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Nissan 300ZX, all models

171 messages,  Last post on Sep 22, 2009 at 11:44 AM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan 300ZX, Hatchback

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#37 of 171 Repair costs vs. totaled by jcliffro Sep 08, 2002 (4:37 pm)
It all depends upon the cost. I recently replaced the manual transmission in my 1985 300ZX at $1250 and then took it to a bodyshop and had every parking lot ding or scratch taken out of it. I guess I spent $1750 on it in a month. I don't really care what someone would pay me for it, because to me I have an incredibly beautiful and reliable car that I love. To equal that, I would probably have to spend at least $25,000 and then my insurance would go up. So if you find the ideal Z out there, I say get it and keep it well maintained. That 3.0 liter V-6 is supposed to go forever. But, as per the above notes, avoid the problem areas: don't get a turbo, don't get a 1985-1989 model that has the electronic juke box dash and hold out for one that has been treated with TLC like I have treated mine.
#38 of 171 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Sep 08, 2002 (7:13 pm)
Actually a 1985 300ZX with a bad transmision and parking lot dings and dents is just about totalled at $1,750--that's about what a ZX with those needs is worth.   Now, of course, you've raised the value to what an '85 ZX with a good trans and good body and paint should be worth....around $3.5K-4K.   So in that sense your investment comes back to you at least...a break even move and it makes sense.   But a new engine would cost more than the car is worth and would be a questionable decision.
#39 of 171 Z value by jcliffro Sep 13, 2002 (12:45 pm)
Of course, there is the personal value attributable to the fact that, in my opinion, my 300ZX is one of the best looking cars I have ever seen and its reliability to date is damn near priceless. That is not to say that I would be willing to spend several thousand dollars a year to keep it up, but each year I DON'T spend $25,000 on a new car saves me about $1200 a year in interest I can earn on CDs, lower insurance costs and, of couse, depreciation on a new car. So, I am willing to spend a little to keep this gorgeous hot looking car doing what it was meant to do.
#40 of 171 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Sep 13, 2002 (5:19 pm)
Yes, all true, but the market doesn't look at practical stuff like that. It is driven by supply and demand--how many people want such a car, and how many cars there are for sale. High demand, shortage of cars = higher value / and of course, with low demand it doesn't much matter if there are a lot of a certain car around or not.   Naturally, demand goes up with condition, too, since a nice clean car is more desirable to most people.   This is why with "common but desirable" cars, like say a Miata, there is often a HUGE difference in price between a sharp one and a ratty one; whereas with truly rare cars, the difference in price between say #2 and #3 or #4 isn't so drastic---because you can always say "Okay, but if you don't buy it, where you gonna find another one?"   </market lecture>
#41 of 171 Z value by jcliffro Sep 15, 2002 (5:12 pm)
Yes, and when someone pops up who is looking for a near perfect 1985 Z, can really appreciate the care I have given mine and can assure me he will keep it garaged and otherwise take good care of it, I am sure that I can get a fair price in exchange for it. Until then, I am not going to sell this car to just anyone off the street. It means too much to me to do that. And if the freaking stock market would just start showing some signs of life, maybe I could feel I could afford to get a new car and keep this one forever.
#42 of 171 90' 300ZX automatic transmission issues by ron_m Sep 29, 2002 (5:23 pm)
My 90' model 300ZX's transmission jerks/pops when shifting into automatic 2nd. The problem subsides to some degree after the vehicle has been driven for a while and warms up good. Here's a list of things that have been tried in order to resolve the problem:   -Had the transmission serviced. Fluid and filter change. Didn't really help at all.   -Had a scanner put on it to see if there was a computer/electronics problem that prevented the transmission from knowing when to shift gears. Nothing abnormal was found.   -Had a transmission fluid additive put in. Didn't really help all that much. Maybe a little.   I plan on keeping this vehicle for a long, long time, so I'd really like to get this tranny issue taken care of. What can I try next--short of having the transmission rebuilt? If I have to resort to a complete transmission rebuild, then I'll just have to bite the bullet and come off of the cash to have it done.   Any sound mechanical advice that may save me some bucks will most DEFINITELY be appreciated. I am also in the process of having this Z car painted, including the replacement of all exterior trim pieces, NISSAN emblems, etc. The wheels are going to be powder coated silver. It should look great when it's finished.   Thanks in advance for any tips!   Regards,   R.M.
#43 of 171 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Sep 30, 2002 (10:21 am)
Probably just internal wear causing this. You really have no choice except to try what you tried and then wait for it to deteriorate further.   I'm not sure on your model if there are any linkage adjustments that can be done but this can help that type of car whose shifting is actuated mechanically and with vacuum.   Has the tranny been pressure tested?   Stay away from certain types of additives. These can be harmful, depending on the ingredients; however Redline, etc. makes good products.   This sounds like the type of problem that cannot be fixed out of a can unfortunately.
#44 of 171 Anybody Still Out There? by cebteb Oct 27, 2002 (7:50 pm)
I just stumbled on this site tonight. I hope it hasn't given up the ghost yet.   I have a 1985 300ZX Turbo, black & gold with border stripes. No, not an anniversary edition, those were silver. It has 110K on it and currently just occupies space in my garage. Along with improper storage prep (that's what happens when you get married and get other responsibilities), 2 door dings and a good hood ding, it received a $4K repaint to better than OEM specs back in 1992 (on the insurance company) and only has about 12 months weathering and 15K miles on that paint job.   It also has an elusive electrical short somewhere in the passenger side headlight and the synchros are gone in the 5 speed manual transmission. That started at 60K miles, so I'm less than impressed with the manual transmissions durability. But, I wonder what a rebuild/refurb/replace would cost minimum?   One problematic item I haven't seen addressed here is the adjustable shock absorbers. At $200 a piece plus installation, they are prohibitive to replace, but 3 of 4 of mine are originals, and thou not leaking, they haven't absorbed a shock for the last 30K miles. Does everyone else just give up on the adjustables and buy the fixed type to save money?   BTW, nothing wrong with the post-1984 Turbos if they have been treated properly. In 1985 they finally got the bearing cooling right and with proper cool down, no problem! I haven't had a bit of turbo trouble and I think the engine will go 200K miles. I had a good Nissan shop thoroughly test the engine at 90K and it exceeded all original specs. One of the smoothest V-6s ever built I believe.   I've got the light tan velour interior with standard components. I kept everything working and keep most of the plastic parts replaced when they broke from age embrittlement. Other wear items like the center console cover have been replaced OEM.   Another chronic electrical problem with the 1985 ZXs is the door activated interior lighting. The door switch constantly sticks, always has, so one often doesn't get interior lights.   Well I've been rambling, so I'll sign off and check back to see if anyone still works this site.
#45 of 171 1985 300ZX transmission by jcliffro Nov 01, 2002 (5:18 pm)
I also have a 1985 300ZX (am the original owner), but mine is not a turbo. I agree that the durability of the manual transmission was not the best if mileage alone is considered. Mine started to make noise about 60,000 miles and then totally died around 80,000 miles. But it died back in June at a few months shy of its 17th birthday. This is my first 5-speed car, so perhaps I was tough on it. I really can't complain. I had it replaced with a rebuilt model that my mechanic got from somewhere in Austin (I live in New Orleans). Total cost to me was $1,295.00 and I think I have a one year warranty on it. I don't think that is too bad. The car seems to run fine now. It is always garaged. I do plan to get an Xterra soon and keep the Z as my classic car. I do not think I could stomach selling it. I love it as much today as the day I first drove it home. If you want to call my mechanic and get the name of the guy from whom he got the transmission, let me know.
#46 of 171 Lokking for a 90-96 300Z by jaydoll Nov 05, 2002 (7:40 pm)
Looking for a 90-96 300 Z 5 speed. Any advise from owners? This is my low cost alternative to throwing the big dollars at a new G35 coupe.   Thanks

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