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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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#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.
#54 of 171 Strange smell from the A/C of my 85 300ZX GLL by alarmpro Jan 22, 2003 (7:40 pm)
I am the original owner of a Midnight Blue 85 300ZX-GLL. It has 86,000 miles and over the last 18 years I have done all kinds of repairs, but recently the A/C compressor failed and now there is a foul odor coming from the air vents. I've cleaned the blower but the smell is worstening. The car needs minor seat repairs, door gaskets, and A/C repairs. I want to keep this car, any suggestions. Also, does anyone know a great ZX specialist in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale FL. area? Thanks, Lee in Miami
#55 of 171 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jan 23, 2003 (8:02 am)
Yeah, there's some crud growing in the vent system no doubt. An a/c specialist should know how to treat this. It's a persistent problem, even on much newer cars. I think your climate has a lot to do with it.
#56 of 171 Datsun 280ZX by phillatio Feb 06, 2003 (7:04 pm)
Mr. Shiftright, I'm looking for guidance in my purchase of an '83 280ZX. It's a good looking two-tone blue and black coupe. The body looks sound but it's in the shop for a fuel pump problem. The dealer says that the mileage is an assumed 114,000. That kind of scared me when he said "assumed". I know you can't trust these small dealerships, but the car looks great for being 20 years old. My question is regarding any common problems known with these cars. Can you tell me what I should look for when test driving it? I realize anything could go wrong with old cars, but it's hard to find good info on these classics. Thank You.
#57 of 171 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Feb 06, 2003 (9:18 pm)
Oh, I'm no expert on 280Zs but I do know they are better than the 260s....I would think that any car this age that passes a full mechanical inspection has already had the bugs worked out.   My main concern with anyone buying a 280ZX is not to pay too much for it, and don't work under the optimistic assumption that it will be worth money as a collectible. This doesn't seem to be the case.   Asll the better for you, as you can get yourself a nice fun ride for not a lot of money.   Another consideration on buying old Japanese cars is that there is not much of an aftermarket on some pieces, like trim parts, body panels, etc. So if you buy an older japanese car with serious cosmetic issues, you could have a hell of a time correcting those at any reasonable cost.
#58 of 171 280Z and 280ZX are two different animals by jaserb Feb 07, 2003 (8:00 am)
The Z is a bit more spartan, while the ZX tends to be dolled up with PW, Leather, sunroof, power steering, etc. and has a softer suspension. Very few (if any) body panels can be swapped between the 280Z and 280ZX. The 240z, 260z and 280z are all the same body style with some minor differences. The drivetrain is almost identical between the 280Z and ZX, except for the availability of a turbo in the '81-'83 ZXs. The power goodies on the ZX are no better or worse than any other 20 year old car, so make sure everything works. The inline 6 engine is very durable and the FI is pretty good as well. Check it out thoroughly for any rust or body damage. You can get just about any part for any Z at www.motorsportauto.com in Orange, CA. There may be others I don't know about, since I sold my Z several years ago. Let us know what happens, and good luck!   -Jason
#59 of 171 280ZX, 300ZX by argent Feb 07, 2003 (10:32 am)
One thing a friend of mine who had a normally aspirated 280ZX found out the hard way is that some of them -- especially the 280ZX, but possibly some of the early 300ZXs as well -- had problems with totally inadequate stock radiators. I think there were two different types of radiators used, and one was a serious lemon. He also had problems with the fan clutch, apparently common too, which didn't help, but he heard that a good aftermarket radiator (evidently quite common...there are lots of Z specialists) was a good investment.

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