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Classic car as a daily driver?

15 messages,  Last post on Jun 14, 2010 at 12:57 PM

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Messages Page 2 of 2

#6 of 15 Re: Classic car as a daily driver? [Mr_Shiftright] by garv214

Jun 10, 2010 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 10, 2010 10:48 am)
As a former 240Z owner, I can tell you that they are very enjoyable cars to own and drive, and pretty decent on a gallon of gas. As was mentioned earlier though, the older cars really do appreciate a covered parking spot and are a bit short on modern safety features.
 
Shifty, what about a 280Z? A bit more modern, a bit cheaper to purchase, and probably just as reliable (just not as much fun as the 240Z) or an early 90's 300Z. My roommate had a 300Z and that car's fun per dollar ratio was very high...

#7 of 15 Re: Classic car as a daily driver? [garv214] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 10, 2010 (12:21 pm)

Replying to: garv214 (Jun 10, 2010 12:18 pm)
I'm not a big fan of the 280Z--I find them heavy, awkward-looking and not all that much fun to drive. The later 300ZXs, the last generation, not the earlier one, is a nice-looking car but it's complex, so one has to be careful before purchasing one.
 
The 240Z is very pure, clean and every inch a "2+2 sports coupe" in the old tradition---straight-6, multiple carbs, not loaded with gee-gaws and fully capable on modern roads.

#8 of 15 Re: Classic car as a daily driver? [Mr_Shiftright] by bbassak

Jun 10, 2010 (12:25 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 10, 2010 12:21 pm)
Great advice so far, thanks guys. Shiftright, I'm right with you, I'd love a nice clean 240z, but the only reasonable ones I can find are in California and I'm on the East Coast.

#9 of 15 Re: Classic car as a daily driver? [bbassak] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 10, 2010 (1:17 pm)

Replying to: bbassak (Jun 10, 2010 12:25 pm)
you can buy on the west coast, if you hire an inspector and/or buy from a reputable consignor. If you see something in an ad, post it here and we'll have a look at it (the ad I mean).

#10 of 15 Re: Classic car as a daily driver? [bbassak] by morin2

Jun 11, 2010 (6:24 am)

Replying to: bbassak (Jun 10, 2010 12:25 pm)
If you're in the Northeast, I'd warn you about rust issues. The 240z's native to New England have long been reduced to rust particles. A nice one taken to New England from the west coast will start rusting soon. Further south, say Baltimore & south, rust is less an issue unless you live where salt water floods roads.
 
It really helps to store the older car in a garage and work on it yourself.

#11 of 15 Re: Classic car as a daily driver? [bbassak] by isellhondas

Jun 13, 2010 (8:57 am)

Replying to: bbassak (Jun 10, 2010 12:25 pm)
I would stay away from the 260Z's. They were a one year only car that the Datsun (Nissan) mechanics just hated. Carb problems I think were the reason for this.

#12 of 15 Re: Classic car as a daily driver? [isellhondas] by euphonium

Jun 13, 2010 (2:16 pm)

Replying to: isellhondas (Jun 13, 2010 8:57 am)
A former neighbor who was very musical and very religious had a 260Z with the automatic. It was the only cause of her swearing one day.

#13 of 15 Re: Classic car as a daily driver? [euphonium] by lemmer

Jun 14, 2010 (12:16 pm)

Replying to: euphonium (Jun 13, 2010 2:16 pm)
Probably a hot start problem. It was enough to drive anyone insane.

#14 of 15 Re: Classic car as a daily driver? [lemmer] by isellhondas

Jun 14, 2010 (12:57 pm)

Replying to: lemmer (Jun 14, 2010 12:16 pm)
I just know the shops hated them.
 
The least desirable Z car would have to be a 260Z 2+2 with an automatic!

Messages Page 2 of 2

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