I'm (edit: now not) legitimately considering this. But will it happen?

"Somethingwittyer likes noisy" (Somethingwittyer) 08/11/2013 at 17:03 • Filed to: ask oppo, Help!, Nissan, Z32

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!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! Never thought I would find a Z32 like this for this price. However after talking about it with my dad, I need your guys help.

First off, the description:

* **** PRICE LOWERED**** 1994 Nissan 300 ZX. Rare! Fun & Fast. Great project car. Has not been driven consistantly over the past year. military deployment. Runs, drives, no issues. Recent check engine light on, appears minor. Serious Inquiries only. Call or email for viewing. Last Chance. Now at BOTTOM price.

Even though I think the car looks legit, I'm not fully sure about the description. Talking to the seller might be more helpful. However, their are two things my dad wants to know: Safety and reliability. Safety I can find on my own, however reliability I'm not so sure about. Now I don't know a ton on the Z32, however I'm fairly sure they have a reputation for being fairly reliable. However, between the check engine light on and my dad having no idea about anything automobile related, I'm a little scared. Granted, their are a ton of owners sites for help, but still.

So what do you think Oppo? Any advice? Maybe from former Z32 owners no less?

Edit: As you can see from the title, it's not happening. Talked with parents, turns out my dad was kind of fucking with me and didn't want to let me down. Plus as some of you guys said it's hellish to work on. As of now I'm not even sure an NA Miata is in the picture for my first car. Not looking good. But hey, Viper got their first victory today! Should have won in Mosport too if it wasn't for that damned PC car.

wilsel > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/11/2013 at 17:13

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As long as you're okay spending another few thousand on the car, and still only having a $2900 car when you're done go for it. It's not easy selling a car with 200k miles on it. Yes the check engine light could be something minor like a misfire, but it probably needs several other things too. On the otherhand if you want to learn automobile repair there's no better way than to buy a car like this and jumping in feet first.

Klaus Schmoll > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/11/2013 at 17:14

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What device did the seller take those crappy pictures with? Or are they crappy on purpose?

Just a random thought!

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > wilsel 08/11/2013 at 17:15

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Over time yes. If I'm going to have to spend a ton of money right out of the gate it's not going to work.

dogisbadob > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/11/2013 at 17:17

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They are actually fairly difficult to work on. I used to own an Infiniti J30, with the same engine as the Z32. I think the 94+ cars have dual airbags, and the reliability is OK, not the best not the worst, halfway between the third-gen Camry and the Mk4 Golf/Jetta.

Of course, T-tops are awesome though.

I've always liked the style of the Z32 though, and have always thought of them as cool cars.

SonorousSpeedJoe > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/11/2013 at 17:20

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Has not been driven consistantly over the past year...no issues. Recent check engine light on, appears minor.

Seems legit, especially the pic.

From what I've heard, the Z32 has a pretty cramped engine bay that makes working on it somewhat difficult in either TT or N/A applications, but I've no experience working on cars in general. I gather that it'll be reliable if it's been maintained well and a headache if it hasn't (what with the labor and part costs involved), which is when you take the miles into consideration.

D > dogisbadob 08/11/2013 at 17:26

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Yeah, a good thing to remember when shopping for cars is everything '94+ stateside has dual airbags.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > SonorousSpeedJoe 08/11/2013 at 17:27

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That's good to know. Looking on the Z32 wiki, apparently they can go 200,000 to 300,000 miles drama free if their well maintained. It's actually looking pretty good.

Bozi Tatarevic > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/11/2013 at 17:32

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They are fairly reliable if taken care of. I would ask to get the codes for the check engine and take it to a reputable mechanic to get it checked over. It may be something as easy as a $30 knock sensor or it may have low compression and need a rebuild. You can usually get an inspection for $60-90

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > Bozi Tatarevic 08/11/2013 at 17:34

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That would save me a hell of a lot of trouble... Thanks for reminding me about that.

SonorousSpeedJoe > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/11/2013 at 17:37

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As others have suggested, get a PPI done. And if you really want to get anal about it:

Ben > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/11/2013 at 22:20

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The timing belt needs to be done every 60k so it sounds like that should be the first thing you'll need to do (assuming the other 2 were done at 60k and 120k).

Majority of CELs are either because of the detonation sensor or oxygen sensors.

twinturbo.net has write ups for any maintenance you'll ever need to do.

JasonStern911 > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/11/2013 at 22:23

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Hate to be Debby Downer, but:

In the ad: project car, been sitting, check engine light on, nobody was willing to pay close to his original asking price

From you: Not a mechanic, Dad is not a mechanic, don't have money to fix things

Obviously, my advice is to pass on the 300ZX and get a better beginner car like a NA Miata. They're in the same price range, likely just as much fun, more reliable, and much easier to work on.

6cyl > Somethingwittyer likes noisy 08/12/2013 at 00:49

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I was once in your shoes and was advised against getting it. Well I got it anyways so this is advice from a former z32 owner. Pass on this car. Many shops I took mine to wouldn't even work on it and either turned me away or told my they would work on it but recommended me finding a specialist. It is that complicated/tight in the engine bay. Also parts for this car were usually more expensive than parts for my BMW e30. I loved the car but it is really expensive to own and overly complex to work on.

If you do decide to get one one day DO NOT get one because it is cheap and only has "a few" issues. Take the time to find one with no issues and be willing to spend quite a bit more money on it.