Help on value of a 260z and 280zx for sale

[cjeff]

Hi guys, new to this arena, looking to possibly buy my first zed. There's what looks like a nice 280zx on ebay atm - sorry if the link needs copying for it to work

 

http://tinyurl.com/yhumtl

 

I haven't been to see the car, but it looks like it could be a nice run-a-bout for a while, the question is - what's it worth? $4K, $5K, $8K?

 

Also, for something already modified - there's a 260z on the queensland Z club website with a whole lot of goodies in it. The guy reckon's it owes him about $15k, but is open to offers - however what is it worth? $10K? $12K. I just don't want to pay too much... Hmm, and I realise triple webers chew petrol, but how much petrol? 20L/100km? I'd look to fit air-conditioning to this too - oh how i love air-con!!!

 

http://zcarclubq.org.au/sell.html

 

Maybe there's someone out there that want's to part with there fully restored 240z for the right $$$?

 

I'm based in Sydney ,but in Melbourne this weekend until tuesday for work. The ebay auction for the 280zx ends today, but I don't think it's going to sell today... but don't want to miss out on a good car if it is as it appears.

 

Cheers - Craig

mob 0400 005 584

[dave_hl]

the price for a 280zx can arrange a fair bit from 1k to 6k or more or less depending on condition/mods. sounds like its in decent condition but you can never know until you see and drive it.

im not really sure of the prices of 260's... but they will tend to start at 4 or 5k and go up to 20k dependin on condition. some of the other guys will be able to help you out a little more. i'm bored so i felt like replying... lol.

[gav240z]

Hi Craig,

My first advice with any car particularly a Z is never rush into buying anything.

 

Yes the 280zx on Ebay looks nice, but as Dave said you really need to see it in person. You could be in for a rude suprise, although I do admit from the pics it seems like an honest car.

 

I'd be looking at purchasing the 260z myself, but I prefer the early S30 shape in 2 seater form. I won't get into arguements over what's better and all that. I'm sure there are plenty of threads on the net that cover that.

 

Judging by the pics of the red 260z I'd say it's probably worth $6-$8k

I realise the owner has put alot of money into it (don't we all?). However the modifications are somewhat a personal choice.

 

Those aftermarket seats are not the best. For the street fine, but for track work not really. The dash looks like it has a half cap and I'm never a fan of those.

 

Everything is painted red, me I like chrome and polished metal myself. It's loaded with some goodies like R200 LSD. Tokico's, King Springs & Triple's but the other bits and pieces don't really increase it's value ie: SAAS steering wheels.

 

Of course this is all very subjective to you, you may like these items. To me these items do not increase the value of a Z.

 

My first concern on any Zcar is the body work. This is without a doubt the most expensive item on the car to repair and labour intensive.

 

I don't know the quality of the car's body work and possibly the owner has pictures of the restoration work which would help greatly.

 

Anyway that's my 2cents.

 

*Remember there is always a better car for sales and it's usually right after you just bought your new Z. :wink:

[Toecutter]

Good advice Gav. There are some pretty major differences between a 280ZX, 260Z 2+2, 260Z 2 seater and 240Z. If only 2 seats are a problem then you might want the 280ZX or 260 2+2 as the 240Z and 260Z 2 seater only carry 2 people as they don't have the rear seats.

The 240Z will command best price with the 260 2 seater following closely behind although these days even that gap is closing. Good cars are starting to get hard to find.

Do some research on each before you start making offers on any of these cars to be sure you buy the car you really want. My personal choice is for the 2 seater models however it is a personal preferance.

Don't rush in and use the Classifieds section on this site as we often post cars we come across and you might find if they have enough info in the add they are often criticed by all the hawk eyed Z owners here that could help you ID duds. There is actually one member selling a car, link below;

 

http://www.viczcar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=967

 

Good Luck!

Sulio

[cjeff]

Thanks for the help guys. was planning to go and see the 280ZX when I get back to Sydney on Wednesday, but looks like it did actually sell anyway...

 

Don't really mind about which car as long as it's not a 260 2+2, they just don't quite do it for me.

 

As for another 260Z to look at, this one's here in Melbourne in Ringwood (just down the road from where I'm staying), not so sure on the interior, but what do you guys think of this?

 

http://www.healeyfactory.com.au/productsb/_products_sub_group_details.asp?id=506

 

The best part about this is I can take a look see myself

[JP240z]

i saw this car at the concourse the other week...it definately is an awsome car. The colour scheme of the interior is a little 'out there', but the quality is really something to be noticed.

good luck with it.

[cjeff]

I went and had a look at this car last night through the window. It does look very good, however 2 things stood out to me. The gap between the front of the left hand door and the front left hand guard was > 1cm (the drivers side was only a few mm, very flush), and right/drivers side of the bonnet didn't sit flush with the right hand guard (the bonnet sat slightly higher than the guard on that side).

 

Is it common for restored Z's to not have panel alignment?

 

I couldn't comment on the rear of the car as it was behind the shop window, and couldn't walk around it.

 

Cheers - Craig

[JP240z]

doors could be moved to sit at around 8 mm...or halfway in between.

How much higher did the bonnet sit than the guard, and from what ive seen, its very common for zeds to have alignment issues in the front end.....i suppose they only need one front on crash in their 35 years to unsettle them.

[cjeff]

I took some dodgy phone photos through the shop window last night, you might be able to see the difference in the bonnet from these, but I'm going there now to take a look - i've got my digital this time, so I'll take a couple of more detailed shots then...

[Toecutter]

Bonnets on alot of Z's don't sit right. The latch can be adjusted at the rear to drop it there. Also I've found a good way to adjust the front is to remove the grill and when the bonnet is closed have someone help you put some pressure on the front whilst hinge bolts are loose. When it's sitting right tighten the bolts and it shouldn't go back to sitting in the higher position.

I saw that car at the Nationals. Alot of time spent on it, especially the upholstery if it was the same car. A little to Mexican for me persanlly all those flames and crazy stuff. Would'nt take much to change that though!

[zedevan]

since you dont seem particually keen on one type of zed over another, i guess it comes down to how many seats you're after

 

personally if u was going to spend that much on a datsun right now, i'd be buying this

 

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1973-NISSAN-SKYLINE-GTR-GT-R-C110-KPGC110-DATSUN-240K_W0QQitemZ160061870082QQihZ006QQcategoryZ45571QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

although i guess the back shape kind of looks like a 260z 2+2 so you may not like it, however atleast the rest of the car flows with it

[maddos]

This bloke might still be selling

 

http://home.exetel.com.au/newcastlezeds/forums/index.php?s=d9289e2a4f7611a70713e0d59e74077b&showtopic=1057