Wanting To Buy My First Z

[SkylerMacKay]

Hey guys, I'm really new to the forums (literally just made my account).
Pretty glad to be here as people seem to be nice enough and give good advice and such (except for the first thread I saw by accident on google by some Vigorous idiot).

My main question or statement or whatever is: I'm planning on getting my first car, I've only driven auto (sorry to any manny guys out there I know that makes some of you cringe) but I have a good idea on how to drive stick. I want to get a good car that will last me a long time and maybe even take it to the track once and awhile. The first car I was originally looking at was a 2005 Ford Mustang GT but for whatever reason CraigsList postings for them have been skyrocketing. The next ones I looked at were a Mazda RX-8, a Nissan 350z, a Nissan 240sx, and finally the one I think I'm going with; the Nissan 300zx. I like the look of the car a lot though I may add a bodykit for personal preference after I've owned it for awhile (sorry to any hardcore stock body enthusiasts).

I'm currently just picking up my English 12 to graduate by the end of this Summer and I plan on going to BCIT (for anyone who doesn't live in Vancouver Canada or know what I'm talking about, its basically just a trades school where I was wanting to take automotive). The downside is that I know barely anything when it comes to mechanical parts to cars. I know a little, and I'm learning but I'm a pretty big noob right now.

The questions I wanted to ask were: What would be a good price to pay for a 300zx 2+2 (kinda want to lug my friends around once and awhile)? What should I look for when inspecting the car and should I hire an inspector to come with me when I purchase it? Will it be a good starter/ stick learner? Is there anything I should know mechanical-wise about the Z in particular? And basically what tips could you guys give me (if any) to help me out a bit. I'm not going to be one of those guys that chucks trash into the backseats or smokes in the car or beats on it when I get pissed off, I'll take care of it as well as I would if I had my dream super car (though I may race and drift it when I get used to it).

Thanks a lot in advance!

Skye.

[Rogue One]

Welcome to NICO!

[NolimitZ32]

Welcome to NICO bud. Not to be a complete D but all of the questions you are asking have been answered on this forum and others plenty of times so you'll have to do a little searching. The one comment I will make is that you should under no circumstances buy a 20+ year old sports car as an only mode of transportation, this extends not only to the Z32 but pretty much anything you can think off (supra, fd3, fd3s, camaro, mustang, etc.). Almost all of the Z veterans on this forum will tell you the same thing. Not to discourage you from your aspirations of Z ownership or your professional goals but the Z32 is a bit too complicated and costly to upkeep for a fresh out of highschool kid, living on a fresh out of highschool wage to afford. Ask me how I know. . . If you are hell bent on owning a Z32 (which is by all means an awesome car) I would start by reading the "Everything you need to know about your Z32" sticky which should give you enough ammunition to go shopping, from there if you have any specific questions about something you don't understand or a specific car you are looking at I and the rest of us here in the Z32 section will be happy to answer your questions and give you some clear direction with issues. GL

[SkylerMacKay]

Thanks a lot guys! I'll do a bit of hunting around the forums and check the sticky you referred.

[DCaff300ZX]

I totally agree with NoLimit and he covered things well, although I myself will add that the Z32 is really not a good car for a first car so if you are set on a Z32, and no reason not to, be sure to have a DD car already in your possession and THEN if possible you can learn and work on a project Z32.
This will work best because a Z32 that does not need much work and would "last for a long time" is not going to be in your budget range ($6-7K for NA/2+2, $8-10K for TT, the low end pricing for lower mileage cars) so you will need to find a decent refresh project, which fits your plans for further schooling. There you can learn the intricacies of the Z32 and VG30DE and DETT engine, which is not an easy platform to work on or modify nor is the car overall easy to work on compared to many other vehicles.
So as NoLimit advised do some sticky reading and searching on the common Z32 problems and such, also check out the build threads which often deal with many of these same maintenance issues as we do our upgrades.
Good Luck!

[hannman]

^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^^^

A car of this age needs some TLC to keep it tip top (or simply running). If you're on a budget this is probably not the car for you to have as a DD. Not that I want to discourage anyone from owning a Z32. THey ARE great cars and in my experience very reliable. They are however EXPENSIVE to fix. Aftermarket support is not a fraction of what the honda guys have. Since there are fewer options for parts, the prices are high.

Good luck with the hunt

[nexus08]

I agree with those who agree

I'm pretty good with a wrench but not a total gear head. I've been able to do most of my own work, and if it were not for that, she probably would have broke me long ago.

[huntinman13]

I think I am the closest here to your age, So maybe this will help. I'm 19 and think I can give a little advice on at least owning a 300zx as a first car as it was mine 2 years ago. The z32 is a Great first car. But if you really need dependability I agree with the above^^^^ I bought a 90 2+2 5 speed with 140k. Great car but they need a ton of work just to get them back in good running order. Constant Idle problems.Alternator, battery, Suspension, bushings, Tires, Spark plugs, Lots of $$$. I spent close to 2k just on little stuff that had nothing to do with power or looks. Just functionality. All in all I would say get a little Honda or something to DD then pick up a Z32 that needs some work as a Project. I have another Z I bought a few months ago thats the same way. They can be the best cars ever, But when its time to pay for parts(Which happens often) They can really hurt. Hope this helps. ~Jacob~

[evildky]

G35 Coupe, has a backseat, it's pretty much same performance as a TT Z32 but with better brakes, suspension, interior, etc. The 2+2 Z32 is the biggest heaviest of the Z32's with the least amount of power. Every part on the G is going to be about 15 years newer. With the G37's and G50's aging the G prices are starting to fall.