Posted February 17, 200421 yr comment_68865 Hi guys,i'm new to these forums and in the Z's in general.I'm 21 years old from Canada,Quebec.I've been reading a lot this week on 240z/280z. Realy nice cars.I've been browsing the net and I found a few Z for sale in my region.One guy is selling a blue 1977 280z. He said it was imported from california 5 years ago. VIN# is HLS303703825 gear , but the 5th gear has a problem.On reverse you need to "hold the shifter because it to go out"Is it a "relatively" good daily driver?I realy don't know what car to buy.I have about 7000$cdn and I want something "classic" like the old Z maybe you guys could give me a few suggestionsPS: english isn't my main language Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/10240-thinking-about-buying-a-280z-1977/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
February 18, 200421 yr comment_68939 Great daily driver.Check for rust!!!- floor pans inside and out- frame rails underneath- under battery area- hatch back latch area- rocker panelsMake sure frame is straight- bondo in body indiactes accident- check tire wear, brand new tires maybe a 'cover-up' trick- one tire wearing badly=bent frameHave a compression check done- has engine been modified/repaired? by whom?A transmission rebuild and clutch replacement isn't a big deal- C$1000Make sure you have it rust proofed with the drippy oil stuff each year eg. Krown, Rustcheck etc.Check door closure for sagging hingesIs dash cracked? caps are cheap, replacement dash=C$1250Most parts are available thru Nissan, Victoria British, Motorsport autoHow is cold start? EFI may need work if roughGood luck, post how it goes Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/10240-thinking-about-buying-a-280z-1977/#findComment-68939 Share on other sites More sharing options...
February 18, 200421 yr comment_68941 I have a 1978 280Z that I purchased in 1997. It passed smog with no adjustments in 97, 99, 01, and 03. I put the VIN you listed in the BAR database and nothing came up. If it was truly a California car, something would come up that database. I don't know what that means but I would check in to that 'California' assertion as well as checking all of the things that dga suggested. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/10240-thinking-about-buying-a-280z-1977/#findComment-68941 Share on other sites More sharing options...
February 18, 200421 yr Author comment_68942 thanks a lot for the tips guys!i'll ask him about that california importation Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/10240-thinking-about-buying-a-280z-1977/#findComment-68942 Share on other sites More sharing options...
February 18, 200421 yr comment_68960 Kosov, As mentioned here by others, rust is the main concern with any Z. If you possibly can, get someone that owns a Z to look it over for you (I'm in Ottawa, if thats anywhere close to you). They will know all the places that rust tries to hide in Z's. If you have to do extensive body work, you will go through your $7K real fast if you're not doing it yourself. You didn't mention what the asking price is, but it would have to be damn near perfect to fetch $7K. Also, don't consider it if you intend to drive it in winter. With the amount of road salt we use up here it will dissolve before your very eyes:finger: . On the other hand, dollar for dollar you can't find a better, more enjoyable sports car anywhere. And if you do buy one, you can't find a better site for help and information about Zs than this one. :love: Cheers, Peter Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/10240-thinking-about-buying-a-280z-1977/#findComment-68960 Share on other sites More sharing options...
February 18, 200421 yr Author comment_68961 he's asking 3800$cdnI'm pretty sure i'll be able to deal the price lower. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/10240-thinking-about-buying-a-280z-1977/#findComment-68961 Share on other sites More sharing options...
February 18, 200421 yr Author comment_68968 Don't worry if I get a Z i'll buy a beater for the winter Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/10240-thinking-about-buying-a-280z-1977/#findComment-68968 Share on other sites More sharing options...
February 19, 200421 yr comment_69119 $3800 isn't a bad price at all if the car is in good shape. Parts aren't the killer here as you can pretty much swap from 1970 through 1983, though later is better. And there is a reasonable supply of donor cars available (more so in the US). So the thing to watch out for, as previously mentioned, is rust. You don't want to spend big bucks making the body solid enough for the road. Cheers, Peter Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/10240-thinking-about-buying-a-280z-1977/#findComment-69119 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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