Well everyone, I'm afraid to say that as of this afternoon I am no longer a Z owner... Whilst I Loved the her, and the car was ridiculously good to me, I let her go today. It was a good 6 years, 110000kms (nearly to the number), 2 drag meets, 2 circuit practices, 7 skidpan sessions, 8 drift events (including a tongue in cheek 2nd place in group B (still have the trophy to prove it!)), and 11 aus300 cruises in NSW, ACT, Vic and WA. However; situations change and I was decaying by putting her to no better use than miles and miles of highway... My current job has me up and back from Sydney to Canberra at times twice a week and I literally have had bruises from where my arms/legs rest on the interior... I once had a 1992 Subaru liberty FWD auto station wagon. It was almost my first car. Generally people look back on their first cars with fond memories. They usually are fairly old, with a few problems, that somehow transcend being annoying and become endearing. The Subaru had a problem where occasionally it decided not to start... this problem was never endearing. I nearly missed flights, I got stranded in states I was supposed to be transiting (have to stop for gas) I missed appointments the list goes on... I look back on that car with loathing, even though (towards the end of my ownership) the problem was eventually fixed. Whilst I know that the road beyond 200000km is becoming more and more traveled (and safely), I was not going to let the Z be remembered the same way. During my time with the car it nearly always ran beautifully. Other than servicing the only real issues it ever gave me were the clutch (which was to be expected through wear) and the A/C a couple of times. So much for all the haters' talk of head gaskets, constant overheating, blowing ceramic turbos (that it doesn't have) and spontaneous human combustion or similar rubbish. I learned a lot with the Z as well. When I first bought it I was completely ignorant to all things mechanical. Although primarily through my other cars I have turned that around quite a bit. I was taken advantage of by some mechanics that knew that, and after going off professional mechanics for that reason later found that they were not all assholes. I discovered that a true vehicular package really depends on the capabilities of both machine and driver, a concept that seems obvious but many are too arrogant to truly accept. I learned that a good community can provide a massive amount of help for no reason other than to see others enjoy the same thing they enjoy, and that keyboard warriors are not often the ones that provide that help. I have learned the value of preventative maintenance. I have learned the difference between IAVs, IAAs and VVT I have learned that group buys do not always run to schedule... I would even like to think I have learned how to use the search function and some grammar I have made a lot of friends, and because I have been fortunate to be based out of difference parts of the country at different times, more than some would have the fortune of meeting. I have gained advice and given it. I have talked some others in to joining the community. And like many of you have spent thousands of hours trawling the forum, whether it be tech, sales or post whoring. I hope to keep these friendships (I know I am well overdue for a purely social get together of the ACT crew). A couple quick shout outs, although some people I haven't directly dealt with a whole bunch (I have done much more reading at aus300 than typing) Ant Little Baz Zcar91 IB imported_dan FranZ Caz dan (driftZ fame) Zrated Chilli (Im fairly sure we all like you deep down) DUB Jinxed TekTrader RedZedMikey BlackIceTT/Zweet/whatever you call yourself these days Jedi-77 Hell, who am I kiddin' there are seriously way too many to try and mention... Anyway, this is starting to sound too much like a eulogy so I will add some pictures... Day after I bought her: (Already on a cruise) First track day (drive on milk): Other Cruising: (westside) (eastside) Calder park: Competing in the drift: the damage: At the Skidpan: Hangin' with the 86 at home: And finally just before I handed over the keys... Beautiful right to the end, and how I will always remember her I could bore you all with 100s more photos, but I won't and I would like to note that none of the photos in this post have been photochopped to enhance the truth :zlove: I did get a newer toy though to help lessen the pain of letting go, whilst it will no doubt be fun in its own way I cant see it ever replacing the Z Well, in closing, I would like to once again thank all out there, encourage you to stick to it and ensure you I'll still be about, most likely mainly reading and making the odd post... as always :zlove: -Robbo No longer a Z owner... ...Still a Zedder
Man, you lived the life. I have just started the trip, and can only hope to do half the things you did. The Zed's are in the blood...you'll be back behind the wheel one day. Thanks for the pics. Regards Graham
a genuine pleasure to have met you, and who knows, lets see how long the zed bug takes to rgab hold again! all the best, Ross, aka Jinxed
Hi Robbo, it's sad to see you let her go, but I'm reasonably sure you will enjoy the replacement. Being classified as a Zedaholic is not dependent upon Z ownership, but more upon having a Z addiction. You certainly qualify in that department.:zlove: It's been a pleasure to be in your company on several occasions in the past, and I hope several more at some point in the future. Z ownership brings us all together, but being worthwhile individuals is what keeps us glued together for the long haul(and you more than qualify in that department as well). Drive safely and wisely, my friend.:br:
