AssaTM Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 Hi all, I'm looking to buy my first 350Z fairly soon and I've noticed quite a few imports have been popping up - is there any major downside to purchasing one of these in regards to repairs/upgrades? Are the parts that different or is it all relatively interchangeable? Or is it just worth staying clear? Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 Not any more, think the old days of expensive insurance or not being able to read OBD (although it is still trickier) are behind us. Parts are interchangeable so no worries there, but I would make sure you’re paying less for an import than a UK car like for like Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marzman Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 Yep agree with Dan. I had 2x imports back in the day and never had an issue in around 5-6years of ownership. And they get the better looking rear bumper too (square number plate recess rather than rectangle). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie_r32 Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 Wouldn't think twice, charges are they have less rust as well, will need a jodb reader and that's about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack94 Posted January 20, 2023 Share Posted January 20, 2023 99% of parts will be the same so shouldn't have any problems there. Being an import can change insurance prices so might be worth checking that. Also UK spec cars tend to be better specced (leather seats, cruise control, brembo brakes, rays alloys etc). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodgeevans Posted January 20, 2023 Share Posted January 20, 2023 I have had my import 12 years, parts are interchangeable if you dont get all the extras you want, I have also created guides on here for how to read codes and sensors etc. With the usual Bluetooth readers and an android app and also changing the triple gauge for a UK spec if it hasn't already been done, which adds clock and consumption in MPG rather than KML and as said before better rear bumper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AssaTM Posted January 20, 2023 Author Share Posted January 20, 2023 Thank you everyone for the advice, it is greatly appreciated! I feel ready to pull the trigger, other than the obvious with engine performance on a test drive, is it just the rust around the arches that you recommend when viewing the car? Or are there other telltale signs I should know about? Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted January 20, 2023 Share Posted January 20, 2023 Same for any 350 now, rust will be the killer but also checking for general health (smoking on start up, good gearbox, working electrical etc). We’re now at the stage where you buy on condition, not mileage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AssaTM Posted January 20, 2023 Author Share Posted January 20, 2023 And if there happened to be a 350 in a really good condition but rust was the issue, what kind of price is it generally to get the arches/underside repaired? No matter how scary the number is it's always good to know for future reference 😅 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted January 20, 2023 Share Posted January 20, 2023 More than I’d want to think about: if you can see enough rust to be worried about, then they’re MUCH more you can’t see. I’d walk at that point, there lots of cars out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AssaTM Posted January 20, 2023 Author Share Posted January 20, 2023 That is a brilliant bit of advice, thank you! It's a part of why I feel slightly more comfortable buying an older vehicle from a dealer preferably, at least getting my money back for any potential issues spotted post buying is a little easier - in theory at least! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAN@ADRIAN FLUX Posted January 21, 2023 Share Posted January 21, 2023 Hi. If you need any help with insurance at all for an imported vehicle then please feel free to drop me a line. Regards, Dan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.