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350z

  • 19-04-2007 8:09am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭


    What are ye're thoughts on the Nissan 350Z? I'm thinking about buying one. No need for it really, but I'm looking at one in particular that is very good value. The only thing is that it is a Jap Import. What are the downsides to this?

    Also, if I do make the purchase it is likely to be pretty short term.. i.e. selling it again next year. (It's completely impractical to have a car with only two seats :D ) Anyone know what the re-sale of these is like. Will it been a Jap hamper that? Do these cars hold there value well?

    Any other info about the 350Z would useful. Anyone out there have one?


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,484 ✭✭✭✭Stephen


    I think it'd be very hard to sell a car with a 3.5 litre engine in this country, given the punitive tax rate and the insurance market here. I'd love one though :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭jimbling


    Stephen wrote:
    I think it'd be very hard to sell a car with a 3.5 litre engine in this country, given the punitive tax rate and the insurance market here. I'd love one though :D

    ya, ill have to seriously think about this. Could be completely irresponsible and an impulse buy. But damn... it's a nice car!


    What do people know about the fact that it's a Jap import. What are the implications in general of Jap imports?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 337 ✭✭cyborg


    If I was buying one the fact that it is a jap import would not put me off at all, but I would probably buy the irish model over it if I could. Saying that there probably are very few to choose from so I'd just get the 1st one I saw and liked! There are no downsides to owning the jap model as long as you do your homework and check out that the specs are the same, has it alarm immobiliser etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,451 ✭✭✭blastman


    The Japanese version is called a Fairlady Z. You need to ask yourself if you can live with that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,876 ✭✭✭Borzoi


    jimbling wrote:
    ya, ill have to seriously think about this. Could be completely irresponsible and an impulse buy. But damn... it's a nice car!


    What do people know about the fact that it's a Jap import. What are the implications in general of Jap imports?

    Was admiring one in a car park yesterday, nice looking car alright. I seem to remember a bit of an issue with regards the power from the 3.5l engine. Isn't it more designed for the american market, and so delivering woefully poor performance for the engine size.

    Buying a car, and selling in 12months will cost you dearly


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,787 ✭✭✭prospect


    Borzoi wrote:
    I seem to remember a bit of an issue with regards the power from the 3.5l engine. Isn't it more designed for the american market, and so delivering woefully poor performance for the engine size.

    I drove one, and it had no power issues....

    See old thread here:
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055068182&referrerid=&highlight=350z


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭jimbling


    Thanks for the info guys. lol @fairlady Z.

    Ya, normally buying a car and selling it 12months later will cost you dearly, but the car I'm looking at is underpriced by about 6/7k. There are particular reasons for the sale. It has very low mileage and has been well looked after.

    I would obviously have to get someone to check it out before purchase.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,413 ✭✭✭HashSlinging


    Just make sure the guys name isnt Damo. LONG STORY...theres someone selling a 98 M3 on adverts.ie, might be a better bet. 320bhp 3200cc


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,863 ✭✭✭RobAMerc


    This is an anthusiasts car.

    If your not a big petrol head you'll find the running cost of this a nightmare. You'll also find potential customers for the car are quite capable of buying one in Japan themselves and importing - so you'll have to price it very attractively. You may need to advertise it today to sell it next year - I'm not joking.

    The fact its a 3.5 will not be a worry to genuine potential buyers I reckon as they will probably have already decided thats what they are after rather than stumble accross it.

    Cars like the TT etc are built for people who buy cars because the like the looks of them rather than them wanting a drivers car if you get me, they do tend to get stumbled accross and because they are 1.8 prospective buyers follow through.

    If you are looking at it as a drivers car then you'll not go far wrong with the 350Z - particularly at a knock down price.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,034 ✭✭✭astraboy


    If you can afford to run a 350Z, and don't need back seats then go for it! My friend recently bought one and its an amazing car, when you sit into the drivers seat its like you are in a cockpit, the seats are very low and the drivers position is perfect. Its a RWD car so if you are not used to these it will be a treat, the difference in handling is noticeable. There is switchable traction control to prevent you loosing the back end though! :)

    It produces 280BHP standard, if its a Jap import it may have some exhaust or filter mods bringing the power up a few BHP more. I would have no problem with a jap import, just ensure the spec is up to the Irish model. Sometimes jap models come with less goodies (air con, electric folding mirrors etc). If its a second car you are only going to use on weekends to enjoy driving, then the 350Z is up there. It would no be suitable as a daily driver due to fuel consumption and passanger space.

    Take one for a test drive and see if you like how it handles/drives. The bonus is they look amazing, a real eye catching car, but it has the power and handling to back it up.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,683 ✭✭✭✭Owen


    Having driven it (The group I work for have a Nissan Dealership), the car is overpowered for the Chassis, the internal plastics are cheap and nasty, the switchgear is flimsy, and it didn't impress me one bit.

    Sorry, but compared to similarly priced cars, it's lacking a lot.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭jimbling


    RobAMerc wrote:
    This is an anthusiasts car.

    If your not a big petrol head you'll find the running cost of this a nightmare. You'll also find potential customers for the car are quite capable of buying one in Japan themselves and importing - so you'll have to price it very attractively. You may need to advertise it today to sell it next year - I'm not joking.

    The fact its a 3.5 will not be a worry to genuine potential buyers I reckon as they will probably have already decided thats what they are after rather than stumble accross it.

    Cars like the TT etc are built for people who buy cars because the like the looks of them rather than them wanting a drivers car if you get me, they do tend to get stumbled accross and because they are 1.8 prospective buyers follow through.

    If you are looking at it as a drivers car then you'll not go far wrong with the 350Z - particularly at a knock down price.


    thanks, thats good info and advice.
    I definitely wouldnt class myself as a petrol head. I love a nice car. I love a powerful car. (I currently own an Octavia vRS - not in the same league, but in the same sport :D )

    In saying that I really don't want to be lumbered with a impractical car that I can't sell, no matter how cheap its going for.

    I did really "stumble" upon thoughts of buying this car though. My original plan was to upgrade the car I have and buy a harley v-rod motorbike for the thrills and spills :D

    It was only a friend who sent me the link of this car that got it in my mind... hadn't really thought about affording it before.
    I could handle the extra few k a year, but do I really want to is the question.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,034 ✭✭✭astraboy


    jimbling wrote:
    I definitely wouldnt class myself as a petrol head. I love a nice car. I love a powerful car. (I currently own an Octavia vRS - not in the same league, but in the same sport :D )

    Sounds like a petrol head to me! The VRS is a golf GTi in disguise, for someone that like power but is not a badge poseur! Would you be trading in the VRS for the 350Z? The only concern would be practicality really. Book a test drive and see, you will never know until you actually sit into the car and drive it. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭jimbling


    astraboy wrote:
    Sounds like a petrol head to me! The VRS is a golf GTi in disguise, for someone that like power but is not a badge poseur! Would you be trading in the VRS for the 350Z? The only concern would be practicality really. Book a test drive and see, you will never know until you actually sit into the car and drive it. :)

    no wouldn't be trading in. 350 is a private sale.
    Thats one of the downsides, because although my car is a Gti in disguise, it's a hell of a lot harder to sell. And I would find it difficult to let it go for very little money. May end up keeping it to be honest... or selling to someone I know.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,863 ✭✭✭RobAMerc


    ned78 wrote:
    Having driven it (The group I work for have a Nissan Dealership), the car is overpowered for the Chassis,

    Funny I have read alot of reviews on these - having considered one ( while living abroad I might add ) and no one ever mentioned over powered for the chassis, did it give you a fright of some sort ? Do you mean overpowered compared to your normal ride ?
    ned78 wrote:
    the internal plastics are cheap and nasty, the switchgear is flimsy, and it didn't impress me one bit.
    Sorry, but compared to similarly priced cars, it's lacking a lot.

    To be fair the Nissan is a bargain in the US compared to rivals but here its priced a bit up the scale for some reason - hence the cheapy inside.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,462 ✭✭✭TheBazman


    I had a kuro black one for just over a year which I sold in August (baby arrived!) - fantastic car - I have written quite a bit aboult it in earlier threads like the one attached above. I was getting 23 - 26 mpg (mixed motorway and city driving) - the Jap versions arent as well specced as the Irish/European models. Some people complain about the interior quality but I thought it was fine - full leather, electric seats, xenons, etc. Just give one a test drive and I think that will sell it for you.

    You will lose quite a bit on resale though as I had mine on Carzone and didnt get any legit interest so was forced to trade it in GRRR

    God I miss that grunt


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭jimbling


    TheBazman wrote:
    I had a kuro black one for just over a year which I sold in August (baby arrived!) - fantastic car - I have written quite a bit aboult it in earlier threads like the one attached above. I was getting 23 - 26 mpg (mixed motorway and city driving) - the Jap versions arent as well specced as the Irish/European models. Some people complain about the interior quality but I thought it was fine - full leather, electric seats, xenons, etc. Just give one a test drive and I think that will sell it for you.

    You will lose quite a bit on resale though as I had mine on Carzone and didnt get any legit interest so was forced to trade it in GRRR

    God I miss that grunt


    again, thanks for the info.
    what year was it and what did you trade it in for in the end?

    EDIT: Also, how long did you have it on Carzone before you gave up?


  • Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Stephen wrote:
    I think it'd be very hard to sell a car with a 3.5 litre engine in this country, given the punitive tax rate and the insurance market here. I'd love one though :D
    Why does this always come up with high performance cars??

    Its a performance coupe not a diesel toyota, there certainly is a market for these cars.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭jimbling


    some of ye guys were saying to make sure it is up to spec. Below is the advert. What ye reckon?

    Absolutely immaculate, stunning car. Very low mileage (29 klms). The car is a Japanese import and i'm the first Irish owner. Tiptronic gearbox which is far superior to the manual The car has a Fujitsubo Titanium lightweight exhaust, xenon lights, trac control. 3.5 litre V6 280 BHP.
    Alloys, Metallic Paint, Electric Windows, Central Locking, Remote Central Locking, Alarm, Immobiliser, Driver's Air Bag, Passenger Air Bag, Multiple Air Bags, Air Conditioning, Leather Upholstry, Radio Cassette, CD Player, Adjustable Steering Wheel, Heated Seats, Sports Suspension, Traction Control


    Looks pretty high spec to me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,484 ✭✭✭✭Stephen


    ronoc wrote:
    Why does this always come up with high performance cars??

    Its a performance coupe not a diesel toyota, there certainly is a market for these cars.

    Because that market is very small in this country, mostly for the above reasons. Like the guy above said, he couldn't shift his 350z privately either.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 118 ✭✭themessiah


    350 interior is woeful for the price but the engine more than makes up for it , maye a compromise go with a jap import rx8 they are dirt cheap at the moment and the insurance and running cost might be more in tune with the irish market.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,044 ✭✭✭Wossack


    RobAMerc wrote:
    ...
    To be fair the Nissan is a bargain in the US compared to rivals but here its priced a bit up the scale for some reason - hence the cheapy inside.


    aye, could never buy one here after seeing em second hand for 15,000e in vancouver :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,683 ✭✭✭✭Owen


    RobAMerc wrote:
    Funny I have read alot of reviews on these - having considered one ( while living abroad I might add ) and no one ever mentioned over powered for the chassis, did it give you a fright of some sort ? Do you mean overpowered compared to your normal ride ?

    I drive high powered rear wheel drive cars all the time. The 350z is just not well engineered.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1 chy


    Does any one know who sales second hand motor/motor cycle spare parts in quantity?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,462 ✭✭✭TheBazman


    I bought it as a 2004 in 2005 with around 10k miles on it for 45k. I sold it a year later with around 30k miles on it. Price is a bit difficult to exactly say as I did get a good deal on the car I was buying off the dealer. I reckon it implied around 35k on the 350Z....around 10k loss over the year. It is a lot but I knew this when I bought it and I made sure I enjoyed it.

    The spec on the Jap import you are looking at seems fine - just make sure you are getting it a little cheaper than the equivalent European version (and obviously you will have to sell it a little cheaper when you change again). You will probably have a bigger market to buy it the older (and cheaper it is). It does without saying that there is a bigger amount of buyers out there for say a 20k car than a 30k car. You might even get a "boy racer" or two interested when you go to sell.

    I had it on Carzone for a couple of weeks - only one call from someone who gave me the impression there were interested and even made an offer until I called them back to confirm. Even though I knew it was the same person that I was speaking to, the person that answered said I had the wrong number - load of crap - may have just had one for sale himself and was testing the water.

    Just a few quick pics of mine

    350znz7.jpg

    3501xd9.jpg

    3502iz8.jpg

    3503sq4.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 420 ✭✭Tony255


    jimbling wrote:
    What are ye're thoughts on the Nissan 350Z? I'm thinking about buying one. No need for it really, but I'm looking at one in particular that is very good value. The only thing is that it is a Jap Import. What are the downsides to this?

    Also, if I do make the purchase it is likely to be pretty short term.. i.e. selling it again next year. (It's completely impractical to have a car with only two seats :D ) Anyone know what the re-sale of these is like. Will it been a Jap hamper that? Do these cars hold there value well?

    Any other info about the 350Z would useful. Anyone out there have one?

    just saw the car that you are talking about i know where it is too i pass it daily its a really nice car PM me if you dont already know where it is. Are the twin exshausts on the back standard?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,091 ✭✭✭Biro


    ned78 wrote:
    I drive high powered rear wheel drive cars all the time. The 350z is just not well engineered.
    To be fair, you can't say you're not biased towards all things Bavarian, and also in what circumstances have you tested the 350Z? Why do you think it's pooly engineered? Are you bearing in mind that the high powered BMW's have an excellent traction control system?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭jimbling


    ned78 wrote:
    I drive high powered rear wheel drive cars all the time. The 350z is just not well engineered.

    care to elaborate?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭jimbling


    TheBazman wrote:
    I bought it as a 2004 in 2005 with around 10k miles on it for 45k. I sold it a year later with around 30k miles on it. Price is a bit difficult to exactly say as I did get a good deal on the car I was buying off the dealer. I reckon it implied around 35k on the 350Z....around 10k loss over the year. It is a lot but I knew this when I bought it and I made sure I enjoyed it.

    The spec on the Jap import you are looking at seems fine - just make sure you are getting it a little cheaper than the equivalent European version (and obviously you will have to sell it a little cheaper when you change again). You will probably have a bigger market to buy it the older (and cheaper it is). It does without saying that there is a bigger amount of buyers out there for say a 20k car than a 30k car. You might even get a "boy racer" or two interested when you go to sell.

    I had it on Carzone for a couple of weeks - only one call from someone who gave me the impression there were interested and even made an offer until I called them back to confirm. Even though I knew it was the same person that I was speaking to, the person that answered said I had the wrong number - load of crap - may have just had one for sale himself and was testing the water.

    Just a few quick pics of mine

    ....

    Thanks for the advice mate. Out of interest, what are you driving now?

    The car is for sale for 28k. I reckon I could get it for 26k. The closest european version is 34k.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,683 ✭✭✭✭Owen


    Biro wrote:
    To be fair, you can't say you're not biased towards all things Bavarian

    Absolutely I can. I've been on this forum defending many marques, the only time I passionately defend Bavarian products is when idiots post FUD as fact. I have a passion for anything well engineered, whether it's BMW, Audi, Lexus, Mercedes, and have the utmost respect for cars that do things cleverly - Smart cars, the Ariel Atom, the original Mini, the S-Max, etc. So I'll thank you not to make assumptions about my interest in cars.
    Jimbling wrote:
    care to elaborate?

    Sure. The engine feels like it can overpower the chassis, and at no point (In comparisson to a TT 220Bhp Quattro, a Z4M Coupé, and a SC430) do you feel fully in control of it. It feels like the car is actually flexing. Visbility is poor. The plastics are cheap and nasty, the switchgear in the 1 year old car I was driving had already failed, and some of the inscriptions on the controls had started to rub off. The Leather after 1 year was stretched and mishapen. Even a little detail like the wheel arches ... they're practically the same width (If not wider) than the wing mirrors - letting an unsuspecting owner scrape his wing whilst trying to squeeze into a small place. One of the gas lifts on the rear door had given up, and the other was about to go out in sympathy.
    Biro wrote:
    in what circumstances have you tested the 350Z?

    At Rockingham Speedway in the UK. We also had a TT, an SC430, an SLK320. Every single person there agreed that the 350z was the weak link.
    Biro wrote:
    Are you bearing in mind that the high powered BMW's have an excellent traction control system?

    I'm not understanding what you're asking ... are you saying it's okay for the Nissan to be ropey, because the Nissan Engineers can't build a traction system that's up for the task? That's just a cop out IMHO.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭jimbling


    ned78 wrote:
    Absolutely I can. I've been on this forum defending many marques, the only time I passionately defend Bavarian products is when idiots post FUD as fact. I have a passion for anything well engineered, whether it's BMW, Audi, Lexus, Mercedes, and have the utmost respect for cars that do things cleverly - Smart cars, the Ariel Atom, the original Mini, the S-Max, etc. So I'll thank you not to make assumptions about my interest in cars.



    Sure. The engine feels like it can overpowers the chassis, and at no point (In comparisson to a TT 220Bhp Quattro, a Z4M Coupé, and a SC430) do you feel fully in control of it. It feels like the car is actually flexing. Visbility is poor. The plastics are cheap and nasty, the switchgear in the 1 year old car I was driving had already failed, and some of the inscriptions on the controls had started to rub off. The Leather after 1 year was stretched and mishapen. Even a little detail like the wheel arches ... they're practically the same width (If not wider) than the wing mirrors - letting an unsuspecting owner scrape his wing whilst trying to squeeze into a small place. One of the gas lifts on the rear door had given up, and the other was about to go out in sympathy.



    At Rockingham Speedway in the UK. We also had a TT, an SC430, an SLK320. Every single person there agreed that the 350z was the weak link.



    I'm not understanding what you're asking ... are you saying it's okay for the Nissan to be ropey, because the Nissan Engineers can't build a traction system that's up for the task? That's just a cop out IMHO.


    Damn You, your turning me off the idea :mad:


    lol, no seriously thanks for the info.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,683 ✭✭✭✭Owen


    jimbling wrote:
    Damn You, your turning me off the idea :mad:

    Whoah whoah whoah, my opinion is just that. An opinion. Go drive the thing yourself. Don't be a bit swayed by what I, or anyone else has to say on boards. Drive it, and judge it yourself by driving other cars too. Then examine the depreciation in relation to other cars. Only when you've done all that will you be able to say you truly have the facts.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭jimbling


    ned78 wrote:
    Whoah whoah whoah, my opinion is just that. An opinion.

    lol... I was only joking mate. I know. I'm looking around at a few other options as well. Ill probably take it for a test drive tomorrow sometime and get a feel for it.

    What other options do people think I should be entertaining?

    Other options: (if I go down the road of sport coupe)
    Z4 - 03/04 - prefer the look of the 350Z, but this would be a safer bet money wise.
    TT - 02/03 - Not too gone on these anymore, just too many of them around.
    Lotus Elise - 98/99 - Another car I'd never really thought of, but you can get one reasonably enough i.e. theres a 98 for 16k. Obviously I would have to keep two cars with this one.

    Anything else I should consider here?

    Options: (If I go down the road of saloon sport car)
    Upgrade my own - 06 Octavia vRS (the new model).
    Audi A4 - 03/04
    BMW M3 - Dont think I can get one for the money really - not with reasonable mileage.
    theres loads in this range really... anyone else feel pretty strongly about a particular car in this range?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,462 ✭✭✭TheBazman


    jimbling wrote:
    Thanks for the advice mate. Out of interest, what are you driving now?

    The car is for sale for 28k. I reckon I could get it for 26k. The closest european version is 34k.
    I am driving an 06 520d m-sport - had to go this route for practicality and diesel for the long commute

    There have been quite a few opinions above both good and bad - if you go to test drive I think that will make up your mind either way - as regards quality of the interior - some people have issues with the plastic etc - again I thought it was fine - you will get better interiors but on more expensive marques. I also got the opportunity to drive one on a track in the UK ( a little more aggressively than I did my own ) pic quality a bit crap

    palmersporttx6.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 111 ✭✭podgee


    jimbling wrote:
    Damn You, your turning me off the idea :mad:


    lol, no seriously thanks for the info.


    Jimbling,

    Its a serious car. Have had one since 04 and have put up about 60k miles on it. Only problem being a CD player had to be replaced as it skipped on CDs.

    Spec on the advert looks fine - nothing obviously missing. Would however wonder what a tiptronic would be like as opposed to manual (mine's manual as indeed I think all Irish cars are - could be wrong on this though).

    It's as cheap as chips to service (main dealer) - last service was about €200. As regards the 'engineering' - I can't comment other than to say it's the nicest, best handling machine I've had in the last 20 years. Put the foot down in any gear and it grunts and moves - quickly - very quickly in fact. Put the foot down on a roundabout and it'll briefly bite with a bit of toe out to remind you its rear wheel drive, then the traction kicks in and all is right in the world again! I'd bet my bottom dollar that the 'briefly bite' bit, is deliberately tuned into the setup.

    Turn the traction off, and it's a wolf. You need to open a few shirt buttons, stick out your hairy chest and show that medallion. It's a real man's car !


    Judging by the prices on CBG and Carzone, second hand values are pretty strong. There is few enough of them on the road which helps.

    Anyhow that's my two cents worth.

    Good Luck


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,053 ✭✭✭jimbling


    podgee wrote:
    Jimbling,

    Its a serious car. Have had one since 04 and have put up about 60k miles on it. Only problem being a CD player had to be replaced as it skipped on CDs.

    Spec on the advert looks fine - nothing obviously missing. Would however wonder what a tiptronic would be like as opposed to manual (mine's manual as indeed I think all Irish cars are - could be wrong on this though).

    It's as cheap as chips to service (main dealer) - last service was about €200. As regards the 'engineering' - I can't comment other than to say it's the nicest, best handling machine I've had in the last 20 years. Put the foot down in any gear and it grunts and moves - quickly - very quickly in fact. Put the foot down on a roundabout and it'll briefly bite with a bit of toe out to remind you its rear wheel drive, then the traction kicks in and all is right in the world again! I'd bet my bottom dollar that the 'briefly bite' bit, is deliberately tuned into the setup.

    Turn the traction off, and it's a wolf. You need to open a few shirt buttons, stick out your hairy chest and show that medallion. It's a real man's car !


    Judging by the prices on CBG and Carzone, second hand values are pretty strong. There is few enough of them on the road which helps.

    Anyhow that's my two cents worth.

    Good Luck

    thanks for the info. Ill hopefully be taking it for a drive over the weekend so will get the feel of the tiptronic... not sure about that either.

    I think ill have to give a nissan dealer a ring too, I'm not sure if they will deal with the Jap import...anyone know if that would usually be a problem with jap cars?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,415 ✭✭✭Gatster


    Mazda RX-8? Don't know if anyone mentioned it, seems like an alternative...?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,091 ✭✭✭Biro


    ned78 wrote:
    Absolutely I can. I've been on this forum defending many marques, the only time I passionately defend Bavarian products is when idiots post FUD as fact. I have a passion for anything well engineered, whether it's BMW, Audi, Lexus, Mercedes, and have the utmost respect for cars that do things cleverly - Smart cars, the Ariel Atom, the original Mini, the S-Max, etc. So I'll thank you not to make assumptions about my interest in cars.
    Thats a fair statement, but I seem to recall you defending the 1-series as a good value car, which I strongly disagree with, but then again maybe you were just saying it's a good car rather than good value, I can't be bothered looking it up, cause I'm not trying to argue.
    ned78 wrote:
    I'm not understanding what you're asking ... are you saying it's okay for the Nissan to be ropey, because the Nissan Engineers can't build a traction system that's up for the task? That's just a cop out IMHO.
    It's not a statement as a cop out, it's basically meant to indicate that your driving skills may be whats lacking if you find a 350Z too much power for the chassis. A BMW TC system will iron out the lack of driver control, whereas Nissan may not have bothered assuming a full enthusiast purchasing their car. And if you think that Nissan engineers can't build a good TC system, their own skyline kicks most BMW's with far more power's ass round a good tight track.
    I haven't driven one, so I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just surprised that you felt flexing in the chassis in a car that has been praised by plenty of journalists for it's handling. Was it a hard top one you were driving? Flexing in any coupe chassis now-a-days is unheard of. And compared to say an SC430, a comfort machine, then maybe the Nissan was just letting you know of the road underneath instead of insulating you from it like the others would be likely to do.


  • Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Biro wrote:
    Thats a fair statement, but I seem to recall you defending the 1-series as a good value car, which I strongly disagree with, but then again maybe you were just saying it's a good car rather than good value, I can't be bothered looking it up, cause I'm not trying to argue.


    It's not a statement as a cop out, it's basically meant to indicate that your driving skills may be whats lacking if you find a 350Z too much power for the chassis. A BMW TC system will iron out the lack of driver control, whereas Nissan may not have bothered assuming a full enthusiast purchasing their car. And if you think that Nissan engineers can't build a good TC system, their own skyline kicks most BMW's with far more power's ass round a good tight track.
    I haven't driven one, so I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just surprised that you felt flexing in the chassis in a car that has been praised by plenty of journalists for it's handling. Was it a hard top one you were driving? Flexing in any coupe chassis now-a-days is unheard of. And compared to say an SC430, a comfort machine, then maybe the Nissan was just letting you know of the road underneath instead of insulating you from it like the others would be likely to do.
    TC is only going to help a novice driver with laptimes. TC isn't what gets the skyline round a track faster either, that would be its superior 4WD traction. Its better able to put all its power on the road. The Electronic Limited slip diff plays a big part in this.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,683 ✭✭✭✭Owen


    Biro wrote:
    Thats a fair statement, but I seem to recall you defending the 1-series as a good value car, which I strongly disagree with, but then again maybe you were just saying it's a good car rather than good value, I can't be bothered looking it up, cause I'm not trying to argue.

    Belt away, look it up. AFAIR, I never defended the 1 Series.
    Biro wrote:
    It's not a statement as a cop out, it's basically meant to indicate that your driving skills may be whats lacking if you find a 350Z too much power for the chassis.

    Funnily enough, and although this comes up over and over again, I do actually attend a lot of driving courses each year with work, both on track and off.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,017 ✭✭✭colly10


    ronoc wrote:
    Why does this always come up with high performance cars??

    Its a performance coupe not a diesel toyota, there certainly is a market for these cars.

    Not really, most people under 25 won't get insured on one and some over 25 wouldn't be willing to pay insurance/tax etc... Then you have alot of people who rather import performance cars themselves rather than buy here and theres also a fair few that won't spend that kind of money on a car (they'll buy an older model with similar power) so theres a relativity small market.


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