Hi there folks. I'm thinking of buying a 300zx turbo and after some advice:-

Typical faults to expect/look out for

Thoughts on running costs (not afraid of this as been running a scooby but would like your thoughts anyway)

Typical mpg

Anything else to help when choosing whether to buy and how to choose a good car.

 

cheers all

 

Nick

sorry, tried to Edit but won't let me....also general comments on reliability would be most welcome.

Get last months Japanese performance managine. it has a 300zx buyers guide in it. Ordering a back issue takes 2 - 3 days delivery.

Typical faults? Rust, like most cars. Others? None that I can think off when you go look at one. The car can do a few diagnostics, ECU, HICAS, ABS and AUTO box to name a few. These can help greatly. Some one can post how to get thses working if you want. Dont know my self.

 

There are some more but I cant think of any at the moment.

 

Leaking T-Tops.! Theres one.

 

Running costs. Here is a run down of what I have spent in the last 2 months on my Z

 

Radiator Recon : £110

Track rod end: £61

Track rod end fitting and 4 wheel tracking : £36

2 front tyres : £148

New clutch : £377

Fly wheel Skim £70

Clutch Fitting £130

 

But I must say that this is the worst couple of months that I have ever had. Before then I have only had to spend money on petrol and and needed no major repairs. To be fair to my car too. These are not what I call repairs its maintance. The parts that have gone are things that will eventually go in time. Just so happen they all went close to eachother.

 

MPG.

Round town 16ish long run motorway about 25mph doing between 70 and 80

 

Stuart

dont know about rust, iv got 1 tiny speck of rust on my o/s t-top (of all places!), main body & underside is totally rust free.

 

I do all my own work, so running costs for me are quite low (no labour costs). depends how lucky you are i guess, a few on here have had some major probs recently which are costly.

 

so far, most of my costs have been down to servicable items which you would expect to change aprt from the PTU (ignition amplifier) that went just a few weeks after i bought the car - there was a bit of an epedemic on these at that time !!!:rolleyes: or go-faster goodies ;)

 

joining here is gonna save you ££££££'s, there are a few traders forums set up now where you can get 2nd hand parts, servicing & repair work done, tuning goodies, ICE & security etc. so check them out if you need anything.

 

for most standard parts there is courtesy nissan in the states. most parts are 1/2 price or even less compared to main dealer prices in the UK.

 

If you find a nice clean one to start with, your obviously gonna save yourself money & hassle long term, so dont get a dog thinking you can do it up to save a few quid.

 

in short, if you want a zed & to be part of this place make sure you've got the following:

 

deep pockets

a good sense of humour

a high level of tolerence

a blatent disregard towards safety & the enviroment

the ability to talk utter bollox (optional :D )

Originally posted by Paul C

in short, if you want a zed & to be part of this place make sure you've got the following:

 

deep pockets

a good sense of humour

a high level of tolerence

a blatent disregard towards safety & the enviroment

the ability to talk utter bollox (optional :D )

 

add clean pants :)

Cheers folks. Apart from car diagnostics, anything specific to look for when choosing to help identify 'a dog' or otherwise ?

get some insurance quotes too, make freinds with car body shop repairers and mechanics, its save me loads, my mates a nissan md mechanic and is doing service and cambelt this week at next to no labour cost, although it might cost me a fortune in stella

When you go to look at the car, rev it and see if any smoke piles out of the exhausts.

 

White smoke is water and can just be condesation but

Blue smoke is oil and needs to be fixed before purchase of the car.

 

There are an awful lot of lemons out there, with a few good examples thrown in. I've had my Zed for over 4 years now and it's been relatively hassle-free.

 

Manuals tend to wear out the clutch a lot.

Autos need a better box or oil cooler installed.

 

There is an argument over which is better. Personally, I went for a UK spec manual, but that's my choice. Take both for a drive and see which you prefer.

 

Jap imports tend to be in better condition, body-wise, but lack the service history.

 

One thing to note - the Zed will not corner like the Scoob....don't try it! :D ;)

 

Hope this helps

 

Anita