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Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:Cars in the UK
Notice:Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:COMICS::SHELLEYELD
Created:Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2584
Total number of notes:63384

1306.0. "Nissan Bluebird ZX Turbo" by KERNEL::SHELLEYR (Adios, amoeba _m_���_m_) Wed Nov 28 1990 14:23

    My father is very interested in getting a used Nissan Bluebird ZX
    Turbo.

    Not the sort of car that would interest me. (Too big)

    I understand the performance is quite good.

    Has anyone ever driven or owned one of these beasts. If so your
    comments would be most welcome.

    Thanks, - Roy
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
1306.1Not a bad ol' carNEWOA::MORANNewbury (UK) EIS SpecialistWed Nov 28 1990 17:3839
Roy,

I've got an '88 Bluebird ZX Turbo at the moment. Fairly recent purchase 
actually, used to have an '87 XR3i.

Basically, the car is quite lively, with a max. speed of around 125 mph
and a 0-60 speed of around 8 seconds. Max. BHP is around 130 (@5600 revs/min).
The only downer performance wise is the fact that is very heavy on petrol when
driven harshly or at high speed. 

Handling is a little suspect at high speeds, but can be improved by adjusting
of the suspension using a three way switch (soft, normal & firm) located on the
dash.

The main selling points of the car for me though (apart from it being built
in Tyne & Wear, the place of my birth) were the build quality and all the
extras. For example:

Electric ariel, electric sunroof, electric/heated  mirrors, electric windows, 
electric lumbar support in driver's seat, remote boot/petrol cap release, 
uprated stero (debadged blaupunkt),three level suspension switch, dual 
tripmeters, turbo boost gauge, rev counter, capetted lower doors, map reading 
lights, variable wiper control, map pockets on back of front seats, red 
interior door danger lights, colour coded body kit  etc. etc.

    
	
    As the bluebird is no longer produced you can find some spectacular deals
    on them. They are one hell of a car for the price and if depreciation is
    not a factor in buying a car, then I would wholeheartedly recommend
    buying one.
    Incidently the retail price of a brand new ZX turbo recently, was around
    13.5K.

Tim...

PS. The saloon ZX turbos' don't even look boxy, what with the coloured coded
body kit ;-)
1306.2KERNEL::SHELLEYRAdios, amoeba _m_���_m_Wed Nov 28 1990 18:269
    Thanks Tim, I've passed on your comments.
    
    My Dad has been put off by the fact that this car only runs on 4
    star and can't be converted to unleaded.
    
    What sort of average mpg do you get ? 
    
    - Roy
1306.3Motorway cruising=expensiveNEWOA::MORANNewbury (UK) EIS SpecialistWed Nov 28 1990 19:4112
    Roy,
    
    Round town, I get about 27 mpg (which is better than the XR3i).
    
    However, I drive (frequently) to and from Newcastle from Newbury,
    at a journey average of 70 mph and it takes around 50 ltrs, (300 miles)
    compared to 45 ltrs in the XR3i. I've left my diary and calculator
    at work so you'll have to wotk out the mpg for yourself ;-)
    
    Incidently, it gives a super smooth drive on the motorways.
    
    Tim...
1306.4Same mpg in town & on Mway ?KERNEL::SHELLEYRAdios, amoeba _m_���_m_Thu Nov 29 1990 09:269
    Thats interesting Tim. 300 miles on 50 ltrs = 27.5 mpg.
    300 miles on 45 ltrs = 30.3 mpg.
    
    Thats a bit disappointing on a long run.
    
    By the way I drive an XR3i and on the motorway averaging 70-75 mph
    I get an impressive 38 mpg.
    
    - Roy
1306.5Ave of 70mph = 90 at times?NEWOA::BARRONSnoopy Vs Red_BarronThu Nov 29 1990 11:2417
>    By the way I drive an XR3i and on the motorway averaging 70-75 mph
>    I get an impressive 38 mpg.
>    
Roy

This not the same. Tim said average journey speed 70mph over 300 miles
meaning it takes him 4 hours and 20 mins door to door. Journey to and from
motorways seriously add to journey times. Tim's time would indicate he is
enthusiastic in his driving...:-) 

Right Tim?

If I'm wrong in my deduction and Tim is cruising at 70mph for 4� plus hours
then I would have the vehicle serviced/tuned, look for leaks.

Dave
1306.6KERNEL::SHELLEYRAdios, amoeba _m_���_m_Thu Nov 29 1990 11:373
    Dave, I see your point. Your right I hadn't looked at it that way.
    
    - Roy
1306.7NEWOA::MORANNewbury (UK) EIS SpecialistThu Nov 29 1990 12:206
    
    Yes Dave you got my gist. However I usally travel at night and still
    can't average more that 50mph on the A34/A43 and around 80-90 (without
    incriminating myself) on the M1.
    
    Tim...
1306.8PEKING::NAGLEJFUNKY COLD RIBENAThu Nov 29 1990 23:088
    
    
    How much did you Bluebird cost ?? What sort of prices would
    you expect to pay on earlier models.
    
    Were they not popular as taxi cabs.
    
    Jeff.
1306.9KERNEL::SHELLEYRAdios, amoeba _m_���_m_Fri Nov 30 1990 14:166
    re: .8
    
    In .0 my father was interested in a ZX Turbo, E reg, 20,000 miles
    on sale at a garage for �6000.
    
    - Roy
1306.10Depends where you buyNEWOA::MORANNewbury (UK) EIS SpecialistMon Dec 03 1990 19:119
    
    Mine ('88 E model + 12 month all parts and labour waranty inc. turbo)
    cost �5900. I'd expect a D to cost around 4500-5000 and maybe a C at
    around 3500 to 4500. Of course the price varies around the country.
    I used to buy all my cars in Newcastle and they were, on average a
    grand cheaper. However, the gap seems to have closed totally in recent
    months.
    
    Tim