Contemplating a 1990 300ZX...

[jaguax]

I've been obsessed with 300ZX's lately, mostly because of their looks but also because of the obscene amount of positive reviews on sites like this and epinions.com and whatnot...

Anyway, I lost a bunch of ebay auctions, including one where I would've won if I had bidded 10 seconds later... I was the high bidder for those last 10 seconds and then the same guy came back and retaliated during the last few seconds.

So I'm wondering if a 1990 model is alright. I'm just a little worried that it's the "first one" that they made. Is it gonna have the most trouble? Be the least solid? etc... Or are they all pretty much the same? Bear in mind I'm going for the NA, simply because I can't afford a turbo, and I need the most reliability I can get because I rack up 80 miles a day just going to college and back. It would be my 2nd car, and my 2nd VG engine, albeit a more powerful VG. (currently driving a 94 max)

I'm not really obsessed with speed either, I do max 10-15 over the highway speed limit, and I drive very calmly so heart stopping acceleration, although nice, is not necessary for me.

I just want a nice looking car that's more fun to drive than my Maxima... Plus it would be the first 5 speed car that I own, so it should be cool.

So how about it, is the 1990 model alright, or should I be aiming towards the newer models?

Also, the VG is pretty much the same as the one in my max, except dual overhead cam and whatnot, correct? So running smoothness should be about the same? My Max is a little rough at idle, like when sitting at a stoplight, you can definitely feel the steering wheel vibrating(only at low RPM, 600-700), I assume it would be the same with the 300ZX engine, right?

Thanks guys.

[nsrZ32]

Welcome to NICO!

Nothing wrong with a 1990 at all. That's what I have and have owned for the past 6ish years. There are minor differences from year to year but the big plus is that the 1990's are the lightest.

I'd look into purchasing a car off of autotrader or checking out our classified section as opposed to ebay.

As for the VG, its quite a different animal than the one in your Max if its a twin turbo Z. But since you're looking at NA's, they're reliable and affordable. Check to make sure maintence is up to date.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[phanatikz32]

if your gonna be putting down 80 miles a day i dont think a z32 is a prime choice for you, at least not to drive to school and back, if you do get a 90 z32 youd better drive your maxima to school cuz as ill as z32s are they are not good on gas. but yea the z is a good car no probs with the 90s at all except you gotta realize that its 17 years old now....

[evildky]

if you're loosing auctions try using a bid sniping servie, I use esnipe, you can have to post your bid at 2 seconds to close, of course thats if your bid is higher than the other bids taht get sniped in at the 2 second mark

[jaguax]

It's probably better on gas than my Maxima with broken exhaust studs. :p

But anyway I'm not getting that one anymore. It's $6600 and climbing, for a '90 with 99k miles. 46 bids! It's completely ridiculous, the previous one that I almost won was a '95 model with about 94k miles and it went for cheaper than this one! (about $6300)...

I think people are just bidding on it because it's black. A black Z must be the holy grail or something...

Damn...

Link for those interested:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...QrdZ1

[evildky]

black is impossible to keep clean and will give you a third degree burn reaching out the window in the summertime, I should know mine is black

a Z32 under 100k is a tough find and worth a bit more, if you're only looking to spend arouns 6300 you're gonna want to look at some that have crossed the 100k mile mark

[jaguax]

Well, the previous one would've been mine if I had bidded 10 seconds later like I said...

Another one I almost had... ended somewhere in the low 6000's, and this one was mint, complete with the TT spoiler and new 350Z wheels. Funny thing is that it was a non-paying bidder and the seller relisted it, so I thought I had another shot at it, but hell no. You wouldn't believe it but it sold somewhere around $8500 this time, the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen happen on ebay. I'll tell you one thing, the seller definitely broke out the champagne after that one.

black is impossible to keep clean and will give you a third degree burn reaching out the window in the summertime, I should know mine is black

a Z32 under 100k is a tough find and worth a bit more, if you're only looking to spend arouns 6300 you're gonna want to look at some that have crossed the 100k mile mark

[brucevee]

Hi,

I have a 1990 300ZX for sale. It needs a ton of detail work, but is basically very solid. The body has been recently restored including new front bumper cover and very nice JDM motor ('94)installed by the previous owner.Has 18"rims & tires (very new). Some of the work it needs is: interior, electrical, and moldings. Car runs well and drives nicely.

The no haggle price is $4500.00 (with Wisconsin title)

If you would be interested you can e-mail me: [email protected]

I can e-mail photos and more detailed info.

Thank you

[brucevee]

Hi,

I have a 1990 300ZX for sale. It needs a ton of detail work, but is basically very solid. The body has been recently restored including new front bumper cover and very nice JDM motor ('94)installed by the previous owner.Has 18"rims & tires (very new). Some of the work it needs is: interior, electrical, and moldings. Car runs well and drives nicely.

The no haggle price is $4500.00 (with Wisconsin title)

If you would be interested you can e-mail me: [email protected]

I can e-mail photos and more detailed info.

Thank you

[Pommy]

Go for it, ive got one recently and after a cut 'n wax, it loks and goes like a dream

[brucevee]

Hi,

I have a 1990 300ZX for sale. It needs a ton of detail work, but is basically very solid. The body has been recently restored including new front bumper cover and very nice JDM motor ('94)installed by the previous owner.Has 18"rims & tires (very new). Some of the work it needs is: interior, electrical, and moldings. Car runs well and drives nicely.

The no haggle price is $4500.00 (with Wisconsin title)

If you would be interested you can e-mail me: [email protected]

I can e-mail photos and more detailed info.

Thank you