Steeev88 Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Hi guys and gals. My name is Steve, I'm 25 and as the title suggests, I'm from Scotland and looking to buy a 350Z (I would love a 370Z, but they're a little out of my budget just now). My other half and I have been looking for a fun car to do us for a few years, before we decide to start a family. So this is kind of the last fun car I will get to own until the yet-to-be-conceived child is a little older. I've owned Jap cars (MR2 Turbo, MR2 N/A, Celica and Silvia) and bikes (Yamaha R6 and Suzuki GSXR600) in the past, so I know my way around cars a little....I'm not an expert by any means. As you can see from my small list, I love my fast cars and would like another, but getting the other half to agree to this was difficult, until she saw the 350Z, which she loved the looks of. So, it's basically a family car or a 350.....guess which one I want. I just have a couple of questions before I go out there and start shopping: 1. I have been told that the 350's powerplant was changed (From a Renault to a Nissan engine), but I can never remember in which year. I've been told to stay away from the older version as it has less power and is less reliable. Any truth in this? 2. Is there anything engine or bodywork wise that I should be looking out for when either test driving a car or looking around it? Subtle signs of a bad 350? I obviously know the basics of what to look and listen for, but some cars have hidden faults that others don't? 3. Mileage. Being a Japanese car, I'm guessing that they are pretty much bullet proof, but everyone wants one with low milesage. Is there any point where I should avoid? Above 70,000? 80? 90? 4) Running costs. I have looked at insurance and am happy. I know the tax, but what about petrol and maintenance? Can anybody give me a rough idea of mpg and reliability? That is all I have for just now, but if I do buy one, I'll be along shortly to show you. Thanks in advance for any replies, Steve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony420z Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thetranquilbass Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Welcome along mate, there's a meet this weekend if you want to have a chat to a few of us and get a look round a few different examples. http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/73016-jap-meet-glasgow-showcase-october-27th/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bems Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Where in Scotland are you based? Oh and Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MITZ@CougarStore Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Welcome to the forum... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chubby Ninja Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 to the forum mate. im also steve,25 from Scotland . where abouts are you? try and get along to the meet on sunday and meet some of the guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steeev88 Posted October 24, 2013 Author Share Posted October 24, 2013 Thanks for the warm welcome guys. Chubby Ninja, if you're from Dundee, then it's just creepy. I live a couple of miles outside Dundee. I can't make it to the meet, unfotunately, as it's a little short notice, but perhaps another one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMANALEX Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Hi and welcome to the forum Steve. I also live just a few miles outside Dundee. Alex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hensh65 Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 healthy amount of zeds this side of the border, and living only a few miles away or the guy above me is more than a bonus! Across the whole range you have de 03 to 55 all reliable, 06 uprev reliable but known to consume a lot of oil. 07- HR different eninge with more power. If you can come to glasgow on sunday you will get a look at everyone of them and also supercharged ones to wet your appetite Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chubby Ninja Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Thanks for the warm welcome guys. Chubby Ninja, if you're from Dundee, then it's just creepy. I live a couple of miles outside Dundee. I can't make it to the meet, unfotunately, as it's a little short notice, but perhaps another one. Haha na mate im just outside stirling, was starting to think you were taking over my identity oh well hopefully u can make another one. As hensh says the HR has more power but that doesnt mean the DE is slower 😉 also theres a buyers guide on this site which is worth a read 😊 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chubby Ninja Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 healthy amount of zeds this side of the border, and living only a few miles away or the guy above me is more than a bonus! Across the whole range you have de 03 to 55 all reliable, 06 uprev reliable but known to consume a lot of oil. 07- HR different eninge with more power. If you can come to glasgow on sunday you will get a look at everyone of them and also supercharged ones to wet your appetite It will be more than your appetite thats wet when i take u out in it hensh haha. Oops forgot it a family forum 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATTAK Z Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragon Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Welcome aboard Steve. Mpg all depends on how you drive it. You'll see better results from motorway driving than you would around town obviously but on the whole I don't think it's too bad. If you've had a few performance car's already then you know your going to be using more fuel than a 1.25 Fiesta Zetec anyway. Buyers guide here; http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/22880-guide-for-new-memberspotential-buyers/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsybriggs1 Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Steeev88, on 24 October 2013 - 18:32, said: Thanks for the warm welcome guys. Chubby Ninja, if you're from Dundee, then it's just creepy. I live a couple of miles outside Dundee. I can't make it to the meet, unfotunately, as it's a little short notice, but perhaps another one. Haha na mate im just outside stirling, was starting to think you were taking over my identity oh well hopefully u can make another one. As hensh says the HR has more power but that doesnt mean the DE is slower 😉 also theres a buyers guide on this site which is worth a read 😊 I second that and welcome :-) If you have the coin get the HR 07+ but check it's not a o6 just sold later you can tell the HR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsybriggs1 Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Sorry pressed post lol. The HR has twin intakes and a bump in the bonnet. Witch is a quick way to tell them from the DE witch I have I love it it's the 300bhp one but it likes drinking oil but still love if anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bergwerk06 Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Japanese= bullet proof engines (I have a bill for over £3500 for my teutonic oil burner). Have an 04 and can't fault the reliability whatsoever. The extra 20hp on the later ones will win the bar stool competition but in the real world it's how you pedal it. Whatever you go for you won't be disappointed. .............and welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dblock Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 Hi mate, Where abouts out of dundee? 1. VQ denotes it always been a Nissan engine but it has been used in renaults in different tunes but really who cares. There is 3 different versions 276, 296, 313. The 276 and 313 are regarded as the most bulletproof and easiest to mod. 2. Buy on condition not miles. Clicking axles or sloppy suspension isn't good. 3. Again buy on condition not miles. The engines are generally strong but check gearbox, clutch etc. A well cared 100k is better than a hammered 50k car. 4. Generally reliable, 9k service interval on motorway 28-30mpg and around town 18-24mpg. I would say drive one first they are alot slower than what you think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steeev88 Posted October 25, 2013 Author Share Posted October 25, 2013 Hi mate, Where abouts out of dundee? 1. VQ denotes it always been a Nissan engine but it has been used in renaults in different tunes but really who cares. There is 3 different versions 276, 296, 313. The 276 and 313 are regarded as the most bulletproof and easiest to mod. 2. Buy on condition not miles. Clicking axles or sloppy suspension isn't good. 3. Again buy on condition not miles. The engines are generally strong but check gearbox, clutch etc. A well cared 100k is better than a hammered 50k car. 4. Generally reliable, 9k service interval on motorway 28-30mpg and around town 18-24mpg. I would say drive one first they are alot slower than what you think. I live in Carnoustie, but in around 4 hours I move to Arbroath (Hence the main reason I can't make it to the meet) Where abouts outside Dundee are you all? I've seen a few Zeds going around here, but not too many. Thanks for all the Welcomes guys. I've been on lots of forums and this has been the warmest welcome I've received, which is a good sign of a good forum. Thanks for the info from everybody, especially Z Legend. The fastest car I had was my 309bhp MR2 turbo. Weighed 1200kg's and did 0-60 in around 4.7 seconds. Problem was, it was 19 years old and not too reliable. I know the 350Z will be a little slower, but I wouldn't reckon by too much and it is has the rumble of a V6, which outweighs the suction of a nice turbo to me. Plus, the Z can be tuned, which I would do. I've seen a lot of places and people that can put single turbos on the Z and reach near 450bhp. (I may be out on that, but who knows). Here's a pic of my MR2, just so you can see and tell me if I mod right, or wrong: This was a common occurance - Lots of Carbon - Car - I know this isn't an MR2 site, but it was my pride and joy before she died. She had Lenso D1R's, 17". Carbon engine cover, carbon spoiler, carbon boot lid, boost controller, Intercooler, C26 Turbo, XSPower Exhaust system and side skirts, small lip and rear corner edgers. She had 309.4bhp and 267.1 lbs/ft Torque. Hope you like her....this is what I'm replacing after all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dblock Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 Ahh,I live in Dundee, work in Arbroath. Used to have friends in Carsnooty lol. I'd just say test drive one before committing to buy one. Trust me it will be ALOT slower than your mr2. It weighs about 400kg more and has less power. Plus turbo/supercharging the car is still pretty expensive. BUT i know how slow the Z is but it puts a smile on my face whenever driving and feels good to drive IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HASH Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 This was a common occurence http://s961.photobucket.com/user/Steeev88/media/IMAG0175.jpg.html Tsk Tsk...naughty boy Oh by the way Wdlcome to the forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ewen@Clark Motorsport Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 Welcome to the forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hensh65 Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 SC is the way to go, but if you want any real gains then your pockets need to be deep.... Once I get a shot ( I right ) in Chubbys on Sunday I will let you know if it is worth it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grundy Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 to the forum mate. im also steve,25 from Scotland . where abouts are you? try and get along to the meet on sunday and meet some of the guys Soul Mates! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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