NeilMH

Very interesting and amazing at the same time. Given the problems I had just stripping down a standard Mini and putting it back together again (so it actually worked) and doing some very minor modifications on a 309Gti, this type of project is the equivalent of rocket science to me. I shall keep looking in future and thanks for taking the trouble to update it. I am as impressed as a person who has been run over by a steam roller. Neil

Even though I have a Roadster, I do appreciate that the looks are an acquired taste. It does look much better with the roof down IMHO. The main reason I went for one is just the added emotional/sensory experience that I feel for some reason and that unlike many roadsters, not to much has been sacrificed in terms of rigidity to achieve that. It also seemed a logical progression from the Elise/Caterhams I had before. I could just have easily have bought a Coupe, it was just as much to do with the right specific car with the right history, condition etc. The media equipment was not a factor for me at all, others are better qualified to talk about that. The main noise I was interested in was the one coming from the engine. I have never been able to hear a radio before!

Mr Moon encapsulated the phrase "playing the drums with attitude". Mr E wasn't bad either.

I normally look on Ebay for that sort of thing. That's where I got mine from. Neil

Given the amount we spend on acquiring the cars in the first place and that just about the most important part of the car is the tyres (because everything the car does has to be routed through them), my view would be to get the best tyres you possibly can. I am personally very pleased that I went for the 050As but I only did that after I gave myself a good talking to - there is something about tyre shopping that draws you in to a Herculean type quest irrespective! Sometimes I seem to put more time into trying to buy the tyres more cheaply than I do into buying the actual car.

I agree with the above who say get the tyres changed but get the alignment done elsewhere by a competent specialist. The same thing happened to me re the off centre steering wheel which may be because they don't follow the correct procedure regarding cars with power steering (ie. to prevent it moving). Also the manufacturer made later revisions to the toe-in setting, whereas I find that the likes of Kwik Fit just set the alignment to 0. Which quikfit would promptly refuse to pay as you did not give them the chance to put it right, or as stated they offered a refund, not agreeing for you to go elsewhere and charge them... I would get the tyres changed to the correct ones and then put it down to experience and go elsewhere for the alignment I agree with the above who say get the tyres changed by Kwik Fit but get the alignment done elsewhere by a competent specialist. The same thing happened to me re the off centre steering wheel (on a QX) which may be because they don't follow the correct procedure regarding cars with power steering (ie. to prevent it moving). Also the manufacturer made later revisions to the toe-in setting, whereas I find that the likes of Kwik Fit just set the alignment to 0.

Yes, I agree re future classic possibilities - I think that the looks may age well. Generally speaking classics tend to attract a large enthusiast audience quite early on in their lives - which seems to be the case. I am still pleasantly surprised by the very positive reaction from friends/family etc.

Going along the high street

I think Shell V Power is 98 and BP Ultimate may be 97.

I may be wrong but I thought the manufacturers recommendation is to use the higher octane fuel. Is it not also the case that some fuels like Shell V Power have better detergents in? Or have I fallen for pub gossip?

Having experimented the other day in a safe environment on a frosty surface I would not place too much faith in the traction control getting you out of a sudden untoward development. It's probably best to drive as if it hasn't got it - then if it helps a bit then great. I think Ricey's comments are very pertinent.

It makes a second hand 350 at £9k or less look like a bargain.

I think the first to second jumpiness is just getting used to the interaction between the gearbox and the clutch particularly when the gearbox is cold and can be notchy into second. Looks like a nice car. Yes they certainly have presence.

anyway!

I personally find the brokers Adrian Flux very good for this sort of thing. I have had Caterhams, a Tarmac Rally car, various modifications, etc and they seem to deal with most stuff. I don't know specifically about storage only.

I've done a bit of research on the Kenda Kaiser tyres the dealer fitted to your car. The reports on various forums are not good but are consistent in saying there appears to be some level of grip in the dry but almost none in damp or wet conditions. The very low price suggests they may not be up to much and the 350Z is very sensitive to tyres. The quote below is typical of what I have read. "The nastiest tyres I have ever had the misfortune of driving on. With a directional tread, and acceptable dry grip, they lure you into a false sense of security. However, at the first glimpse of damp, they lose the little traction they had and you may as well be driving on bald tyres. Uncomfortable, noisy, no feedback, and annoyingly hardwearing. A budget tyre to avoid at all costs." I do agree with the others on here that it could all be down to the tyres. If the dealer agrees to put Bridgestones on there it would be good if you could get 050a rather than 040. Good luck.