Nissan 300zx

I have looked at them recently but I didn't want to spend any of the Ferrari savings. If I were buying one I would try to find one that is as close to stock as possible and pay more for one that is. There are too many 16 year olds kids that don't have the knowledge or $$$ modify or maintain them properly. Good luck with your search.

 

I could share my limited knowledge on Z's, but your best bet is going here: http://www.300zxforums.com/index.php?


They are a great value for a reasonably fast and reliable (think 350z territory bone stock) and fun grandtourer/sports car. However, if you are looking for a car to work on yourself and enjoy... the cramped engine bay does discourage tinkering. The best advice I can suggest is making sure that it has replaced turbos. They are many times over 10 years old and should be replaced by now. The job is costly and requires pulling the engine so its not something really fun. Best of luck and welcome to the Nissan family!!

 

http://www.twinturbo.net

The non-turbos have a timing belt maintenance every 100k while the twin turbos have a timing belt maintenance every 60k. It involves $350 worth of parts and 6-8 hours worth of labor. I'd find a reputable [Nissan] mechanic to perform this service as the engine is interference by design.

The VG series V-6 used in the 300ZX was Nissan's bread and butter 6 cylinder stateside in the 80's and 90's (the VQ series is Nissan's current bread and butter V-6). IIRC, the X-Terra still uses a SOHC flavor of this engine (however, that will soon change w/ the 05 X-Terra).

If acceleration is not an issue, then I would opt for the non-turbo. It's just simpler w/ less parts. However, if you insist on purchasing a twin turbo, then I would recommend getting a compression test (w/ leakdown) performed as well as the routine ECU diagnostic, PPI, and CarFax.

The only recall that I recall is the power transistor unit on 90 models.

Michael.

 

I sold mine last year after 3 years, it was a twin turbo 2 plus 2 UK model. It was 100% reliable and never gave me any problems apart from the rear diff oil cooler failed two years ago. It was a 1998 model and i put 18s on it with 265 tyres. It was one of the most enjoyable cars i have driven, it was an auto and powerfull with around 280 bhp and would top out at around 160-170 easy.It was fab on sunny days with the roof sections removed, Great car.What an engine, shames alot of more expensive cars including ferraris(engine wise) so quite so smooth .A frend of mine had a standard Jap import 300zx but had to have it unrestricted from 112mph, he sent it to the Z shop and had a reliable 500hp, but his car was manual,he also fitted a Veilside body kit, not my bag but still looked great.

 

You and I see things differently regarding this. A car like that that is 8 to 12 years old (but still desirable) is not going to depreciate anymore. That is the PERFECT car to buy if you are saving for an f-car!

 

Thats a good point, maybe I should start picking these kinds of cars up and flipping them a bit. Sometimes I have a hard time taking my eye off of the ball.

 

Even if you don't make money, you get to enjoy yourself while you're saving. There is a big advantage to NOT buying new cars.

 

A pic of mine. It has a full stillen body kit, new paint, and lots of engine/suspension upgrades. I ran a 13.2 in it and its a great all around car for the price. If you know how to pull a wrench you can do anything in this car pretty much that needs repairing short of swapping out turbos (engine needs pulling) otherwise its relativley straightforward, it just takes longer than with a standard car. If it's the car you want I'd say go for it, but if the car doesnt speak o you I would keep saving for a ferarri. Properly maintained these cars are beasts though.

 

Quick point the last 300xzs were made in 1999. Brand new ones sometimes come on the market, in the uk new ones that come up sell for £20,000 plus. So they are as young or as old as the 355s.

 

http://madfraga.home.comcast.net/z/ info on the car.