Movin up

Just stumbled onto the site a few days ago, and after lurking about a bit, decided to join up.

Currently I don't own a Z-car, although I am looking for something to replace my Mazda 3 which is for sale. I can't justify the payment, considering I'm just driving it maybe 20 miles a week. Also there is the fact that I've been bitten by the AutoX bug, and while the 3 performs well, I miss RWD. I've always thought the Z's were a beautiful car, so maybe now is my time to get one?

I'm not a total mechanical newbie, I've helped my dad repair the family chariots a few times, and rebuilt a couple of old dirt bikes and an old Chevy Pickup in my younger years. Recently I kept a half-dead Suzuki Bandit 400 running for a year and a half before she was stolen by a repair shop (bastards!).

So, I'm just kind of hanging out, trying to absorb what I can while keeping my eyes peeled. One of the guys at work who AutoX's his WRX seems to think a 280Z (what I want) isn't going to be any good for AutoX, but personally I think he's just afraid I'll pass him. :laugh:

I see no problem owning a car that is a few years older than me, as long as I'm willing to get a little dirty every now and then.

The only stipulation is that I have a carport, not a garage, and I'm going to need a car that can occasionally do a 1200 mile cross-country trip (once a year?). Definatly going to have to keep an eye out for the rust...