Looking at one this Saturday. Have looked at all the info on this site and others on what to look for in buying a Z. Anything else I should know? 90 Jap import TT.

All i would say is, dont be dazzled by the looks of the car, if you buy the wrong one it will cost you a packet!, and make sure you take someone with you who has a good knowledge of the car. I would also HPI it before buying to make sure its straight.

Good luck with it m8.

Reciepts for work carried out are a must, don't take his/her word for it.

 

HPI is a must too, but it's an import so the history is depending how long it's been over here!

 

Take someone who lives round your way who is know's there Z from there elbow, ask for help and I'm 100% sure someone will help, there a great bunch on here.

 

Service History, if it's been over here long enough, watch out for those dodgy Japanese SH sheets, I mean who can speak Japanese?

 

As Stu says don't be dazzled by the Z, she will have you signing for it before you realise what you have done!!

 

Check all the gaps around the car (doors, bonnet, boot) make sure they are all correct.

 

Check interior and pedals, wear and tear!! If it says it's only done 50,000 miles and it looks crap inside chances are it's been clocked and done double what is displayed.

 

Take it on a test drive and drive it hard!! The owner/salesperson will not mind this at all if there is nothing wrong.

 

Check the brakes and tyres, infact check everything and leave the engine running while you do, check for blue smoke!!

 

Play with all the toys, Air-Con etc....make sure they all work.

 

Read the write up in the Tech section about a diagnostic check, if you can perform one of these on the Z (you will need to take 10mm spanner and a small flathead screwdriver with you) The owner won't mind as your checking out a purchase!!

 

And above all else, if it don't feel right run for the hills...........

 

 

Matty.

 

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Wise words of wisdom, mate:

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

Cheers for the info. Private sale and got run down on Z from dealer they bought it from. (for what's it worth!) Been shopping for a few months on the net and run across some shady sounding deals. (meet you on the M1 type). This one sounds pretty straight. Cheers again.

Get it inspected. Full service history a must unless an expert can verify it's OK.

 

Think 91/92 onwards are the best.

UK are best for insurance and have leather seats.

 

Auto's are less likely to have a knackered gearbox.

 

Unmodified probably best bet.

Compression Test if possible...

 

Limits: NA 142-187psi, TT 128-171psi, Maxdif 14psi

 

Only way to tell how healthy your engine is to be honest!

 

 

 

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If all else fails buddy, you can buy mine.

 

Check out my rides section

 

 

LUKE DUKESTER

 

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Duke,

 

Problem solved........buy Lukes Z......

 

Top motor!!

 

Top Banana.......it's yellow and looks the muts nuts. More than worth a look mate.

 

 

Matty.

 

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Originally posted by zedster:

If all else fails buddy, you can buy mine.

 

Check out my rides section

 

 

LUKE DUKESTER

 

Yeah and lukes has loads of top spec mods aswell.

All done at TDI i think i remember him telling me.

 

Great advice! How much for Luke's?

Once again cheers for help. Looked at the TT and rough is being mild!!! VIN plate held on by plastic tie wraps and no service history. Rear spoiler and bumper was peeling like a orange. Long way from Cambridge to Gatwick to be disappointed. Day was one as looked at another at Sevenoaks and made the buy. Not a TT but good hsitory and runs like a champ. L1000 worth of stainless steel exhaust just installed and it's quick!! Does any of you guys get over in carrott country (Suffolk) for meets?

 

 

Originally posted by Duke59:

VIN plate held on by plastic tie wraps and no service history.

 

Woah, Duke59, good call. Surely a sign of something illegal or at least very dodgy going on. Don't be disappointed, be relieved.

 

If it happened to me, I might consider reporting this to someone - it doesn't sound pukka and it might be someone's car. But it's not my business.

 

Important point is that you didn't get stiffed.

 

(and if the bloke what tie-wrapped the VIN plate has a legal explanation and is a member of this forum - whoops, sorry)

 

 

Bear in mind that the non turbos seem to have a hell of a lot less gadgets on them (ABS, HICAS (4 wheel steer) and other bits and bobs) If you can stump the insurance then i'd say go for the Twin Turbo, and they are not the lightest of cars to pull around without turbos.

 

B19RKS