General Chat
Q:
Hey all, first time post here. I need some advice, and I figure this is the best place to get it from. I'm a 19 year old male in the US Army. I'm also looking to get my first car soon. I've always liked Z cars, but I've always had trouble getting reliable info about them.
In my first car I'm looking for something fun but with a certain amount of practicallity (aka enough room for my duffel bag when I need it). I'm not looking for anything really extreme. As long as its fun to drive, RWD, and manual I'll be happy. So would an old Z car be for me? Or do I need to set my sights much lower? Thanks in advance!
PV2 Drewsifer
A:
I drove my '73 from McChord AFB, WA to Altus OK with all my uniform equipment. Beleive it or not the older cars still have alot of cargo space and they are reliable if your willing to get your hands dirty and keep them that way. All the cars are getting to the point of being aged so whether you get a 240z or a 300zx, expect to be doing maintenance or paying somebody to do it.
'73 Turbo, not much stock. Sold now... :-(
A:
My 280ZX made me a great first car, fun to drive, pretty comofortable, t-tops, big hatch area, and it was super reliable. My second car was a 280Z, not quite as roomy inside, not quite as comfortable, no t-tops, less creature comforts but it was a blast to drive. The 280Z wasnt quite as easy to live with as the 280ZX due to it's size. I now have a 240Z, no creature comforts, takes forever to warm up and go on a cold day(carbs), but it is by far the funnest to drive. The 240Z is a warm weather only car for me, had to buy a second car to drive when it started getting cold.
Recently picked up an 86 300ZX, feels much bigger than the 280ZX, it has t-tops, its comfortable, power everything, and the hatch area is even bigger than my 280ZXs. It's not fast but it's much funner to drive than my stupid FWD Eagle Talon.
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Justin T
72 240Z L28, 5-speed
77 280Z 5-speed (t-boned 8-25-04)
80 280ZX automatic(retired)
A:
Pretty much any Z has the room you need. As long as its in good shape, or brought back into shape, they are reliable and fun. I've never been stranded in a Z, no matter what the circumstances. They are good cars, anything except for the Twin Turbo would be a good first car. As an added bonus people generally consider a Z cooler than a Mustang or Camaro they also think they're faster too. A Z is my first car and I've never regretted that decision (although I've learned colorful new phrases working on her).
'60 Chevrolet Apache 10 235cid Stovebolt 6
'79 N/A MT (My Dad's but I drive it)
'81 Turbo (Mine)
FSM: $60
Shop Manual: $20
Reading the manual: Priceless
A:
"but I've always had trouble getting reliable info about them"
well, they are old cars so they are in all conditions of repair/disrepair. if it's in great shape a 280z will set you back $5-8K. that would be the way to go since you don't have time and location to work on a "project" car for $600.
room? plenty for 2 and luggage. i like my 2 seat zx since it's the old style but huge gas tank and larger cargo area and more modern lights and heat/ac system.
good luck!
79 280ZX -The best selling sports car of all time
A:
The old Z cars are relatively easy to work on. Where are you stationed? If you are going to buy a car near where you are stationed, that will affect the price a lot. East Coast cars tend to be more expensive despite tending to have more rust.
Before you buy, read through posts in the tech section to get some ideas of common problems. Also look at Carl Beck's webpage for some good information on what to look for in buying a Z. If you do buy an old Z, you should look into getting a factory service manual (FSM). They are available on CD from Courtesy Nissan, or you will see them from time to time on eBay or in the classifieds here. You also want to bookmark Blue's website. There is a link to his site below.
Once you buy an old car, get to know the guys in the MWR Auto Hobby Shop. They helped me out a lot when I was on active duty.
Good luck.
_________________
Maybe some day I'll get back to doing some real work on my car.
Darn, I never got the cookie for post #1000.
- A great place to search for answers
A:
Z's are freakin awesome, and unless your duffel bag is like REALLY BIG them i think it will fit in any of the Z's....they are sleek cars and are very fast.
My dream Z, '91 300zx 2+2 Baby Blue with Black leather interior, wont bea dream for long
A:
My answer depends on where you will be stationed and your billet. If you are not near a source of parts, or a crafts shop or somewhere to do your own work you should NOT consider any old car that will require much maintenance and fix-up. You don't want to be left stranded and late for duty or even AWOL. Maybe later, when you have a more stable situation, like a long-term posting you can consider a Z, but for now, I think you need to be more realistic and find some reliable wheels. Pay a little more if you can.
Oh, and thx. Best of luck.
Rusty but running.
Polish cell phone and two tubes of Aluma-seal.
And, now we are historic.
A:
I'm currently stationed at Ft. Benning GA, but thats about to change. I'm willing to make a trip to pick up my car too.
I'd already ruled at a twin turbo Z, simply because I dont have enough experience with performance cars. I'd kill myself, and probably someone else. I know that a n/a model will still give me plenty of fun.
I'm not looking to get a really old Z. I'd like to keep it 85 and newer. I've looked at 300ZX's, but I've heard terrible reviews. I almost bought a 92 300ZX, but I was warned it would be slow, handle poorly, and be way more trouble than its worth. I love the way they look though. Is there any truth to the 300ZX bashing?
Thanks for all the great info so far!!
A:
My 90 300ZX na automatic wasn't any slouch. I've ridden in faster Z cars, but really enjoyed the 90. I just had trouble getting up off the ground when I wanted to get out of it.
77 260Z Rat Rod