I have been to see two Z's in the past week both with comments like the ones Jeff shared in their descriptions in the Traders ansd MOT checking thread, I used the MOT history checker online which revealed a few things to question the sellers about but still there are so many other things that dont show up, I have seen rust that scares me when you dig deeper, obvious accident damage covered up and no doubt all manner fo other things I dont have the knowledge to spot. I have been looking to get back into a 2+2 Z again this year and after seeing peoples experiences with importers and having my hopes let down by supposed good cars I am getting very wary about dipping my toe into Z ownership again. I am in no rush to buy a Z but want to find one that I plan on keeping for the long term.

I dont have 22k or 8k to buy some of the super examples on the market but for decent money I would have expected to see better. Maybe its that the good ones are just rarer and in the sunny weather every chancer is trying to shift their banger Z that has not been well looked after for £3-£4k or maybe I have just had bad luck. I have looked at NA's for this kind of budget but am coming to a different viewpoint now. What are your views on my current thinking.

 

I know I will most likely have to spend more on a TT rather than a NA but I have heard different opinions on the reliability of both, my original plan was to get a 2+2 NA to steadily cruise around in but it seems that either if looked after and regularly serviced should be a good bet. I am now of the view that if I can find a decent LWB TT in Manual then that is the way to go. I would be looking for as close to stock as I can which has ben serviced. Is this realistic? Will there be many out there like that? A factory manual woul dbe preferred but if not should I go for an Auto that has been swapped if I want to keep it for the long term, will that go against the cars value in the future?

I dont know what step to take so am sticking to being more cautious. I am not skilled mechanically too so anything I will be needing to do will be done by a professional like PowerZed.

Any thoughts or tips for a wary buyer?

To start with here is a buyers guide

https://www.300zx.co.uk/tech/BuyingZ.htm

 

If you are looking for a long term ownership 300zx in good condition be prepared to pay 5k upwards and when you are checking it out then drive it from cold at fast and slow speeds make sure every button is pressed and tested listen for any noises that are out of place and finally check for RUST. Never buy a 300zx based on pictures and the owners description and be prepared to walk away from anything you are not happy with. There are good Z's out there and you might find a bargain but take your time and get the best your budget allows.

Keith (KJZ32) has a clean NA Slicktop for sale for £5,500, (just to give you an idea) as he had his own autobody shop before he retired, I would expect it to be of a high standard. He has also painted a few club members cars, including my own, Mogsey's, Coopd's and Alic's dads car.:thumbup1:

 

I think cars with clean bodywork, be they NA or TT are now starting to fetch a premium as this is where a lot of Z's fall down. Engines can be removed and rebuilt, but it's the amount of work, time and money required to cut out rust, weld in new expensive body panels and the painting of same, that makes paying a higher premium for a good clean car worthwhile.

Edited July 16, 20187 yr by Richie K