possibly picking up a Twin Turbo at weekend its an auto on a k reg

 

what are the things i need to look out for?

 

what are common problems

 

how much slower is auto compared to manual

Hi mate, welcome.

 

right - what to look out fior??? Well i guess i would start by making sure the sills are ok (often jacked up on these and they get all bent out of shape and attract rust) Check all the usual spots for rust (ie wheel arches, side of engine bay etc as they can be rot boxes)

 

Look for one with not too much done to it, unless its backed up with paperwork as a good clean solid standard one is definately worth more than a dying hyped up one. (often worth more than a healthy hyped up one to be honest)

 

Check for smoke when running - you dont want to see any as it may indicate either turbos or turbo seals gone/going

 

check that when you put your foot down the boost guage goes all the way to the top (nearly top - ie just under 7 in a uk model or just under 14 in an import) - If the needle is only going half way or 3 quarters then it is in safety mode) - there could be a million reasons why this is, some easy to fix, some not.

 

Do the simple things like tyres etc(especially inside tread), as a decent set will easily cost you £150 a corner, depending on wheel size etc.

 

Autos not really slower than the manual, in fact some would argue that 9 times out of 10 in a like for like car Auto vs Manual the auto would win as its hard to get all the power down in a manual. Get Stig behind the wheel and the manual would win every time, but i ain't no Stig.

 

I love the autobox, i think that it is a great drive, and with the power button and overdrive switched on - it is a great box... snappy changes and feels super quick..... BUT alas the boxes are 20 years old and do have a lifepsan, and depending on how she's been treated over the years depends on how the box will hold up. SO.... check the autobox fluid for colour and smell, often a negelcted area as they feel bulletproof so people often don't change the fluid as often as they should. Make sure she changes up and down smoothly.

 

You could also ask if a member near you will come and look at the car with you - there are some very helpful peeps on here, and i'm sur eif someone can help you out, then they will. You don't need to rush into buying one of these cars, It is definately worth waiting for a good example, as there are lots of dogs out there which ultimately will be more trouble than they are worth.... and be prepared to set aside a bit of dosh for when you buy one i can guarentee that there will be something that will need doing. :lol:

 

Good luck and keep us posted.....

Welcome to the club Khile try and buy a good one and Pablito has covered what to look for and good luck.

In terms of auto vs manual i had both and i prefer the auto box as a day to day car. I've done track days on the auto munally shifting with overdrive switched off and i was lapping 350zs with it and keeping up with most of the lads so there shouldn't be a massive difference.

 

On the major benefit side of things you do find you can cruise along in traffic without a worry in the world and never have to worry about remembering which gear you're in when you shift down - just plant it and off you go! :D

Welcome buddy, the guys have covered everything above, hope it's a good one for you.

If its AUTO definitely make sure you take it for a test drive, bring it up to temp and see if it holds its temperature.

 

Also find out when it last had a cambelt / water pump change, these are more important on our cars, and see if he has paper work to back up his claim.

 

Again ill reiterate what pab has said, make sure you check the sills, especially if it has skirts on as they can hide rust patches.

 

Check for rust in these areas, front wheel arch, sills from front arch to rear arch, and rear wheel arch, also check the fuel tank straps for ware or rust as these can eventually dig into the tank and make it leak.

 

When you take it for a drive, if a auto box, it should change gear smoothly with out crunching or grinding, and should go through all the gears and back down them with out stalling or wanting too, with a Manuel the gears should select correctly with out the need to force them in. power from the turbos will come quick and sharp around the 2.5k rev range and be smooth, check for large amounts of smoke out your rear window, as this could indicate a failing turbo, steam is usual on these cars especially at this time of year coming from the tail pipes, but it should dissipate rapidly and not smell of oil

 

Check for black sooty marks on the rear bumper as this will indicate over fueling, and will most likely be due to needing one of the O2 sensors changing, or could indicate another problem.

 

When at idle check to see if there are no misfires, you will hear them better at the tail pipe as a sort of puffing sound that has a irregular pattern. as these can be a pain in the rear to track down the reason why.

 

Also, the more standard it is with receipts the more likely the chance it hasn't been thrashed to with in a inch of its life.

 

One thing i will say about owning a 300zx, is that you will at some point in the first year of owning it, spend more time fixing things than driving it, if it hasn't been looked after, these cars are now a good 20 years old and some really do show it over others.

 

Again make as pab has said, make sure you check the tread on the tires, prices start at around £100 a corner and escalate quite rapidly, as you do not want to be putting a cheap brand on them. they really show just why they are cheap tyres.

Welcome matey :)

hi all thanks for that off on Saturday to look and maybe by also off to look at one tomorrow apparently this one was in z magazine purple monster or something lol

hi all thanks for that off on Saturday to look and maybe by also off to look at one tomorrow apparently this one was in z magazine purple monster or something lol

 

Ah its not that lunatic on ebay with flip paint is it?

also whats mpg like please

Ah its not that lunatic on ebay with flip paint is it?

 

dont know found it on pistonheads it not on now err reg was c18 kmh or something like that had big 18" wheel on

also whats mpg like please

 

Reckon on between 15 and 25 mpg depending on how it's driven ;)

Welcome to the forum :)

ok cool well got a thirsty car now got a 2.8 v6 passat so guessing poor mpg comapired to that but that price you pay for power i guess

hi all well pick car up yesterday and love it

looks great mate , happy days ahead !! especially with summer coming up :D

Welcome to the club mate - that looks like a nice example you have bought!

 

Richard:cool3: