Thinking about getting a z, have some questions

[79wildcat]

Hey all,

Well, as the title suggests, I'm thinking about purchasing a z. I currently have a Subie outback LL bean, although with two years left on the loan and on account I'm starting grad school in the fall I won't have the funds to pay off the car. SOOO my plan is to sell it and use some of the money to purchase a 300z and use the rest to pay off the loan (hopefully).

I've never owned a Nissan before so I'm not familar with the brand. I've heard mixed reviews about Nissans quality. Though I was under the impression they built a good automobile. At any rate I've found a 1990 300Z (NA) with supposedly 110000 miles on it in VA going for about $4500.

My question to you all here on this forum is what positive and negative feedback can you give me about these cars when they'er up in the miles and age as they are now. A common theme I've read about these cars is that they are expensive to maintain. What exactly on these cars is pricey, and how does the maintanence stack up in comparison to other foreign (Japanese) or dometic products? Again I've never owned a Nissan before and really like the look of the 300. If anyone can provide feedback I'd really appriciate it. Here's a link to the car I'm thinking about

http://www.autotrader.com/deal...62240

Hope this helps

-Tim

[gpelite]

Well first of the Z u have choosen to look at in that link above is automatic, I tend to frown upon the automatics anywhere just to let you know.

Its also the lesser of the Z models, the N/A which is also not as highly reveared as the Twin Turbo.

Really think about the two above, seriously. It will cause a loss of respect among the crusing world because even ricers know about the TT Z and really expect it everytime they see a Z on the streets. You will constantly be getting asked if it is TT, believe me I know. I bought my Z before I knew about the TT model and I got the final stages of my swap going on next summer. It will drain ur enthusiasm, your time, and your pockets.

The Z, sadly, has a matinence price tag when the mileage goes up. Things I replaced when I got my Z, alternator, injectors, battery(eh, sorta a matinence thing), belts, calipers, rotors, shifter with a hefty tag of around 2k. Some of the exhaust components also start to rust, depending on driving habits and enviroment. The work is not easy on the Vg30de either so if you don't know how to get around the engine bay of a Z, then you can expect some pricey time from a mechanic to get at that stuff. Injectors for instance are buried under a hefty intake manifold, underneath that the valves and springs reside, under that pistons n all that good stuff. Takes a lot to label all the bolts and tear it apart to replace something, my point is, more so than most engines.

Also an auto N/A ain't worth 4500 in my opinion, I would try to push em for 4 or lower but thats up to you. Bring up what I told you above, if in fact you still want it at all. If you don't know manual I suggest you learn FAR before you make a purchase to decide between the two transmissions. Of course I grew some major "cojones" and threw my cash down on a manual Z, without having ever driven stick... best decision (or rather gamble) I think I have made.

Good luck anyway, I really hope you take my advice here to heart

[79wildcat]

Hey, thanks for the reply. Yeah, I know it's an auto, I prefer manual myself too. But as for the maintainence and costs associated with that it might be the only thing to make me hesitante about going with the z as I'll be a po' grad student. As far as street cred and what others think I can care less, I'm not wanting to get into a pointless pissing match. But thanks again much appriciated!

[nsrZ32]

NA Z32's aren't bad on maintence. Its the TT's that will kill you.

That car you linked us to is an extremely rare color. If you get the car, don't change it

Feel free to hit me up on AIM if you have any questions.

[evildky]

my TT has over 200k on it and runs great, and have a 183k miles junkyard motor in my racecar which should be good for an 11 second pass now, this is a Nissan board, we're all a bit biased, but how many 10 year old subies have you seen on the road?

[79wildcat]

Plenty, but we're not talking about that. Well called to dealer found out the car was sold. No biggie I can keep looking, maybe find one w/manual.

[Mr. Z]

That car in autotrader wasnt an N/A anyways.....IF you look at the bottom corners of the front fenders you will see slits in the fender......that is for the intercoolers.....Unless the front bumper was switched to the previous owner that car was a TT.......

[evildky]

it's got an N/A vin number and an N/A engine, but yup someone swapped the TT fascia on

[Ch3es3Pl3as3]

I am looking into wanting to get an 300zx as one of my first cars tooI know this may seem like dumb question but 1. are they good cars?2. do they get good on gas?3. good mileage?4. and is there anything else i should know about this type of car?