Fiesta ST to 350z, am I mad?
Discussion
I've had my Fiesta ST since last December now and as good a little car as it is I'm just not in love with it. I've got a hankering for a 2 seat relatively high power (coming from 104 and 150bhp cars) RWD coupe. I did consider a 3.0 BMW Z4 but found them quite a bit more expensive than the 350s and overall just didn't grab me as much.
I can apparently get anything up to £5-6k for my Fiesta though I realise that the market isn't great for these at the moment and could afford to chuck £3-4k cash in as well (not including insurance). The only thing putting me off is that every now and then (at most say 20 days a year) I have to make the 140 mile round trip from Wrexham to Preston, this is currently costing £22 a day roughly in the ST and a customer we've got who made the same journey in a 350z seemed to think it only cost him around £25 in fuel. Apart from work travelling I only do about 6-7k miles a year. Boot space / 2 extra seats etc in a car isn't an issue as I don't have kids/dogs to lug around. Fuel consumption apart from the odd work run, which I don't mind driving like a Grandad for, isn't an issue either.
Has anyone made the leap from mild hatch - RWD 300bhp coupe and how did you find it, would you go back?
If anyones got any other suggestions of cars in roughly the same age range, price and mould of a 350z that I've not taken a look at (Not a fan of MX5s or S2Ks) I'd also be very appreciative!
If there are any current owners around, what's real world MPG like and is servicing horrific or quite sensible? Should I be wary of high milage cars as I'm looking in the 40 - 60k range I'd imagine!
I can apparently get anything up to £5-6k for my Fiesta though I realise that the market isn't great for these at the moment and could afford to chuck £3-4k cash in as well (not including insurance). The only thing putting me off is that every now and then (at most say 20 days a year) I have to make the 140 mile round trip from Wrexham to Preston, this is currently costing £22 a day roughly in the ST and a customer we've got who made the same journey in a 350z seemed to think it only cost him around £25 in fuel. Apart from work travelling I only do about 6-7k miles a year. Boot space / 2 extra seats etc in a car isn't an issue as I don't have kids/dogs to lug around. Fuel consumption apart from the odd work run, which I don't mind driving like a Grandad for, isn't an issue either.
Has anyone made the leap from mild hatch - RWD 300bhp coupe and how did you find it, would you go back?
If anyones got any other suggestions of cars in roughly the same age range, price and mould of a 350z that I've not taken a look at (Not a fan of MX5s or S2Ks) I'd also be very appreciative!
If there are any current owners around, what's real world MPG like and is servicing horrific or quite sensible? Should I be wary of high milage cars as I'm looking in the 40 - 60k range I'd imagine!
Edited by ecommsmith on Wednesday 28th September 14:49
Otispunkmeyer said:
What are the insurance quotes like for the Z?
I've looked at a convertible TT (58 plate), standard mans with the 6 speed manual and FWD and I think the quotes were around £700 for me and the missus (we're above 25 and have a clean sheet in both accident claims and fines since we started driving) for 10k miles per annum.
I'm guessing a Z might be at least that for some one under 25 years old with a shorter driving history. Quite steep!
But if you can do it, do it! you won't be regretting it and besides if you don't do it now, eco-mentals in gobberment will have us all in 2 cylinder hybrid range extender econoboxes!!!
It's about £400 more at £1100 but I'm not too fussed paying that. That's also without the multicar discount my dad's policy brings.I've looked at a convertible TT (58 plate), standard mans with the 6 speed manual and FWD and I think the quotes were around £700 for me and the missus (we're above 25 and have a clean sheet in both accident claims and fines since we started driving) for 10k miles per annum.
I'm guessing a Z might be at least that for some one under 25 years old with a shorter driving history. Quite steep!
But if you can do it, do it! you won't be regretting it and besides if you don't do it now, eco-mentals in gobberment will have us all in 2 cylinder hybrid range extender econoboxes!!!
ambuletz said:
going on parkers mpg claims of the 350z - 24mpg
140mile trip = £36.57 in the 350z
for prudence sake, lets say that's £37.
At most it'll cost you an extra £300 in fuel.
Is £300 extra a year in fuel worth fussing about if you're going to chuck an extra £3-4k on another car?
Yeah I've checked that, it just seems a lot more at the pump if I have to drive for a week for 5 days 140mile trip = £36.57 in the 350z
for prudence sake, lets say that's £37.
At most it'll cost you an extra £300 in fuel.
Is £300 extra a year in fuel worth fussing about if you're going to chuck an extra £3-4k on another car?
Baryonyx said:
Indeed, the 350Z is not particularly fast nor is it's handling particularly sharp or snappy. With those massive rear tyres and it's huge bulk and squat, low shape I suspect it would be fairly hard to get into trouble with one unless you were really pushing it. I'd go and test drive one first though, as they are nowhere near as exciting in real life as they seem on paper, especially given Nissan's track record for producing incredible cars.
I quite like the whole big car thing, I feel quite ridiculous in the Fiesta. Not too fussed on out and out speed either, I doubt very much I'll be doing track days etc but It'd be nice to be able to put some power down when necessary and still have some fun in the twisties!Froomee said:
A friend has a 350Z if you stick it in 6th doing about 75ish with the cruise control on it will easily achieve 30mpg maybe slightly more.
I have also owned two fiesta ST's and driven the 350Z, the 350z is definatly better but i personally think the 350z is starting to look slightly dated (especially the interior) boot space is useless i.e. you can't get anything remotely large in, as the floor is very shallow and they are generally thirsty when doing normal day to day driving (one of the few cars i have found that drinks more petrol than my focus ST mountune).
Performance wise its pretty much identical to my current car all the way upto ~150mphish,the brakes are good and its fairly easy to keep in check even with the traction off. You have to be driving really harsh to make it spin out as it feels planted through corners even at speed. I would advise buying one with low miles decent tyres all round but especially rears. My friend has had his about 9 months and 8000 miles with no issues at all(started on 48000).
A nice seemingly reliable car but I would prefer an S2000 but thats just me.
Normal MPG doesn't really bother me as I only do about 100 miles a week when I don't have to drive to work and I don't mind paying the fuel premium for a nicer car!I have also owned two fiesta ST's and driven the 350Z, the 350z is definatly better but i personally think the 350z is starting to look slightly dated (especially the interior) boot space is useless i.e. you can't get anything remotely large in, as the floor is very shallow and they are generally thirsty when doing normal day to day driving (one of the few cars i have found that drinks more petrol than my focus ST mountune).
Performance wise its pretty much identical to my current car all the way upto ~150mphish,the brakes are good and its fairly easy to keep in check even with the traction off. You have to be driving really harsh to make it spin out as it feels planted through corners even at speed. I would advise buying one with low miles decent tyres all round but especially rears. My friend has had his about 9 months and 8000 miles with no issues at all(started on 48000).
A nice seemingly reliable car but I would prefer an S2000 but thats just me.
I'd probably change the tyres on whichever one I might buy anyway as I hear they perform a lot better on the standard bridgestones!
Baryonyx said:
I definitely think changing to a different car is a good idea if thats what you're after, I simply feel that the mediocre 350Z is a fairly dull choice and you could enjoy so much more for your money. Given your age and NCB, you could struggle to get insurance with some cars but that doesn't stop speculative searching. I know you've said you don't like the S2000 but thats where I would be looking if I were you (if you could get insurance, and thats a big 'if'). Thrilling to drive with a bombastic engine, great styling and pleasingly impractical. I sometimes feel like I should get one myself, but then I have other plans...
I like the idea of the S2k and have heard nothing but good things about them but I'm 6'3" and not of the slightest build! It looks as though I'd be quite cramped in one?Froomee said:
Try an S2000 i think you may be surprised................. opt for a Gt if your budget allows............
Oh see now I was never mad keen on the S2k and I've just seen this in the classifiedshttp://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1168205.htm
Quite tasty!
-Z- said:
I've got a 350z (313) and to be honest I don't love it.
If I had a straight choice between my old Monaro VXR or the 350z, I'd take the Monaro everytime.
For me the lack of enjoyment comes down to the fact that driving it day to day it hasn't got enough power to upset its composure without driving like an idiot.
e.g. the Monaro had so much low down torque/power which when combined a relatively primitive chassis setup meant that it was really easy to have lots of safe, slow speed fun. The 350z is too composed and just doesn't have enough power to be able to upset it at slower speeds.
And on another note it doesn't sound nice above 2500rpm which is a bit of a bummer.
I don't know if I'd prefer a more planted feel that just goes to be honest! Got the ZR into a spin (off some ice) and to say it was a panicky rather than fun moment would be an understatement). If I buy a 350z I'll be looking to keep it for a long while and thinking of getting something like an RX7 to rebuild and turn into a track toy for the fund side of things. I'd like the 350z just to be a big powerful cruiser that pulls like anything (just love that about certain cars) yet remains composed!If I had a straight choice between my old Monaro VXR or the 350z, I'd take the Monaro everytime.
For me the lack of enjoyment comes down to the fact that driving it day to day it hasn't got enough power to upset its composure without driving like an idiot.
e.g. the Monaro had so much low down torque/power which when combined a relatively primitive chassis setup meant that it was really easy to have lots of safe, slow speed fun. The 350z is too composed and just doesn't have enough power to be able to upset it at slower speeds.
And on another note it doesn't sound nice above 2500rpm which is a bit of a bummer.
johnpeat said:
I'd say, financial considerations aside, the biggest issue is that 2-seater cars always bite your in the arse eventually...
You don't use the back seats in your car? Just wait until they're not there and you'll find out what they're for
Same tends to apply to cars with crap bootspace - I never realised how much stuff I put into car boots until I owned a New Beetle
If you have access to another car, it's not so bad, but owning a 2-seater only will usually become a pain and that's worth considering...
Only use them for ferrying people around. Got access to an S-Type and a Corsa if needs be. Only thing I've ever used them for apart from other people who don't need to be there is for carting gear to and from festivals! Though someone else can drive to those You don't use the back seats in your car? Just wait until they're not there and you'll find out what they're for
Same tends to apply to cars with crap bootspace - I never realised how much stuff I put into car boots until I owned a New Beetle
If you have access to another car, it's not so bad, but owning a 2-seater only will usually become a pain and that's worth considering...
Baryonyx said:
Well, it does look fairly quick on paper. But as I say, the overall experience is very underwhelming. They never feel that fast, certainly. And they sound dull. And the look fat and feel heavy. And they are no great steer etc etc
But all you have to do is look back at the Skylines, the March Super Turbo, the 200SX, the R90C. I'll admit, most of what Nissan make is dull, day-to-day crap, but when they put their mind to it they can turn out cars of huge merit. Just look at the current GT-R.
Bit of a massive price jump between those cars though isn't there? 350z's were what sub £30k when new? Same for the 370z. I don't think any of those cars mentioned carried the £70k plus price tag on the GT-R?But all you have to do is look back at the Skylines, the March Super Turbo, the 200SX, the R90C. I'll admit, most of what Nissan make is dull, day-to-day crap, but when they put their mind to it they can turn out cars of huge merit. Just look at the current GT-R.
Baryonyx said:
The point I am making is that the 350Z is a fairly average car. I make mention of the GT-R specifically because of it's super-car frightening ability, not because of it's price tag. If anything, it illustrates Nissan's ability to make cars that punch above their weight in terms of bang:buck. Which is where the 350Z is such a flop. Because it's startlingly average. It's no thriller and it will never be a performance icon, but then I suppose it was never meant to be. The same money, directed towards an Impreza, a Lancer Evolution, a Skyline or whatever takes your fancy (and notice I'm only looking at Japanese cars here too) will no doubt be a far better car to own and enjoy. As I say, the most exciting thing my neighbour ever did with his 350Z was crash it into a telegraph pole whilst trying to swat a wasp.
True! The evo's/imprezas/skylines leave me cold for some reason and are also a nightmare to insure compared to the 350! I don't mind paying a premium on the insurance for a nicer car but as demonstrated by the S2000 at £2,800pa is just insance compared to £1100 for the 350z. I'd imagine for now the 350 will be more than an adequate car for me! Slap on a new induction system and a nicer sounding exhaust and I think I'd be quite content. From what people have said my main concern would be going from a car that is for lack of a better word bland and needs the b
ks revved off it to do anything to a car that by comparison has effortless power.Chicane-UK said:
Er.. really? I'd imagine insurance, petrol, and maintenance costs will all be significantly higher than a Fiesta. If they were so cheap, surely everyone would be tooling around in one?
In fairness I'm getting around 25 mpg from the ST driven around town etc. I only ever see 30+ on a long motorway run.I've read from more than one place that as long as nothing goes wrong then servicing can cost around £200 a year and thanks to a family member with access to cheap tyres/consumables(pads/disks etc) I don't think they'll be too different to be much of a problem.
Froomee said:
Try SKY insurance (you have to phone for a quote) or another broker for the S2000.
Failing that get the 350z. It is better than your current car and change again when circumstances allow you to do so or be patient... something which i have never been able to do
If it makes you happy it's worth the money, i would recommend a test drive though and trying to buy one with some nice aftremarket alloys and exhaust as these are generally expensive after thoughts but do imporve the look and sound of the car a lot(if done right).
I'd be going for a GT car and quite like the Rays alloys that come with it! Aftermarket wise though, Japspeed do a kit for the 350z that isn't expensive Failing that get the 350z. It is better than your current car and change again when circumstances allow you to do so or be patient... something which i have never been able to do
If it makes you happy it's worth the money, i would recommend a test drive though and trying to buy one with some nice aftremarket alloys and exhaust as these are generally expensive after thoughts but do imporve the look and sound of the car a lot(if done right).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1_9TzzQ7KE&fea...
Sounds quite nice too.
V88Dicky said:
To the OP; I actually think it's good that you're thinking about getting a RWD semi-musclecar/GT coupe.
It's a nice change on here these days, instead of someone asking about what MPG they can get out of their new eco-diesel cack-box.
The guy I drive to work with has a 2.2 Type s GT CDTi for that! Thank god! (60+ mpg from a car that seems quite quick is impressive though!)It's a nice change on here these days, instead of someone asking about what MPG they can get out of their new eco-diesel cack-box.
Mastodon2 said:
They do, but Nismo ain't cheap. In reality, any aftermarket system will improve the sound, the factory exhaust it comes with is frankly a bit rubbish, but Nismo is good if you want bragging rights.
There is nothing wrong with the 350z, it's just that there is not that much right with it either. The interior is pretty uninspiring and just does not feel that special. It's also a pretty bulky, weighty car, and imo doesn't really look great from any angle. It's not devilishly quick and it's thirsty. That said, if you wanted a big RWD 2 seater, I think the 350z would probably be a good choice to crush long distances in. I think some of the disappointment stems from the fact that what looks like it should have been a brilliant sports car turned out to be more of a GT cruiser.
Another thing to consider is the boot. iirc, it has a large chassis strengthening beam across the aperature of the boot meaning you can't drop items into it, they have to be loaded in through the gap between the tailgate and the bar, further limiting an already limited load capacity.
I suppose the looks are down to personal preference really as I think they look great!There is nothing wrong with the 350z, it's just that there is not that much right with it either. The interior is pretty uninspiring and just does not feel that special. It's also a pretty bulky, weighty car, and imo doesn't really look great from any angle. It's not devilishly quick and it's thirsty. That said, if you wanted a big RWD 2 seater, I think the 350z would probably be a good choice to crush long distances in. I think some of the disappointment stems from the fact that what looks like it should have been a brilliant sports car turned out to be more of a GT cruiser.
Another thing to consider is the boot. iirc, it has a large chassis strengthening beam across the aperature of the boot meaning you can't drop items into it, they have to be loaded in through the gap between the tailgate and the bar, further limiting an already limited load capacity.
I need to get in one this weekend and see what the performance is like. Luckily I've got a good relationship with a customer in my home town who owns one so there's a good chance of me taking a look at his and then finding one to test drive.
I've just spoke to Admiral and they only want £240 extra to change my car to a 2006 350z GT which is a lot less than I was expecting!
Ved said:
Have you driven one yet? It's a heavy cruiser, not a point and squirt car like your Fiesta. Completely different car so try it first. I'd go look at an MR2 Turbo or an S2000 which would be a good middle ground. Also a lot cheaper to run.
I think I quite like the idea of a heavy weight cruiser, if it's not nipping to tesco most of my driving involves a dual carriageway/motorway of some kind to get anywhere interesting. Not a fan of the MR2s looks and after getting a quote for the S2k it seems completely out of the question! Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff