Hey guys, im thinking about getting a 300zx, but the only problem is that there is a power steering hose leak, and the speedometer doesnt work. The guy is selling a 1992 300ZX twin turbo t-top for $6500. I wanted to know how much $$$ it would take to fix those and if the price is fair. I plan on using the car as my DD.
Thanks.
Power steering hose and Speedometer
Re: Power steering hose and Speedometer
power steering hose leak could be... ehhh kinda bad depending. Ask him what kind of fluid he puts in. If he says power steering fluid (it actually takes auto transmission fluid) then you could be springing up leaks everywhere and have a mess on your hands. If it is an isolated leak with correct fluid in it Im not sure I'd worry about it too much. The speedo will probably never work right. I'm going to guess and say it is wrong because of a dials change. If that is the case and he touched the speedo, it will never work right again.
there is plenty to check on a new z, including the 6 "p's" to avoid s*** performance and a recent 60 or 120k maintenance. search away.
there is plenty to check on a new z, including the 6 "p's" to avoid s*** performance and a recent 60 or 120k maintenance. search away.
Re: Power steering hose and Speedometer
oh yeah, it is an automatic not a manual, and he said the RPMs work but the speedometer doesnt work, and the car has 155k miles on it right now.
-
marty1mc
- Posts: 733
- Joined: Sat Jan 16, 2010 1:51 am
- Car: 1990 Nissan 300ZX TT - Z owner since 2003
- Location: Fuquay Varina,NC
Re: Power steering hose and Speedometer
Well, is the odometer working and just not the speedometer? If both aren't, it could be as simple as the speed sensor in the transmission. If the odometer isn't working either, then the odds of it having 155k are low, it will be higher to much higher.
The power steering leak is most likely the high pressure hose. That costs between $70 to $250 depending on where you get it, just for the part. Also, depending on how much it leaks and for how long, the alternator is likely to fail as well (read $235 because you will need to get OEM, Autozone ones don't last).
As was mentioned before, when was the last 120k kit installed? If it was done, there should be a sticker with mileage in the engine compartment. If not, that's another $600 in parts and around $1200 total including labor.
Does he have all maintenance records? With 155k, the turbos have either been replaced or will need to be soon. Turbos can last a very long time with excellent care. But at 155k miles on originals, you are running at the outer edge of reliability for most Z's.
Automatic Z's are actually a good thing. The boost isn't lost each time it shifts. But, again, autos require maintenance to stay healthy. A rebuilt Auto is about $1900 (from Z1) plus shipping and installation. With that you will need a new radiator fluid cooler in order for them to warranty it.
Think through all of this for this car and any Z you look at in the future. You always need to ask questions, so glad you have before you bought a Z.
The power steering leak is most likely the high pressure hose. That costs between $70 to $250 depending on where you get it, just for the part. Also, depending on how much it leaks and for how long, the alternator is likely to fail as well (read $235 because you will need to get OEM, Autozone ones don't last).
As was mentioned before, when was the last 120k kit installed? If it was done, there should be a sticker with mileage in the engine compartment. If not, that's another $600 in parts and around $1200 total including labor.
Does he have all maintenance records? With 155k, the turbos have either been replaced or will need to be soon. Turbos can last a very long time with excellent care. But at 155k miles on originals, you are running at the outer edge of reliability for most Z's.
Automatic Z's are actually a good thing. The boost isn't lost each time it shifts. But, again, autos require maintenance to stay healthy. A rebuilt Auto is about $1900 (from Z1) plus shipping and installation. With that you will need a new radiator fluid cooler in order for them to warranty it.
Think through all of this for this car and any Z you look at in the future. You always need to ask questions, so glad you have before you bought a Z.
Re: Power steering hose and Speedometer
Thanks a lot z31, and marty, im actually pretty serious about getting a 300zx. I just wanted to get all the information before buying the one with the problems, but I found another and he said that he has an upgraded automatic transmission in it. this is the one he had http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_in ... cts_id=935
The price is cheaper too its $4500 and its a 1990. the engine has 85k miles and the car has 130k miles.
The price is cheaper too its $4500 and its a 1990. the engine has 85k miles and the car has 130k miles.