Looks like you've already made your mind up

 

Mike you should know the only certainties in life are death, taxes and you having a new S every six months

 

 

Hey Wayne

I too am ready for a change, though it'll probably be in 12 months due to other priorities (planning a holiday in NZ Jan 08). And I do want a change. Will have had the S for 5 years next year, and loved every minute of it, but would now like something different.

I drove the Z when it first came out and did like it. There's been a few revisions since then, and I have heard of some reliability issues with the old engine (not the new 310bhp one).

I drove a 3.0 Z4 Coupe a couple of weeks ago and really liked it. Might be worth considering if you can get past the fact it's a BMW.

I think the Z's are becoming a bit common these days, but the Z4C is still a rare sight. I've asked the dealer to let me know when the get a Z4MC, as I would like a drive in that. It is currently top of my list (pending the test drive, and the

 

Hi Dave

I've read the original engine have a bit of thirst for oil, but i'm guessing its no different or worse than my old S pre rebuild. Other faults seem to be silly things like window motors packing up and the like, nothing major.

There's a chap down the road who has a Z4Coupe and whilst it does look nice, I just cant get past THAT front end on the Z4, no matter what engine is under the bonnet

I've only ever seen one zed round these parts and it's a lovely Azure blue one

 

I would say if the 350Z gave you that feeling compared to the S then go for the 350Z.

As far as top down driving, I was seriously worried about going from the S2000 to the Cayman S and have not missed the roof down one bit, even when we actually have sunny days here its the overall experience that the Cayman S gave me compared to the S2000 and for the 18 years prior to the S2000 I had managed quite well without a drop top.

I expect the 250Z is similar to the Cayman in its application of its power to the road in comparison to the S.

I would also agree and say do not get a 350Z drop top, they look ugly.

Have fun test driving anyway

 

Buy one, I did....make sure you get the 06/56 engine or the new 07. You can get big discounts on the 56 models from dealers.

I would be lying if I said I didn't miss the S on a sunny day...but oh my god how the Z takes off when you want it too.

It is more of a GT/muscle car really and the smile just keeps on getting bigger.

It is a new / different experience and I suggest your follow your heart, you might regret it otherwise.

Get on the owners site...http://www.350zukownersclub.com/ - they are a nice bunch and have a wealth of knowledge about the car they cherish just like here. Seek out Davros on that site, he is a dealer and might just be able to sort you a good deal through the club.

 

Cheers

 

Given the age you are buying, how much is the expected depreciation in the time you expect to keep it?

The reason I ask because IMO the Nissan is not a special enough car that I would be comfortable taking a big hit with in depreciation.

Then again if I was to revert back to S ownership I would buy an S which is about 3-4 y.o (just o/s warranty) which wouldn't lose much p.a. over it's next 3 years of its life.

How much are you spending?

around the 20k mark?

 

Haven't looked into the Z depriciation TBH, this is more a heart over head purchase for me.
MOney sounds about about right or therabouts