Toonman1

I arranged a quick drive of a black import today, at Benfield Motors in Newcastle. Their UK spec demo car should arrive around November.

IMO (and my wife's), it looks stunning! Exterior finish was excellent, and despite having nearly 8K miles as a demo car, it still looked new.

The interior was spacious enough to accommodate my generously built, 6'4" frame. Seats were dead comfy, and the car was easy to drive. I quite liked the interior, even if it was a bit plasticky. The Salesman thought Nissan were using a better grade of materials on European cars; we'll see in November.

Handling was excellent, even on a damp road. Plenty of feel in the steering, no tramlining and good grip. When the TCS cut in as I gunned it off a roundabout, it brought a smile to my face, if not the Salesman's...

Power delivery's silky smooth and effective. No lag (of course) to worry about, and I'd guess it'd be quicker when rolling than my 02 WRX PPP, although not from a standing start. It sounds gorgeous too!

If the UK car's as good, then roll on Spring, early Summer, when the next batch of cars are due. I loved it and I'm just about convinced!

Cheers

[Edited by Toonman1 - 10/4/2003 7:56:47 PM]

Toonman1

I understand it arrives in the UK sometime in October. Anyone driven a European spec model yet; care to share your thoughts?

Cheers

Bas

Euro spec demonstrators aren't available yet although there have been a few magazine roadtests over the last couple of months. General consensus seems to be that the Euro spec settings are an improvement over the JDM version. In fact, Nissan are so impressed by the new settings that they're gonna use them for all Zeds worldwide in the future.

I was impressed by the JDM Zed I drove a couple of months ago so the Euro version must be very good...can't wait for mine to arrive

Bas

Toonman1

Thanks for that Bas. I've read the mags, but wanted the view of someone who's actually considering buying one - like you!

What's the interior space like? I'm 6'4", with a fairly long back. Got no probs with an Impreza, but there are quite a few cars I can't drive without my head touching the roof.

Enjoy yours when it arrives. Please let us know what you think.

Cheers

Mike

kenny.c

not sure about the rear strut bar thingy which seems obstructive in the boot area.

TVR Gary

My friend has one of the first batch between now and crimbo but is thinking of cancelling after the bad press the car has been getting

Toonman1

Where from?

Cheers

Rokerlad

Benfield Nissan in Newcastle have one up for sale at the minute ( well it was in the Chronical car supplement on Friday ) They want £25,999 for it. It's a 52 plate

FreeT

Yeah where from, i've only read good press about it.

stevenuk300

I saw one last week on my way to Highbury. I'm not sure about the looks, but the value for money seems good for performance.
I'm waiting for a test drive on one and an RX8. There is a lot more choice now for 200+bhp cars.

TVR Gary

Well top gear sure didnt do it any favours when Clarkson drove it. May have been the US spec car but it still got hammered.

I thought about buying one 6 months ago and the Nissan dealers jumped the price by £3,000 overnight ......

Bas

Probably talking about the comments from that tw*t Clarkson i.e. lack of practicality, harsh ride, low rent trim...it's a sports car FFS

Maybe I'm biased but I don't remember him mentioning the things that matter such as the handling, brakes and performance so IMHO his review should be discounted.

Bas

Toonman1

I'd heard that US cars weren't too hot in the handling dept., but then most of us are unlikely to buy an American spec Z.

I love the looks and the spec seems good for the dosh. I'm very interested. If it's still around on Saturday, I'll pop in and have a look at the car in Newcastle when I head up for the Match. Thanks Rokerlad.

It's too early for me to deal however - looking at next Summer probably, but I'd like to try it out for size - see if I fit, as I'm quite tall.

As one of you said - practicallity? It's a sports car - doesn't worry me in the slightest, providing I can drive it! The shopping, Labrador, Mum-in-law etc can go in my Wife's 03 Sportswagon.

Cheers for the replies.

Mike

Bas

Mike

Your driving impressions are pretty much the same as mine. My only (slight) reservation was that, because of the completely linear power delivery, it didn't *feel* as fast as my Terzo, even if in reality there's probably not much in it. But of course the wide power band will have benefits elsewhere, in particular that it will be difficult to get caught off guard in the wrong gear

FYI if you order a car now, you can probably get one for early next year as Nissan are bringing in an extra batch this year to soak up the demand.

If you want more info (including the odd post from Nissan GB employees) have a look at the 350Zuk.com website.

Cheers

Bas

Toonman1

Hi Bas

Thanks for that. I'll check out the site. I'm looking to change in late Spring/early Summer (when I've paid a bit more off the Scoob), so it looks like the timing could be about right.

Cheers

Mike

misty

Try here I think Scott has a couple in the showroom now!!
dave
http://www.wickedkit.co.uk

Toonman1

Sorry Dave - the link goes to a domain registery.

Cheers

Mr Gee

Check out the the front cover of the latest "LAX POWER"

misty

Sorry toonman!its
http://www.wickedkit.com
dave

Toonman1

Thanks for that Dave!

Cheers