Tempted to buy a 300zx

[SkinnyKibbles]

So driving home from work I saw those small road side dealerships peddling used cars. Well today I saw a 1985 300zx and was shocked since I rarely ever see those except for the two my buddy Brian owns.

I pull in and give it the usual "used car check." Looked under the rear quarter panels for rust/gave them a light tap to check for rust (some did fall out). Put my weight over the suspension points and inspected the frame rails/under body.

Everything seemed solid, minimal rust all around. I spoke to the salesmen and inquired about the car and he told me, "It was owned buy an older couple runs mint. All it needs is a jump start and it will run like a demon."

He charged it for a minuet and what do ya know, it started right up. The engine runs strong (Holy crap a salesmen telling the truth?!?).

Specs:1985 300zx 2x2 150k miles 5-speed Everything works

The salesman wants $1900, but after chatting with him for a few I got him down to $1500. What do you think?

[ZSpecs]

If you like 2+2 go for it. Z31 are fun cars.

My buddy has an 87NA he wants to sell. $2500. Its got a very clean chassis but had a door repaired and a repaired title.

So compared to that, sounds like a decent deal. PLUS they will have to make sure it passes emissions. That's a plus.

[SkinnyKibbles]

Emissions doesn't matter in MA anymore. I believe if your car is 1996 or earlier you're emissions free.

[evildky]

kinda hard to beat a decent running car for $1500! if you keep the timing belt changed these motors will last dang near forever, finding a good chassis seems to be the most challanging and expensive part

[rustydillard]

Trust me, I just bought a Z31 a week and a half or so ago for $1200. The engine is awesome even N/A. I've been screeching my tires around corners and out of parking lots alot... lol. of course mine's a 2 seater so it's a bit lighter. Anyway, I love my car and you'll love that one.

[Perrenial Badass]

If you want one go ahead and grab it up. The 2+2s are "MEH" on looks, but that doesn't stop them from being great as a daily. Just don't think that you are going to sit 4 people in there and go on a road trip. When Nissan decided to call them 2+2s, they really meant "2 passengers plus 2 unlucky bastards". Doesn't flow as well that way though.

I know a guy who has an 85 2 seater with almost 400,000 miles on his motor, bought it like that and romped on it like he wanted it to break. It didn't, though it smoked a bit but still ran pretty good for the mileage and having never been opened up. Couple months ago he parked the car and popped open the engine. The pistons had pieces missing and it still ran fine.

[SkinnyKibbles]

Wow, just shows these engines are bullet proof. I showed the car to my buddy Brian (i'm sure he's on this forum somewhere.) He told me to take my 240sx off the road and use the Z as a daily driver. I'm so tempted GAH!

[hbpignosePA]

while i dont particularly like the z31's nearly as much as other z's (s30's then z32's then even the s130's) are better looking imho id rock one at some point

you see em pop up every now and again but as evil pointed out rust is the main problem to watch out for

[evildky]

rust is an issue with all Z's, Z32 ncluded, but I stil prefer the Z31 over the Z32, I alwasy favored the Z32, then I got one, I'll keep with the Z31's

[BadQ45t]

If all your going to do is drive it daily to get groceries and pick up your friends etc, go for it. The 2+2 is pretty heavy and overall as sort of dogs compared to the 2 seater. That said, if your not worried about getting more power, better handling etc, and you just want a cheaper daily driver that you can fix up cheap, go for it.

Be prepared to do a full timing belt job on the car no matter what.....

[SATAN]

If all your going to do is drive it daily to get groceries and pick up your friends etc, go for it. The 2+2 is pretty heavy and overall as sort of dogs compared to the 2 seater. That said, if your not worried about getting more power, better handling etc, and you just want a cheaper daily driver that you can fix up cheap, go for it.

Be prepared to do a full timing belt job on the car no matter what.....

People build the s*** out of z31's. Turbo, non turbo, 2 seater, 2+2... Doesn't matter. You can do everything to a 2+2 that you can to a 2 seater (cept for like body kits and crap like that).

[evildky]

2+2 is heavier, and therefore ultimately slower, might not be a signifficant amount by most peoples measure but thenths count

[BadQ45t]

But if his goal is big speed I wouldn't recommend an NA, and for sure not a 2+2. I have driven a few 2+2 versions over the years, they are heavier and not as spry as the 2-seater. that was my point.

[SkinnyKibbles]

I let that car pass by, someone beat me to the punch on it. Its fine though, I always say you can find something in better condition you just have to look and be patient.