Author Topic: 300zx  (Read 299 times)

Offline Devourer

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300zx
« on: July 27, 2003, 11:57:23 AM »
Ive finally been able to get enough cash to buy a 90' 300zx 2+2, the non-turbo model.
I know the dam insurance rates are high on that car
Is it a good idea to buy the car?

Offline john9001

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300zx
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2003, 12:07:27 PM »
you only live once , go for it , just be carfull and don't kill yourself.

Offline Mini D

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300zx
« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2003, 01:46:26 PM »
I had a '91 300ZX... was a great car.  But that was 5 years ago.

That style 300ZX was one of the best handling cars I've ever owned.  It was well balanced and rear wheel drive... everything just seemed natural about it.  Its achiles heel is its power... only 225 HP in a relatively heavy car.   It could still get up and go... but there were quite a few cars out there that could put it to shame.  It is, however, one of the best all-around cars ever made.  Of course, it is a 2 seater (forget that 2+2 crap) and that is a major adjustment for some.  The insurance is more correlated to the cost of the car than the performance... so it shouldn't be too bad.

If you are going to buy one, make sure of a few things:

- It has a serpentine timing belt that costs $$$ to change.  Make sure this has been done recently (within the last 30k miles) or you will most likely want to have it done.  You should do it at least every 60k miles, but its good to assume the person selling you the car is lieing and double what they tell you.
- Don't fool yourself into thinking you'll fix any problems you see.  More likely than not, you won't.  Those interior rattles will only get worse and those dents will never pop out.  This is especially important with the interior... notably in regards to scratches and tears.

Anyways... the price is most likely affordable on that car, but I'd do some research on the costs of major repairs (tranny rebuild, engine rebuild) just to see what you might be looking at in regards to a 12 year old car.

MiniD

Offline Devourer

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300zx
« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2003, 01:55:07 PM »
Thnx 4 the info mini D

Offline Gixer

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300zx
« Reply #4 on: July 27, 2003, 06:40:54 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by Devourer
Thnx 4 the info mini D


I almost bought a 300ZX once a few years back. Though the Turbo 2 seater was the one for performance and handling. Slightly shorter wheel base.

In New Zealand there's alot around and they go for as little as 10k NZD. Though alot were early imports so the odomoter readings can be a little shady.

Driven the 350Z? Wow what a ride.



...-Gixer

Offline gofaster

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300zx
« Reply #5 on: July 28, 2003, 09:39:43 AM »
My brother just picked up a '88 300ZX 2 seater, 5 speed, non turbo.  First thing we did was replace the timing belt.  Shop said $2,300 and 4 hours each for 2 days (8 hours total).  We did it for $350 12 hours single day. While we had everything off we replaced the hoses, fanbelts, waterpump, and seals.

A couple of days later he decided to have the annoying u-boat sound in the transmission looked at.  Dealer said it needed a whole new transmission for $3,000, or a rebuilt tranny for $2,000.  He took it to another shop - $800 for some bearings and to change the gear oil.

Take a look at http://www.z31.com for some info on common repairs and what to look for when shopping for a used Z.

By the way, insurance will vary region to region, but will be higher for sports cars (because of the young males that tend to drive them foolishly) and city dwellers (because of more things to hit).
« Last Edit: July 28, 2003, 09:43:27 AM by gofaster »