Student - Need all info

[rpnp]

Hey guys, I am currently a medical student and off to get my first car as a gift to myself.
I've looked around for many cars, have asked around, have done extensive research on many forums when I was stuck between a Porsche Boxster, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Honda S2000, Mercedes SLK 350, BMW M3 E46, Audi TT, & now a Nissan 300ZX.

After a-lot of research on many forums I came down to choosing between the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Honda S2000, & Nissan 300ZX. I really wanted the Porsche Boxster & or the BMW M3 E46 but as a student I simply can't afford the maintenance costs if something goes wrong with the porsche boxster & bmw m3 e46 so I started leaning towards the Honda S2000 but these cars simply cost way too much for what their worth because their value is going up, so it is between the Miata MX-5 Miata and Nissan 300ZX.

I'll be very honest and say straight off the bat that I dont know much about cars at all. Literally 0 knowledge.

My ride history:
Sibling's 2009 4 cylinder Nissan Versa & my dad's 2007 6 cylinder Honda Odyssey van & a few months of the Chrysler 350.
I drive both the Nissan & Honda very often.
One huge thing I noticed is just HOW SMOOTH the V6 is in acceleration and I feel like I'm riding on butter. Just one little tap on the accerlator and instant reaction from the engine and your off.

With the 4 cylinder Nissan Versa I feel like the car undergoes load when you hit the accelerator every time till you reach a certain speed and remain in that gear.
Takes a while for it to speed up and it doesn't instantly react when the accelerator is hit.

That's my driving history & due to it I am in love with the 6 cylinder engine compared to 4.
I feel like there is such a MASSIVE difference between the 2 when driven.
On the flip side my 4 cylinder experience is limited to just 1 car so can't be too positive.


I wanted to know the following and any extra information if possible:

1) How comfortable is the Nissan 300ZX on long road trips as I love doing them as long as the car is smooth as butter ..... I simply hate vibrations on long trips.
2) if you have driven the cars I am interested in, can you tell me some differences & which one would benefit me more with my budget and profession/occupation in mind currently?
3) Is the Nissan 300ZX reliable enough to go ahead and buy them with around 100k-150k miles and expect them to last another 100k miles?
4) Is it worth paying around ~$12,500 for the Nissan 300ZX compared to other similar cars out there?
5) One big concern for me was maintenance costs on these vehicles. I found all the German cars were asking near $2000-$4000 on average of maintenance cost a year. While cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata are simply great and very reliable from what I've heard from my extensive research on each of these cars so far & the Miata forums so how is the Nissan 300ZX in that regard (maintenance)?
6) Can you guys give me a insight on the Nissan 300ZX on it's used price, which year to go for and why, what to look out for when checking them, it's yearly maintenance costs, it's reliability, and any other information you think I should know?

If I do go for the Nissan 300ZX I will 100% be going for Manual transmission.

After extensive research:
Let's say you are able to afford the ~$1,000/yr maintenance cost.

Now with that in mind let's say that for around ~$10,000 you've got the following choices & the price cannot be dropped below what's listed below:

1) 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata NC - Grand Touring /w Hardtop convertible - 85k miles - $8,000
2) 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata NC - Grand Touring /w Hardtop convertible - 35k miles - $12,500
3) 2003 BMW M3 E46 - Soft top - 87k miles - $10,000
4) 2004 BMW M3 E46 - Hardtop - 99k miles - $13,000
5) 2006 BMW M3 E46 - Soft top - 81k miles - $13,000
6) 2005 Mercedes SLK 350 - 43k miles - $12,500
7) 2006 Mercedes SLK 350 - 77k miles - $9,200
8) 2006 Mercedes SLK 350 - 35k miles - $15,000
9) 2009 Mercedes SLK 300 - 86k miles - $12,500
10) 2006 Mercedes SLK 280 - 90k miles - $8,000
11) 2006 Mercedes SLK 280 - 52k miles - $11,000
12) 2002 Porsche Boxster S - 53k miles - $10,500
13) 2001 Porsche Boxster S - 45k miles - $11,000
14) 2000 Porsche Boxster S - 80k miles - $7,000
15) 2001 Porsche Boxster S - 62k miles - $8,000
16) 2001 Porsche Boxster S - 26k miles - $12,000
17) 2005 Porsche Boxster Base - 27k miles - $12,000

Which one would you personally go for & why?

I personally ruled out the German cars like I stated earlier but you guys might have a different angle of looking at it for my price range that I may not know of hence I posted some options above.
You'll notice that I haven't added any used price ranges for the Nissan 300ZX because I am not very aware or have not done extensive research on them yet so relying on you guys to help me out to make the right choice.

Greatly appreciate it guys!
Again, I am not that knowledgeable about cars so I hope you can forgive me.

Thanks!

[rpnp]

Let me be very honest with you guys:
The reason why I want to do as much as I can now (despite being a medical student who barely has any time on his hands) is very simple:
1) If you guys know how med education works then you know it for one takes a long time to become a doctor especially if you plan to specialize which I'd like to if I get a good enough scores so we're looking at around 10yrs from now till I'm done everything. This brings me to the age of 35.
2) Usually at the age of 35 you have wife and kids. I am not saying you can't enjoy life or do what you want once you have wife and kids but what I am saying is I'm sure I won't be "me" anymore. Where did I enjoy life? My enjoyment starts after 35 but that enjoyment is going to be family oriented mostly & not just for me.

These are the reasons why I thought: "Hey, I know life is going to keep moving & ill be 35-ish when I'm done, so let me try and have SOME fun at-least till I get there or I MIGHT regret not doing or trying anything in life".

Now, don't get me wrong. I love medicine and I WANT to be a doctor & this is what I personally signed up for but it doesn't mean that I can't try to have some fun along the way.

I hope you can understand where I'm coming from now.

Yes, I don't have much money right now.
Yes, it would break the bank if I got a German car due to their maintenance costs.
Yes, I am looking for something to balance fun, reliable, and min/average maintenance costs

What I'm trying to do is basically FIT AS MUCH "FUN" AS I CAN IN MY BUDGET.

I don't think I will have the same thoughts and enthusiasm as I have now at the age of 35 after I'm done everything. If I do & I got time etc.. then great! I'll do something else but for the next 10 years I don't want them to just FLY by as "study, work, eat, & sleep". In between that "study, work, eat, sleep" one thing is needed for sure which is a "vehicle" & what I'm trying to do is ENJOY that commute so I can tell myself: "Hey, my fun part of the day after helping patients was the ride home and I can't wait to ride the car again tomorrow morning".

Even that SMALL ENJOYMENT of the commute is what I'm looking for because that is all the time I have in medicine while studying.

[centralcoaster33]

If you are 6' tall or less, Miata all the way. Bang for buck it's the winner for fun cars. 300zx is great, but in my following of others, it seems to need a bit of TLC on a regular basis. If you're taller than 6', consider a 240sx. Like the Miata, it's not powerful, but it's light and nimble, making for a lot of fun to drive.

[centralcoaster33]

Don't wait for retirement to have fun, but don't have so much fun that retirement has to wait. IHMO

PS - Welcome to NICO Club!

[rpnp]

I'm only 5'6.
Thanks for the welcome : )

Seems like not many people will read my post because it's too long.
Might shorten it up a bit.

[rgregoryb]

Miata, the 300zx is a maintenance hog and expensive.

[rpnp]

Miata, the 300zx is a maintenance hog and expensive.

The twin turbo one's or all of them?

[grayman_TT]

Both are expensive but the TT will run higher. They are getting to the age that most require a small to major rebuild / refresh. Many shops don't know these cars, unless you live close by a shop that deals with them. And paying for work to be done adds up quick, or you do the work yourself. That can be challenging for some (workspace, lack of tools, knowledge / skill level).

If you are determined to get one, know this... it will probably drain all your funds at one time, or several times.

Not trying to kill your buzz, just want to make sure you are aware.

[rpnp]

Damn, I thought these were really reliable & maintenance free cars even till this day like the Miata NA.

[z.Leinbach]

As a 300zx NA owner, my ladys previous not so care takers were not very nice with the powertrain but with some tlc and good ol diy mechanics life with it is managable as a daily. But if you get a US one. Make sure it has jad a very meticulous owner.. Mine has been a headache but i digress.. I made a tough choice when i got it. It was a 92 3000gt VR-4 (v6 twin turbo awd/aws 2+2) or a 90 nissan 300zx NA 2 seater.. As you can tell what i went with cause im writing this here an not on 3si.org... If you get one as alil fixer upper find a mechanic who has a nack for these cars. Because a few things will need fixing and updating. First year is always the mody expensive with an old 90s jdm legend. But you'd be one of the coolest docs out there!

[rpnp]

As a 300zx NA owner, my ladys previous not so care takers were not very nice with the powertrain but with some tlc and good ol diy mechanics life with it is managable as a daily. But if you get a US one. Make sure it has jad a very meticulous owner.. Mine has been a headache but i digress.. I made a tough choice when i got it. It was a 92 3000gt VR-4 (v6 twin turbo awd/aws 2+2) or a 90 nissan 300zx NA 2 seater.. As you can tell what i went with cause im writing this here an not on 3si.org... If you get one as alil fixer upper find a mechanic who has a nack for these cars. Because a few things will need fixing and updating. First year is always the mody expensive with an old 90s jdm legend. But you'd be one of the coolest docs out there!

Why is it that these cars need a very good owner?
Is it because most people don't go through with it's maintenance properly?
I really need to check up on exactly what to check when buying these cars used on craigslist or something.

[rgregoryb]

There is a article at "Premier Z" about what to look for when buying a 300zx. If someone tells you maintenance has been done but they don't have paperwork to back it up, you must assume it has not been done. Bought my Zed in September 2015, a 1992 2+2 that had been owned by the guy for the last 18 years, always garaged, maintenance done regularly had receipts. Paid 4800.00, I have spent at least 6,000 on it since then getting it up to my standards and just routine maintenance. These cars are getting old, but every time I drive it, it puts a big smile on my face.

[rpnp]

There is a article at "Premier Z" about what to look for when buying a 300zx. If someone tells you maintenance has been done but they don't have paperwork to back it up, you must assume it has not been done. Bought my Zed in September 2015, a 1992 2+2 that had been owned by the guy for the last 18 years, always garaged, maintenance done regularly had receipts. Paid 4800.00, I have spent at least 6,000 on it since then getting it up to my standards and just routine maintenance. These cars are getting old, but every time I drive it, it puts a big smile on my face.

In just 1yr and 6months you had to spent $6,000 to fix things & keep it running on such a well cared for 300ZX or you just added things you liked?

I ask because that's near $4,000/yr.

Can I ask you to give me an example of a GOOD 300ZX you would buy RIGHT NOW using nationwide (all states) option on autotrade.com/cargururs.com/autolist.com/craigslist?

It'll give me a better idea as I would take that example and implement it to how I should be looking for this car.

Thanks!

[rgregoryb]

I had the 120k timing belt service done and a new Nissan a/c compressor installed when I first got it that was over 2k, the timing belt had less than 30k on it but it was 6 years old.1k for paint repair and new front bumper cover. Adjustable camber front and back. Upgraded tires. .PTU went bad, TPS was bad, Replaced mufflers

[rpnp]

I had the 120k timing belt service done and a new Nissan a/c compressor installed when I first got it that was over 2k, the timing belt had less than 30k on it but it was 6 years old.1k for paint repair and new front bumper cover. Adjustable camber front and back. Upgraded tires. .PTU went bad, TPS was bad, Replaced mufflers

So, after all of that what is your average approximate annual maintenance/repair cost for that 300zx?

[z.Leinbach]

After initial purchase of the car would be about 1600 in just parts. Before labour. Which is full timing belt kit with new tensioner(always have replaced) new idler studs crank gear, and full front seals, new spark plugs and boots for the coil packs, phase 2 ptu and a new tps and fuel filter. All worth it. But after that just a couple oil changes. I use liqimoly 5w30 and that all together was 65$ with a filter

[rgregoryb]

I had the 120k timing belt service done and a new Nissan a/c compressor installed when I first got it that was over 2k, the timing belt had less than 30k on it but it was 6 years old.1k for paint repair and new front bumper cover. Adjustable camber front and back. Upgraded tires. .PTU went bad, TPS was bad, Replaced mufflers

So, after all of that what is your average approximate annual maintenance/repair cost for that 300zx?

I would guess about 1k to 1.5k a year now that most of the big things are done ( I am hoping). I am having a oil leak in the intake cam VTC gear and that is going to be about 1k next week.

[rpnp]

So, after all of that what is your average approximate annual maintenance/repair cost for that 300zx?

I would guess about 1k to 1.5k a year now that most of the big things are done ( I am hoping). I am having a oil leak in the intake cam VTC gear and that is going to be about 1k next week.

Is this why I see very little of these cars on the road?
They are simply dead or way to expensive to maintain?

[rgregoryb]

Only about 80k were imported to USA, compared to 500k MGBs, at the time because of the dollar vs yen a 300zx cost as much or more than a Corvette and the Z was light years more advanced than the Corvette and just a better overall car. There weren't that many to start off with and finding someone good to work on them is tough.
I live near Birmingham and there is one guy who can really work on them that I know of, Z1 Motorsports is about 1.5 hours away. I would not use mine as a daily driver I put about 3-4 k a year on it. If I were you, I would find the best one I could and "save it and slowly work on it" and buy a beater Honda or Toyota to daily drive. until you become Doctor rich. Once you drive one you will have to have one. Mine looks like it came off the showroom floor and I get a lot of compliments on it. Yes, it is expensive but it is my therapy and it is cheaper than a psychiatrist. My wife has a terminal illness and it allows me to work on it without leaving home.

[z.Leinbach]

I daily drive my NA. I love it. There isnt that many on the roads because they are either in garages, junk yards or works in progress. But if you get one, getting it reliable is the first step and most expensive. But totally worth it

[Weeston, Taylor]

If it's your first time getting the car, it'll take a little TLC. I just picked my 300zx up at the beginning of the year, and due to being left in a garage, it needs 1500 in work. But I recommend it, you'll love every time you drive it. Even though mine is a NA, I still love it and wouldn't change anything about it.

[rpnp]

If it's your first time getting the car, it'll take a little TLC. I just picked my 300zx up at the beginning of the year, and due to being left in a garage, it needs 1500 in work. But I recommend it, you'll love every time you drive it. Even though mine is a NA, I still love it and wouldn't change anything about it.

I hear that a-lot.
People say "even though it's a NA" etc ...
Why is that? Does it mean something to have a "NA" version?

[rpnp]

I daily drive my NA. I love it. There isnt that many on the roads because they are either in garages, junk yards or works in progress. But if you get one, getting it reliable is the first step and most expensive. But totally worth it

Is it reliable and or "okay" to buy a used one with approx 150k miles?
Do they last?

[rgregoryb]

Mine had 172k when I bought it, I don't see why a well maintained z wouldn't last 300k. I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a long trip. People say it's just a NA , because the twin turbo was/is the beast and the NA is it's mild mannered cousin (although a NA top speed is around 140) Most NAs did not have the dog snot driven out of them.

[rpnp]

Mine had 172k when I bought it, I don't see why a well maintained z wouldn't last 300k. I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a long trip. People say it's just a NA , because the twin turbo was/is the beast and the NA is it's mild mannered cousin (although a NA top speed is around 140) Most NAs did not have the dog snot driven out of them.

Is there a certain year of the 300ZX that would be the most recommended? If so, why?
Any big & good updates on any of the years from 1990-1996?

[z.Leinbach]

If you want a car that's more like a kamikaze plane.. Id get a 90-91 No airbags, seatbelts mounted to the door(wtaf nissan) lol, id aim for like a 93-95. Those had injector updates which are better for ethonal and a diffrent style of valves that werent soft and prone to burning(carbon build up or melting). But i wouldnt go for a 96, they are the red headed step children of the z32 fam due to the switch to obd2

[rpnp]

Sorry, like I said I have 0 idea about cars so I have no idea what OBD2 is & how it's a bad thing to get the 1996 compared to 93-95.

If you don't mind explaining it'll be great!
Also, what about a 1992?
Thanks!

[z.Leinbach]

The obd system means, onboard diagnostic. 90-95 are obd1 which means you have to get alil more personal with it, There is a screw on the side of the computer where flashes will mean what problem code is being thrown, while obd2 is what all us and euro cars have had from atleast 96 to current, where you can plug in a scanner.
Now for our cars, in the change from obd1 to obd2 nissan took the liberty of taking the varible valve timing off of the vg30de/dett engine which is what powers the Zed, this meant a drop in horse powers. No bueno for drivers who enjoy driving.

Now i think a 92 would be good. A nissan 300zx is like a woman in her 20s. 21-26 years old and full of problems brought on from previous care takers.. Little or alot of tlc and she is right as reign

[rgregoryb]

Your best bet will be CarGurus, Auto trader, Classic Cars, even Craigslist . Don't see many of these type of cars in a regular car auction.

[rgregoryb]

Hey Doc, After thinking about this for a while I think your best course of action (because you stated that you know nothing about cars) find a good Z mechanic and get them to screen the cars for you. It might cost a bit but it would pay off in the long run. If you can't find a good mechanic I would probably shy away from a 300zx. Internships. Residency is going to take probably every minute you have.

I would look a a later model 350, 370, Miata, something you don't have to worry about.