Hi guys, I'm about to buy a 300zx

 

I know nothing about these cars but this ones cheap...

It has its problems but I'm hoping they are a relatively easy fix.

 

- no mot or tax

- hasn't been started in 6 months or so

- oil is a little creamy...

- plastic spoiler has seemingly rotted the tailgate away

- blue smoke from exhausts upon initial start, gradually got clearer as the car got up to temp.

- I'm told it's driven 11 miles since previous mot where lots of money was spent on tyres, welding, cooling etc...

- the rest of the car is in ok / tatty condition and could do with a detail.

 

As its been sat for a while, I understand it could do with a service, but I'm very wary or that massive engine and those two turbos resulting in costly repair bills.

What I'm asking is;

Could blue smoke = knackered turbos or condensation / old fuel

Could creamy oil = head gaskets, common issue with these engines?

The car is priced at £500

 

Thaks in advance, any advice welcome.

Doesn't sound overly positive, head gasket failure is not a common fault with these but with some of these cars having many many miles on them and being as much as 25 years old anything is possible. Equally with recent money spent on cooling, (trying to fix an overheating issue?) and the design of the engine(cast iron block with aluminium heads) the risk of warped heads because of an overheat may be a culprit. It also might be nothing more sinister than condensation, however your mention of blue smoke makes me think otherwise.

 

If your serious about this car, then be prepared to spend about £1500 on a new block and turbos. Sounds like there is a good chance you will need them. £500 is extremely cheap, the going rate for a good condition twin turbo is between £3-4k now. Don't get me wrong, it could be a bargain it could as it seems be a basket case which could cost you some cash esp if your not mechanically minded. These cars arn't a cheap beater like a 200sx or an MX5. You need to think very carefully before jumping into that car about what your prepared/capable to do with it. Maybe a member might be willing to take a look with you, preform a compression test etc.

Welcome to the club Jake and as for the cheap Z it could work out very expensive to fix and you would be better buying one with no issues.

Aside from the mechanical integrity of the car, you should first ascertain the condition of the bodywork.

 

Check the bodywork for rust and/or poor repairs. Sills, in particular the sill area (inner and outer) in front of the rear

wheels. Wheel arches and seat belt anchorages. Signs of body filler or patching and/or recent resprays to hide poorly

repaired rust damage.

 

We have had a number of Zeds on here that were bought cheap and have been found to require extensive repairs due

to rust damage and have then been beyond the capabilities and/or funds to repair, so have been scrapped/broken up.

Would be wise to check before considering the money needed for mechanical repairs and servicing jobs.

Thanks for the input guys, and the warm welcome :)