It seems that a bit of exploratory circuit-driving to judge the differences between 350Z in coupe and Roadster forms has cooked the tyres. Big chunks of the Bridgestones have been torn off, sometimes in strips, in other places just isolated two-inch-square blocks. Strange, as we’ve done lots of laps in 350Zs in the past without such dire consequences.
Anyway, the findings of my test? The Roadster is still great fun, but there is a tad more understeer and it feels just a smidge stodgier. Fortunately the coupe had plenty of composure and agility to spare…
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I noticed the tyre degradation while on holiday down in Dorset. There was a bit of clattering in the rear wheelarch and next time I stopped a strip of tyre was missing. A shame, as the weather was gorgeous and, the schools having opened their gates again, the roads empty. With dodgy tyre in mind and girlfriend in the passenger seat, the mpg even crept up to 24.8!
Free from caravans and MPVs loaded with kids, crisps and portable DVD players, the roads down there are fabulous. You really don’t have to go to Europe to have fun in a car, no matter what the doom-mongers tell you.
Running Costs
| Date acquired | July 2006 |
| Total mileage | 4881 |
| Costs this month | £0 |
| Mileage this month | 1492 |
| MPG this month | 23.0mpg |
