Hey you guys im brand new and if you dont mind me asking i am currently looking at a 300zx 1992 with 115,000mi's on it i need to know what normally goes wrong with the 300zx's thanks!

Hi mate and welcome.... LOL... 16 to 21 year old card... mate, heaps of things..

 

it really depends on what the condition of the car is, there are plenty of guys on here that haven't had to do much to their cars....

However on the other side if a car has been abused then get ready to squeeze you wallet till it bleeds.... LOL...

 

So for starters read the FAQ section on what to look for in a 300 (i.e. how to buy one).

 

Also you should be considering what exactly you want, there are different variants.

example:

 

long wheel base, Normally aspirated (LWB, NA)

long wheel base, twin turbo (LWB, TT) more power but more to go wrong and more insurance.

 

there are also variants in a sort wheel base with either hard top or targa and you can also get a convertible (NA only, unless it's been modded)

also some of the models are only available as imports and there-in lies other issues (i.e. insurance & its difficult to find their true year of manufacturer as the importer could have given incorrect information to the DVLA).

 

and that isn't even talking about the interior spec or the difference in year of manufacturer (i.e .the series).

 

you're best off having a look at a few to see the difference and then with that and you budget and a good mechanic to check it over (and the buyers guide), make you choice.

 

i hope that helps..

Edited November 3, 201114 yr by Medallion Man

My advice would be to buy the best one you can afford, with as much history (reciepts, servicimg details etc) as you can, and as medallion man said get someone who nows about cars to look over any potential purchases.avoid the '£500 bargains' on ebay, as tempting as they may be, as there is a fair bit of technology on a zed, but as said most of it is now 16+ years old and whilst there are some great places for spares such as zedworld you cant really nip down your local breakers for bits like you can with say a vectra or whatever.

It may be worth posting a pic or the details of the zed you are thinking of buying as someone on the forum may know the car......or perhaps look at buying a members car, as a few for sale on here at the mo, and by looking a topics and threads you may be able to see whats been done to them :)

Let me re-phrase that question for you... What doesn't go wrong with a Zed? Answer: not much :pinch:

 

I would say, don't worry too much about the mileage and accept from the beggining that the engine will require rebuliding pretty soon. Thats the first 3.5 grand to budget for. Next is the residual rust that has infested the sills and rest of the car, which often goes unnoticed at the point of sale. That's another grand to budget for. Next you have to consider that even a good Zed will cost between 500 and 1000 to maintain in good condition per year on average. Then you have to factor in the 100 quid a week in fuel you will use if you want to use it everyday.

 

I may have gone slightly OTT with this, but you get the picture. They are not cheap cars to run. You can save a lot if you're handy with spanners and filler, but you cannot hide from the fuel costs.

 

Don't be put off by high mileage - its more important how its been looked after. The engines can go pop at any time if they have been neglected or worked on by non-specialists.

also some of the models are only available as imports and there-in lies other issues (i.e. insurance & its difficult to find their true year of manufacturer as the importer could have given incorrect information to the DVLA).

 

and that isn't even talking about the interior spec or the difference in year of manufacturer (i.e .the series).

 

 

Uh, it's stamped on the plate on the bar that runs across the car right behind the headlight, failing that you can search the chassis number online, which is on the firewall and on that plate (although some pillock may have taken the plate off)

Hi, and welcome to the forum. I think everyone has covered just about everything to check, depending on where you based, a member may be able to go and look at a car with you or for you if it's a distance away, although there can be faults that are not obvious straight away even to a long standing Zed owner. Good luck with your search, I hope you find a good one.

Uh, it's stamped on the plate on the bar that runs across the car right behind the headlight, failing that you can search the chassis number online, which is on the firewall and on that plate (although some pillock may have taken the plate off)

 

LOL... YES, I know... I certainly can't remember saying that you can't find the chassis number!!!

 

I was just point out that you can work out the age of a car from he code on the VIN number for the UK cars.

BUT... with the Chassis number from a JAP import the only way to tell the age of it is to either contact Nissan or find the list that is on the internet...

by the way the DVLA does neither of those things, they don't even bother looking at the sill covers or seat belt tags or rear light inside covers (where the date of manufacture of those parts is stamped, BUT all those parts can be replaced and the seat belts can have the tags cut off).

 

AND SO... as my point stands just because the reg papers say the car is a certain age doesn't mean squat!!!

 

and this is the chart.... (yes I've know about it for years :tt2:)

 

http://www.pexcom.com.au/z32cms/e107_plugins/content/content.php?content.79

 

is that clear enough for you..... :glare:

Deffo go through FAQ's, start getting out and looking at some Z's and get the feel for whats about, dont rush into anything. Ive had 2 N/A versions and neither caused major problems. I had a water pump and cambelt which was part of a service and a failed heater matrix had to be replaced. Keep an eye out for cars coming up on here as they have been owned by enthusiasts and usually well cared for.

Ive had my 1989 TT import for 11 years and apart from the normal service stuff and a couple of corroded water pipes nothing has ever gone wrong with it

 

Paul