Hello all

 

My very post here so please be gentle (and i apologise if i inadvertently start a war off here)

 

But back since when i was a little lad iv always liked the looks of a 300ZX, but what you want and what you get are 2 different things. Like wanting a 3 Litre Twin Turbo Zed and actually getting a 1.4 litre Honda Civic.

 

While doing some research back in 2003 and having more enthusiasm about Japanese sports cars i came across the Toyota Soarer 2.5TT. After doing quite a bit of home work i bit the bullet and got one, and after selling it a year later i got another one. After selling that i got a Toyota Aristo 3.0TT (same as a GS300 but with the Supra engine for those that may not know). After about a year fettling with the Aristo, well . . . . . . i got married and bought a house, so i got a Rover 25 diesel :glare:

 

Yep, life was pretty much over :(

 

After 10 years of owning some german sedans a mate of mine bought a Soarer 2.5TT around and i took it for a drive. Nostalgic moment later i thought i might actually get another one (until he told me the price). Didnt realise they had gone up by that much.

 

But im in a position in life now whereby im a little more comfortable than i was when i bought my first Soarer (i was actually a uni student with a part time job and the only reason i could afford it was because i could tinker around with it myself thanks largely to forums like this), so im thinking of something like either another Soarer or an Aristo, or maybe even something from the Subaru or the Mitsibushi stables like an Impreza or a Legacy/Legnum. Then i remembered the 300ZX.

 

Only problem is, i dont really know much about these cars, apart from the fact that they were waaaay ahead of their time (which is not always a good thing from what i hear).

 

If i was to get one it would ideally be a Twin Turbo manual, but apart from that i wouldn't know where to start. I've had a read of the buyers guide, but what are these cars like to live with on a day to day basis? I hear the engine is a real pain in the arse to work with, with most items requiring the engine to come out to be worked on, or is it mainly diy for a relative novice like me? Rust is also a massive issue from what i can gather?

 

I've been looking at these for a month or so on the likes of Autotrader, ebay etc etc, but im not entirely sure whats good and whats not. My biggest fear is that there wont be many good ones left in my kind of a price range, 5-6k, or am i dreaming altogether?

 

I know the reasoning here will be massively biased, but i can also think of no better place to ask this, but why would i want to buy a 300ZX TT?

Or more importantly, would you say i dont buy one for reasons only you guys as owners would know of?

 

Sorry for so many questions on a first post, but i just want to get some owners views of wether to actually get one or not.

 

Thanks for all your help.

If you like them then buy one only you can decide. Two good ones on here for sale and you wont get better.

The 300ZX is a timeless design which has aged incredibly well, find a good one and you will not regret it:)

To put it straight, 6k won't get you a mint TT manual.youll get an okay condition one which should be rust free knock on wood.

 

From my experience, you really will want one that's well looked after and it should be reliable. When people cut corners is generally when problems arise.

 

Engine out for turbo replacements, not much else you needit out for. The engines can be a pain to work on as space for hands to reach things wasn't on their priority list :tt2:

 

In my opinion just find a nice one, make sure it has no rust and the engine and everything works perfectly. Not the best idea to daily drive though. But if you want one, go for it :)

I wouldn’t want to drive one daily. They are just to tempremental and expensive, you’d be much happier every day in a long list of stuff.

Bad stuff;

Parts are expensive and not available locally in the main.

Servicing requires either knowledge and understanding or to use a specialist, there’s really only one in this country. Beyond an oil change your local garage being involved in these cars is a headache.

Age related problems with overly complex electronics and bodywork.

Crampt access around to engine and drivetrain.

Turbo models come with low gears and loads of anti squat. Not a drag or circuit king.

Virtually all are Targa tops, which almost without exception leak.

Automatic gearboxes are terrible.

Stock cars in particular have very little drama or theatre. No pops crackles and bangs here.

The marque has low prestige amongst other Japanese and enthusiast cars. Don’t expect it to be an investment any time soon.

 

Pros;

Strong tuneable engine if well serviced complete with capable drivetrain. None of this adding 20% extra power and the gearbox is melting.

Very capable chassis with proper suspension, no leafs or crap.

Driver focused cockpit with minimal blind spots.

Cheap insurance.

 

That’s honesty imo from years of ownership and trying to be unbiased. I like my Z32 but if I wouldn’t buy another.

I must say I have been driving a 300zx TT for over ten years as a second car and for me they are the most reliable car I have ever owned. Just buy a good one and you wont look back.

Gentleman, thank you very much for all your replies so far, very helpful indeed.

 

Yes it would only be a weekend car, and that would only really be in the summertime as well. I wouldn't use this as a daily driver or to go to drag strips, but i also dont want something that would spring a leak everytime i ran it for more than 10 mins.

 

The sort of point i was trying to make in my first post above was that both the Soarer and the Aristo can be used as everyday cars despite being the same age as the zed, so what makes these cars less user friendly.

 

Stephen has more or less hit the nail on the head with his very helpful answer, there seem to be more cons than pros to owning one of these, and from what i can gather in other posts if you get the wrong one then its likely to be a money pit. But i never knew the Auto boxes were unreliable, would have thought they would be a strong point.

 

Im also assuming the only real place to get work done on these cars would be Powerzed down in Bristol? Not exactly local, but i dont mind travelling to someone who knows what they're doing.

 

Part of the problem for me is that iv never seen one up close or even sat in one, and no one local has one to just go and see it. Maybe an event is coming up sometime soon where i can see and ask questions to some of you guys in person, perhaps?

I've been looking at this one for a while, but after reading everything on here does it seem too cheap for some reason now?

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-300zx-twin-turbo-manual/153118427368?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

I know the mileage is high, and its been converted to a manual not too long ago (no doubt because it was less hassle than trying to repair the auto box), but would that be about the right price for it?

 

Looks in decent condition with no rust, though the play in the gearstick and the wheel vibrations might be a hidden issue related to something else?

I've been looking at this one for a while, but after reading everything on here does it seem too cheap for some reason now?

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-300zx-twin-turbo-manual/153118427368?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

I know the mileage is high, and its been converted to a manual not too long ago (no doubt because it was less hassle than trying to repair the auto box), but would that be about the right price for it?

 

Looks in decent condition with no rust, though the play in the gearstick and the wheel vibrations might be a hidden issue related to something else?

 

A UK Z with some issues and some rust. Money is about right for it but I would want better.

Main thing to look for on these cars now is rust, rust and more rust.

 

It's tough finding a nice one in the market place as generally the nice ones are enthusiast-owned and seldom come up for sale.

 

Your best bet is to speak to Josh Lake @ Gorilla Imports and get yourself a fresh high quality example direct from Japan.

I've been looking at this one for a while, but after reading everything on here does it seem too cheap for some reason now?

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-300zx-twin-turbo-manual/153118427368?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

I know the mileage is high, and its been converted to a manual not too long ago (no doubt because it was less hassle than trying to repair the auto box), but would that be about the right price for it?

 

Looks in decent condition with no rust, though the play in the gearstick and the wheel vibrations might be a hidden issue related to something else?

 

That car rings a bell!

 

https://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?186970-Twin-Turbo-Manual-Stance-Build-Thread&p=1950380&viewfull=1#post1950380

That car rings a bell!

 

https://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?186970-Twin-Turbo-Manual-Stance-Build-Thread&p=1950380&viewfull=1#post1950380

 

And here is the advantage of coming to an owners club to source a classic Z. :yes:

Stay well away from that one on eBay. Rust all along one wheel arch, the gearbox is shot making a crunch every gearchsnge, and the vibration. You will have no end of problems with that car.

 

To put it in perspective, you saying "too cheap", it for for sale for £1500 not too long ago!

That car rings a bell!

 

https://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?186970-Twin-Turbo-Manual-Stance-Build-Thread&p=1950380&viewfull=1#post1950380

 

Bloody hell, you have a good memory :eek:

 

The car definitely looks a lot better in that thread than it does here.

And here is the advantage of coming to an owners club to source a classic Z. :yes:

 

Indeed, hence why i always try and do my homework despite maybe coming across as annoying with a million questions. :blushing:

Stay well away from that one on eBay. Rust all along one wheel arch, the gearbox is shot making a crunch every gearchsnge, and the vibration. You will have no end of problems with that car.

 

To put it in perspective, you saying "too cheap", it for for sale for £1500 not too long ago!

 

You know, i was actually being half serious about that one as AndrewG's post above made me think it was a looked after example from a member here. But your background info has certainly put a stop to that. Any links to where it was on sale previously for 1500?

 

To put it in perspective, me saying "too cheap", just goes to show how little i know about these.

 

Your best bet is to speak to Josh Lake @ Gorilla Imports and get yourself a fresh high quality example direct from Japan.

 

My understanding of the imports is that it should be a grade 3.5 and above that i should be aiming for, but im also pretty sure that would be out of my budget. :sad:

For up to 6k you should be able to get a decent Z but you might have to wait till the right car comes up.

You know, i was actually being half serious about that one as AndrewG's post above made me think it was a looked after example from a member here. But your background info has certainly put a stop to that. Any links to where it was on sale previously for 1500?

 

To put it in perspective, me saying "too cheap", just goes to show how little i know about these.

I tried to look but it was on Facebook at October last year and Facebook isn't that easy to find old posts. It had been drifted by the previous owners also.

 

I mean perhaps it has been restored since and its better than when I saw it, but I doubt it, it was quite the shed so to speak [emoji23] I was contemplating as a breaker :)

I used to own that grey UK car. I sold it in 2006 as it needed the sills repairing along with a few other defects. It has changed hands a few times in the 12 years since then and as far as I know the sills have still not been repaired. Judging by the vlogs of some of the previous owners I would suggest it’s been done badly if it has!

Here's what I dug up, it was 1k cash.

 

And also a conversation I had when I looked at the car with my Dad

"The car felt like a wreck, might be a synchromesh problem and none of the gearbox is wired up" (reverse lights, Speedo, neutral sensor)

 

 

That's all the info I can really give. For me personally I would just feel like it would be a money pit of fixing things.

I used to daily drive my two first 300zx's, both TT manuals. There was always issues to be honest from the viscous fan coupling coming off at 60mph, water on the MAF making the car un drive able, propshaft wobble, electrical issues. Was good fun though.

 

Don't go buying one thinking that they will blow past a Montune Fiesta ST because they won't.

 

Buy on condition, I would personally get one yourself from Japan or better still use the chap that Simon mentioned. I can't recommend Gazwoz from what I have seen go down here in the past year with dodgy Zeds.

 

I still love the look of them and they drive really well, I just can't see me going back to one now.

I tried to look but it was on Facebook at October last year and Facebook isn't that easy to find old posts. It had been drifted by the previous owners also.

 

I mean perhaps it has been restored since and its better than when I saw it, but I doubt it, it was quite the shed so to speak [emoji23] I was contemplating as a breaker :)

 

I used to own that grey UK car. I sold it in 2006 as it needed the sills repairing along with a few other defects. It has changed hands a few times in the 12 years since then and as far as I know the sills have still not been repaired. Judging by the vlogs of some of the previous owners I would suggest it’s been done badly if it has!

 

Thank you for the info and the history of this car chaps, defo seems a no go then.

 

Don't go buying one thinking that they will blow past a Montune Fiesta ST because they won't.

 

 

 

Seriously, not even that fast :huh:

Seriously, not even that fast :huh:

 

Can't say I know much about Mountune, looking at their site though it says:

 

"The MP215 produces performance returns of 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds and drops the 31-62mph in-gear time to 5.7 seconds, 0.7 quicker than in standard form."

 

IMO I don't think a looked after TT would get beaten by this.

Edited August 23, 20187 yr by Devvny
Edited as I can neither read nor spell.

Can't say I know much about Montune,

 

That's probably because it's a Mountune. ;)