Hi all, I came across this site by a google search as I am looking at buying a 300zx TT. I have to say the technical section has given me alot of advice and some good points.

 

My question is is there anything else I should look out for as I am new to the ZED.

 

I have previously owned jap cars but am having a change from my S2 RST.

 

If the sale goes ahead I will become a full subscribed member by the way.

 

Nice Site guys ;)

A few tips:

 

1. Some later models come with air bags, if it has a non standard steering wheel, why was it replaced? It COULD be 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). Just something to keep in mind!

 

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. Again, something to bear in mind. I find its best to assume the worst. lol.

 

4. Check if got full sevice history. If a Jap Import, 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 Jap models dont have alarm/immob so expect to pay for one. 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!

 

I think there are some nice cars for sale on this site. Do a search mate and good luck!

 

Welcome to the club!

 

Col

Buy a UK manual car if you can

I got my car from the trader 'Import-ance'. I very highly recommend them and they have a nice Zed for sale on autotrader and on this site

 

Clicky

Cheers for the advice guys.

 

I am maybe swapping my modded S2 for this car, dont know much about it yet as it is from a private sale and is getting an mot at the moment. I am hoping to view it this week.

 

Dont know if it is a UK model or if it is manual.

 

I have always wanted one but been influenced by the other half to stick with fords lol.

 

Another few things I would like to know is are they really expensive to maintain and what sort of mpg should I expect?

 

Not that this is a problem but would be handy info to know when viewing it so I dont look like a complete fool lol.

 

Cheers again guys

Hazel

:hyper: do ur home work before seing the car...make sure you check EVERYTHING....even the oil, check the around the doors and that there is a even gap all round between the door and wings...you can use a pound coin to check....ask lots of questions even if it sounds silly.

 

Make sure you drive the car...so you get the real feel of it....check that the stearing dont shake especially when braking hard and that it does not pull to one side...give abit of pedal and that turbos kick in.......

 

Check paperwork to the car and that numbers match... check inside electrics..windows,lights..etc..etc..

 

These can average around 18 to 22 miles around town thats is..

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/nissan-300zx-2002737.html

http://www.300zx.org.uk/tech_20.htm

:hyper: do ur home work before seing the car...make sure you check EVERYTHING....even the oil, check the around the doors and that there is a even gap all round between the door and wings...you can use a pound coin to check....ask lots of questions even if it sounds silly.

 

Make sure you drive the car...so you get the real feel of it....check that the stearing dont shake especially when braking hard and that it does not pull to one side...give abit of pedal and that turbos kick in.......

 

Check paperwork to the car and that numbers match... check inside electrics..windows,lights..etc..etc..

 

These can average around 18 to 22 miles around town thats is..

 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/car-reviews/car-and-driving/nissan-300zx-2002737.html

http://www.300zx.org.uk/tech_20.htm

 

Ive been getting about 12mpg around town :cry: Road works everywhere :rant:

 

I get about 25mpg on motorway etc. HTH

ZX Haz, Ive had only Fords for 28 years. Got my Z last week. Ok, nothings gone wrong with it yet but my initial impressions are that these are in a different league to the fast ford stuff. Much better build quality and better materials, and more thought gone into it's design.

Can't see me having another Ford. Seem a bit tin pot now.

( I realise z's are £30k new tho)

Japs take all the best ideas from every other car manufacturer and put them into one car. Jap cars rule! Amen! lol

This is good advice, i never took my mate to see mine and you can see the posts in the wanted section that i have hit a few problems

 

Most of the cars from japan have had some sort of prang, mine was covered up badly and now i am paying for it