I've found a '90 model coupe300zx locally, they want $8000 for it, although i think i'll try to drop the price (i'm in america). Anyway, the car's got $20k in receipts to go with it, some stuff i remember him telling me: new tires, new clutch, new paint, new timing belt, spark plugs, new front air dam, new window, cd player with new speakers...I'm sure there's alot more, i cant remember though. The car's a n/a 5 speed. The only noticable flaw is a crack in the drivers seat (leather) What all should i look out for when i test drive it? All i've heard about going bad are the injectors (something to do with an engine fire, right?) and second gear stripping. What else is there to worry about? Can i get the seat fixed for a reasonable amount? The engine's not super clean, but it looks pretty good. The previous owners were an older man and his wife, they divorced, you get the idea. Please, feel free to say anything to help.

ast

Astron,

Do not buy a N/A go for a TT,believe me you'll be glad you did.

F.T.

I really cant afford to go with a tt, my insurance is obscene on a '97 grand am, doubling the hp and a sports car rating would kill me (i'm 19 years old) I'd love the power, just not possible (not to mention you -never- see nice z's around my area)

ast

Astron - check out these buyers guides

 

http://www.300zx.org.uk/tech_20.htm

 

some of them are even from US guys! :)

 

If the Zs been well looked after, you should be fine.

 

If you're a mechanical whizkid, the buyer's guides should help. If not, contact your local Zclub, or forum or whatever to see if you can find a helpful owner to check out your prospective purchase.

 

Good luck - Gio

Astron,

get the best you can afford and afford to maintain is good advice,also try and get either a mechanic or someone who knows their way around cars to go with you before you make an offer on this car.You do not want to end up with a dog that will cost you a fortune in the long run.

Believe me I know I've been caught out in the past by falling in love with a car,only to find that in a short time that you've bought someone elses troubles.

Spend a bit of time and money getting the 'right' car and you will not look back.

Best of luck,

F.T.

Fortunately i know my way around cars (particularly air cooled ones with the engine in the back *grin*), but i'm gonna definately take it to a nissan dealer to have them check it out before i do anything. This information about how to check out the body for damage is very helpful. It reminded me, the drivers door doesnt close with the right thunk, it cushions alittle too much. Could that be the intrusion bar thing? Can i fix it myself? (We have pleeeeeenty of tools)

asty

It...could...WORRRRRRK! (son of frankenstein)

Insurance on the '90 300zx is around $350/ 6 months for slightly higher than basic insurance (enough to cover me if i get hit, and take care of anyone i hit, nothing for myself) compared to $600/6 for the grand am for full insurance, i can definately afford that. The trick's now wait out till my money gets here at the beginning of the year, and sell my grand am. Hopefully they wont sell the z yet :)

Ast - hyped.

Astron,

Where in the States are you?It's a big place!

I've got relatives in Florida who are in the car business,if you are near there.

F.T.

I'm in arkansas (right smack dab in the middle if you dont know our geography -- like i do) unfortunately this is beaterz capitol america, not many nice classics around, nobody good at working on them either..

ast

Astron,

have you tried this site, a bit closer to home!

 

May be more use when comparing values, choices etc.

 

 

http://www.300zxclub.com/index.php?s=

 

Any Zed better than No Zed!

:rolleyes: :) :cool:

Cool! thanks, i hadnt found any good active z forums other than this one

ast