280z for a DD?

[Z31toZ32]

Hey guys, I am mainly on the tt forum, but I have been looking for a DD for quite awhile, as my current Nissan Maxima is slowly rusting to death. I have always liked the earlier generation z’s, as my 84 first got me into them.

Anyway, I am just testing the waters here, but I am considering going to take this for a drive: http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/2541443829.html. I have a few questions though about what I should be looking for. I know of a few things to check out on these cars like any rust at all and a recent valve adjustment, but is there anything else out of the ordinary to look for or ask for when I go take this thing for a drive?

Also, I know these engines are awesome, but how about the rest of the stuff? If I DD this car, can I expect it to work every time? Also, I am in Houston. Guy says the AC works, but should it break, is this something that I would be able to fix on my own, or am I looking at a complicated, expensive fix?

Thanks for your input.

[evildky]

rust rust rust, in thery being a texas car rust won't be an issue but when buying an s30 rust is the number one issue, check the rame rails under the hool for signs of creasing, they should be smoothe fomr the core support to the firewall, any waves or diples indicate it's been hit, also look at the firewall for any creases or wrinkles, again sign of an impact

mechanically, the L6 will last forever, the fuel injection can have age related issues, fuel pumps die, fuel injectors die, injector clips harden and crack, rubber air inlet hoses crack and leak air, not really a big deal but a carb swap is always an option

the trans assuminging it's a 4 speed will last forever unless you put a bunch of power to it, but not having overdrive gets old, if it is a 5 speed the 5th gear fork is prone to beaking, the zx 5 speed is a simple conversion and stronger

the stock wiper motor sucks, the stock headlight wiring sucks, these cars were wired backwards form what we do today, the result is voltage drop and dim lights

all things considered these are fairly simple and easy to work on and most parts are available, but for a DD, I'd drive the z32 and preserve the s30, the s30 has bottomed out on value and it on it's way up, the z32 is continuing to depreciate, although the z32 is much more difficult and expensive to maintainand repair, but also a lot more confortable to sit in traffic and with beter a/c

[SBC 240Z]

like evil said, rust and wiring will be your two biggest enemies. I would check to make sure everything electric works as it should, mainly the lights and wipers since you don't want any problems there. Even something as simple as a turn signal not working can turn into a big deal since the turn signals, hazards, and brake lights are all intertwined in the worst way. Frequently non operational turn signals can turn into a bad hazard switch or a s*** logitech wireles keyboard omg this thing is pissing me off