I'm finally coming to the realization that I can't really afford the S2000. Im kinda getting tired of living pay check to pay check.....I was thinkin of gettin a Datsun/Nissan 280zx....I use to own one back in high school and loved that car to death....It's not fast or anything....But I just like it, it's an old car not many ppl have it...(big plus)...I like being different and unique......I can probably find a 280z for about 5000 if not less..and still have plenty of money to maybe buy enough 6 or 7000 dollar car....just your thoughts

 

I had a 1982 280ZX (black w/gold trim, T-tops, and all that). I thought is was a great "grand touring car." A ton more comfy than my 1972 240Z's. And maybe it weighed a ton more too but at least some acceleration was recovered (all of it in the turbo version).

Hard to imagine finding a well cared-for example? I see ratted out ones. The older Z's have unibody construction, making rust and expensive fix. Not sure about the 280ZX.

If you go back to the oldest 240/260/280Z my recommendation is stay away from the 260. Otherwise they're all good and over the years a trade-off in refinement versus performance (early 240Z had peak performance).

The last-generation 300Z is a much better heavy sports car than the 280ZX. But I never cared for the middle-generation 300ZX model.

 

if it's breakin the bank then you have no choice but to get rid of the s. 280's are decent, my friend had one handed down from his dad. very clean, but it ain't no s. good luck.

 

I had an 85 300Z and I have to say it was a good daily transportation but make sure if you decide to go that way that you check the recalls. Mine had to go to the shop to have all its fuel injectors switched out. There was a fire hazard with the old ones.

 

oh man....good luck with what u decide! how old r u?

 

I cannot remember the last time I even saw a 280 ... and then one not rusted out.

 

There seem to be a good few 280s in my area. Most are not in tip-top shape, but every now and then you'll come across a well-kept and cared-for one. I'm not so much a fan of the 280 myself. I mean, I guess I wouldn't mind having one, but among the Z cars it wouldn't be my first choice if I was going to buy one. For me, I'm thinking a 240 or 260 project in the future with some uncommon engine upgrade, like a VQ35 and a 6-speed or something like that.

Is it safe to assume this would be your daily driver? I'd think it would serve better as a project car, but that's my angle on the subject.

 

Adam at Z1-auto has a really nice one...

http://www.z1auto.com/images/280zx3.jpg

http://www.z1auto.com/images/280zx2.jpg

http://www.z1auto.com/images/280zx4.jpg

http://www.z1auto.com/images/280zxpic1.jpg

 

You can find restored Z's for around 10k. Anyone remember when Nissan was refurbing them? They are getting rare, but I loved my 83 as a cruiser.

Two seaters are getting hard to find. The 2+2 is ugly and worthless imo, so avoid those. Just make sure you get t-tops and there is no rust, or if there is, get it a low enough price so you can afford to have it restored.

All the Z car tips you need can be found here - http://zhome.com/

http://www.zcar.com/
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Restored-Cl...7QQcmdZViewItem
http://www.datsunrestore.com/datsun_..._for_sale.html - the brown 83 looks pretty nice
http://www.datsunrestore.com/classified_listing.html

The 81-83 280's were probably the the best. Not as fast as the 240 or 260, but easier to get. Early 280's rusted out even faster. The early 300's were even slower and more expensive to maintain, like sporty Cadillacs.

In this class, I'd suggest a first gen RX-7 too, although this will put you into the world of rotary engines and all the fun that entails...

 

If you can find one that's been nicely restored, my guess is that market for that car will be less than you would pay to by a project car and do it yourself. The one above looks very nice.