Need Opinions

[1dollar240]

I have an oppertunity to pick up an 82 280z for about 1300 bucks. The paint is in very nice condition and the drivetrain is very solid, no leaks, good clutch, 5 spd. No major dents. I know this isnt 240 related but i value your guys' opinions. It was owned by an older man who had his license taken away because of an eye disease. It has been driven weekly, but just around the block to keep it going, for the past few years. I just saw the car tonight- only a drive by- and it looks very clean. Anyone know anything about 280's? It's the non turbo model btw.

[krazy skwerel]

check for rust thats the biggest problem with them. i love them though classic styling and decent power. all around nice cars if not rusted out.

[BadMojo]

Yeah, rust is definitely a HUGE issue on the older Z cars. Check for rust on frame rails, driver and passenger side floor, in the engine bay near the battery tray...I'm sure I've forgotten a few places.

Just remember that what looks like a little bit of surface rust could just be the visible part of some serious rot. If the owner is OK with it, you might want to have a body work guy take a look before you buy.

By all accounts, parts on the older Z's aren't too outrageously expensive and you can find people parting them out online quite a bit (cars that have perished due to rust usually).

I've been looking for a good 280Z for a while now. The other poster had it right. Stylish body with a good engine. Fuel injected inline 6 puts out some decent power, though the 280Z is alot heavier than the older 240Z. Definitely a classic sportscar. I'd buy it if the body is solid.

[Nathan]

I must say, I think they are gorgeous...I think you should get it! but keep your 240 too

[1dollar240]

Thanks for the help guys. i'll definately be keeping the 240 either way, i've put way too much time into my car to just sell it to some punk kid. If i decide to buy the 280, one will be a daily driver and one will be the project- not sure which though.

[bj180sx]

that's cheap, you could part that thing out and make a ton b/c those are getting harder and harder to find.

[MainEvent212]

buy it and sell it to nissan? they're doin that restoration thing arent they?

[BadMojo]

Hmmm...I think the car you were looking at might actually be a 280zx. 1978 was the last year for the 280z. The 280zx lost a good deal of power to the 280z, from 170HP to 145.

Unfortunately, I don't think the 280zx's are particularly collectable right now. I know that the early 240Z's are somewhat popular, along with some of the 280Z's.

Still, it's a really stylish car and probably a fun drive.

[1dollar240]

yes, it is a 280zx, sorry about the typo hp is 140 and torque is 145 for the non turbo, the turbo version puts out somewhere around 180 hp.

[krazy skwerel]

i was wondering that myself i still love the zx though.

[BadMojo]

As a side note, a while back I missed out on a '78 280Z Black Pearl. I still regret it...so, if the car is calling to you and you've got that cash...buy it!