There are few things in life that you simply cannot refuse - a test drive in a Nissan 350Z is one of those. When The local dealer called to ask if I was interested in taking one for a drive I was obviously happy to oblige, being in the throws of buying a house isnt really the time to consider spending a minimum of

Nice review, and a good french engine - how rare !

I do love them, very much. :(

sounds great! If funds allowed I'd have a 2 seat rwd sportster toy, although probably something old and more simple like this:

Not as fast but more of a challenge to drive!

ps. Does anyone at these garages ever question your intent to buy? Your profile says you're 25, don't they ever refuse a test drive on grounds of age? I guess that turning up in a Skoda shows you're a man of means though

I just tell them (in a joking but serious kinda tone) that my wife is th eone with all the money and what I earn is pocket money It always pays to know lots about the competition and sound really keen on another brand. the Octavia estate does help, I think.

I always make initial contact while dressed smart, straight from work and always give a work number that one of the girls in the office answers then transfers the salesman through.

For the test drive I turn up smart but casual, nice jeans, propper shoes etc. I have a switchable "posh" bucks accent which I find works well in the Midlands.

Nice arent they, I find the handling is incredibly safe but loads of fun, nothing goes wrong too quickly & any slides are easily controlled

To add £7000 buys a twin turbo kit & thats awesome, a mere 420 bhp & thats real fun to drive. My friends about to change the exhaust, that will make it 480 bhp

I have a switchable "posh" bucks accent

Was that an additional program that you bought with the re-map?

I'm tempted to have a test drive too.... but I'll have to make do with a non-switchable generic northern accent.

To add

Just been told by a colleague that the rear end wiggled rather a lot as I went 1st to 2nd outside the office

Seriously considering one of these.

To the extent that I'm looking at houses in the next town because I can get a bigger house and a 350Z for the same money!

Your profile says you're 25, don't they ever refuse a test drive on grounds of age[/b']? I guess that turning up in a Skoda shows you're a man of means though

have you had experience of this ? I haven't been refused a test drive since i went into an RS specialist to take a RS 500 cosworth out at 17 . I don't know any dealer that would dare turn someone down based on their age !

I took an Integra Type R for a good thrashing on my own when I was 19 - I bought it 10mins after I got back.

Prior to that I tried a Corsa GSi at 17 but wasnt allowed out on my own.

Its all in the appearance, when I have the 350Z for the day I'll be taking a trip to Coventry where the nearest Porsche dealer is located then maybe over to BMW to try an M5.

This is why you can never presume they are too young for the car:

http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=487147

from memory this now 26 y/o has had a scooby of some description, an E46 M3, an E46 M3 CSL, 2 996 Turbo's and now a GT3 RS.................. [lucky *******]

That sounds fantastic. Can you quantify how 'fast' that actually is?

Its :) :) Fast

have you had experience of this ?

No, I've always looked 'mature' and can talk the talk so it's not a problem I've ever experienced - I was just curious.

Its :) :) Fast

:eek:

I'd only expected it to be about :) Fast!

sounds great! If funds allowed I'd have a 2 seat rwd sportster toy' date=' although probably something old and more simple like this:

[img']http://www.6-pack.org/spaw/images/CoverSpring2005_1.jpg[/img]

Not as fast but more of a challenge to drive!

Proper car! And trust me, they're fast enough!

Exactly!

No, I've always looked 'mature' and can talk the talk so it's not a problem I've ever experienced - I was just curious.

Ah right - I was going to say, i would go nuts if someone turned me down for a test drive on anything !

Amazing! I'm 48, presentable, have been to dealerships in my collar and tie, and have never managed to get anything better than a Peugeot 205 on an unattended test drive - there's something wrong! :P

Nice review Phil, now if you could write one in just plain English without the journalese .... did you like it, or not?

Amazing! I'm 48' date=' presentable, have been to dealerships in my collar and tie, and have never managed to get anything better than a Peugeot 205 on an unattended test drive - there's something wrong! :P

Nice review Phil, now if you could write one in just plain English without the journalese .... did you like it, or not?[/quote']

Yes, Nick - I liked it a lot. As a drivers car I cant fault it - the slightly naff dash/steering wheel and slightly uncomfy seats let it down though.

Oh and while the seats are leather, the door cars are plastic :(

The RX8 and S2000 interiors are a lot better.

EDIT: Did I mention I liked the noise?

I sat in one at the Motor Show a couple of years ago and LOVED it - I would definitely buy one, if I won the lottery.

What difference would leather door cards make? What car has those, and what purpose do they serve, exactly? The Octavia VRS has so-called "leather" seats that have covers that are about 10% leather, for example, and the door cards are definitely plastic, yet nobody complains about those ...? :confused:

The door cards just looked a little "cheap" on a £27k car. This could be a good thing though as I spent the whole time with the window down to listening to the exhaust. It got a little damp on the inside but simply wiped straight off.

You dont need a lottery win - a good used one can be had for a smidge more than a new Octavia VRS.

I do, because I can't have 2 door cars on my company allowance, so I would have to fund it entirely myself.

Are they 27k now? Probably still worth it though.

Base spec coupe can be had for £24500. Top spec is nearly £30k with all the extas. Thats before you consider speciale ditions at £30k+

RX8 is a 4 door

Nice review, and a good french engine - how rare !

I vill say zis only vunce.

IT'S NOT A FRENCH ENGINE!

Yep there is one guy has an RX8 on company policy. But I don't like them, I want a 350Z.

(stamps foot and throws toys out of playpen)