Thinking of buying a Z

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dolores

New Forum User
Hi there,
Would love some advice from the experts! I'll be honest, I love the look of Z240/280 but that's as much as i know. I need a car that's cheap to run and reliable. There are a couple for sale near me for around $1700 in good running order (75k and 110k miles) but am wary of ending up with a car that hits me with regular bills. I don't want to get in a Toyota every morning, but realistically, what are the running costs of a Z and frequency of repairs?
Thanks,
Dolores
 
My Z has only had one problem since I got her 2 years ago... The injector seals went.
£5 for new seals and I put them in myself.
Other than that the only money I've spent on her has been out of choice.
Although a 3.0 V6 might not be the most economical daily driver.
 
Where are you Dolores ? You quote $ !
The mileage don't matter too much - it's how the miles have been done and how the car's been cared for - something you can't tell easily from adverts !

Are you limiting yourself to the 240/260/280Zs or including 260/280Z 2+2s or are you prepared to go a little further down the evolutionary chain for a 280ZX or even as Matt quotes for a 300ZX ?

The ZXs should give you better reliability for less maintenance but compare buying cost against maintenance/repair costs !

No reason why any Z won't give you Toyota reliability every single day but a $1700 budget means you're gonna have to look hard and avoid a lot of lemons :) !
 
Good to know! I'm going to take a look at a 1972 Z240, see how it drives. Worrying lack of airbags (Los Angeles freeways and all) but may fall in love;
thank you!

D
 
Hey dolores...

...my 260Z is called Dolores!

Have a look in the members gallery, then go fall in love with the one you thinking about, you KNOW it makes sense :cool:
 
Who needs airbags if you remember to put a seatbelt on? :)

Good luck in the search. Sean mentioned later Zs maybe more reliable, however my personal view is that the earlier ones are so simple compared to modern cars that there's less to worry about.

From what I've read the L6 engine (found in the 240 you're going to look at) is bullet proof for many many miles.

Good luck
 
My advice would be to spend as much as you can getting a mint one. They rot very, very badly so a garage is essential. Check little things like locks, seals etc - they will be a major headache to find and fit.

Don't assume that because you buy from a 'respected' dealer that you'll be looked after...

I love them - the shape, the handling etc. But I got seriously burnt! Be careful!
 
dolores said:
Good to know! I'm going to take a look at a 1972 Z240, see how it drives. Worrying lack of airbags (Los Angeles freeways and all) but may fall in love;
thank you!

D
Click to expand...
Your'e in the right place for a 240. Fairly rot-free in California [as long as it originally came from there]. To be on the safe side check the usual rust areas [in the UK at least], inner fenders, frame rails, floors [especially one with air-con]. Try and get one with a 5speed tranny. Most of them seem to be 4speed in the states. Plenty of spares available in the US, even your local friendly Nissan dealer will be able to help. I only wish it was that easy over here.
Hope I got the UK,US translation right!
 
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