Buckley Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
narcotix Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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 .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetSet Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 A good service history is essential. Don't touch it if whoever you're dealing with claims that its been lost. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zugara Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 Clicky axle, good tread on tyres. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nzd31155 Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M13KYF Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 check out FAQ's for a buying tips guide Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gball1973 Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 All the above, plus some manual g/boxes can be a bit clunky from first to second when cold. http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=15103 Then there's the obvious things like stone chipping, mis-matched paint from panel to panel(possible accident repair?)............... On a lighter note, good luck with the buy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350ash Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
un1eash Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky370z Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will370z Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zugara Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilMH Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
un1eash Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckley Posted November 19, 2010 Author Share Posted November 19, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
un1eash Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 It should have 4-5 stamps, it its a mid 2005 it should have had a P1-P2-P1-P3-P1 service, its not the one on trader from the nissan franchise dealer for 10k is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zugara Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ace Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rich5259 Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 If you're worried about mismatched panels being replaced after an accident, you can check the security stickers with the VIN number on them to ensure the panels are original Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will370z Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilMH Posted November 20, 2010 Share Posted November 20, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmck13 Posted November 20, 2010 Share Posted November 20, 2010 Well if you have already gone.let us know dont forget camera if you buy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billyboy2010 Posted November 23, 2010 Share Posted November 23, 2010 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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