8 replies to this topic

[Woodcote]

Hi all
Just to say 'Hi', my names Nigel (Nige) currently living in Bedforshire
I have been a keen Impreza owner for 6 years and spent the last 18month running a diesel 1 series as well.
Now the scoobie has gone the trusty 1 series does not quite cut it... great commute and practical car and does exactly what it says on the tin but now is the time for a change.

Currently looking at RenaultSport Megane 250, another BMW but a 3 series either an actual M or a 335i MSport but also a Z
I have always has a softspot for these cars so now could be the time to get one...
The trouble is i do not know whether to push out the boat go for the later 2011 GT edition that Evo magazine thought was a big improvement over the earlier 2009/2010 models?

As you're the experts what do you guys think?
Having run a modified Impreza i am familair with after market modifications so could i achieve these so called improvements on an older 2009/2010 car with different springs/damper/roll bars etc...Or am i just getting hung up on such a slight difference it is nothing to worry about. At the end of the day this car will be my only car for commute and pleasure and maybe the odd trackday. I modified my last Impreza too far and ruined its road manners but it was great on track so if modifications are available i do not want to ruin road manners.
At the end of the day i have yet to really have a good look or a drive in a 370 although a friend had a 350 and that was great
Would love to know what you think about the above and if there are any local meets, shows, runs what ever you guys get up to i'd like to tag along and say hello

thank you

[Chilli Red]

Hello

To technical for me, but a very warm welcome and I shall let the others answer your questions. My only input would be, do it you know you want to and you won't be disappointed.

Sarah

[Paul_S]

Hi Nige You've definitely come to the right place

I'll answer your question from the point of view of someone who owned a 350Z for several years then bought a 370Z when they first came out.

BUY ONE! Honestly, you'll love it - and you'll love the fact they are so rare too.

I have not personally driven the GT Edition but I understand they are an improvement. If you are going to buy a brand new, or nearly new, 370Z then I would seriously consider one.

That said, if you want to save some money then buy a slightly older 370Z and you can tweak the suspension, add a reversing camera, etc. if you choose to later. There isn't anything the GT Edition has to offer that can't be matched or bettered by modding an older 370 (unless you are hooked on the Black Rose colour).

As for meets - are you free in a couple of weekends time? We'll be at Gaydon Motor Museum (see the calendar reminder at the top right of the forum). If you can make it then I'll be happy to show you around my 370Z as I'm sure everyone else will too

[JimmyM]

Hi Nige I'm relatively new to zed ownership so i can't offer too much advice, other than my 350z is an excellent piece of kit,puts a massive grin on my face everytime i take it out,i should of took the plunge ages ago. So on that note all i can say is........get one,you won't regret it.

[djtimodj]

Hi mate, welcome!

As people have said above, the bmw "may" have better build but the zed will give you the biggest "smiles per gallon"! The zed is an iconic car and a hoot to drive. The best bet is to test drive the 370z and 370z GT and see if the changes are worth it to you!

Come along to a meet and have a chat too

[Woodcote]

Thanks guys for the warm welcome... the more i keep looking the more i am liking the 370z. yeah i love the fact you do not hardly see them as well so that is a big bonus.
Going to look over a white auto at Glynn Hopkins in St. Albans this weekend, been chatting to Noel at Yeomans in Worthing who has a black one and a Grey one... Also had a chat with a private seller on Pistonheads.. 59 plate with only 7.5k on the clock and in my prefered colour of grey, he has had the larger rear spoiler fitted which i do like a lot.

Can somone help me with some forum advice?
I take it i need to become a full member here to access some other forum pages. Something i am keen to understand is if 18" wheels can be fitted. I am a bit sceptical of the narrow rubber on the 19" particulalry with our wonderful road network so my iniital reaction would be to look for 18"s.... but then again i have not even driven a Z yet so it could all be unfounded

Like the idea of Gayden - i'll certainly look into that and let you know... Thank you for the invite

[Paul_S]

If you are thinking of a '59 plate with Nav (like mine) then it will be the older version - i.e. it will be DVD-based and not be touch screen. Also it won't have a USB socket. If that doesn't bother you then go for it. The rest of the car is the same. If it does bother you the you will need to go for a newer car with the Premium Connect system instead. Beware that some cars might be registered as a '10 plate but still have the older system.

FYI, all the UK cars come with the boot lip spoiler as standard. Any other spoiler will be an aftermarket one that the owner has had fitted.

With regard to 18" wheels - the base (non-GT) model comes with 18" wheels so we know they will fit over the big brakes. Depending on what wheels you choose, you might need spacers so the wheels have the correct offset and don't foul the calipers.

I hope that helps you some. Have a drive, have a play, and see if you can come and meet us in a couple of weekends time

[Woodcote]

Thank you Paul fo the heads up on the stereo - USB would be nice but i can rip quite a few tunes onto 6 CDs so its not a show stopper ... i am assuming the BOSE can play MP3 format
Also not bothered about SatNav.. good old TomTom has that covered

However the wheels i will definately be looking into ... can you tell me offset and PCD?
Thank you

[Paul_S]

Yes, you have load the head unit with 6 CDs stuffed with MP3s.

I wrote an offset calculator here so you can see what they are for the 18" and 19" 370Z wheels then compare it to whatever wheels you can source