Hello, I need some help

[Takeiuchi]

Long story short, I'm looking at a Datsun 280Z. It has a 5 speed in it. When looking at a car this old, is there anything specific I should be looking for, other than serious rust?

[Perrenial Badass]

Rust is the main problem, but sun damage (interior pretty much) is something to be careful about. Fixing a cracked dash can get expensive quick! Depending on how the previous owner maintained it, mantenance. And suspension too, the springs and bushings are likely original so depending on the mileage they could be quite worn out.

So pretty much like buying any used car, check to see what works, and what needs work. Expect to spend up to twice what you think you'd need for a repair and have fun shopping!

[evildky]

rust rust and more rust, these cars are simple and cheap compared to newer cars, so most mechanical bits are pretty cheap and easy to repair, replace or modify, but rust repair can get real expensive real fast! the engines will last dang near forever and if they tank replacements are readily available and inexpensive and easy to swap

as for common problem on the 75-78 other than rust, cracked dash, again it's a very expensive part, caps can be had for cheap but a dash is $800 if you can find one, the stock engine managment can eb an issue, the injector clips and wires harden and crack, rubber parts ont he air inlets dryrot and carack after 30 odd years of use and fail, the afm can fail and is expensive, as well as the ecu, and the electric fuel pump, but you cna always convert to carbs of stand alone otherwise they are quite simple and still mechanically sound after 40 years if rust hasn't taken hold

[Takeiuchi]

Thanks for the help you guys! Here's hoping that this 280 is okay.