Other cars 350Z to Type S Diesel

[cb550]

Had a back injury when a kid,although 'fit as a fiddle' I'm a bit sensitive to what's comfortable (for me).The Type S' ride,although firmish,and seats are superb,and the car's never uncomfortable and a real pleasure to be in.

The rear window I don't like ,but it does'nt bother me in the slightest.

After 2k miles 50+ mpg is now realistically achievable.Coming from a background of diesel's,this one's smoothness and power delivery is a revelation.

Someone coming from a high performance petrol will probably take a little adjusting to the driving style of any diesel engined car.

[Type S Bournemouth]

Originally Posted by MarkW

Hi All, here are my thoughts after my test drive on Saturday.

Just as we arrived it started to rain. The sales guy went to get the car - it was the red one in the link (now 'reduced' to £20k on the website) not the silver one he mentioned on the phone.

This is an S GT (non sat nav), with Type-R wheels, Image pack, Rear Spoiler, Fully Colour coded and dark rear tints. Must admit it looked good. My only thoughts were it needs a Type-R grille, and lowering. Even 18"s look small in those wheel arches.

As we drove off we were in torrential hail, followed by rain so not the ideal test drive conditions and didnt really get to push it. The sales guy drove for a while, then me, then my girlfriend.

First the negatives - The rear visibility is worse than the 350Z which is saying something. The split rear screen reminds me of a Merc C230 coupe my ex had. I dont know how I would get on without a rear wash wipe, how dirty does the rear screen get? I dont like the fact you cant see the bonnet at all, and due to how steeply the windscreen is raked it does feel un-car like to me in a tratitional way. I dont know if I would just get used to this or if it would bother me. I also noticed on the trip computer it showed 27.8mpg, so whoever is driving it must be giving it some and Im surprised it would drop below 35ish at all. My A4 2.5TDi never went below low thirties even when pressing on.

Now the positives - I love the shape and the interior styling. The seats felt comfortable (I have a bad back) and I liked the cloth/alcantara coverings. I thought it drove well, excellent gearbox, the steering felt better than the 5 door i drove previously if a little light, and the torque from 2000rpm pulled well. In fact from 2000-4000rpm I would say it feels as fast as the 350Z. The diffference being the Z has another 3500rpm before it runs out of steam! Apart from idle, it doesnt sound diesel like at all which is a good thing.
The gadget list is great - steering audio controls, cruise, the independent temperature control on the passenger door is a good idea as is the one touch window. I didnt realise the CD player did MP3s - so Im not bothered it hasnt got a CD changer now. Plus folding mirrors, panoramic roof, auto lights/wipers, start button etc.

My girlfriend wasnt that keen unfortunately, she didnt like the rear view or the fact you cant see the bonnet. She liked the gears and steering though which she said were better than her Cooper S, plus the climate etc as she always likes to be warmer than me. She was also not keen on the turbo lag, but she's not driven a TD before - it didnt seem to bad to me - ive driven a lot worse.

Had a look at a few other cars, Im waiting for the VW sales guy to get me a Golf TDi 170 DSG to drive, as quite fancy trying the DSG box before I make up my mind. I think I will like it but still cant get away from the fact that the golf spec is rather basic and to get one in the spec I want will be difficult and expensive.

Bottom line in the Civic is a definate possibility but im still undecided. If I got offered the deal of the century from someone Id probably go for it, but otherwise im in no rush so might just wait and see if I can sell the 350Z privately in the spring.

Finally, the sales guy at Honda was a really nice guy. Only young, but much better than any of the others ive seen recently, just seemed genuine and enthusiastic. However I did point out to him that their prices are well over the top, and I could get a similar car with blades and image pack for around £15500 from another dealer 50 miles away. He seemed genuinely surprised, and was going to look at it. Im expecting a call this week

If anyones still reading, how much do you think that red one is worth? I would say £15500-£16000 tops, which if £3k+ off their asking price.

Regarding the rear view. Its not a problem. You soon get used to it and dont think nothing of it. Infact at night it works a treat as it blocks the headlights from behind. Plus the rear view mirrors are big and helpful.

Bit late now but its worth resetting the mpg on each journey to give you a true reading. But I have to say 27.9 is worryingly low. I can floor mine and it still wont drop much below 34-35..

There asking to much money. I paid £18300 for mine new and thats with sat nav.

I dont find the turbo lag to bad. Once you get used to the car etc and how it drives, its superb.

[FWH]

Originally Posted by MarkW

The rear visibility is worse than the 350Z which is saying something. The split rear screen reminds me of a Merc C230 coupe my ex had.

It is not great.
But I can´t say it is an everyday problem (I have a 5 door).
I did however go for parking sensors, I am glad I did.

Originally Posted by MarkW

I dont know how I would get on without a rear wash wipe, how dirty does the rear screen get?

It is not much of a problem.
The small lower screen gets dirty and misty, but the main screen is fine.

Originally Posted by MarkW

I dont like the fact you cant see the bonnet at all, and due to how steeply the windscreen is raked it does feel un-car like to me in a tratitional way. I dont know if I would just get used to this or if it would bother me.

This was a problem for me at first.
Coming from a car with a real bonnet and a star at the front of it.
For the first few weeks, I parked the car, got out, and realised I should have driven a further half a meter.
But now I am used to it and no problems at all!

You list a lot of the good sides.
The looks. The toys. The handling.
It is a great little car!

[MarkW]

Thanks for everyone's comments. There is a wealth of information on here!

A lot of these one year old dealer cars are definately overpriced. I said I'd never buy a new car again, but without really trying I can get a brand new 08 Reg 2.2 Type S GT through a broker for £16449. Add Metallic and a set of blades and it comes to £17575.

It almost seems worth getting a new one if Im going to pay around £16 for a year old one....

According to Glasses, a 2007/07 with 5k miles is worth £14450 px in excellent condition, £13000 in average condition.

Still waiting to drive a DSG Golf first though.....the Honda Salesman is going to try to get one in for me...how's that for service

[slick]

to find one at the price you want may require travelling.

i have never bought a car from a local dealer. i live in essex/suffolk so everything is expensive, go north and things get cheaper.

i have bought cars from enfield, stoke on trent, cambridge. always had to travel.

but then i saved over £1500 on this, even with the cost of fuel and time, i was still cheaper.

it might be worth doing a dealer check, even autotrader. i found out about the holdcroft deal on autotrader. they also offer their lowest price on their, as the same car on the honda website is actually higher than on autotrader.

[Marvintheandroid]

Originally Posted by MarkW

Hi All , First post here.

I currently drive a 350Z which I love, but i have made a new years resolution to be more sensible with money and it does cost a fair bit to run so am thinking of changing to something more sensible.

Ive always liked Jap Cars, and the design of the Civic since it came out. I test drove a 5 door 2.2 ES last year and quite liked it but there were a few things that diappointed me. I cant see the point of me going for a Type R as it wont save me that much and will be a drop in performance.

Therefore the 2.2 Type S GT seems a good compromise with its sportier looks and handling, good equipment spec, resonable price, lower insurance and decent fuel economy. Especially with a set of 18" and a few other bits and bobs.

The 350Z has got a high spec as standard, so I am looking for a car with all the gadgets if possible. The Civic is better than most in this resect, but im disappointed thst you dont get xenons/leather/cd changer etc etc

Only others im considering at the moment are Golf GT TDI, 320d, but german cars are even dearer and more miserly with spec. Im not going to go down the Ford/Vauxhall/Renault/Peugeot route for a private purchase as these are predominantly fleet cars and depreciation disasters.

Are there any other cars out there i should be considering? (love Alfas, but not brave enough to buy one). Dont mind the Seat Leon but HATE the interior! Am looking second hand, budget around £15k

I've read the fuel economy doesnt live up to the figures, but as long as I can get 40-45mpg, I will halve my fuel costs anyway.

Anyone else downsized from a dearer/faster car and regretted it / been happy with it?

Cheers

I'd go for an Audi TT (Diesel engines coming), New 3 series coupe, or A3 2.0 TDI instead of the 350z.

I got my type R today. Its amazing! The Type S is probably a good bet too with a slightly more forgiving ride. I also drive a C30 2.0D and other than the boot size its a great car. The standard isnt much of a looker but get the 18'' atreus wheels + colour coded sport front & rear bumpers. Looks good like that. (Mine looks better than this pic i think http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/0...nt-3-4-450.jpg )

[Marvintheandroid]

oops didnt c the budget 15k thing