So I've always been a fan of sporty cars of some sort. I'm not particular to any "niche" really, I've covered most of them. I started with my 2nd car, a 92 Camaro RS, and went from that to an 87 Porsche 924S, to an 84 El Camino, to a 87 BMW 635CSi, to a 92 Lexus SC400. Currently I'm just stuck with a reliable DD though. The wife and I are looking to get her a new DD, most likely a Beetle. After that, I'm due for a new car. I want to get back behind the wheel of something sporty and fun to drive. I've spent some time researching, and have settled on a Z32.

Now, I've read over the general tech threads, I've seen what to look for when I actually go out to purchase the car, what to check, what to avoid, etc. I have some more preliminary questions though.

I know I want a TT. Are there any years that I should specifically avoid? Is there a "best" year to go after? I was thinking of the 95 model year, as it has newer style injectors, and it still retains the NVTC system, which was dropped the next year. Also, form wise, the front bumper lost the gray stripe which I'm not a fan of, and the driver seats retain the adjustable side bolsters, which should be more comfortable I'd think.

How useful are the backseats in the 2+2? Could an average adult ride back there for say, a half hour across town, without being godly uncomfortable? A teenager? How much storage room do you lose under the hatch with the 2+2 configuration? Is there any visible difference to the exterior with the 2+2, is the B pillar any further back or anything?

Is there quite a discernible difference in power between the auto and manual versions of the z32? Embarrassingly, I actually can't drive a manual vehicle at this time. I plan on learning, and am leaning towards ruling out an auto z32, but if there isn't a huge difference in speed or power I may consider sticking with the auto.

Also, how are your guys' insurance rates on these? Being a sports car, I know it'll be a bit higher than I'm paying now, but hopefully full coverage will be less on it than it was on my Lexus.

How hard is it to find a shop familiar and competent with these cars? I'm in the Louisville, KY area if that helps.


Thank you all for you time and info, here's to hoping I'll be joining the Z family.
Jonathan

 

'94+ Z32's will be your best bet as far as simplifications of many different aspects that it went through throughout the years. The HICAS will also be electronically actuated instead of hydraulically. This will make for easier deleting of the system if you desire, and less hassle with power steering lines going to the rear of the car.

New fuel rails and new style injectors would definitely also be a plus, although there are many aftermarket adapters that help make fuel system tweaks work.

I have a 2 seater TT, so I can't comment much on how useful the backseats are. I've definitely heard that they are next to useless though, and will take up some unnecessary room in the cabin.

I am very happy with my trunk space and to me, it is virtually infinite. ^_^ Especially if you're one to put a sound system in, this provides lots of space.

I recommend getting a manual because let's be real; it's a sports car and manual trannies are the ****! Lol sorry, but driving a manual really makes you understand the car, it's power and your relationship with the car gets much more intimate.

Here's my story:
I bought my TT about 3 months ago. I have never drove stick, and this would be my first time learning, trying and let alone the first car I ever bought on my own. I had my friend test drive it and take it out of the driveway. From there, he took my to a parking lot and spent about an hour teaching me. I ended up driving most of the way home, and that gave me lots of time to familiarize myself with how it all worked. Took me about a week to get everything down (first gear is a killer), and then my embarrassing streak of mid-traffic stalls ended.

I got a quote for $140 from Geico, full coverage. So unless you got any bad marks on your driving record, you should bank on <$200 a month.

 

I had a 96TT last year made this country. I would say you want low mileage so you don't have to do a timing belt and change out turbos. Find someone who took care of it and has records. Insurance wasn't high but I use USAA and have a good driving record. I am well over 25. there was a lot of road noise inside (I had Magnaflows which didn't help). I think the z32 is the prettiest of the Zs. In some ways I enjoy driving my 86T more than I did the z32tt.

 

Why would you undo the 4 wheel steering?

I'll probably look for a coupe then, it'd just be easier to smooth it over with the misses if it had a back seat lol.

As for learning to drive a manual, I've spent multiple hours in different parking lots and even driven on the street some. I've just never really caught on.

So it looks like my 95 year choice is a safe bet, good to know.

 

Most drivers like to undo the 4 wheel steering because it makes the course of the car unpredictable. I personally do not like it when the back wheels turn, it feels weird and scary. Like my back end is going to break lose and slide into something lol.

 

At what point does it kick in? I figured it'd greatly improve the handling.

 

The HICAS turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front ones, pretty much to make highway lane changes more smooth. It doesn't kick in at lower speeds, so you won't get a better turning radius out of it. Actually I find for the size of the car the Z32 has a pretty bad turning radius, but man is it fun.

Also about your 2+2 concerns, USDM TT models only came as coupes, so unless you're looking at JDM or swapped TT's back seats won't even be an option. Though, I have a 2+2 JDM TT and I prefer the slightly longer look of it and the back seats are quite comfortable, just need to slouch a bit to keep from hitting your head on the rear window. They also fold down pretty easy so you've still got quite a bit of space in the trunk.

And manual for me definitely, the control you have just makes it more fun. Even in most heavy traffic situations I find it more enjoyable.

 

When I say the back seats are comfortable, I really do mean the seats are comfortable, nice little buckets. I kind of forgot there's barely any leg room back there, depending on the front seat positioning of course.

 

I didn't realize there weren't any US manufactured TT 2+2s. Coupe it is then.

I read the HICAS system would turn the rear wheels both the same and opposite direction as the front, depending on what the computer ascertained would give the optimum handling. Is that not the case?

 

That sounds like a definite possibility with the later HICAS, but if that's also the case with the older system it is news to me!

 

According to this the system turns the wheels both directions.

Z32 Technical Specifications

So, what is the average going rate of a 95 TT in good condition, and what are my chances of finding one stock?

 

I was in the same situation you are. Was driving a 06 Nissan Titan LE crew cab but never used it to tow or haul anything so I decided to go back to a car. I wanted a sporty car and my wife wanted a Beetle. We picked her up a Beetle and I found a 94 NA 300z 2+2 for $1500. I have 3 kids so I needed the extra 2 seats for emergencies(btw no one likes sitting in them because yes they are cramped) So far have done timing belt, new tires, brakes and rotors, and a new passenger side fender. Still need to do valve cover gaskets(leaking) and get the ac fixed. Love the car but am looking to either pick up a 300z TT or TT swap my current car. I don't use the back seats as much as I thought I would and want a little more power. I have been looking at TT 300z's and a later year stock TT in good condition with low mileage(not project or needs a lot of work) will set you back at least 10-15 grand.