thinking about buying a 280zx

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desk

Golden Member
Nov 6, 2004
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i used to drive a '86 5.0 mustang and that was a lot of fun. but that car is gone now and ive been driving a '93 accord (4-cyl) for the past few years.

the accord is actually a pretty good driving car, handles well, etc.

but i want to buy another fun car. i've alway kind of liked the looks of the 280zx, but dont really know much about them.

think it would be a good car to buy? for example, i saw a 1980 manual on ebay for less than 3000 grand. it did have some stuff rebuilt, but that doesnt seem like much money for that car (can i post the link or is that bad?).

just looking for some general opinions of knowledgable people (trolls stay away).
 
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CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
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I friggin love those cars with every bone in my body.

Someday I will own one when I have space & time for one..... sweet.
 
CrackRabbit

CrackRabbit

Lifer
Mar 30, 2001
16,642
62
91
They have a tendancy to rust, and once it starts it doesn't stop. If equiped with T-tops the rubber seals dry out and they can leak. I have also seen one where the windshield seal gave out and leaked from there.
 
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desk

Golden Member
Nov 6, 2004
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95SS

Golden Member
Nov 30, 2003
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I owned a 78 280Z, and have driven early 80's Z cars, and I prefer the 77-78 280Z over the later models. My Z seemed more of a sports car than the ZX did. You have to be careful of rust (as with any car, but Z cars seem to be more prone to cancer). I bought mine for $1400 in 1996, the only reason I don't still own it is it was totaled (I was rearended by a delivery truck at a stop sign) :brokenheart: They are easy to work on, make good power stock, are easy to upgrade if stock isn't enough for you, and look good. I'm actually trying to find a 78 280Z that's in good shape, but they are harder and harder to find.
 
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FreshFish

Golden Member
May 16, 2004
1,180
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used to own an '81. It looked sweet and was a frickin awesome car....so sad that it's gone and I lost my pictures of it =(
 
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QuitBanningMe

Banned
Mar 2, 2005
5,038
2
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ZX sucks except turbo unless you like the redneck T-tops. The turbo still sucks but its saving grace is the p90 head has better flow and the F54 block has siamesed cylinders. Of course this doesn't make the ZX any better but the engine is a prime transplant candidate for the S30 and can be modded to around 500hp (expensive). Reasonable budget minded expectations ~250

I can answer anything about the car you want but I'm biased towards the S30 (does that make me a troll). Link to car?
 
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mercanucaribe

Banned
Oct 20, 2004
9,763
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Don't buy one, trust me. Those are pieces of crap... Heavy and slow. If you want a Z, buy a 260Z or 240Z. Or just take the easy way out and buy an S13 or S14 240sx. Performance will be equivalent.

<--- Nissan fanboi
 
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QuitBanningMe

Banned
Mar 2, 2005
5,038
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Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Don't buy one, trust me. Those are pieces of crap... Heavy and slow. If you want a Z, buy a 260Z or 240Z. Or just take the easy way out and buy an S13 or S14 240sx. Performance will be equivalent.

<--- Nissan fanboi
Click to expand...

Don't forget the 280. A little heavier but the bumpers can be changed, it is slightly more rigid, easier to find with less rust, and tuning carbs is a b!tch
 
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QuitBanningMe

Banned
Mar 2, 2005
5,038
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I may have been a little hard on the ZX in my post. There are definately some nice ones out there (namely IceIce9's). They have a better ride, less noise, plenty powerful (especially turbo), and look nice. They are just not my thing.
 
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frankie38

Senior member
Nov 23, 2004
677
0
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I owned a white 78 280z. After that the 79 + 280zx's were heavy, underpowered, rust (always a prob), problems with electronics, .....dont buy it.

I would still buy a 240z or 280z, not the 260z.
 
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