Current Z owner

[michael.white]

Hi all!

I've been driving Datsun/Nissan Z cars for 20 years, and have owned my '90 300ZX Twin Turbo since '91. Now I'm looking into something newer. My first thought was to stick with Nissan, but the 350Z doesn't appear to be much of an upgrade from my '90 (less HP & torque, similar performance, worse looks IMO). Maybe rebuild my '90, but I miss the fun-factor of my 280Z (not ZX) that rusted through not too long ago.

Then I saw an Elise leaving a local private racecourse, and thought "way outta my price range". But since I'd never seen or heard of an Elise, I went home and did some Googles.

I think I've found some candidates for my next car.

Has anyone else has made a similar transition, in design (front engine to mid engine) and/or environment (Japan, Inc to Lotus/UK)? Barring that, any insight into some of the things I'm interested in would be welcome:

- Maintenance: I'm a DIY sorta person - engine changes, fuel system conversion, etc... If I had the space and money, I'd own a balance machine and alignment rack . Also, I don't really trust most maintenance people with my car, especially when my car was born before them. Still feasible?

- Dealerships: For warranty items, warranty maintenance (any required by Lotus?), prices. The closest dealership is about an hour away in Dallas,Texas (and not highly respected by this group, from what I've read). It's not a pleasant drive, with poorly laid out roads and bad traffic.

- Parts: After market? Factory replacement? I've rarely had to wait more than a week to get a part from Nissan. I've seen various after market performance parts - can they be installed without voiding the warranty?

- Prices of the Elise/Exige/Exige S. Has anyone seen prices below MSRP?

- Driveability: I enjoy taking road trips, and one of my favorite is through the Ozarks in my Z on my way from Texas to Ohio (two day trip). I realize that there's not a lot of trunk space, but that's what the passenger side is for . Anyone ever take their's on a long road trip?

Thanks and hope the post isn't too rambling.
Michael

[Flap_Dragon]

Hi Micheal,

So you're a Z car guy for 20 years? I've always admired the 300ZX twin turbo. I myself am a Porsche 944 fanatic. I have owned my 86 turbo for over 12 years; and I will never giver her up even though I got an Elise.

The Elise is a TOY race car and very fun on long road trips. The sound of the engine behind your ears is awesome with the top off. Blasting thru the canyon walls sounds like being in an F1 car. I don't get this same feeling from my 944. However I can fit my broken down mountain bike in the rear hatch of my 944; and this car makes for a much more practicle grocery getter.

I think you need another car if you are going for an Elise. And your Z car is perfect to fill in the gaps.

cheers,
Anthony

[michael.white]

Anthony,

I always thought the 911s were pretty cool. Not worth the price to me to upgrade from a Z, but still pretty cool.

I have an '82 Jeep Scrambler that I use to go places I don't want to take my car (e.g. Puerto Vallarta) or do things I can't do in my car (haul, well, most anything . Besides, the lady of the house won't give up her side of the garage (the Jeep sleeps outside) and park in the street.

Thanks,
Michael

[Flap_Dragon]

Hey Mike,

I like some of the 70s 911 targas, but I'm not a big 911 fan. The 944 'front' engined Porsche is the only model of the brand I like. Maybe a used boxster around 20K would be neat; but for double the price I'd much rather have the more exotic Lotus. And just like your Z, my 944 turbo is a similar front engined, rear wheel drive car.

The mid engined Elise is a completely different car. My ultimate car would have to be the Ferrari 70s 308, 328 series; my favorite being the earlier smaller Dino 246s. My Elise reminds me of this kind of sports car, but only naturally aspirated 4 cyl. that is far more reliable and maybe faster. And I certainly get respectful gas mileage. This classic exotic shape is as cool to look at as any 'old-timer' with the classic round tail lights, flaired roll bar, and high fender lines. A true handmade European exotic, but just as capable as any Japanese mass produced legend.

Dude go for it....