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Thanks for the breakdown, great to hear from someone who's done it recently - my estimate was closer to $6000 as well so that's helpful to know. While I'm still interested, I've realised that this will certainly be a more expensive endeavour than I first thought. Unless a really good deal presents itself (unlikely), I'm probably going to hold off until I become a bit more stable with my personal and career circumstances. The amount of money I'd need to drop on a Z that meets my standards is not out of the question, but would certainly mean sacrificing travel and other financial goals. Of course, it's probable that they're only going to become even more sought after with time but that doesn't really affect my decision making process for what I can justify spending today. (Good for current owners though!)

Yeah, I would be uneasy going ahead with a purchase without detailed photos at the very least - I'm glad in that case he's being relatively honest but I've found plenty of examples in searching at similar asking prices with only a handful of photos. I wonder what those are hiding! I'm also pretty green and although a mechanical engineer by training, I'd need (and pay) someone to do a detailed inspection if there was at all any doubt. The white one you posted earlier looks beautiful.

For me it's mostly about the driving experience, look and feel. Not too concerned about the future value and I think I'd be very content with a 280z. I am however not a fan of the larger bumpers, if I picked one up I'd be looking to eventually replace them with smaller ones like the owner of the red 280z on BaT did.

Unfortunately didn't win, the winning bid was a bit over the "hard" limit I set myself last night. My not-so-lucid 4 AM brain was tempted to push it, but after taking into account all of the costs to get it home it probably would've been a bit too expensive. Having said that, I think it was probably a good price for that car, it's super nice! I reckon I have to think more carefully about how much I want one of these because I don't think I'm going to get something I really like for much less! Thanks a bunch for bringing it to my attention though Gav or I may not have even had the opportunity. I really appreciate your offer to help as well! As much as I'd love a project car, at this stage I wouldn't have enough time to commit to it; I'm looking for something that I can spend a bit of time maintaining but drive straight away. I'll keep looking...

Thanks Jeff! The worst part is that I have a flight tomorrow morning and might need to head to the airport super early to make sure I'm not driving when it's scheduled to end!

That 280z looks really nice Gav! To anyone who has imported a vehicle from the US, any preferred shipping companies and/or brokers that you have used or know of? I've started making enquiries with a few groups I found by googling to get a better estimate on costs. Having read through some of the customs website, it does sound like there's a lot that can go wrong. While I'm learning what's required, I still have unresolved simple questions like how to best pay a private seller from the US with minimal risk to both parties.

All really useful perspectives, thanks for sharing your thoughts and gav for the photos and story. I think at this stage my preference would certainly be a local RHD version, but I will keep myself open to imports. It wouldn't be a daily driver, but frequent enough for the convenience to be worth a reasonable uplift in price. The ones I've found currently for sale are a bit too steep for me now though! I'll be patient and cautious.

Thanks for the input, I've driven a little in the US where it didn't take long to adjust, but your comments gilltech around having less visibility by sitting closer to the curb is my main concern! Still, I think I'll keep an eye out for opportunities both LHD and RHD - if I end up purchasing something LHD I'll probably aim to accumulate RHD-specific parts to enable a conversion further down the road. Thanks Rev for the rough estimate on extra cost.

Hi all, First time poster so hopefully this is the most appropriate section, please let me know if not. I'm a huge fan of the 240Z and for a long time have been hoping to one day own one. Only recently have I considered myself to be financially capable of seriously considering it, so naturally I'm starting to look into the market! One thing I've noticed is that there seems to be a larger market in the USA, and though I haven't spent much time understanding the costs of importing vehicles, some of them look great and reasonably priced. Aside from all of the hurdles and risks associated with purchasing something from overseas, I was hoping to hear from anyone with experience owning or driving a left-hand drive vehicle. I'd very much like to own something I can frequently enjoy driving, and am concerned that the inconvenience of LHD would be a deal-breaker. I've obviously got a lot more reading of regulations to do as well, but some early thoughts would be much appreciated! Many thanks