Buying a 300zx

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eroyee - 19 Sep 2004 03:24 GMT

I'm in Melbourne, Australia and am looking into buying a 300zx.
Why? They just look great, don't they?
Only one problem though.
I don't know about anywhere else in the world, but here these cars are
mainly used by young folk. Maybe of around 18-25 years of age, and their
stereotypical tendencies are to drive fast, drive dangerously, and chances
are, the cars end up being mechanically exhausted, if not destroyed.
Naturally, when about to be sold, these cars will look spotless, both inside
and out.
My question is, is there anything to look out for?
I don't know much about cars, so am thinking about getting a mechanic to
accompany me to see the cars..
But personally, is there anything to look for when seeing this cars?
Noise in the engine? Oil leaks? Anything that these cars are prone to having
when they're driven too hard?

Thanks for all your help..

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Steve T - 19 Sep 2004 06:41 GMT

> I'm in Melbourne, Australia and am looking into buying a 300zx.
>
> Anything that these cars are prone to
> having when they're driven too hard?

Like, which generation of 300ZX?

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Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

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eroyee - 19 Sep 2004 07:34 GMT

Something like a 1990+
The ones with the targa top look great.. And most of them have very low kms
for their age.

: > I'm in Melbourne, Australia and am looking into buying a 300zx.
: >
: > Anything that these cars are prone to
: > having when they're driven too hard?
:
: Like, which generation of 300ZX?

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Steve T - 19 Sep 2004 07:51 GMT

> Something like a 1990+
> The ones with the targa top look great.. And most of them have very low
> kms for their age.

The expencive problem the 90+ NA models have is the VTC (intake camshaft
sprockets) start leaking oil and/or make noise. Just the parts are over
$1000. Stay away from the automatic trans ones. Other than this, just the
normal stuff cars develop and yes either take a machanic to the car or the
car to a mechanic.

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Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

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John - 20 Sep 2004 01:37 GMT

One of the best things to do when buying a car of this vintage is to run a
compression check on each cylinder.

If all cylinders show about the same compression level it gives a reasonably
good indication that the engine
is at least in pretty good shape.

This is a lot easier to do on older cars than the new ones. On the new engines
it's hard to find the spark
plugs let alone run a compression check.

Also, look at the head gasket for leaks. I think these older Z's all have
aluminum heads. Water and coolant
can cause an electrolysis that can eat into an aluminum head. Changing this can
be a bit expensive. Sometimes
they are hard to find. The point to ask is how often has the current owner
changed the radiator water?

Also, look for body rust under the inside carpets.

I have a 240Z that still runs great. I have rebuilt the engine 3 times and I can
keep going forever cause the cylinder
walls are so thick one can just keep boring them out.

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WildBill66 - 15 Oct 2004 00:07 GMT

I live in Atlanta, GA USA and it sounds like your knowledge of autos is
similar to the majority of drivers.
I've been to Sidney and Melbourne and I belive there are auto inspection
companies that will look at the engine, drive train, body, and every
section of the car for about
$95.00 American or about $ 40 Aussie Dollars.

Here's link to major USA auto inspection company that partnered up with
Ebay.
http://pages.motors.ebay.com/services/inspection/inspection.html

You can find this link at EbayMotors.com or use
a seach engine to find a local inspection company.
Good luck.

Wilb Bill

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