Blue Straggler Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 Hi all, great forum here, I have been reading around quite a bit, including the buyers' guide already so hopefully I won't be repeating questions that are already covered in there, all the "what to look out for" etc. seems fairly well covered. So to introduce myself - I am probably ideal "350Z fodder" - I am single, 40, facing a midlife crisis (not really!), never had a "fun fast car", don't really need practicality and am for the first time in my life able to afford and justify something like this. Further to that, I can honestly say that the 350Z ticks EVERY box, having considered various other stuff this past year (Z4 etc.). All that said - they say "not for wimps" re: the 350Z and I am a right old wimp! The zippiest cars I've ever had were a Y-reg 1.8 petrol Vectra 2012-2013, and an MG ZT-t (2l diesel) 2013-2014...and I rarely exceed 78mph on the motorway these days. But hey, things change and I think a bit of fun under the right foot is long overdue. As well as being a wimp of a driver, I am a bit crap - not that I have crashes etc, the "wimp" aspect covers that scenario. I would certainly be looking at doing one of the driving courses recommended elsewhere on this thread, e.g. RideDrive full day, or something with IAM. I've driven plenty of different vehicles from classic SWB Landy (reversed that one out of a shingle bomb crater at 40 deg, laden with railway sleepers) to dodgy minibuses to LWB Sprinter with hi-top Luton box and a heavy x-ray machine in the back, overnight to France and into a tiny village. BUT never a 3.5l RWD sports car - and I keep reading stuff about "being surprised to be facing the wrong way coming off a roundabout" :-) I've been driving a Kia Cee'd 1.6 diesel hatchback for the past 12 months. I am looking at a 350Z as a sort of "this is the first time I can do this and it may be the ONLY time I can do it". I may run it for only a year or so before circumstances force a change to something practical. This is to be a treat for me for as long as it remains viable. OK that is enough about me. Onto the cars - I have a few questions or perhaps these are better as statements, some seeking clarification: 1) This will be my only car, I'll use it as a daily runner on a 14 mile commute. I do about 15000 miles per year. I estimate that my fuel cost will end up just over double what I pay at the moment (the KIA has averaged 46mpg through the year, all sorts of driving styles but only maybe 30% actual motorway cruising). I understand that a 350Z should return me around 23-26mpg AVERAGE...or is that figure an "at best" figure? And how much is Shell Optima per litre today? I have spreadsheets for this sort of stuff to help decision-making. 2) I gather that VED increased from £300 to £500 in 2006 or was it 2007? Probably should not let that be a big factor 3) P3 service should occur around 60k miles. I am actually thinking "get something with around 60k miles, 70k tops". If P3 has not been done by 60k miles by a seller, is this a warning sign? It's addressed slightly in the buyers' guide, I know. And how bad (pricewise) IS the P3, really? I see £300 - £500 being quoted. Can factor that in to negotiations I guess. 4) Why are there so many silver Zeds for sale? Ideally I'd like the classic orange; azure blue second, then probably gunmetal grey before silver. I've seen red ones for sale, would these be resprays? Black looks good but how many times a week do you need to wash them?! 5) I am budgeting £6k - £7.5k, expecting a coupe, GT, non-import, well under 80k miles. Good condition, will accept stone chips and a few nicks and light scratches. Am I realistic with this? I am not bothered about the car having been kept immaculate, not after an ex-show car, not bothered about mods (some seem tacky and I don't want dropped suspension or low front spoiler, but some of the more subtle NISMO stuff like a mild rear spoiler looks OK I admit). Wondering where is good to compromise. I gather that GT = leather heated seats, cruise control and better stereo. I've never had cruise control so could live without that, also never yet had leather seats let alone heated ones (Alcantara seats in the MG were the nicest I've had) BUT the Zed looks compromised with cloth seats I must admit...but if there is £1000 at stake then hmmmmm.... 6) I know nothing about these things, but I am kind of staying away from JDM and Cat C / D. Am I cutting off my nose to spite my face? I have read on other sites that imports just make your life a lot harder. 7) I am totally avoiding Roadsters, I like a metal roof above me and as the car will be parked on the street, I worry about people slashing the roof (also for the 2 days in the British summer when you can take the roof down, it doesn't seem worth putting up with the road noise and other soft top issues). Am I being prejudiced and paranoid? Here are two examples I whittled down from looking through a lot of ads. Between them they illustrate my "confusion". The blue one in Warwickshire looks ideal and I'd probably stretch beyond my upper limit for that one. OTOH the silver one is on at £2.5k less for not being GT, not having the semi-private ZED plate, not having the posh wheels, and not being the nice blue. That £2.5k would buy a lot of Optima :-) https://www.gumtree.com/p/nissan/nissan-350z-gt-uk-spec-blue-19-lmgt4-wheels/1145601128 https://www.gumtree.com/p/nissan/silver-nissan-350z-3.5-v6/1143659780 I look forward to opinions / advice / flaming :-) Kenny (PS I actually ran a hypothetical 350Z through my insurance, expecting it to come out as prohibitively expensive and to kill the dream. All other things being equal, it came out as £7 per year more expensive than for the KIA!) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZEUS Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 Welcome along 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Straggler Posted December 16, 2015 Author Share Posted December 16, 2015 This looks a good one too. https://www.gumtree.com/p/nissan/nissan-350z-low-mileage-rare-factory-fitted-nismo-bodykit-full-service-history-stunning-example-/1145860167 I forgot to add, I am for the first time in my life not in a rush (usually I need to buy a new car because the last one uneconomically failed an MOT), my Kia is running fine so for once I can take my time and go and test a few out. Another question I had, though, was : TYRES. I am used to paying £120 a pair. I assume I should at least double that, to the extent that tyre condition becomes a negotiation point on a purchase? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Straggler Posted December 16, 2015 Author Share Posted December 16, 2015 OK all, here's another couple of ads. I am not posting these ad links in order to get specific advice as to whether to go for a particular one - for one thing I wouldn't expect that of anyone, and for another, as said above I am not quite in a position to buy yet, having never even sat in one (and having the KIA to sell!). I post these more to illustrate my general approach - the kind of thing I am looking at at low, middle and high regions of my budget. And to see if there are any "watch out for this aspect in GENERAL" tips forthcoming! https://www.gumtree.com/p/nissan/2004-04-nissan-350-z-3.5-v6-3d-277-bhp-petrol-gt-pack-brembo-breaks/1146655176 https://www.gumtree.com/p/nissan/54-reg-2004-nissan-350z-gt-3.5-v6/1146625149 I live between Nottingham and Leicester hence the midlands bias. Parents live in Co. Durham, sister lives in Stockport, so that extends the search region. I know some people are happy to make a 350 round trip to look at a car, and in fairness as I am going more upmarket than I have hitherto done, I am happy to make a trip to see the "right" car but TBH it seems that there are enough on the market that I can afford to keep the search within the Notts/Manchester radii. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-G- Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 The azure blue has argueably the most sought after wheels to nissan drivers (Nismo LMGT4) so the owners got form for spending decent money on his car. Easy £1500 refund on the cost of the car if you're not bothered keeping them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 My tuppence worth, in addition that I am also a crap driver, no crashes but I wouldn't know how to drift a car or drive it fast but happily took on the 350z as my first performance car after previously having a company car which was a 1.4TSI Scirocco. I found the zed quite forgiving if you drive within your limits and respect the car. In terms of your questions... 1. I got 23mpg average on my zed which was probably a 50/50 mix of about town driving and A roads - fuel prices at the moment are fluctuating, I wouldn't base it on todays rates which are pretty low and will climb again next year 2. Don't worry about the VED cost, it will be the lowest cost for running the car 3. Where are you located? Some very good trusted people on here service cars at good rates 4. Silver for some reason has been the most popular colour for cars for some time - red is an original colour, Chilli Red I think it is called 5. Budget looks fine for what you want, in fact cars in original spec can go for more than modified ones 6. Imports are absolutely fine, if its recently imported its probably going to be in very good condition, insurance is now pretty much on par plenty of specialist insurers will give great deals, my last two cars have been imports and both have been stunning cars 7. If you are buying now roadsters will more likely be at their lower end price as they are seasonal, if its just the roof slashing that you are worried about can you get a car cover to deter people? Personally I think they look awful with the roof up, but fantastic with it down...personal preference really 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veeg33 Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 Hello and welcome GLWTS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Straggler Posted December 16, 2015 Author Share Posted December 16, 2015 Thanks all. Coldel: It's not just the roof slashing I'm bothered about on the Roadster. Let's just say I don't fancy one at all and leave it there :-) Thanks for other points. I've been reading around about imports. Was insurance (and perhaps position of indicator stalks) the only negative issue that people ever had with them? I am sure that with some ringing around I can do OK on the insurance aspect. All the nice red ones I've seen are imports... Been looking at more ads and it does seem that my price and mileage seem to have been worked out OK. A fair few 100k+ out there, am I right to avoid these and stick strictly to 50-80k? I know that's a "how long is a piece of string" type of question but I've bought too many cars in the last 15 years near the 100k mark only to have them die on me within 16 months! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Miester Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 Welcome along some good advice from fellow zedders were a good bunch on this forum :) I must say the Azure looks a nice one and best colour in my opinion but I would say that...! :lol: Plus the wheels are a bonus and I think set a Zed of well Forgot to say welcome along 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zxrob Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 Hello and welcome I bought my 350 at the tender age of 53 They really are a lovely car to drive, still look good and sound great, you get jap reliability and reasonable service costs for a V6 sports car Ok, they aint as quick as they look, most hot hatches will probably be quicker off the lights However, they really are value for money Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stutopia Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 along. My first manly car was the Zed and it's very well behaved if your right foot behaves in the wet. Certainly nothing to worry about unless you do daft things. The lazy torque is the pleasure for 90% of my driving. The traction control will look after you unless you really take the mick. Go for a GT or possibly a fresh import (if you can find one) with all the GT goodies. The cruise control was new to me but it is perfect for the odd motorway cruise where you're just crunching miles and want to keep your speed down and MPG up. I notice all the links you've posted are gumtree, suggest casting the net a bit wider and perusing the Zeds For Sale section on here too. Drive a few if you can. GLWTS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilMH Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 (edited) and god luck with your search. Edited December 17, 2015 by NeilMH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 Thanks all. Coldel: It's not just the roof slashing I'm bothered about on the Roadster. Let's just say I don't fancy one at all and leave it there :-) Thanks for other points. I've been reading around about imports. Was insurance (and perhaps position of indicator stalks) the only negative issue that people ever had with them? I am sure that with some ringing around I can do OK on the insurance aspect. All the nice red ones I've seen are imports... Been looking at more ads and it does seem that my price and mileage seem to have been worked out OK. A fair few 100k+ out there, am I right to avoid these and stick strictly to 50-80k? I know that's a "how long is a piece of string" type of question but I've bought too many cars in the last 15 years near the 100k mark only to have them die on me within 16 months! Imports also have a number of different options, UK have two GT and Non-GT, JDM have quite a few so you would have to check out the spec of any import to make sure its got everything you need. There are a few Zeds in the US clocking up 250k miles, 100k is not overly bad as the engine is a pretty rock solid piece of kit but clearly in the UK there is an obsession with mileage and the number 100,000 does cause a mental barrier for many people so if you were to try sell this on you will come up against that. Look for great service history, any oil leaks,, smoke, signs of good upkeep and all the usual stuff and you should be OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-G- Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 (edited) I bought my silver (now satin black) Z33 18 months ago and love it to bits, it was imported in 2008 & I've had zero issues with it - I would have no hesitation in importing another Zed, in fact I already have done just this month. JDM Zeds are just as reliable as the UK ones - in terms of desirability, Japan were furnished with every optional extra under the sun, so there's a much greater range of options going through the import route. Yahoo car auctions is as good a place as any to browse what's available. http://auctions.search.yahoo.co.jp/search?p=Z33&aq=-1&oq=&ei=UTF-8&tab_ex=commerce&auccat=26360 Edit: In addition, Import Zeds obviously clock up in km - it is possible work out the genuine mileage for any pre-imported car by looking at its service history \ year of import etc. Happy hunting Edited December 17, 2015 by -G- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMANALEX Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 to the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350zedd Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 Hello and welcome along. My advice to you would be to take your time with your search, be patient and dont rush into anything. That way you can get a feel for prices and specifications and then pounce when a bargain comes up. I spent about 4 months looking around and got myself a great deal between xmas and new year. Best of luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 Welcome aboard and good luck with your Zed hunt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougtosh Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 along, Get one and enjoy ,worry about the rest later.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATTAK Z Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MITZ@CougarStore Posted December 17, 2015 Share Posted December 17, 2015 Welcome to the forum... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Straggler Posted December 17, 2015 Author Share Posted December 17, 2015 Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy.farrow7 Posted December 18, 2015 Share Posted December 18, 2015 Hello and welcome along buddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Straggler Posted December 18, 2015 Author Share Posted December 18, 2015 Wheeee! Going to look at one tomorrow! Stuart - yes I only posted ads from gumtree but that is just because it has a nice navigable layout and easy copy-and-paste. I looked through the ads on here and things were getting beyond my budget because on here they have been truly cherished cars and had a pampered life and lots spent on them :-) I've perused pistonheads (similar "issue" there), Autotrader and eBay. Seems to be plenty around. I am looking at the blue one with the posh wheels tomorrow. Maybe it'll be "the one" - slightly beyond my top-end budget but I can choose to keep or sell the posh wheels, and it ticks ALL my other boxes already. Plus today I had a very unexpected financial windfall.....ooh la la Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted December 18, 2015 Share Posted December 18, 2015 It might be a good one, but look at some others that are local to you to really give context - as you said, plenty around, don't have to leap in and buy the first one you see. Even if you go back and buy it at least check out some others first...its also that time of year that buyers are thin on the ground, you should be able to bargain a bit of a deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Payco Posted December 18, 2015 Share Posted December 18, 2015 Welcome.Where are you based ?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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