240z buying advice

[Bolts]

Hey everyone,

 

I've been on this forum long enough to know this is a well asked question, but I'm just after a little direction.

 

Over the last few years, I've seen prices rise for the 240z and since saved incredibly hard to have enough money to compete with the asking prices. 

 

So my question is, with a budget around $23,000, is it unrealistic to think I may find a stock 240z in drivable fair condition? Also, out of interest, how much would a matching numbers 240z be expected to go for? (registered).

 

I understand this is something many people are looking for but thank you in advance for your suggestions.

[oldmates260z]

I think if you can find a 240Z that has not been restored you could get it for sub $20k. Most of these would have matching numbers and there would be 1 or 2 sold a year. Your problem would be finding one as they never get to be advertised, this is why everyone is putting "Wanted" ads on Gumtree.

 

[George]

Your budget and expectations are realistic so you're already ahead of most prospective buyers. Just need patience and perservirence.

 

Keep an eye on the third party car sales thread here (sub to it) and check classifieds daily. I kid you not there are people out there that check classifieds and forums multiple times a day. I was one of them for months prior to purchasing one and I still check out of habit...

 

Good luck.

[PB260Z]

Your budget and expectations are realistic so you're already ahead of most prospective buyers. Just need patience and perservirence.

 

Keep an eye on the third party car sales thread here (sub to it) and check classifieds daily. I kid you not there are people out there that check classifieds and forums multiple times a day. I was one of them for months prior to purchasing one and I still check out of habit...

 

Good luck.

Hi

 

George is spot on, I would add one further comment.

When a suitable car does come up, do not waste time, good cars have been known to sell within hours of being listed for sale.

 

Good luck with the search.

 

Cheers

 

PB

[gav240z]

Do you mind if the steering wheel is on the LH side?

 

I've been actively looking for candidates to import but the last 71 I was looking at was looking really good until I had it independently inspected and found evidence of a front end smash.

 

Here is photos I was sent.

https://plus.google.com/photos/107400787026175995661/albums/6159842276061730017?authkey=CKeMn7OcmI_MQw

 

The guy selling was a massive turkey and deliberately was hiding this info.

 

Here is the indepedent report.

 

The password to the page is: gavindoolan

http://expertautoappraisals.com/1971-datsun-240z/

 

Here is another I was looking at (I think I was emotionally invested in this 1 being an early 240z and originally a 905 red 240z).

https://goo.gl/photos/X3jTgANFS9WdbLXb6

 

This 1 was cheaper as it has some surface rust and probably a bit more in a few places but had been repaired to a "driver" standard. You can see before photos (before rust repair) in the gallery. This was significantly cheaper than the first car above. But more importantly didn't appear to have been in a massive stack at some point. I also felt it was a little more 'honest'. But the fresh repaint was a bit questionable. However the before photos shows it was mostly the dogleg in question.

 

and this 1 I found yesterday on Craigslist

http://saccyclone.imgur.com/

 

But it's already sold...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/5064856926.html

 

Not surprised...

[Bolts]

I think if you can find a 240Z that has not been restored you could get it for sub $20k. Most of these would have matching numbers and there would be 1 or 2 sold a year. Your problem would be finding one as they never get to be advertised, this is why everyone is putting "Wanted" ads on Gumtree.

Cheers oldmates260z. I was thinking matching numbers would be a bonus but my main objective is finding one registered. I've seen heaps of wanted ads on Gumtree, but I'm not sure how much notice people take of those ads. Maybe I'm wrong?

 

Your budget and expectations are realistic so you're already ahead of most prospective buyers. Just need patience and perservirence.

Thanks George. I'm on this forum every moment I can as well as a few others. It's only now that I've been in a position to afford something so once something comes up, I'm on it!

 

Keep an eye on the third party car sales thread here (sub to it) and check classifieds daily. I kid you not there are people out there that check classifieds and forums multiple times a day. I was one of them for months prior to purchasing one and I still check out of habit...

 

Good luck.

Thanks George. I'm on this forum every moment I can as well as a few others. It's only now that I've been in a position to afford something so once something comes up, I'm on it!

 

Hi

 

George is spot on, I would add one further comment.

When a suitable car does come up, do not waste time, good cars have been known to sell within hours of being listed for sale.

 

Good luck with the search.

 

Cheers

 

PB

PB, I've recently missed out, so I'm more vigilant than ever!

 

Do you mind if the steering wheel is on the LH side?

 

I've been actively looking for candidates to import but the last 71 I was looking at was looking really good until I had it independently inspected and found evidence of a front end smash.

 

Here is photos I was sent.

https://plus.google.com/photos/107400787026175995661/albums/6159842276061730017?authkey=CKeMn7OcmI_MQw

 

The guy selling was a massive turkey and deliberately was hiding this info.

 

Here is the indepedent report.

 

The password to the page is: gavindoolan

http://expertautoappraisals.com/1971-datsun-240z/

 

Here is another I was looking at (I think I was emotionally invested in this 1 being an early 240z and originally a 905 red 240z).

https://goo.gl/photos/X3jTgANFS9WdbLXb6

 

This 1 was cheaper as it has some surface rust and probably a bit more in a few places but had been repaired to a "driver" standard. You can see before photos (before rust repair) in the gallery. This was significantly cheaper than the first car above. But more importantly didn't appear to have been in a massive stack at some point. I also felt it was a little more 'honest'. But the fresh repaint was a bit questionable. However the before photos shows it was mostly the dogleg in question.

 

and this 1 I found yesterday on Craigslist

http://saccyclone.imgur.com/

 

But it's already sold...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/5064856926.html

 

Not surprised...

Cheers Gav. Mate that's the worst luck with dodgy sellers. Those cars are good to keep an eye on but ultimately, I'd like a right hand drive.  I've been watching the website, Bring a Trailer ,and there are some great cars on there for a good price. But left hand drive obviously. 

 

I'm thinking that buying overseas may be the next best thing. Say Japan or the UK. I've read up on RHD conversions and to be honest, they look an almost impossible task without blowing a budget.

 

Do you know much about the market in Japan or the UK?

[G]

I would join your local Z club.

A lot of cars change hands in the clubs and they never even see carsales, Gumtree etc.

 

[gav240z]

Cheers Gav. Mate that's the worst luck with dodgy sellers. Those cars are good to keep an eye on but ultimately, I'd like a right hand drive.  I've been watching the website, Bring a Trailer ,and there are some great cars on there for a good price. But left hand drive obviously. 

 

I'm thinking that buying overseas may be the next best thing. Say Japan or the UK. I've read up on RHD conversions and to be honest, they look an almost impossible task without blowing a budget.

 

Do you know much about the market in Japan or the UK?

 

Yeah it's hard enough buying a classic car when you can inspect in person. It's a whole other job when it's on the other side of the world and you're relying on photos and honest sellers. Hence the independent inspection. With the Safari Gold car I was ready to pull out based on the attitude of the seller, but the car looked so good I thought I'd get an independent inspection and maybe purchase via proxy. But then it became obvious he was hiding that front-end damage. I still think it would have been a good car, but not at the price he wanted.

 

In terms of conversion you don't have to convert to RHD with a car of that vintage, so the way I see it you'd import a car and enjoy it and then maybe in a couple of years spring for the conversion. Collect the RHD bits you need etc..

 

My thinking is, it's better to buy a relatively rust free car and spend the money converting it than trying to restore a rust bucket.

 

I wouldn't bother importing from the UK, they didn't get many to start with and they salt their roads in winter which destroys cars quickly. In fact they are importing LHD cars specifically for the reasons I've described above. UK cars are also more expensive given rarity.

 

Japan is sort of the same, impossible to find an early S30z these days without spending big money, in fact the Japanese are paying higher prices than here or the US for their cars. Again they have been importing LHD cars because of a lack of good restoration candidates in Japan. Snow and Salt are an issue in parts of Japan also.

 

You can get later S31's often back-dated to look more like early cars but same as buying a 260z 2 seater coupe here really...

[gav240z]

Good example of a Japanese market car.

 

http://page8.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/h202940386

 

Ouch...

 

I rarely see something complete with minimal rust (that isn't a LHD import).

[oldmates260z]

 

Cheers oldmates260z. I was thinking matching numbers would be a bonus but my main objective is finding one registered. I've seen heaps of wanted ads on Gumtree, but I'm not sure how much notice people take of those ads. Maybe I'm wrong?

Thanks George. I'm on this forum every moment I can as well as a few others. It's only now that I've been in a position to afford something so once something comes up, I'm on it!

 

 

You will get contacted from a advert in Gumtree, I put one in an was contacted by a few people and I know several Zeds unearthed that were never advertised via these ads. This is how you get the barn (shed) finds.

[gilltech]

Yes sometimes by widely advertising it's the only way to unearth that hidden treasure.

The downside is that if you are advertising for something then there is a perception of desperation so you're immediately on the back foot when it comes to negotiating price. So you therefore really need to know your Z stuff & market & be able to talk the talk. Be prepared to walk away if the possible vendor is still expecting you'll pay silly money for his hidden gem, keep looking meanwhile, & you never know he may come back to you later.

Just buy the best one you can find, your budget is realistic IMO.

[Yamahacam]

I was lucky enough to be contacted via a wanted ad for one of my 240k's. The guy in his 40's was selling it after his father pased away few years earlier. He asked me what it was worth and I was honest but was still able to negotiate at point of sale. He was more interested in what I was going to do to it I think. He didn't want to see it butchred or sent to UAE. Wanted ads are hit and miss but you never know. I was at the first search result he had in google.

 

[Bolts]

I would join your local Z club.

A lot of cars change hands in the clubs and they never even see carsales, Gumtree etc.

 

Cheers G. I've been meaning to drop by the monthly meeting with the local Datsun club, but my job hasn't left me in one town for more than a few weeks at a time lately.

 

Yeah it's hard enough buying a classic car when you can inspect in person. It's a whole other job when it's on the other side of the world and you're relying on photos and honest sellers. Hence the independent inspection. With the Safari Gold car I was ready to pull out based on the attitude of the seller, but the car looked so good I thought I'd get an independent inspection and maybe purchase via proxy. But then it became obvious he was hiding that front-end damage. I still think it would have been a good car, but not at the price he wanted.

 

In terms of conversion you don't have to convert to RHD with a car of that vintage, so the way I see it you'd import a car and enjoy it and then maybe in a couple of years spring for the conversion. Collect the RHD bits you need etc..

 

My thinking is, it's better to buy a relatively rust free car and spend the money converting it than trying to restore a rust bucket.

 

I wouldn't bother importing from the UK, they didn't get many to start with and they salt their roads in winter which destroys cars quickly. In fact they are importing LHD cars specifically for the reasons I've described above. UK cars are also more expensive given rarity.

 

Japan is sort of the same, impossible to find an early S30z these days without spending big money, in fact the Japanese are paying higher prices than here or the US for their cars. Again they have been importing LHD cars because of a lack of good restoration candidates in Japan. Snow and Salt are an issue in parts of Japan also.

 

You can get later S31's often back-dated to look more like early cars but same as buying a 260z 2 seater coupe here really...

 

Completely agree Gav. Definitely better to start with a rust free car and spend time converting. Saying that, as much as I really want a 240z right now, I'm happy to wait for the right one. In the meantime I'll keep an eye out on the overseas market and if something comes up that's be hard to resist, then I'll definitely make the enquiries.

 

I hadn't thought about the salt issue from Jap and British cars but that's a real bugger..

 

I may be picking your brain in the near future Gav!

 

Yes sometimes by widely advertising it's the only way to unearth that hidden treasure.

The downside is that if you are advertising for something then there is a perception of desperation so you're immediately on the back foot when it comes to negotiating price. So you therefore really need to know your Z stuff & market & be able to talk the talk. Be prepared to walk away if the possible vendor is still expecting you'll pay silly money for his hidden gem, keep looking meanwhile, & you never know he may come back to you later.

Just buy the best one you can find, your budget is realistic IMO.

 

Cheers Gilltech. I'm glad to hear there's hope in wanted ads. I've just got to think of a way to explain to the possible seller, that I'm not here to chop and sell. It's all about the long term goal of a concourse car.

 

I was lucky enough to be contacted via a wanted ad for one of my 240k's. The guy in his 40's was selling it after his father pased away few years earlier. He asked me what it was worth and I was honest but was still able to negotiate at point of sale. He was more interested in what I was going to do to it I think. He didn't want to see it butchred or sent to UAE. Wanted ads are hit and miss but you never know. I was at the first search result he had in google.

 

 

Thanks Yamahacam. That's a lucky situation you found yourself in!  I'll have to get moving on this wanted add. Cheers for the suggestion mate.

[gilltech]

Yes watch out for rust on Japanese-home-market cars, I've seen some real shockers, wet/cold climate. Ditto UK-new cars, wet/permanently damp/soggy climate & the thin steel on '70s Datsuns.....I wouldn't.

If you're really going the concours-correct route, then converting a LHD car to RHD will defeat the purpose with respect to originality.

Personally I'd bide my time & hunt down a really good Australia-new car, from one of the drier areas if feasible.

You could also look across the Tasman at NZ Zeds. Yes, the NZ climate is wet too but there are a decent number of cars there. You'll have to check their specs though, there's a real mixture of NZ-new, & Zeds from various other markets either brought in by their owners or by dealers of used imports. NZ-new cars should have paperwork going right back to first registration. Check out TradeMe for NZ in lieu of eBay.

 

[gav240z]

I was looking at Craigslist Las Vegas last night, for example this.

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/5054105419.html

 

It looks like a Nevada original car, being in Vegas it's the middle of the desert, not much rust to deal with, just sun-dried and burnt interior's and rubber trims etc.. But all that is cheap to rectify compared with rust repair.

 

The best part? $3,500 USD for a relatively complete car. Try find a car like that here...and what do you know the wheels look similar to my gold car.

 

 

Even looks like it still has the faceplate for the original hitachi head unit. Strip it back, paint it and bob's your tea pot.

[gilltech]

Dunno, doesn't look that great panel-wise. Plus, just because it's in a desert state now doesn't mean it's always been there.

It'll cost that much & more to get it here too. And the car has been seriously cooked by the sun, the whole interior is toast. And LHD.

I think your budget is realistic for a local car, just bide your time & you'll find one.

[gav240z]

To clarify I wasn't say buy this car, just giving an example of what could be out there. I've actually had some issues trying to find a good 240z to import. So it's not for a novice to try. That's for sure...

[oldmates260z]

I can maybe look at this one for you if you like

 

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/new-farm/cars-vans-utes/1972-datsun-240z-coupe/1082903062