AMT Posted December 19, 2017 Share Posted December 19, 2017 Well after wanting to keep it for a couple more year and then buy something decent, sh**s hit the fan and all change. Two things contributing to this... house related and car related. The latter being I've just put it through its service and asked for extras...which were not done as not deemed worth it as further things needed (joy). I've just replaced the brace underneath and a plate for it and it has literally just passed its MOT without any other issues. However... took itto its service and got a list back into two pages. I was expecting it may need new tyres and brakes soon but oh no... much more, seals, slight leaks, etc etc labour blah blah. The car works fine, still goes without issue and again passed MOT, but ...get this... the parts alone for the work that will likely be needed in the future are over £2000 (I know dealer prices but still!) So this, along with possible future issues of clutch/oil gallery gasket and of course me moving have now pretty much made me think and the costs are starting to mount...and will likely mount for the next MOT. The cars been great, I've kept it well maintained (some chips etc with age), its had a fortune spent on it (servicing, fuel, some repairs, replacements) to the tune of around £25,000 over 5 years! I've loved every damn bit of it but its age and it being kept out in all weathers and driven high miles yearly has caught up with it. It absolutely kills my soul that I'm now making the decision but the Z has got to go. My issue now is (possibly shot myself in the foot buying it) I can't afford something faster of a newer age...at the moment and anything lower I don't want or don't like and would not wish to spend the money unless it was something special I REALLY wanted. I'm now considering just trading it in, whatever I'm able to get I then purchase a car with that and save some cash for a couple of year then come back to something damn good. This leaves me with two ways (in my mind).... do I buy something totally crap like a small hatch with a tiny engine and just 'enjoy' the savings until I want to change or do I try and find the fastest decent thing I can for the price of a 350Z... with 101, 000+ miles on it. (what should I be expecting?....would hope at least 6K! I got offered 7500 in the summer for it). Makes me depressed just thinking about it. 5 Years of this and now possibly for a couple of year in something.... nowhere near the Z. So... my question is.... what kinda figure should I expect/aim for from a dealer for a trade in? ....58' HR, paint work wheels have some marks, 101,000+ miles. And also what could I get thats decent for that price that won't cost a fortune. (so I'm not looking for low 20mpg, something with a chain driven belt, no major common faults (I will likely buy off a dealer). Any help or suggestions much appreciated. I could go cheaper for the parts etc but I've made the decision and shes going (life sucks). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deano94 Posted December 19, 2017 Share Posted December 19, 2017 Hi mate, i know you made your mind up but have you got the list of issues? May not be as costly as you think depending on what they are. I'm sure traders/garages would help you out on here. Also have you got a second opinion from a trusted source? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted December 19, 2017 Share Posted December 19, 2017 For a start, stop taking it to a main dealer. Infiniti or not, they're going to be expensive. Find a local garage, ask for recommendations from friends etc. It's only a Nissan, it ain't rocket science to fix it. Second, what are the actual problems? They sound more like recommendations to me, reading between the lines. Thirdly, cost to change is going to be more than the cost to repair your car, so unless you hate it or genuinely fancy a change (nowt wrong with that) then you're going to be financially better off fixing what you have now. Fourthly, MTFU and let's get this sorted 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ponsonby Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 I would agree with the others - do not make a decision until you have had proper advice / quotes etc. Took my car to Nissan for minor service (for Nissan stamp) and they kindly carried out their multi point inspection, and came away with several hundred quids worth of 'recommendations'. It was bollocks, I fixed them all myself in a couple of hours. Wiper jets need replacing (£30 each plus labour) - cleaned out with pin, job done. 2 wheel bolts siezed, possibly cross threaded, cost unknown depends on damage. I used the standard wheel brace to remove them, they were stiff but not siezed or cross threaded. Lubed and put back - job done. Headlight washers not working - ooh very expensive. Replaced split pipe - job done! Similarly my wife took her Citroen to main dealer for a service and came away with a list of jobs that we fixed for a fraction of the quoted price. Our local 'trading standards approved' garage tells everyone that there is a lip on their discs and that they will need replacing soon. It has become a bit of a joke but I do wonder how many people end up paying for unnecessary work. Speak to someone you trust, post the list on here, and then decide what to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PPod Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 I see your in Scotland. I highly recommend automek in East Kilbride the only garage I trust now and they specialise in Jap cars. They don't take the **** so if you gave them the list of problems I'm sure they could sort you out far cheaper than main dealer. Also they have no problem with me bringing used/new parts to them for me to save a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 If they are parts to be done in future, can the cost not be done phased over time in the future? If you have done £25k(!) in 5 years whats £1k a year over two years to get it properly sorted. Its also likely to be lower if you get a competitive quote as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabbitstew Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 As above, you need to put things into perspective. Garages, in my experience, do like recommending work which a car may "need". For example, my wife just took her Ford Edge for a winter checkup at the local main dealer. Its only done 8k miles. One of the "advisories" they gave her was that the tyres only had 4mm of tread on them. I mean, WTF! They will probably last her another year at the miles she does, but they were trying to scare her into getting a new set. As someone else mentioned, another classic is "brake discs have a lip on them". So what? Nearly all brake discs do. As long as its not badly worn then its fine. The car cant be that bad if its just passed its MOT. If your worried, id go through the list and try to prioritise which items will definitely need replacing shortly and which can be ignored. Then go to a more reasonable garage and get their opinion on those items and costs. If you do decide to sell, then, especially with your mileage, id get some sort of diesel hatch. Run that for a year or so, then move back into something sporty. Thats exactly what I did. I sold my zed and ran a 123d coupe for 4 years before jumping back into a sporty car. Modern diesels are nippy enough and you`ll save a fortune on the mpg. My 123d was 0-60 in 6 seconds as stock which wasnt far off my HR zed and handled like it was on rails. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetpilot Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 Tyres and brakes are consumables, any car will need them and unless you go down the Mx5, Ellise route running small tyres any half sensible car will be a similar price, same goes for brakes and clutch and if you hanker for something more modern, chances are those parts are going to cost more than a 350z. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay84 Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 We get it all the time here at my non main dealer but still national garage. People ring up for brake prices as they've been advised by main dealer, I price them up, they turn up. We take the wheels off to find that they are only half worn, so we tell them top come back in 6 months for a free check. I'd definitely get a 2nd opinion before making any rash decisions. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Payco Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 Agree with all of the above. How have you spent £25k in 5 years on maintenance without any mods ?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabbitstew Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 3 minutes ago, Payco said: Agree with all of the above. How have you spent £25k in 5 years on maintenance without any mods ?. He said he included fuel in that amount.... I was spending around £6200 a year on fuel when I was running my zed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Payco Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 Good spot Rabbitstew. I missed the fuel cost. I don't count that cost as part of ownership in my world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT Posted December 20, 2017 Author Share Posted December 20, 2017 (edited) Trust me that figure is around correct I worked it out yearly and well...5 years lol. I do want to keep it but even I realise its getting long in the tooth annnnd the fact I'm trying to do the house thing, which in all sensibleness is the main thing. I've been running and never skimped on it but it has constrained me at times when doing so. In terms with what rabbitstew said, thats where we maybe at... buying a regular ...thing and running it for a coupla year then go mental again (except not financing for so long lol). When I say normal I mean like ...hatchback normal... I've even been looking (depressing ...god you've no idea)..and the only thing I found interesting with some sort of 'flair' was a Civic Type S GT. Lower running costs, plenty mpg and for what I might get the Z for I wouldn't have to add much so I'm not paying anything monthly. (2011ish 40K miles). I nearly bought a FN2 Type R prior to the Z so prob why I'm hovering near it and the 1.8 petrol is apparently...the one to get. Again however this is initial thinking. Yes, its passed its MOT and I know tyres brakes etc I was expecting that but I can hear the rattles from the back a bit and I can see the tyres wearing unevenly on them but apparently not worth doing tracking as the steering/track rod ends or something needs done. Lot of it is labour just removing stuff etc I know that. Its just got me thinking that its took a hell of a lot of money away from me in the last five years, constrained me a bit and I hate to admit it but it may be sensible to just run something cheaper for a while. I'll shove up the list and parts prices they found (I noted they had to go to macklin motors or something for certain items...#ripoff. I'm not blaming Infiniti they do check around for me and also recommend I find it cheaper elsewhere but they do need to provide me with the stuff too I realise that. Then the looming issues of clutch in the future and that oil gallery.. I know I've discussed it before but if something of either happened and I was in the middle of the house thing next year I think it would stuff me right up. (I am not a rich person... lol prob cos of this car but hey ) Also warey of the MOT place if passed without advisories (after the big brace replacement etc) yet I get this list lol. Edited December 20, 2017 by AMT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT Posted December 20, 2017 Author Share Posted December 20, 2017 (edited) It says spark plugs but there were done not too long ago so I wouldn't be doing them anyway, brakes fine, ...tyres a bit of a worry as front look fine but the edges inside and whatever is causing it etc. Just mounting up costs that will...come at some point. Even I (if you knew me) am considering trying to spend a bit less money. (ignore the backing plate, it rotted and was rubbing on the disc so it got broken off on purpose lol) Edited December 20, 2017 by AMT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHEZZA Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 (edited) I'm assuming they want to replace the rear subframe because the diff bush is torn. ? edit. Oh I see they have it as badly corroded, but its aluminium ? Edited December 20, 2017 by SHEZZA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT Posted December 20, 2017 Author Share Posted December 20, 2017 (edited) Tbh, I just didn't ask much. I usually chat away and get details but when I seen the list I just went...ffs (after spending a good amount for the MOT) and just wanted to go have a think. The headlamp sensor cost is a bit of a laugh as my mate (albeit a Scania mechanic) said it was a cheap bit in itself. I wouldn't bother replacing that but the cost ....ppft. Its just getting to a stage where I'm spending too much money on it either at the time or possibly in the future and its constricting me a bit...which isn't what you want. I think tbh I've made my decision... if not a crap one. Might be heading in January (used car sales wooo *cries*). The housing thing is coming up so I kinda need to see sense. I bought this with the mindset of wanting the best I could afford young and I've loved the damn thing and it still goes like nothing else. I nearly changed it for a Jag jesus... dunno what one would cost more but yeah... I could possibly..quite likely be halving my power/torque pretty soon. As a friend said... you can always come back in a couple of year to something special. Edited December 20, 2017 by AMT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 And you think anyone is going to pay decent money for that car if it needs that much doing? Tbh most of that I'd be leaving. Front tyres yes, tie rods yes (so you can get the tracking back where it should be). Brakes if you want but you've got plenty of life left in the pads, and discs being lipped is irrelevant if they're still within their minimum thickness, so ask how thick they are or measure yourself. Headlamp level sensor pfft, if it passes MOT who cares? As for the gearbox and steering rack leaks, how bad are they? Clearly not bad enough you've noticed on your driveway I assume, so just keep an eye on them. Anything else you buy, especially if you're shedding, is going to want work doing to it and there's no guarantee it'll be any cheaper. You could be swapping one money pit for another, and the new one will be an awful lot slower... You're really making more of a meal out of this than it needs to be. It's a car, things need sorting, but that doesn't change if you buy a different one. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT Posted December 20, 2017 Author Share Posted December 20, 2017 It does when you don't need to spend £535 on tax, £600+ on tyres, tonnes on fuel etc etc. Its all very well if I had extra cash to fly about but I don't tbh. A lot goes into the car, which I've never really bothered about but when it comes to other stuff in life, it might have to take a back seat. And its the same for any car you buy (short of a new one which I can't do), just the same as this, do some research buy on condition/servicing etc. I bought this thing and its a bit of a money pit lol. Lets be honest any hatchback or other car of a 'normal' stature is going to be less than this (providing I don't buy a shed). Quote and the new one will be an awful lot slower... I KNOW!!! I think I'm just kinda tiring of spending the money on it tbh. I'd never tire of the car (except the akward-ish clutch and annoying jerk) but this year with the house thing I'll need to look at finances and the tax and tyres etc for this thing are not making much sense anymore when other stuff crops up. I'm just thinking of something bit younger, cheaper ...run for a couple of years then see what the hells depreciated that I might want lol. ITs not a decision I'm taking likely and I know a lot of its stuff I could prob get done cheaper but it'll still cost a bit I think for this steering/track rod thing I bet. Kinda half and half. Some friends and now here telling me to keep it etc etc other half saying it costs you a fortune, be good to not spend anywhere near as much for a coupla year... Arrgh. Stuff thats mentioned, stuff needing done it will rear its head later if I just decide not to do it so I think I'd rather just let it go (and you think I'm gonna mention that sheet.. I know they'll have a look at it but.. lol) I will however include the mountain of paperwork, receipts and stuff for the next owner who hopefully can get most of that done prior to buying (although I bet they put it through auction due to the miles/age). Do you know I looked up all 4 discs/pads for a Civic 2011 (yeah its kinda started) and saw you can get the whole lot for £92.00... I was like....wow. And then had a sad upset feeling again lol. I dunno, my heart says keep the thing spend a fortune and love it.... the other side thinks, you've had a good 5 years of this driving tons of miles, been places, but your now looking at a house and needing to spend less money. How much is a lotto ticket again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldel Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 My mate has a Civic 2011 Type S and he hates it. He had a Subaru before that which is quick enough that when you downgrade on power to the Civic you really notice it. Not exciting and quite boaty from my passenger rides in it. If I were you I would go proper shedding and get something that will save you money but also something that you do not hope will give you some sort of feeling of it replacing the zed - let it be a complete step down, expect nothing more from it, then when money is good again go for it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT Posted December 20, 2017 Author Share Posted December 20, 2017 (edited) Just been to my uncles (hes like a financial advisor / IM TELLING YOU kind of person who is well off.. The kind of person who can afford an expensive luxury but doesn't and tells me the Z is an expensive luxury... ..and I'm 31 haha. Trying to look at what the hell just to do. Example, do I trade in ...and if so he thinks it should be minimum 14 plate but thats like inbiza's, fiestas etc. He doesn't think buying a 6 year old or so car for the same money is worth it incase something goes wrong. Also discussed the point of leasing a new 'heap' for a low monthly cost and selling the Z pocketing the money in the bank... but then can I be bothered with a private sale... will they come back and go...wait theres something wrong etc. Also, as mentioned buy a banger and just run about in it (sell the Z, keep the cash). Aw I don't know. I'm feeling this 'shot myself in the foot' went to high moment right now... cos' they only way is down (the Z is leaving). Quote If I were you I would go proper shedding and get something that will save you money but also something that you do not hope will give you some sort of feeling of it replacing the zed - let it be a complete step down, expect nothing more from it, then when money is good again go for it. So whats a decent shed to buy then? (I'd like chain driven but prob not possible if buying an older thing). (also how do you quote someone from their name instead of just using the quote button? lol) Edited December 20, 2017 by AMT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 Look, if you want to go cheap to save cash but with zero risk then grab yourself a new Kia on a lease deal. £120-ish a month, 7 year warranty, you cannot really go wrong. You'll save a fortune and still have something to run around in. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT Posted December 20, 2017 Author Share Posted December 20, 2017 ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 What? They’re decent cars, they’re reliable as hell and peanuts to run. Is that not what you’re after? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMT Posted December 20, 2017 Author Share Posted December 20, 2017 Probably... I just...don't want it lol Its maybe too low, I can 'just' about deal with a normal hatch for a couple of year but I don't know about a supermini thingymabob. This is horrendous, I hate this position and I hate having to do this. I'm still not sure how I want to go about it either. I'll wait until the beginning of Jan and take it from there I think. Its just gonna be hard to get my head round not jumping in the Z in the morning... If anyone can think of 'reliable' chepo things by all means I'm open to almost any option lol. Dan you do make sense... I just kinda want to ignore it though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted December 20, 2017 Share Posted December 20, 2017 Cheap, reliable, quick. Pick two. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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