WTB: 280zx or 260z

[itsan]

Hi all,

Newbie here - posting in the hope to find a 260/280 for sale. I don't know a huge amount about these cars - I've just always loved the look of them, and having moved over from UK last year (love it) where they were either rusted beyond repair or prohibitively expensive it now seems that I may stand a better chance or getting one (thanks Australia, much appreciated )

 

This being a bit of an experiment, I'm looking around the $1.5-2.5k price range - therefore form what I can tell my best best would be a 2+2 280zx - if this is unrealistic please let me know. There's a few cheap on ebay at the moment but I'm unsure if they're any good.

 

My plan is for this to be a running restorer so ideally I'd like something with or close to RWC - cosmetics don't need to be up to much, but mechanically needs to be sound. In terms of my experience I've changed oil / filters / plugs etc before but I'm no mechanic, although I'm hoping to learn if I can find a good Z.

In and around the Brisbane area would be good - but if its running and safe I'm happy to fly and drive home - good way to see some more of the country I figure. 

 

Any advice/thoughts/musings would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks for looking

Dan

 

[xa1973]

Hello Mate and welcome

 

A 280zx   

 

As youve said you've already looked on Ebay, there are also other sites to look in, sadly all Z's suffer from rust, it all depends to what degree and what youre prepared to suffer to repair.....

 

$1.5 to 2.5k will buy you a very average 280zx 2+2, generally not registered or RW and doubtfull if youll be driving home in it, but will usually be a reasonable base platform to start with....

 

$5k will be more feasable is you want a good runner you can drive now....

 

Good Luck...

[itsan]

thanks for the reply bud

 

concerning price I suppose the question is if I buy one for $2.5k will I need to drop another $2.5k into it in order to get it up and running - if that's the case its probably better to wait a while and buy something at $5k.

 

local, i've spotted a few cheapies:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270372041059

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180345054231

but I think they will all need substantial amounts of work to get RWC and as I said I want to get driving this thing ASAP - also some of these have done 350,000km 400,000km - is this too much?

 

there is this one - great looking - but I imagine once resprayed the guy will want considerably > $5k - shame I would have bought it before the respray - http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=1466478

 

Am I right in thinking that RWC requires no visible or structural rust? I'm used to the UK equivalent MOT which is most concerned with structural rust.

 

Thanks again

 

[Zedback]

You can take my 280zx for 2.5k without the current engine/gearbox (I'll throw in an engine in unknown condition), or take the lot for $4.5k. 

 

See details here: http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,3722.0.html, lots of work done to it and very, very little needed for roadworthy

 

Cheers,

Mike

[stevo_gj]

concerning price I suppose the question is if I buy one for $2.5k will I need to drop another $2.5k into it in order to get it up and running - if that's the case its probably better to wait a while and buy something at $5k.

 

Hey mate,

 

IMHO you should save up at least $4K to put into your first Z, since you don't sound like you'll be doing the work yourself. The better condition you can buy it in, the better off you'll be.

 

You can take my 280zx for 2.5k without the current engine/gearbox (I'll throw in an engine in unknown condition), or take the lot for $4.5k. 

 

See details here: http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,3722.0.html, lots of work done to it and very, very little needed for roadworthy

 

Cheers,

Mike

 

Mikes 280zx is in very good condition, however considering your circumstances I would have to recommend the $4.5k option and not the $2.5K.

[itsan]

You can take my 280zx for 2.5k without the current engine/gearbox (I'll throw in an engine in unknown condition), or take the lot for $4.5k. 

 

See details here: http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,3722.0.html, lots of work done to it and very, very little needed for roadworthy

 

Cheers,

Mike

 

Hi Mike

I'll certainly bear this in mind - right now the only things putting me off are the colour (sorry) and all the tricked out stuff that's been done to it. As pointed out I'm no mechanic so I have very little idea what any of that stuff even is, nevermind does - my guess, it makes it go like a rocket - I was hoping for something closer to stock to be honest. If I bought yours and took it to the mechanics I'd look like a right dill if I didn't even know what was in my own car.

 

That aside it does look in great condition - I shall see what else comes up and get back to you with my thoughts

 

Either way it looks like I might need to save some more cash or sell some stuff - unless anyone want to do a part trade with camera or computer equipment which I have an abundance of.

 

Thanks all

[dazdog]

Hey,

 

I have a 280zx with rb20 conversion in the for sale section.

I am also located in the brisbane area!

 

http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,4103.0.html

 

 

 

[Bruce]

I found this 280 on the pickles auction website:

http://www.pickles.com.au/damaged/vehicle/CP-07-83-Datsun-280ZX-Coupe-4-Seats/itemid-1-970017996/lotid-0

cheers

Bruce