also check the back box(exhaust) where it joins the mid pipe, this area is prone to rusting and failure, Will, you should have mentioned this :blush::lol:

 

Be very cautious, if the car dosent feel right, walk.....

 

Obviously, carefully check all paper work matches with the VIN number.

 

Test every switch for operation, even the air con blows cold air.

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A vehicle enquiry check on the DVLA website, which is free, can be illuminating if there is discrepancy between manufacture date and registration with the DVLA. It will also show when it was last taxed. Obviously this is only a very basic check which can be supplemented by the many Hpi style checks available (which aren't free).

 

Good luck.

 

Neil

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mis-matched paint from panel to panel(possible accident repair?)...............

 

But be aware that on a lot of cars the bumpers can look a slightly different colour to the rest of the car in certain lighting conditions, they came out of the factory this way.

 

Good luck!

 

Especially the petrol cap.

 

i believe this is caused because the bodywork is metal and the bumpers and filler cap are plastic. the paint bonds differently.

 

Its common on alot of JAP cars, our swift is the same and just take a look at the front bumper of a new MX5 next time you see one.

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Thanks for all the tips - superb advice, I appreciate

 

I'll get plenty of pics and report back tomorrow when I'm home

 

I found out it's an Azure 55 roadster thats non GT with around 33k - what would you lot say the goin rate for one of these is?

 

It looks stunning and just what I'm after, hope all is well

 

How many service stamps should I be lookin for in the book and what's the hood like to be left outside in this sort of weather whilst I get my garage sorted!?

 

Thanks again. :)

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As Will said, check over the rag top very very very carefully, If its under 5 degrees C it will not operate correctly.

 

Make sure, you inspect every seam from the inside while a friend passes a torch across the top side, you may notice the fabric splitting, best place to check is where your right ear is when sat in the car, also as Will expressed the rear seam needs very careful inspection, the one above the rear window.

 

I am led to believe that the motors for the rag top cost circa £700 from nissan, and there are plenty of them, 5 motors if i recall :scare:

 

Dont let me put you off but just go over it with a fine tooth comb.

 

I have a roadster and love it. The advice given by me/will is from having problems with the rag top material splitting.

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blimey! it's enough advise for him not to buy a ragtop I think some of you ragtop owners have just had some bad luck with your own cars, every ragtop I looked at before I bought mine showed no sign of splitting or sticky motors etc. and I viewed 16 in total. If the guys are frightening you off a ragtop this 56 plate looks good value http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2006-NISSAN-350-Z ... 19c10c0493 :)

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Not trying to scare you off roadsters, just zugara and I are trying to emphasise that you check it over very careful. I know at the first zed meet I went to I checked all the roadsters and they all showed signs of material pulling at the corners.

 

However, even though that has happened to mine those areas are still water tight and I love it to bits. I love the look of it roof up or down, and when the hood is down the exhaust note sounds sweeter.

 

Are you sure you don't want a gt, those leather heated seats really do make a difference with the roof down on a cold day. Also helps the resale.

 

All the best for the viewing, looking forward to seeing how it goes.

 

Lol and as zugara says check the exhaust too, it seems the track day I went on was the final straw for mine lol.

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Regarding your question about the roof being ok when left outside (assuming its structurally ok) - there a quite a number of products available to revive, condition and protect the roof - if that proves to be necessary.

 

I personally have used the Renovo Cleaner then the Reviver (which you can get in the appropriate colour). You can then either use their Protector or another like Autoglym.

 

The only problem is you need a decent dry period to apply them and allow them to dry properly. I finished mine yesterday and it has made a lot of difference.

 

Good luck.

 

Neil

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If u really know so little about cars imo get the car inspected. Just arrange to take of to a Nissan dealer or ideally a z specialist and have them spend 2 hrs looking over it

 

If not, make sure she has had a recent service or mot to minimise risk, plus if the types and brakes have been done then those are two other expenses minimized

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