YES! I was happy to see that AutoArt, manufacturer of elite die-cast models, would be manufacturing the 350Z. I own about 10 AutoArt models currently and they are all pristine!





Look at this monster!

 

I own over 100 1/18 scale dicast cars and I have to say that AutoArt is in my top 10 list of quality, accuracy, and detail. I can't wait to get my Lemans Sunset Z.

 

why does the orange look much more detailed, yet the silver looks cheap like a Maisto piece of junk??? the B pillar, front grille and wheels look VERY BAD!!

 

I think they are just general pics, not the actual models yet.

 

ooops, didn't mean to hurt feelings

when you get an Autoart, you will notice a big difference (ya, I got a few Maistos to, but I still think they are junk), even Hot Wheels makes better 1:18.

 

btw, I have 2 silver S2k's 1 maisto and the other Autoart, NO comparison

 

I'm pretty sure the pillar is black in my CS Touring. Maybe the Fairlady version has the same body color pillars?

 

Kyosho makes pretty decent models as well, but their product is too expensive for what it is: my NSX set me back $70, versus $50 for AutoArt.

 

$70 is cheap for a good 1/18 scale diecast.

Trying to compare Maisto to AutoArt is like comparing a Subaru to an Infinity, just ain't going to happen. Maitso though for the price is an exceptional value.

 

Daytona, how is the quality on the NSX, I have always wanted to buy one, but never wanted to lay the $$ down for one without seeing if it is good or bad quality.

 

Eeeeh, well, the engine compartment was among the most detailed I've ever seen, there was carpet in the trunk and on the floor, the proportion were very good, but the wing and mirrors all broke or fell off, as well as one of the exhaust tips. I don't think I buy another one, unless you were dying for one of their exclusives like the Supra or the 240ZG.

 

pictures dont work......

 

Miasto and Burago have the same quality, which is to say that they lack quality. Kyosho models are better, however are not true 1:18 scale; same problem with the Miasto and Burago.

Hotwheels 1:18 scale seem to be of better quality, however the quality seems dependent on each individual model that they have, plus their models are REALLY NOT 1:18 scale.

You put a Hotwheels 1:18 360 Modena next to a Miasto H2 Hummer and the Hotwheels looks like it will have the H2 for lunch.

AutoArt is by far the best quality and all their models are true 1:18 scale. You can find Miasto and Buragos at Costco or Sam's club once in a while for $10.

Most retailers try to charge anywhere from $18-25 for the Burago, Miasto and Hotwheels, unless it is a special Indy or Cart race car with licensed graphics, etc.

Even Sharper Image have 1:18 models, however most are Miasto or Burago models, but what a rip off at $32 each!

Most AutoArt run anywhere from $50-$75 at retail stores. AutoArt use to be know as UT models, however they split up the brands to be AutoArt for the high end models and Gate, which specialize in lower cost models in quality and price. UT is gone now as a brand. All of these models are made in China by the way.

After years of getting reemed by retailer for these models I found a wholesaler who would sell me individual models for close to cost without having to buy a box of six which is how they sell these models to retailers; one order is a box of six diecast models.

Most Miasto models I can get for $12-16. Most Hotwheels models I can get for $16-18. And the best part, Most AutoArt models for $32.

I asked my guy about the new Z and he says that they have already put in a order for the Z models and that as soon as they arrive, which may be contingent upon the L.A. port issue (just like the real Z) he will let me know.

So if you are in the So. Cal. area I can get you a Autoart 1:18 350Z in Silver or Orange for $32. So maybe if there is another So. Cal Z meet, then we can distribute the Z's. Check out the Autoart website, they have all sorts of cool models. Enjoy.

 

The nice thing about Miasto's is the they have exclusive rights for some vehicles such as the new H2 Hummer, the MBZ A class, and other vehicles. So the variety and array of models is much larger than other brands.

Plus, they actually can be played with. Most have working suspension and if you have a unfortunate mishap and drop one on the carpet or floor, they are more durable than the Autoart, etc.

I know because when my nieces and nephews stop by they love playing with my models and the next thing you know a few are being dropped on the floor or one of the kids found a hammer in the garage and decide to give one of the models a new cold air intake via removing the entire front end of the diecast model.

Having a $30 model destroyed by rugrats feels much worse than a $10.

 

DBZ, that makes perfect sense, I have some UT CART cars from a few years back and they are amoung the very best, so it makes sense that my AutoArt S2k is of similar quality.

I have a few Hot-wheels that are done pretty nice as well, BUT I have a Porsche 911 Hot-wheels that has wrinkles on the doors (so I guess some are suspect in quality).

I would love to get a Z or 2 so keep us informed (where are you in socal??)

 

Here's a picture I dug up from an old post on s2ki.com. These are both my models. The one on the left is the Maisto and the one on the right is an AutoArt.

 

airgate, My lil bro has the maisto VS my autotech, there is a HUGE difference, compare engine compartments and trunks too.

 

No problem folks, as soon as I hear from the wholesaler, I will ask folks for a count of who wants silver and who wants Lemans sunset and will put in the order. I live in Torrance so most of L.A. is accessible.

If you check out the website for autoart they have other interesting stuff not related to diecast models, however related to automotive stuff. I will find out if we can order this stuff also.

 

There is a new 911 Turbo and a 911 GT3 from autoart that are beautiful! The Turbo is in Silver or Red and the GT3 is in silver only. I bought the Red one and it is still on my cubicle wall at work. I had to velcro the bottom of the 911 to the wall, because everyone would stop by at work to play with the model, however when they try to balance the 911 back on the cubicle wall they end up dropping it. I have quite a bit of superglue on the model now.

 

autoart emailed me and said it will be out end of NOV.