I hadn't realised the Z had been racking up the miles so quickly, and I'd overshot the 20,000-mile service; fortunately Camden Nissan of Northampton took it in at short notice. When I returned to collect the car I was told it was parked 'somewhere round the back'. After five minutes of looking I gave up and asked the receptionist for a few more clues. Eventually we found it tucked around a corner, away from the other cars. 'They like to look after this one,' she offered. So it seemed. For starters, the Zed had been treated to a thorough valet. It positively gleamed. A wash'n'wax can't cost much but its customer feelgood value is huge.
The service itself, basically an oil change, cost £70.55 so to date the Zed has cost less than £200 to service. It'll have to go back though, because one of the motorised arms that pop out and squirt the headlamps has failed, and a new motor is on order. As I was leaving a young bloke shouted over to me. 'I serviced that,' he beamed. 'I love that car.' You and me both.
Running Costs
| Date acquired | December 2003 |
| Total mileage | 22,436 |
| Costs this month | £70.55 |
| Mileage this month | 1648 |
| MPG this month | 25.5 |
