First Real Car

[iiSwiiFFty]

Hey all,

A couple months ago, I bought my first real car. I picked up a '96 2+2 with 142,000 miles for $4,500.
I've been checking out this site for the past month or so and really enjoying the discussion, so plan on seeing me on here quite a bit. First off let me give you some background, and I will post some pictures down below. First of all, I'm intelligent but don't know a lot mechanically about cars. Similar to kcfanboy's recent introduction, my first car was a 94 Probe GT Auto. That car lasted me a solid 6 years, and I've been driving an 02 Taurus since. The hope is to possibly sell that this summer and pick up a Wrangler or similar for the winter here. (Good transition coming) I live in Wisconsin, so I haven't been able to get my car out much since I bought it, and it is currently being stored at my parent's house two hours away where my dad (knows a lot about cars, unlike myself) has been working on it nonstop.

When I can get it out for the season, I fully intend to get involved in the z32 photo game.
I also have been following Mark's go broke thread, and I can tell you for sure I won't be able to do all that.

Updates coming below with what has been done. Looking forward to any helpful input.


More to come.

[iiSwiiFFty]

Replaced the Bose stereo and Bose speakers with my Pioneer head unit and some Polk DB651 6 1/2" speakers.
Got a 5ch amp, but no sub as of yet. The stock speakers were either blown or the head bose unit was totally bad. No big loss either way.

[BlackWidowZ]

I also have been following Mark's go broke thread, and I can tell you for sure I won't be able to do all that.

Ya were in the same boat I can't go broke either. I do have big plans for my ride though.

[iiSwiiFFty]

Replaced the nylon buschings with some new brass buschings and replaced the shifter as well.
The shifter and steering wheel were both pretty worn. I got a new leather wrap for the steering wheel that isn't on yet as well.

[iiSwiiFFty]

This was in the middle of the proper wiring job for the amp. My dad said he never wants to do this again.

[iiSwiiFFty]

Ya were in the same boat I can't go broke either. I do have big plans for my ride though.

I'm doing all the main stuff that I can afford to keep her looking nice and clean and keep her driving well.
It's really hard not to splurge though, especially around tax season

[BlackWidowZ]

This was in the middle of the proper wiring job for the amp. My dad said he never wants to do this again.

Ya man its painful, I'm in the middle of doing mine right now. I'm doing a how-to so hopefully dads don't have to go through this anymore

[iiSwiiFFty]

Here's the old and new exhaust. Noticeable difference in power after installing the catback.

[NolimitZ32]

Wow man what a SUPER CLEAN Z, I'm kind of jealous. Good find especially for 4500. Kind of odd but you're the second new memeber that came from a Probe GT to a Z. WELCOME.

[skywhine]

Kind of odd but you're the second new memeber that came from a Probe GT to a Z. WELCOME.

There must be a correlation to why owners of a ford probe, gt ot not, sell thier probe and purchase a z32...Im going out on a limb here..but...is it possible that the z32 is a better option, maybe more desirable?

We must conduct some sort of research oriented survey.

Sorry i couldnt resist. Welcome and i hope you enjoy your z as much as we do.

[DCaff300ZX]

Wow, really clean looking Z there man- welcome and congrats on what looks to be a pretty nice buy!

[NolimitZ32]

Just saw something and not to s*** in your Cheerios but did you Carfax it? It looks awesome cause it's been repainted. Not trying to put you down by any means just don't want something to happen that you're not ready for.

[BlackWidowZ]

ya obviously repainted. nothing wrong with that if there is no accident and its the original color. people do it all the time. Hell i might get my repainted somday just to fill all the door dings with primer. Luckly my car is black no one will notice if its done right. well actually no one will care if a black car is repainted black lol the will probably know though since it will look so nice,

[NolimitZ32]

That's not the point, when repainting a Z32 especially one that's such a bright color one must think twice about filling in the mustache. Personally I don't like the color matched mustache because the body lines break up the space and to me it doesn't look right. Most Z32 owners as well as paint shops will think twice about doing this as well, but that's neither here nor there. I'm just saying make sure, check out the history is all, like I said not trying to s*** in the OP's Cheerios. And BWZ, bright paint doesn't mean that its OBVIOUSLY repainted, seeing as these are iconic cars I have seen with my own 2 eyes and touched with my two hands multiple Z32s that look this good and this fresh-n-clean with Original paint, hell mine looks almost this good and its on original paint, all it takes is a lot of elbow grease and the right products.

[entrapm3nt]

Looks really clean.. Seems some what over priced to me but you get what you pay for.

[NolimitZ32]

4500 for a clean NA? I wouldnt say overpriced, in fact if I wanted a NA with leather as a DD I would pay extra for the 96 just so I have OBDII to be able to diagnose CELs easier.

[iiSwiiFFty]

: It looks awesome cause it's been repainted.

Yea I got the carfax. It hasnt been in any accidents according to that. It was a one owner texas car until 2009 when it was sold in an auto auction and stored but not registered since. Im guessing there was some hail damage that scratched the paint and they had it repainted. There are some tiny door dings and small dings on the hood. Its barely noticeable but still. Dont worry though, youre not hurting my feelings.

[iiSwiiFFty]

We must conduct some sort of research oriented survey.

I'm going to get right on that.

[Rager]

4500 for a clean NA? I wouldnt say overpriced, in fact if I wanted a NA with leather as a DD I would pay extra for the 96 just so I have OBDII to be able to diagnose CELs easier.

i paid 8500 for my NA . but like what the other person said "you get what you pay for".


alot of new comers lately i have to say.

[iiSwiiFFty]

Rager: thats what the guy paid for this car when he brought it up from texas. And I'll tell you it didnt look this clean when I bought it from him. Could probably turn around right now and make a profit but now why would I want to do that when I can drive this?

[mikey719]

Hahaha, thats funny, I've tried explaining that to my girlfriend, I bought a 2+2 for 1200$. I had like 3 grand for a car, then I came across my semi clean z32 that was givin to the PO by his friend for collateral for a loan, which his friend didn't pay back, so he just wanted the 1200 he loaned his friend. I figured I would use the rest of the money, and make it a project car. The rest of the cash went FAST, I figure if its running good, I could probably double my money pretty quick, now shes constantly telling me to sell it. For some reason she wants me to get a car that I'll let her drive.lol. I think she's just jealous that I spend more time with it. lol

[300ZXttZMAN]

Welcome to NICO! The Z looks super clean!

[BigTDogg (MA)]

That's not the point, when repainting a Z32 especially one that's such a bright color one must think twice about filling in the mustache. Personally I don't like the color matched mustache because the body lines break up the space and to me it doesn't look right. Most Z32 owners as well as paint shops will think twice about doing this as well, but that's neither here nor there. I'm just saying make sure, check out the history is all, like I said not trying to s*** in the OP's Cheerios. And BWZ, bright paint doesn't mean that its OBVIOUSLY repainted, seeing as these are iconic cars I have seen with my own 2 eyes and touched with my two hands multiple Z32s that look this good and this fresh-n-clean with Original paint, hell mine looks almost this good and its on original paint, all it takes is a lot of elbow grease and the right products.

The mustache went away in the 1994 model year, IIRC. 96 definitely did not have it from the factory. I was trying to figure out how you could tell it was repainted, because the mirror triangles appear stock. But the tow hooks are painted.

Welcome new member!! Great looking car!

[Z-owned]

Looks really clean.. Seems some what over priced to me but you get what you pay for.

Why did you steal an image of someone elses car for your sig pic and put your name on it is what i really want to know?

[Rager]

Looks really clean.. Seems some what over priced to me but you get what you pay for.

Why did you steal an image of someone elses car for your sig pic and put your name on it is what i really want to know?

[DCaff300ZX]

Looks really clean.. Seems some what over priced to me but you get what you pay for.

Why did you steal an image of someone elses car for your sig pic and put your name on it is what i really want to know?

Sig Police???

[rusniak]

I am the dudes dad that owns this fine Z32. I liked the fact that the original owners were rich and took immaculate care of the car. The seats were obviously replaced with new OEM seats but the car was as original as the day it came off the line, including the paint (tow hooks have not been repainted, either). All 120K service was performed in the last 4K mi. The suspension is tight, no noises, and the motor is quiet and strong. The car was garaged and babied it's entire life, never beat. The Z32 NA engine will last a lifetime if properly maintained and the transmission and rear-end are bullet proof. Except for some minor dings, the body and undercarriage are in new condition. For the reliability, coolness and fun factor alone, this car was a no brainer at $4500. Added $630 for sound and a cool exhaust and the car is now an even better value.

[NolimitZ32]

The mustache went away in the 1994 model year, IIRC. 96 definitely did not have it from the factory. I was trying to figure out how you could tell it was repainted, because the mirror triangles appear stock. But the tow hooks are painted.

Welcome new member!! Great looking car!

Was not aware about the mustache. NM then I stand corrected.

: It looks awesome cause it's been repainted.

Yea I got the carfax. It hasnt been in any accidents according to that. It was a one owner texas car until 2009 when it was sold in an auto auction and stored but not registered since. Im guessing there was some hail damage that scratched the paint and they had it repainted. There are some tiny door dings and small dings on the hood. Its barely noticeable but still. Dont worry though, youre not hurting my feelings.

Well now that that's sorted I guess all is well!

[BigTDogg (MA)]

I am the dudes dad that owns this fine Z32. I liked the fact that the original owners were rich and took immaculate care of the car. The seats were obviously replaced with new OEM seats but the car was as original as the day it came off the line, including the paint (tow hooks have not been repainted, either).

Welcome to Nico! I think cars are a fantastic bonding experience for fathers and sons. My dad and my brother are planning on restoring his Olds 442 in the coming years now that he's retired. My own son is nuts about cars, but only 2 so I got some time before he's turning wrenches

Unless the tow hooks were a change like the mustache I'm unaware of, then they've been repainted.

My old 1991 below. Notice the tow hooks are black. It's entirely possible Nissan changed their painting practice as a cost reduction (like the t-top air splitters, front stripe paint, removal of the tension rod air guides etc)

[Ace2cool]

The mustache went away in the 1994 model year, IIRC. 96 definitely did not have it from the factory. I was trying to figure out how you could tell it was repainted, because the mirror triangles appear stock. But the tow hooks are painted.

Welcome new member!! Great looking car!

Was not aware about the mustache. NM then I stand corrected.

Nope, you were right. The moustache didn't go away in 94 for sure. Mine still had it. 95 was the year the strip was body colored, so OP's 96 was originally body colored. Good looking out though. The real giveaway is the mirrors, which are still black on OP's car.

OP, clean car. Welcome to NICO. Glad to have you here.