$3000 = How Much of a Z31?

[ozzy 79]

G'day,

 

How far does $3,000 go towards a Z31?  I've been looking at online sales sites, and it certainly looks like I'd get a 300zx with $3k... though I've seen some that look pretty decent, and some that look shocking... 

 

Is there any major issues to look out for with them (that I wouldn't already know having owned 2 280's)?  I know the headlights can be an issue...

 

Is the digital dash an accessory worth worrying about?  As I recall, the 280zx version was generally considered cool but buggy and annoying... (ie due to lag between what the dash said you were doing, and what you were actually doing)

 

Cheers

 

ozzy

[bullzed]

Leaky injectors causing engine fires, wiring running along the top of the head also causing fires, star wars dash is good, not buggy.

 

VG30's are horrible to work on, no room around them WHATSOEVER (well at least compared to an L series). $3k will get you a decent one but everyone wants too much for them nowadays. I was chasing one as well but people want too much.

[ozzy 79]

Thanks for the reply

 

Ahh... Reminds me - I saw a cream Anniversary badged Z31 in about 2004 in Darwin, that was going very cheap... The salesman admitted it had had an engine fire... "Nothing to worry about though, just needs - " something or other done to stop it happening again...

 

Glad to hear the digi dash is ok.  Always wanted to get one for the 280zx... This may be the better option.

 

I've seen a few sub $2k on Gumtree, but they certainly would need some work to even keep them on the road... I want something that I can drive straight away, so hoping the $3k mark will hit the spot - on the right day.

[Lynton]

My experience with z31's is to pay at least $4 - $5k and with a road worthy and although a very heavy car with a turbo model they still get up and boogie, auto's can be expensive to repair, and they need cam belt change every 100,000kms and can destroy an engine if they break. Many of their problems are vacuum lines and sensors, lift the carpet in the hatch and insulation look for rust and rusty cable for hatch release, worn steering rack and what others have already said the 88' & 89' Californian are the nicest body but leather interiors are usually past their use by date.lynton

 

 

 

 

[dat2kman]

If suspected head problem, water leaking, oil consumption high,ie head gasket replacement, and you wouldnt do one, just to have the other let go,

Expext an $8000 approx repair bill

Whole front subframe with engine has to drop out from underneath.

 

[MATTY]

saw this old girl on ebay...... looks reasonably good and reads pretty well, but looks can be deceiving.

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1984-Nissan-300ZX-/190813713584?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item2c6d6234b0

 

is a NA though but it is a manual.

[zzzzed]

If suspected head problem, water leaking, oil consumption high,ie head gasket replacement, and you wouldnt do one, just to have the other let go,

Expext an $8000 approx repair bill

Whole front subframe with engine has to drop out from underneath.

 

  they aren't quite that hard to work on. I removed both the heads on my old z31 while the engine was still in the car. There is quite a bit of room once all the piping is removed

[260Coupe]

The old adage applies .............you get what you pay for

 

I recently sold my Z31 S2 manual turbo, excellent cond with no rust (yes garaged all its life and only 145km on the clock)......as part of preventative maintenance I'd replaced all injectors and wiring harness connectors(all geniune sourced from the US) new cooling system, springs and Koni sport shocks, new genuine clutch  and fresh tyres.......nothing to spend except for aircon regas (sold with replacement condensor to replace pin holed orginal). Original paint in excellent cond with no previous accident damage.............the Zed drove beatifully and sold for a bargain at $6700.

So yes whilst some may say $3k should buy a good one........but what is your definition of a good one .?

 

Al.

[gav240z]

What Alan said, couldn't agree more. When it comes to any old performance car it's worth spending a bit more for something like that, than spending less and thinking you'll fix it for cheap.

[nizm0zed]

'fix it for cheap'

 

An oxymoron amongst all car people....

[stevofoxono]

My z31 caught fire april fools day a few years back lol. leaky injectors

 

if i could get my hands on a 2  or another 4 seater i'd throw a l28 in it. much more reliable and non flamable..

[gav240z]

My z31 caught fire april fools day a few years back lol. leaky injectors

 

if i could get my hands on a 2  or another 4 seater i'd throw a l28 in it. much more reliable and non flamable..

 

What about an RB20? 200ZR style? Or for that matter RB30T. I was looking at prices on carsales.com.au today and agree many are overpriced considering...

[Gordo]

It's a good thread this on guys, must admit I can remember when the 300zx first came out. I loved them. As for now they are starting to grow on me. I idea of putting in a l28 would be kinda cool with triples. Would this work with all the electronics etc.

[zzzzed]

Wouldn't be a problem. You could do away with the ecu altogether. I don't think it would pass road worthy though

[Gordo]

Yes that's a good point. All the emissions would need to be meet for the year of manufacture. So that would eliminate the triples.

[ozzy 79]

Thanks for the ongoing replies

 

stevofoxono, ouch!  And what a day for it...  I am getting the impression that I'll need to make sure my fire extinguisher is on hand if/when I get a Z31!

 

Ideally down the track I hope to have more money to buy something in true "good" condition... But within the next 6 months we need to have a 2nd car, and whilst my wife wants that to be a late 90's trusty though cheap runabout, I very much want to return to being a Zed owner...

[Ben]

Not sure that an RB30 would fit - they are taller than the 20/25/26

 

Always liked the Z31, nearly bought one before I got the 240Z - '89 Californian, leather, turbo and $21k !!!

 

Back in 1995 that is...

[pauls]

Interesting comments... Hard to work on, have to drop the motor, catch on fire..

Hasn't anyone heard of maintenance?

I've owned a number of z31's from a hardtop 84 import to an 88 Cali.

While not cheap to maintain, Never had issues as they were always maintained properly.

The V is a bit tight but nothing compared to a z32 or other cars.

I'm seeing them sell for around the 4-5k mark for a good one.

Some ask much more, but the reality is there isn't great demand which reflects final sale price.

One of our members was selling a clean Cali for 3k. Seems like a damn bargain! Not sure if he sold it tho.

http://www.zdriver.com.au/index.php/topic/161-cheap-price-for-300zx/

 

[gav240z]

Interesting comments... Hard to work on, have to drop the motor, catch on fire..

Hasn't anyone heard of maintenance?

 

haha, most people's definition of maintenance is oil and filter change, maybe a fuel filter.... That's the problem with cars like this people don't take care of them because they don't know how or they don't take it to a competent workshop. Hence you have problems.

 

I think the key is to buy an enthusiast owned car with documented history. You shouldn't have issues then.

 

They are harder to work on than an S30Z though, no doubt.