Early 350Z v Late 350Z v Early 370Z
Discussion
Hi all. I'm the ex-owner of a modified 350Z Roadster, currently in an MX5, but seriously thinking about coming back to the Z, though most likely a Coupe this time.
Not sure which route to take though. Essentially, I'm after the car for much the same reasons as most, the GT-like capabilities, the noise, drama and character etc, which even the cheapest Z can deliver.
Because of how often I change cars, I don't want anything that will still depreciate, I'm done losing a few grand just because I'm bored. With that said, I see 3 options, bearing in mind my MX5 is worth about £5k-£6k tops: -
An early 350Z or the revised 296 bhp model are the cheapest points of entry. If lucky you could get a decent one for £5-£6k. The later model features the high VED.
A late 350Z HR would be nice but they seem to be more expensive than some early 370Zs which are now appearing for sub £10k in places. The 370Z certainly appears to have more than a few worthwhile upgrades, but they might still have some depreciating to do just like the 350Z before it became older/rarer.
Any thoughts on which way to go? For me, a cheap 350Z can deliver on the key traits of character, sense of occasion, noise etc. A 370Z looks and feels more modern, is faster etc. I really like both so I'm just trying to get the most bang for my buck.
Not sure which route to take though. Essentially, I'm after the car for much the same reasons as most, the GT-like capabilities, the noise, drama and character etc, which even the cheapest Z can deliver.
Because of how often I change cars, I don't want anything that will still depreciate, I'm done losing a few grand just because I'm bored. With that said, I see 3 options, bearing in mind my MX5 is worth about £5k-£6k tops: -
An early 350Z or the revised 296 bhp model are the cheapest points of entry. If lucky you could get a decent one for £5-£6k. The later model features the high VED.
A late 350Z HR would be nice but they seem to be more expensive than some early 370Zs which are now appearing for sub £10k in places. The 370Z certainly appears to have more than a few worthwhile upgrades, but they might still have some depreciating to do just like the 350Z before it became older/rarer.
Any thoughts on which way to go? For me, a cheap 350Z can deliver on the key traits of character, sense of occasion, noise etc. A 370Z looks and feels more modern, is faster etc. I really like both so I'm just trying to get the most bang for my buck.
cerb4.5lee said:
I just thought that I'd add in my reply from the other thread TRD. 
Thanks Lee RATATTAK said:
I had a 2004 350Z DE from new and I would probably still have it today if my local garage hadn't killed it. If I considered going back to a Nissan Z, I would look look for a low mileage, UK original, 2007+ HR car in Midnight Blue.
I remember that thread. Heartbreaking. I've never heard of another Z having such a catastrophic failure and all because the dealer screwing up. 300bhp/ton said:
Just had a look at 370z on Autotrader. Most of the cheap ones seem to be automatic convertibles. 
And nearly all of them are in dreadfully boring colours. I guess if you want a white, black or silver one you have some choice. But if you want a blue or yellow one.....
Yeah I've noticed that. I found cheaper ones on eBay, manuals but still dull colours, I can live with grey I guess, with a suitably darkened wheel colour they can still look pretty cool I reckon.And nearly all of them are in dreadfully boring colours. I guess if you want a white, black or silver one you have some choice. But if you want a blue or yellow one.....
Shifter1 said:
I often hear this. Do people really see the 350Z as a GT? To me it is like a Japanese Camaro or Mustang. So not a GT at all. None of them have the finish or comfort to be a GT. The Comfort is the main point of a GT really. It's what makes the car a GT. Otherwise it's just a cheap performance 2 door car. So I'm always at a loss when I see the 350Z, 370Z, RX8 and a few others referred to as GT.
Back to your original question, given your needs/wants, the answer is clear IMO. Early 350Z, 370Z, late 350Z, in that order. But if you liked the 350Z and don't want to lose more money, early 350Z is a non brainer.
I guess I'm just repeating what others say about it but my old 350ZR was a very pleasant companion to take on a long journey. However, if you dare call it a sports car then people get upset with that as well Back to your original question, given your needs/wants, the answer is clear IMO. Early 350Z, 370Z, late 350Z, in that order. But if you liked the 350Z and don't want to lose more money, early 350Z is a non brainer.
let's just call it a Z-car or sports coupe 
Yeah the early 350Z makes the most sense when you think about it although they're getting surprisingly rare now.
The other wildcard of course is the other Z, the BMW Z4 Coupe (which I also owned, but an auto, would have to be a manual this time).
ChrisH72 said:
I've always liked the Z cars being a bit of a Jap fan.
This one is particularly lovely..
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022100103...
Although I appreciate you're not spending that much!
The Z4 coupe gets a lot of positive comments on here too and they do look amazing.
Have you considered the later E89 Z4 3.0?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023011332...
You can still have the roof open like the mx5.
That 350z is far too much ££££ but it does look very nice I agree This one is particularly lovely..
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022100103...
Although I appreciate you're not spending that much!
The Z4 coupe gets a lot of positive comments on here too and they do look amazing.
Have you considered the later E89 Z4 3.0?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023011332...
You can still have the roof open like the mx5.
for a few grand more if I wanted to spend that much I could be in a 370z nismo and that would truly be a no brainer for me.I have actually thought about the Z4 e89 but it would have to be a 35i variant as they're quite heavy and I imagine an n52 would not feel as sprightly in that as it does in an e86. They are however very nice looking cars for sure.
cerb4.5lee said:
It does look sweet sat there.
Just look at it. I mean, I'm not gonna lie, the way it looks is certainly a factor in why I want one. I do love the 350z but the 370 is better looking for me, and the z4c while also being a seriously good looking car, doesn't look quite as "meaty"(I did feel a little bit of a tool taking a photo of an old Nissan in a car park though
)
cerb4.5lee said:
The previous owner of my 370 got it sounding lovely(although arguably a bit too loud to use everyday though). He put a full custom stainless exhaust system on it with high flow sports cats and stillen gen 3 intakes. The noise it makes is my favourite bit about it. 
I always think people get hung up on V8s, and a good one is clearly an absolute delight, but so is the Z with its big V6 I reckon, especially with an upgraded induction and exhaust. It's still one of the best 6 cylinder sounds I've heard. You would probably know as an ex-TVR owner. This has been an excellent thread, with some great discussion
They did a Skyline 350GT which is basically a four door Z if you've never heard of them. Even more rare, though.
cerb4.5lee said:
Prices do seem to have dropped back down to normal now as you say. At one stage I could've sold the M4 for more than I paid for it(I was still happy with it though so I didn't want to swap it). Whereas the backside has dropped out of the value of it now as expected I guess.
That's good for me then Yorkshire_LY said:
I have an immaculate 2005 350Z DE on 34K miles. Theres nothing really to compare with them in the UK market,i think theyre getting better looking every year admist the sea of modern boring SUVS,and they are rare on the roads.
Yes they are quite heavy,but once you drive in the right rev range they are as quick as any 5.5 sec hot hatch. They do need an aftermarket exhaust,i feel my stock one is too quiet and needs a bit more growl - but that V6 does sound great in the higher revs.
Im trying to look for a 4 seater with more room,which is comparable in looks,perfomance and rarity. And im finding it quite tough!
Yeah I agree, I do like seeing these around. I never find my Z Roadster slow even though it had big heavy 19" wheels on it, and they are heavier than coupes. Yes they are quite heavy,but once you drive in the right rev range they are as quick as any 5.5 sec hot hatch. They do need an aftermarket exhaust,i feel my stock one is too quiet and needs a bit more growl - but that V6 does sound great in the higher revs.
Im trying to look for a 4 seater with more room,which is comparable in looks,perfomance and rarity. And im finding it quite tough!
They did a Skyline 350GT which is basically a four door Z if you've never heard of them. Even more rare, though.
ZX10R NIN said:
For me it would be an early 370Z they're a better overall package & imo they look better too.
I must admit to being really drawn towards the 370s mostly for the way they look. I really do find it a sexy car. However [compared with the 350Z], they're also lighter, more powerful, have allegedly better handling, and better specified. I particularly like the idea of the rev match on the manual. Call me a kid, but... Edited by TameRacingDriver on Saturday 21st January 15:34
Yorkshire_LY said:
Agreed, that's very nice.
I've decided that I'm open minded as to what I end up with. There are arguments to be used both ways but I agree the 350 is aging gracefully and it's a good looking car. I think I'm probably best off just getting the best sub 10k example of any variant really.
The z4 coupe idea isn't dead either, I still really like those too.
Another nice Z there coldel and of course my thanks to everyone who has contributed into making this a much more interesting thread than I was ever expecting.
I would be daft to rule out the z4c I reckon. It does have an awful lot in its favour, cheaper tax in must cases, as you say, weight, a fabulous engine, very reasonable running costs and I'd swear my old auto was still the fastest car I've had in a straight line, it felt faster than my Boxster S or the 350ZR.
The main complaint, if you can really call it that, is the z4c was a little quieter than I'd like, but I'm sure a subtle exhaust modification would fix that (I'm already aware of the foam removal mod). There seem to be far fewer badly modified z4c's around too.
In all honesty I reckon I'm every bit as likely to go for a Z4C as the 350/370 and I do keep looking at them a fair bit still.
I would be daft to rule out the z4c I reckon. It does have an awful lot in its favour, cheaper tax in must cases, as you say, weight, a fabulous engine, very reasonable running costs and I'd swear my old auto was still the fastest car I've had in a straight line, it felt faster than my Boxster S or the 350ZR.
The main complaint, if you can really call it that, is the z4c was a little quieter than I'd like, but I'm sure a subtle exhaust modification would fix that (I'm already aware of the foam removal mod). There seem to be far fewer badly modified z4c's around too.
In all honesty I reckon I'm every bit as likely to go for a Z4C as the 350/370 and I do keep looking at them a fair bit still.
coldel said:
Yes the foam removal makes a huge difference when you rev the Z4 up (and have to point out also the Z4 revs better than the 350z I would say, a lot more rev happy and chases the red line). There is an option to have the back box modified to generate the noise you would want, some just remove it and put pipes on which can be interchanged back at MOT time. Otherwise you are looking at aftermarket exhausts in the £800+ range there arent many exhaust options for the Z4 unfortunately. Just bear in mind if you buy a 350z or 370z they are equally muted in stock form, you do though have cheaper options to modify the Cobra back box etc. are popular upgrades (I went with Berks sports cats and Miltek exhaust on mine)
Yeah I think I'd be happy just removing some sound deadening from the exhaust in reality, I was going to get bypass pipes for the Boxster until it was written off. Just enough to liberate a bit of 6 cylinder burble. I remember last time I had a z4c that exhaust choices were virtually none existent, one option was the 35i backbox but don't know how practical it is.Yep I can agree as an ex owner of both that the z4 is in a class above when it comes to interior design and quality.
That said, thanks rotaryjam, always interesting to hear that take from someone driving a similar car to yourself.
The only thing that slightly concerns me about these cars is the B road factor. I tend to stick to A roads mostly for fun but living in the North East it's pretty much impossible to avoid going into a B road and many of these are single track, very rough roads, that I'd argue are just about fun in an mx5 but for anything bigger, maybe not so much.
That said, thanks rotaryjam, always interesting to hear that take from someone driving a similar car to yourself.
The only thing that slightly concerns me about these cars is the B road factor. I tend to stick to A roads mostly for fun but living in the North East it's pretty much impossible to avoid going into a B road and many of these are single track, very rough roads, that I'd argue are just about fun in an mx5 but for anything bigger, maybe not so much.
Unreal said:
In which case you'll suffer in terms of the visibility lower down from a Z4. They are nice cars but not exactly an unusual sight on the roads if you want something that will turn a few heads.
I'm not sure it's the pose factor that has much bearing on the decision, although I do like a nice looking car for sure. It was, I guess, a different style of car. With the mx5 it's mainly fun when you're kicking it's head in, and I won't lie, I like to do that on occasion, but I'm in my 40s now so sometimes I like just wafting around and taking it a little easier. The mx5 is simply not as special feeling when doing that, whereas the drama of doing so in a big engined car is different. It feels special just driving to the shops. I guess it's about making compromises that make the car more fun, more of the time.
Crikey, a lot to process in this thread today I'll try and address some of your points below...
I didn't realise the revups were oil burners. I'll maybe look to avoid that, though every car I seem to buy seems to end up burning some (or a lot) of oil! My MX5 is no different in fact, burning through at least 1L every 1000 miles, though it is running +40 bhp over standard and with nearly 140K on the clock, so I think I can forgive it for that. The tax, not going to lie, is irritating, so I'd probably want to plump for the HR for the extra power, or the 370Z, otherwise, the DE seems to be the way to go, IF you can find a decent one for not too much money.
As it is I thought I could maybe 'pretend' to be in something exotic in one of these
I liked the N52 in the Z4C, and while it was admittedly standard except for the foam mod, and despite it having a nice howl when revved out, it simply couldn't match my old 350ZR for sheer grins when giving it some, especially under tunnels and bridges. I would really need to hear a modified N52 to be fair, but if that sounds better than my old Datsun with those mods then I would start leaning towards the Z4C for sure I reckon.
Are there really any exciting V8 cars out there that aren't a Monaro (I get it, but I really don't like the looks), LHD (pretty much any yank car then), or a financially ruinous second hand Jag / Merc, that cost £10k or under?
I haven't ruled out a Cayman. I absolutely love them. However, as an ex Boxster S owner (that sadly only had it briefly for reasons out of my control), I do worry about the potential borkage, which is a shame as a 300 bhp mid engined coupe for £12K sounds amazing. I did enjoy my Boxster S, but it did seem a bit 'serious' though, even though it was highly capable.
I'll try and address some of your points below...Ryan_T said:
In short, I really rate 350s, especially for the money - I’m on my second after having a lot of spicier more expensive stuff in between. I think they’re an excellent all-round package, and with a few select modifications really sharpen & wake up into a fun fast road / track car.
2007 HR’d engine cars are the best, come with the better CD009 gearbox too - But the tax would irritate me. 2006 rev-ups are the worst in having the high tax rate but also the oil burning issues.
I have a DE - loads of aftermarket support, cheap(ish) parts / spares, great forum, super robust, reliable, capable, fun, easy to work on, GTs come with Brembo brakes, I think they still look great. What’s not to like?
Yours is a nice looking Z, thanks for sharing. 2007 HR’d engine cars are the best, come with the better CD009 gearbox too - But the tax would irritate me. 2006 rev-ups are the worst in having the high tax rate but also the oil burning issues.
I have a DE - loads of aftermarket support, cheap(ish) parts / spares, great forum, super robust, reliable, capable, fun, easy to work on, GTs come with Brembo brakes, I think they still look great. What’s not to like?
I didn't realise the revups were oil burners. I'll maybe look to avoid that, though every car I seem to buy seems to end up burning some (or a lot) of oil! My MX5 is no different in fact, burning through at least 1L every 1000 miles, though it is running +40 bhp over standard and with nearly 140K on the clock, so I think I can forgive it for that. The tax, not going to lie, is irritating, so I'd probably want to plump for the HR for the extra power, or the 370Z, otherwise, the DE seems to be the way to go, IF you can find a decent one for not too much money.
Yorkshire_LY said:
Im not sure why theres such a big comparision with the Z4 in this thread,i thought they were pretty different cars. Plus,id say seeing a 350Z on the road would be more special than seeing a Z4...they just seem more rare to me. I live in West Yorkshire and i never see any other Z's about. And if i saw a Z4 about i wouldnt be straining my neck haha.
For me they are obvious rivals. Even down to the fact Evo did a comparison of the two, and I'm sure that's not the only one. It's quite simple for me. 6-cylinders. RWD. 2-seats. Both bridge the gap between sports and GT like capabilities. Even the price is similar. They are definitely rivals.cerb4.5lee said:
With hindsight now I'd definitely go for a V8 for my weekend car, because I feel that the V6 in the 370 doesn't quite warrant the £630 a year tax(neither did the S54 engine). So for me I'd try to get my hands on the biggest cylinder/capacity engine that I could get my hands on I reckon. If only the SLK55 AMG(or similar) came with a manual gearbox! 
I would like to as well, but the problem I have with V8s is one mostly of affordability. I'm a PHer who is probably more torwards the bottom of the affordability scale when it comes to cars. If I could simply go out and buy a TVR, AMG Merc etc and not have sleepless nights about the money for a car that I use occasionally at weekends, I really would.As it is I thought I could maybe 'pretend' to be in something exotic in one of these
Shifter1 said:
I think the Z4 wins in interior and engine. Regardless of M or not. Both engines are just more charismatic than the "French" one in the 350Z IMO. The V6 in the 350Z is just not in the same pantheon as the BMW straight 6, Jaguar straight 6, Busso V6, 2JZ etc. Just way less special I think.
Ryan_T said:
I think that’s perhaps applicable to the base DE engine, but by all accounts the later HR engines are a different animal, 80% new internals - Revs 1k higher to 7.5k etc.
I can't comment on the S54, as I've sadly not experienced one, but I'm interested to know why you don't think the engine is as special in the 350Z / 370Z ? My old 350ZR was modded, admittedly, but that sounded as close to a supercar as I've ever had in any of my cars, and mine was only a DE I believe (although annoyingly still came with rapey tax).I liked the N52 in the Z4C, and while it was admittedly standard except for the foam mod, and despite it having a nice howl when revved out, it simply couldn't match my old 350ZR for sheer grins when giving it some, especially under tunnels and bridges.
I would really need to hear a modified N52 to be fair, but if that sounds better than my old Datsun with those mods then I would start leaning towards the Z4C for sure I reckon.Shifter1 said:
I think the drive is more important if it's a weekend car. In a daily driver I would say interior is just as important. Even in a weekend car. Unless it's an ultra lightweight sports car you are driving 10/10 and grabbing by the scruff of the neck the whole time, such as Elise, VX220 or MX5, a nice interior makes it all that much more enjoyable to me.
That is a thought provoking comment though, as this car is not a daily (maybe it might become one if circumstances change but I'm not expecting it), because I have a 200 bhp MX5 and it's probably going to be more fun on a hoon than either option, I've already kind of accepted that, but at the same time, the interior in it is actually pretty good I reckon, even compared with those cars it's not completely outclassed, so perhaps the sensible answer would be to keep this? Shifter1 said:
I agree with your last paragraph. getting a V8 for the weekend and all. And we are quickly getting into "it's now or never" time for that.
Speaking to some petrolhead friends from Germany, they were saying that over there, slowly big engine cars are becoming harder to sell, with many examples not selling even after some price drops, including classic cars with V8s etc. People just don't want them with the eminent ICE ban on the horizon and the horrible gas prices.
And slowly people are starting to frown upon cars with big engines. With protest groups going around and emptying all tyres of things like SUV etc, the writing is on the wall bigger than ever. Get that special V8, V10, V12 now.
Speaking to some petrolhead friends from Germany, they were saying that over there, slowly big engine cars are becoming harder to sell, with many examples not selling even after some price drops, including classic cars with V8s etc. People just don't want them with the eminent ICE ban on the horizon and the horrible gas prices.
And slowly people are starting to frown upon cars with big engines. With protest groups going around and emptying all tyres of things like SUV etc, the writing is on the wall bigger than ever. Get that special V8, V10, V12 now.
cerb4.5lee said:
If I'd never experienced a V8(I've had 3 over the years), I'd be doing anything that I could to get my hands on one now as you say(I'd still love another one for sure). It is definitely feeling like "last chance saloon" time. 
OK, you folks should stop trying to tease me with unobtainable machines Are there really any exciting V8 cars out there that aren't a Monaro (I get it, but I really don't like the looks), LHD (pretty much any yank car then), or a financially ruinous second hand Jag / Merc, that cost £10k or under?cerb4.5lee said:
Yorkshire_LY said:
Just looking at AT,yeah i can see the comparison with the Z4....but why doesnt the Cayman come into this conversation aswell?
Caymans and Boxsters do get mentioned in some of the reviews of them I've read, because performance wise they punch above their weight especially for the money. Obviously they are a different car to those(brawn versus precision if you like), but that is a compliment either way I reckon still. coldel said:
Wow loads to unpack TRD !
In terms of the Cayman, I think it drops outside the debate in terms of cost. 6k-12k gets you a reliable 350/370/z4. That sort of money is getting you a bottom of the barrel leggy Cayman. Additionally, the upkeep costs of the Zeds vs a Porsche are eye-watering.
Agreed, I do love the Cayman, but realistically this is one for the future, when I have a bit more expendable money and also I'd feel safer going for the revised model from 2009 where engine failure is no longer a thing, but you're looking at big money for those, and for sure £10k is an upper ceiling for me really, maybe £12k at the absolute tops but I'd be looking to avoid spending that much unless the car is really special and too good to refuse really.In terms of the Cayman, I think it drops outside the debate in terms of cost. 6k-12k gets you a reliable 350/370/z4. That sort of money is getting you a bottom of the barrel leggy Cayman. Additionally, the upkeep costs of the Zeds vs a Porsche are eye-watering.
Porsches are lovely but do seem like a rich man's toy which I'm very much not
When I had my 986 S I had an idling problem within a month of purchase (from a well know specialist / dealer).
I took it to a specialist and they couldn't even find the issue (it was intermittent, in fairness), but they did manage to find work bushes and coffin arms which then of course needed an alignment. First month, £670 lighter already, and the problem I did have wasn't fixed.
I don't have the time, space, tools, inclination to do work on my own cars..I end up making things worse and paying for a pro anyway and ultimately I don't really enjoy that side of things.
When I had my 986 S I had an idling problem within a month of purchase (from a well know specialist / dealer).
I took it to a specialist and they couldn't even find the issue (it was intermittent, in fairness), but they did manage to find work bushes and coffin arms which then of course needed an alignment. First month, £670 lighter already, and the problem I did have wasn't fixed.
I don't have the time, space, tools, inclination to do work on my own cars..I end up making things worse and paying for a pro anyway and ultimately I don't really enjoy that side of things.
Unreal said:
The issues you had were there when you bought the car then? It's an all time mystery to me why people who don't know about cars will drop thousands on an older car but not pay £250 for a professional inspection. More often than not you'll save that cost off the asking price - if you decide to go ahead at all - and know exactly what you're getting into.
I mean I did buy it in good faith off a dealer who actually specialises in 986 Boxsters, from which they likely cost a premium. Given that, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect the car to have been fully inspected before sale so numpties like me don't have to get inspected separately. So there's two possibilities here: -
1. The seller did not inspect the car (though he said he had)
2. The work didn't need doing in the first place
I couldn't tell any difference so there's a reasonable chance that it could have been 2. However, the place I took it to has a good reputation in the area so I'd be surprised if they wanted to rip anyone off, but you never know.
However, your post makes me think that I don't know enough to buy such cars without it costing me hundreds after the event, and I'm better off buying new. The problem is, I am unwilling to pay £500+ per month to buy the sort of new car that appeals.
Thus my conclusion is I should probably just forget about it and owning any decent second hand car.
Oh well.
Unreal said:
2. + the second garage were trying to rip you off
Just out of interest, why didn't you take the month old purchase back to the dealer you bought it from?
No older car is without risk. I don't think that should lead you to conclude they're not for you. As this thread illustrates, there are plenty of people willing and able to advise you. Just don't buy in haste. You are not considering rare bargain supercars here. There will always be another one.
You're probably right to be fair.Just out of interest, why didn't you take the month old purchase back to the dealer you bought it from?
No older car is without risk. I don't think that should lead you to conclude they're not for you. As this thread illustrates, there are plenty of people willing and able to advise you. Just don't buy in haste. You are not considering rare bargain supercars here. There will always be another one.
I didn't take the car back because it came from a place 350 miles away unfortunately!
I like to think I'm pretty careful though in my buying choices even if ultimately I'm just following gut instinct.
Sorry if it came across a bit terse I'm just having a bit of a s
tty time of it at the minute with my mental health, which is probably why I'm window shopping for cars I don't really need cerb4.5lee said:
You seem really happy with your MX-5, so can you see yourself holding on to that? Or are you starting to get itchy feet with it?
Sorry to hear that you're not feeling your best bud. Wishing you all the best whichever decision that you come to.
Cheers man, appreciate it Sorry to hear that you're not feeling your best bud. Wishing you all the best whichever decision that you come to.
Re: the MX5... it's a long story. I was rocking the Boxster, as you know, and that was written off, I only had it 6 months, so bloody annoying. I bought it because I was after a sonorous, reasonably refined sports car for all occasions. When it got written off, I was sad, but at the same time, it got me out of ownership of an expensive to run car at a time of probable cost of living rises.
When I got the MX5, I wasn't neccesarily looking just at an MX5, I considered everything from a Swift Sport, to an FN2 Type-R and the odd MX5, when I saw mine with the BBR Super 200. Don't get me wrong, it's an absolute riot on a hoon, but it's missing 'something'. To be honest, a good exhaust would probably resolve the situation, maybe some coilovers and a modern stereo/nav system.
It's also looking quite tatty in places, I've got green stuff growing on the outside of the soft top, and it's no longer water proof. I have stuff to restore it but haven't had the weather, as you need it to be dry and it basically never has been!
I think my confidence in it has also been knocked with the snapped suspension arm it got recently, though my specialist seems to think it shouldn't happen again. He thought it hadn't been fitted properly, and the weld failed. I'm lucky it didn't let go at high speed in a corner. That's two incidents in a year and my confidence in it needs restoring.
The thing is, if I'm driving in a brisk but more relaxed fashion than when I was younger, and because even though it's my weekend car, I still do a fair share of mundane A-B journeys and I just wonder if it would still be more enjoyable all round with a bit more comfort and an impressive soundtrack.
At this point, my choice seems to be between a Z of some description or giving the MX5 some TLC, a bit more noise and some handling poise, but in the end it won't be a Z, but is still a great car in it's own right. I'm sure I'll start appreciating the convertible more when the weather improves too.
Unreal said:
No worries. Same with me - I can get frustrated and it can come across as a bit blunt. Hope you feel better soon. Can't say catch some rays in this weather but I find a long really brisk walk can often help, followed by tea and ginger nuts (not the Harry variety).
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