Advice for first time owner

[gtothek]

Hi all,

I've been in love with the 1990's version of the 300ZX since high school, but have never owned one. I'm thinking about taking a plunge, but would like some general advice. I'd like the Z to be somewhat of a project car. I'm a novice mechanic, but would be willing to take the time and effort to learn and improve the car I buy, as this wouldn't be a daily driver.

Is there a certain model year to avoid or to pursue?
What amount of mileage should I be looking for on the car?
Any areas of damage I should avoid when looking to buy the car, that would be unfixable or involve too much $?
Are parts still readily available? What about junkyard diving for parts?
Has anyone had experience buying a Z on ebay or any online sites?

Look forward to your responses! In the meantime, I'll keep dreaming.

[DCaff300ZX]

Welcome!
Quickly,
1. 90 models have smaller brakes and a few other things that can be expensive to repair/repalce, although most models share many of the problems. 1994 and 1995 are the best years, 1996 goes OBD2 and loses variable valve timing (20HP).
2. Best if getting 120K or less, 90 K or less best but more expensive. 120K service is a service item to be sure to have done on any Z32 you purchase.
3. The car is roughly the same threshold for damage as most sports cars.
4. There are quite a few Z32 vendors online, but parts can be scare/pricey in areas with fewer cars. Junkyard diving can be tough because many of the service items are best replaced new as with the age of the car, old parts are worse than old unless brackets and other durable hardware.
5. Avoid ebay like the plague unless you really know what you are buying and can't get it elsewhere. Even then, avoid.

Lastly I'll say that the NA is far easier to work on than a TT, and neither are even close to easy and more like scale 1 to 10, 8.5-9 for NA and 10+ for TT. Engineering for performance is great, but for repair the absolute worst ever and I've worked extensively on both.
Really a car best for enthusiasts and guys who have a lot of knowledge, and don't mind that hard work and cost of parts.

[RubyRed300ZX]

DCaff,
Good reply! Should save that reply. Seems that sort of question gets asked at least 4 times a week on here.

[gtothek]

Thank you for your detailed advice! I appreciate!

[z32loverboy]

Yeah, that just about sums it all up in one giant ball of love/frustration with these cars lol

[z.Leinbach]

^^ 100% agree!! ^^ love/ frustration relationship but when you feel it put you in the seat when doing a second and third gear pull you will fall back in love