I am currently looking for a Z32 and unsure what year I should be looking at.

Generally later cars have better spec and the kinks ironed out as the production run goes on. I had a look on wikipedia (so it must be correct, right?) about the changes during the production run and nothing seems to jump out at me.

Is there any reason why say a 1994 would be preferable to a 1989? Or should I not care and just get the best maintained and looked after one that I find.

Cheers  

Get the best maintained and condition one you can. Preferably one you can see the full history of or at least full details of recent work. Check for history of sill replacements in particular. 

Only things I'd class as desirable would be the digital aircon over the manual (early cars and late cars have digital. Some around 94/95 have manual). But that's my preference. 

A 98+ manual gearbox is a stronger unit than earlier ones but isn't essential and you can buy them new still.

Some people prefer different interior finishes to others. Again that's personal choice. 

Here is a good read for you Howl.

https://garagedreams.net/buyers-guide/nissan-300zx-buyers-guide-ultimate-z31-z32-guide

12 hours ago, Howl said:

Or should I not care and just get the best maintained and looked after one that I find.

Absolutely! Condition is everything age comes second. We have had owners who have let their emotions get the better of them

when buying a Z32 and have come to regret their impulsiveness. Take your time in your search and don't let your heart rule your head

when viewing a car.

 

17 hours ago, Howl said:

I am currently looking for a Z32 and unsure what year I should be looking at.

Generally later cars have better spec and the kinks ironed out as the production run goes on. I had a look on wikipedia (so it must be correct, right?) about the changes during the production run and nothing seems to jump out at me.

Is there any reason why say a 1994 would be preferable to a 1989? Or should I not care and just get the best maintained and looked after one that I find.

Cheers  

The latter mate.... ?

Buy the best maintained and looked after example you can find - irrespective of year. And don't always think that the latest models are the best specced - with regards equipment, the series two cars (c1994-1997) may be generally better; as Nissan gradually removed the odd bit of "standard" kit in the final years of production, in order to keep the cars keenly priced. That said, there are exceptions to every rule - and J-spec cars can be found with many variations! 

Not letting my heart rule my head. When it comes to cars that’s something I always struggle with! ?

I get too overly excited about something and immediately want to buy it!

But I’ve read these are complex cars and faults are expensive to repair so I do need to be smart about this.

I’ve never driven or even been in on of these before, I don’t suppose anyone fancies showing me about there’s? So I know what to look for and what to expect from a healthy engine? I’m Bucks

I'd say the best spec would be around 93/94 when cars came with most options and velour or leather rather than tweed or leather and you had electric HICAS which replaced the earlier hydraulic system. The tweed is not a nice texture at all. A lot of later cars (97+) came with fewer options so you'd not get cruise control or digital climate control and velour seats went away to make way for a black tweed type material.

 

I prefer the styling of earlier cars personally, but condition is paramount (even if tweed was present).

Edited January 11, 20223 yr by Funkysi

Interesting your black tweed comment Si, that is what was in this new import April 95 car I got, I thought it was tweed but sprayed black, as I never knew it came in black.

I have tweed in my 1989 and its growing on me. Ive always had the leather and Vulgalor options in my previous cars. It is growing on me now....

I have close to seven figures (GBP) invested in 300ZX's, only a small portion of that has been spent on the actual purchase of the cars themselves and my advice to you would be to listen to Andrew G's advice.

£1,000,000? £1 million? Are you sure!?

On 13/01/2022 at 04:29, Toomanyzeds said:

I have close to seven figures (GBP) invested in 300ZX's, only a small portion of that has been spent on the actual purchase of the cars themselves and my advice to you would be to listen to Andrew G's advice.

000

Must be using 3 places to the decimal point !?

 

1000.000

On 12/01/2022 at 08:03, TheRealNips said:

I have tweed in my 1989 and its growing on me. Ive always had the leather and Vulgalor options in my previous cars. It is growing on me now....

Someone's offered me a clean looking 1989 in Bolton in Grey, you like your one? 

Classic.. Six & Seven, easily confused at 5am after a looong night underneath a zed ?

I have zeds for sale that are not listed on ebay or anywhere else if you are interested send me a PM. they need for nothing & are ready to be enjoyed 

On 16/01/2022 at 04:21, Toomanyzeds said:

Classic.. Six & Seven, easily confused at 5am after a looong night underneath a zed ?

I have zeds for sale that are not listed on ebay or anywhere else if you are interested send me a PM. they need for nothing & are ready to be enjoyed 

 

I’ve sent you a message mate