You are here: Forums Classic Cars Nissan 300ZX, all models

Nissan 300ZX, all models

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

You are in the Classic Cars Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright

What is this discussion about? Nissan 300ZX, Hatchback

Messages Page 6 of 18 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 18 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#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
#47 of 171 Purchasing a 90 300ZX 5-speed, what to look for? by sjones302 Jan 01, 2003 (7:45 pm)
I am getting ready to purchase a 1990 300ZX 5-speed non-turbo with 133K miles. Seems to be in great condition. Is there anything specific I need to be concerned with? anything that should be checked specifically to this model/year? thanks in advance. I am purchasing from a dealer, not a private owner and they do not have the service history. Carfax has checked out clean.
#48 of 171 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jan 02, 2003 (8:02 am)
Just the usual used car stuff applies.   However, don't rely on CARFAX--the car could indeed have been wrecked or had any number of calamaties done to it, and Carfax will not know about it. Be sure to get a thorough underbody inspection to check for collision damage, and be sure to check ID numbers and title papers for accuracy. CARFAX is helpful but by no means can prevent you from buying a bad car with previous damage. It's a "gross filter" for problems only. Replies to this message: smorici (Aug 22, 2008 12:28 pm)
#49 of 171 Purchasing a 94' 300ZX by maxim49 Jan 06, 2003 (5:04 pm)
Guys, I'm planning on purchasing a 1994 300ZX and I was hoping to get some help from you guys. The asking price is $12K and the car only has 39K miles, which seems a little suspicious to me. First, is there a way I can check if the mileage has been rolled back and if the mileage is correct, is $12K a good deal? Thanks a lot!
#50 of 171 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jan 07, 2003 (1:24 pm)
It's strong money but the miles, if correct, might justify it.   The only way to really prove low miles is to see a pile of consecutively dated service records with the VIN or license # on them; otherwise, you could try CARFAX and see what turns up with that.   Of course, if CARFAX shows 39,000 miles 5-6 years ago and nothing since, that is equally suspicious because the car was laid up for some reason.
#51 of 171 by dgraves1 Jan 08, 2003 (9:52 am)
If you are in California and have the VIN or License number, you can search here for smog test history which will show the mileage at each smog test: http://165.235.17.9/activestns/pubtstqrydo.asp?LB=NO Maybe other states have a similar website.
#52 of 171 Salvaged 300zx? by z_admirer Jan 08, 2003 (11:27 pm)
What do you guys think? Should I get a salvaged 1996 2+2 with 73K miles or a clean 1993 2+2 with 97K miles? (same price) Do you think its too risky buying a salvaged vehicle (not really knowing how badly it was damaged and the other potential problems it might have caused)? Pls help. I've been admiring Zs for a long time and really want to get my first one. Don't know anything about them mechanically, but willing to learn.
#53 of 171 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jan 09, 2003 (8:58 am)
I guess it depends on what kind of damage and what kind of price and what you intend to do with the vehicle. As you know, this salvaged vehicle you buy will always be hard to sell, so you have to buy it cheap, cheap, cheap. If the previous owner has photos or documentation as to the damage, this would be good for you to retain.   There's nothing wrong with a vehicle that has been expertly, professionally repaired except that the car will always have a black mark on it. I personally wouldn't buy a salvage vehicle unless you could steal it for perhaps 50% of value.

Messages Page 6 of 18 1 ... 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ... 18 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Classic Cars Nissan 300ZX, all models