Hi Guys,

 

I'm new to the site as I'm looking to buy a 1991 300zx twin turbo and that is where my problem begins!!!

 

I don't really know anything about the cars except they look awesome and go like stink.......I want one!

 

I understand that there is a few things that could be wrong with the car that aren't obvious unless you know what you are looking for, I have found a car and was wondering if there anyone near Farnham in Surrey that could come and have a look at it with me?

 

Please call me on my mobile if you can help 07789 075197.

 

Andy

There is a buyers guid in the FAQ area mate. best to print it and take it with you.

 

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

Hi Andy,

 

im in the market in looking for a 300ZX TT.

 

So far, here is what I have found out:

 

1. From 1992 they came with air bags. If you're looking for a model 1992 onwards and has a non standard steering wheel, why was it replaced. Probably because its had a prang and its cheaper to put a non standard wheel rather than the original (costs about £700 I think with airbag).

 

2. Check for cracks in body kit bumpers

 

3. If got body kit, it may have been done as often cheaper to put bodykit on rather than original bumpers if involved in a prang

 

4. Check if got full sevice history. Do note it will all be in Japanese and wont mean much. I believe the years are different so you must add 88 to it. For example, they have something like 18/05/01, which is the same as 2006 May 01 (18+88=106, which is 2006). I think I got this right.

 

5. Most models dont have alarm/immob so expect to pay for one. I will be! Oh yeah, Japanese radio works in different frequency, so you might not get all FM radios. But who cares about the radio! ;)

 

6. If got all the mods i.e. boost controller and so on. It may have been thrashed so take out for a spin and check if a lot of smoke is coming out of exhausts afterwards. If a lot then the turbos could be on there way out. All this is in the buyers guide above

 

7. 4th gear is the normally the worst gear as has the weakest syncro, see check!

 

8. When starting the car, make sure its from a cold start. If not, perhaps the owner has something to hide!

 

9. If the car is wet and it hasnt been raining, why is it wet. Perhaps the owner is covering up paint work damage!

 

10. If bought from an auction, check auction certificate for both interior and exterior grades.

 

Apart from that, just check all around the car and under the car for rust or evidence of damage.

 

I would strongly recommend getting an RAC or Dekkra 166 check car examination. Costs about £300. They check everything from the turbos, brakes, gearbox, wheels, bodywork, interior - even the radio!

 

This is what i'll be doing but only when I think I have found the one!

 

It's far better spending £300 than £3000 and having to spend another £2k in fixing her!

 

Hope this helps!

 

Col

Hi Andy,

 

im in the market in looking for a 300ZX TT.

 

So far, here is what I have found out:

 

1. From 1992 they came with air bags. If you're looking for a model 1992 onwards and has a non standard steering wheel, why was it replaced. Probably because its had a prang and its cheaper to put a non standard wheel rather than the original (costs about £700 I think with airbag).

 

2. Check for cracks in body kit bumpers

 

3. If got body kit, it may have been done as often cheaper to put bodykit on rather than original bumpers if involved in a prang

 

4. Check if got full sevice history. Do note it will all be in Japanese and wont mean much. I believe the years are different so you must add 88 to it. For example, they have something like 18/05/01, which is the same as 2006 May 01 (18+88=106, which is 2006). I think I got this right.

 

5. Most models dont have alarm/immob so expect to pay for one. I will be! Oh yeah, Japanese radio works in different frequency, so you might not get all FM radios. But who cares about the radio! ;)

 

6. If got all the mods i.e. boost controller and so on. It may have been thrashed so take out for a spin and check if a lot of smoke is coming out of exhausts afterwards. If a lot then the turbos could be on there way out. All this is in the buyers guide above

 

7. 4th gear is the normally the worst gear as has the weakest syncro, see check!

 

8. When starting the car, make sure its from a cold start. If not, perhaps the owner has something to hide!

 

9. If the car is wet and it hasnt been raining, why is it wet. Perhaps the owner is covering up paint work damage!

 

10. If bought from an auction, check auction certificate for both interior and exterior grades.

 

Apart from that, just check all around the car and under the car for rust or evidence of damage.

 

I would strongly recommend getting an RAC or Dekkra 166 check car examination. Costs about £300. They check everything from the turbos, brakes, gearbox, wheels, bodywork, interior - even the radio!

 

This is what i'll be doing but only when I think I have found the one!

 

It's far better spending £300 than £3000 and having to spend another £2k in fixing her!

 

Hope this helps!

 

Col

 

Some good advice, although Airbags were only optional after 92, and a rare option and I would'nt worry too much about Differnet steering wheels and Bodykits, these are very popular upgrades on the 300zx and does not nessarily mean its been in an accident.

Some good advice, although Airbags were only optional after 92, and a rare option and I would'nt worry too much about Differnet steering wheels and Bodykits, these are very popular upgrades on the 300zx and does not nessarily mean its been in an accident.

 

and forget about getting it looked at by AA/ RAC etc - they haven't got a clue! And if they've told you they'll look at the turbos, they're lying!

My friend got an RAC check on his Evo 6 and said he got a fantastic report. The RAC inspector found scratches on the glass that my friend didnt notice (the garage repaired this for free when they found out), they also said the brake discs were warped and would need replacing soon. 6 months later, yep he had to have them replaced.

 

I would still recommend getting an inspection done. I've had all good reports for those that have had them done.

However, it is true that they take nothing apart so they cannot really check the turbos from a mechincal point of view. They can only check the boost readings, to make sure the turbos are pulling hard. They will also check for smoke coming out of the exhausts, check for leaks and pressure problems etc. The normal checks related to turbo problems!

Cheers everyone, it's being mot'd on Weds and then i'm going to check it over with a mechanic from my mates garage. Also Ryan from ztech said he'd be happy to spend 30minutes on the phone to talk me through checking it over.......what a legend!

 

Also I'm looking for some nice deep dish rims to go on the car if I buy it, any suggestions? I saw some sweet Sportec rims on a porsche 911 but I don't know if they would fit a z or where to get them from?

 

Thanks again.

 

Andy

You wont go wrong with Ryan's advice :cool:

 

Good luck

 

Pete