1995 Nissan 300ZX 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Classic, reliable, and quick

Faults:

The radio is hit-or-miss. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. When it does work, the volume knob is unresponsive and creates interference when moved around.

A/C needs a shot of freon every now and then, meaning there is a leak.

General Comments:

It is a great car. So much fun to drive around. It sounds nice, and it is very fast. Thanks to the Variable Valve Timing in the VG series engines, low RPMs are more fuel efficient and the car really takes off at higher RPMs. The throttle is very responsive, and the brakes take a little bit of encouragement.

The steering feels great, but doesn't turn enough at low speeds, like in a parking lot. There isn't as much turning angle as other cars I've driven. The wheel only turns 1-1/3 instead of the usual 1-1/2. This isn't normally a problem, but you notice when parking. Pulling into spots usually means having to make the initial turn, then back up a hair, and then pull all the way into the spot.

The design of the car is timeless. The car is destined to become a classic. They're also rare. The one I own is the only one I've ever seen. Because of this, they are very well taken care of by their owners.

The interior seats are comfortable. I feel like the steering wheel could be just a hair closer, but I just have long legs. I have to keep the seat back to keep my knees from hitting the steering column, and the wheel is just noticeably a bit far away. My car is the 2+2, and the back seats are extremely tight, but also strangely comfortable. They'll be OK for short distances. The trunk is fairly large.

If you like working on your cars, the engine bay is very straightforward. The spark plugs and coils are right on top as opposed to most V engines having them on the side. They even put the fuel filter towards the top so you don't have to go digging under the car along the fuel lines to find it. The only gripe about the engine bay is the air filters. It's got 2 intakes, so 2 filters. The filters are hidden under the front of the car, and the only way to access them is by taking off the small body panel with the Nissan logo on it. It's only 4 bolts, but is inconvenient compared to other cars.

I love this car, and anyone who knows cars will love it too. The value of old Z cars is going to go up, so pick one up and treat her well!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th November, 2015

1995 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo 3.0 V6 twin turbo from North America

Summary:

Future classic

Faults:

I have owned this car for 8 years, and absolutely nothing has gone seriously wrong with it, with the exception of the turbos needing replacement.

Turbos needed replacing. Replacement cost about $3000 (parts and labour included).

General Comments:

This car is so good in so many ways it's ridiculous. It has razor-sharp steering, with good weight and lots of feedback. The manual transmission shifts smoothly, and with nice feel and little play. The car surges with power on the highway. It's comfortable on long cruises up the twisty British Columbia Coast mountain highways. And, of course, it is beautiful, even to this day.

I keep this car even though I have an Acura and BMW for daily drivers, only because I can't bear to sell it. It has been so reliable and so fun to drive, I still love it.

And, most importantly, it is the only car I've owned that makes me glance back to admire it every time I have to park it and walk away.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th March, 2010