New here, Future 300zx Owner ?

[ThatHondaDude]

Hey guys, i just joined a few minutes ago. Basically i love the Z Cars. Im looking to buy one and just give my car to my mom. My car is 98 Civic EX Coupe with 160k Miles. I know its quite a leap but before i go out and save and buy one i just wanna give you some information about me and ask for your guys feedback about the Z Cars.

Im 16 and drive a "beater" 98 Civic EX with a D16y8 making 127 hp to the flywheel. I want something that is a little bit more fun. Ill still probably Daily Drive the Honda, but during the summer drive the Z. I know im only a 16 and that will get haters but i really want this car just because i love jap sports cars. Should i not waste my time on looking for a 300zx and keep the honda or go ahead and chase my dreams? Insurance will probably be through the roof but thats okay. For my age i make good money compared to other people

I have done a little research about the Zs and im looking on craigslist and the TTs are going about 7 - 10k depending on the condition. I have a few questions. Theyre are some original TT, (I can tell by the gas cap, and the Bumper) and then theyre is some that are the NA but swapped with the TT (the 2+2s) but most of them dont have the paperwork. which one is better for insurance cost and reliablity? And also what should i look for that the Zs have common problems for. Most of them have around 80k on the engine. And of course, ill ask about the timing belt.

If you guys could help me out thatd be great. Ill take the hate too.

-Bud Grillz

[z.Leinbach]

as the saying goes, no turbo no problem, but as a NA owner, I'm considering the twin swap but to be done right will take around 6k and hopes and dreams that it's reliable, but don't let that discourage you, but the twin turbo is definitely worth the money especially an original one, honestly since at your age, don't buy someone else's swap unless you have money to immediately fix anything that breaks. I've had my NA since August and have put about a grand, and more to come it fix everything that's wrong with it

[ThatHondaDude]

Thanks, Ill start looking for Original TTs now.

[evildky]

All factory turbo cars have a "C" in the 4th digit fo their vin# as in "JN1CZ". An unmolested stock car will be the most dependable, and a car that isnt a "C Code" will be cheaper to insure but if something happens to the car the insurance company will treat it as an n/a.

[ThatHondaDude]

Evildky, do you think it would be better to get an unmolested TT, for reliability and then suck it up and pay the big a** insurance rate?

[z.Leinbach]

insurance rate shouldnt be to bad, im 23 with some non movin violations, and a speeding ticket and mines 150/m

[ThatHondaDude]

That's not bad at all. One more question. Over the summer when I start looking at some, what would u say the best year is for the Z. And for 100k miles what's a good price for a good condition one and a mint condition one? Thanks a lot guys

[evildky]

Honestly I'd recommend a 350Z over a Z32, a good Z32 will cost you as much as a cheap 350Z, the 350Z being newer helps, the fact that it has fewer proprietary parts and is easier to service along wiht the fact that it's 10 years newer means you spend more time driving a less time doing maintenance. Also no timing belt to replace.TT performance from an n/a Z33, better brakes, better suspension, same crappy VLSD, better stereo, more comfortable. I've owned both, I won't own another Z32.

[z.Leinbach]

350s have timing chain tensioner problems and lifter problems sometimes after 100k, but price wise yes he is correct, but I'd take a Z32 over a Z33 personally, around 8k or 9k for a decent TT

[ThatHondaDude]

Thanks guys, i was looking at some 350zs when i said "i want a new jap car." They are almost the same price for the same condition. When i have the money ill take a look at some cars. Ill look at a good condition z32 and a z33 and see which one i like driving better. When i get it ill post lots of pictures! Which ever one i get though it will be a stick.

[z.Leinbach]

z32 also has a lot more interior room as well, and a smoother ride IMHO