Should I get a 240Z for my 1st car?

[Gav240z]

I think you have to be pashionate and have a dream to make it work.

If you are going to buy one because they look cool , but can't be bothered getting under the car and fixing problems then I would not recommend one.

My first second and 4th cars were all Z's the 4th car is the best you can see pics on the left just under my name. It was fairly rust free but still has some here and there. The mechanical condition was good but not excellent but so far it's been pretty reliable with one or two hickups.

I have learnt so much about cars as a result of owning one. It's a great life skill to be able to diagnose and fix a problem on a car. It can save you being taken for a ride.

Be prepared though:

Expect to swear, curse, jump up and down and loose your cool from time to time. It's not smooth sailing all day long. That's what makes it so much fun though, you find a problem have a hell of a time fixing it then when you do you know for next time. It gives a great feel of accomplishment.

Your friends may or may not understand they might be into other cars and might not see the big picture. Most of mine have been that way till i got number 4.

Checklist for a first Z.

-Minimal rust.

-Check for accident damage.

-Chassis should be as straight as possible.

-Wiring looms not butchered.

-Mechanical can be fair to good(They are pretty reliable with simple things like oil changes).

-Read read read.

-Ask ask ask(use search function first).

-Take photos of cars you look at write a list of problems things that are wrong with it. Often you look at a car and until it's yours the problems won't annoy you.

Anyway I've harped on long enough.

Gav,

[ChrisA]

Do it Sarge!!!!!!

Chris

[Corganx33]

No.....

Z's are awesome cars don't get me wrong. But a 30 year old car as a daily driver? In Canada? You'll want another car to drive when conditions are less than ideal....

Z's are a second car IMO.... You'd be unable to drive it most of november throughout march..... and you wouldn't want to drive it on rainy days....

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by Corganx33

No.....

30 year old car as a daily driver?.......You'll want another car to drive when conditions are less than ideal....

I realize Nebraska isnt Canada (althought it feels like it some winters)but I drive a 72 daily. In any weather! I've been driving a 240Z for 20 years and never gotten stuck. This past winter my buddy got his Civic SI stuck in an 8 inch snowfall....I drove TO him and pushed him out then DROVE home....in the Z!!

I love to drive by folks in there FWD and 4WD cars and trucks while they're digging themselves out of a snow pile.

My .02

Chris

[Corganx33]

240z + snow + salt = junk .... real quick...

I'm all for you owning a Z.... just make sure you can borrow dad's truck in the winter.

[ChrisA]

Originally posted by Corganx33

240z + snow + salt = junk .... real quick...

/QUOTE]

Not arguing with you, thread topic is what I offered my opinion for.

But if you live in the Rust Belt as I have most of my life, then you should know how to take care of a car that's driven in the snow/salt. My 72 is no worse now that when I got it in 1996. I learned from my 71 that you MUST protect the undercarriage. So I do. And so I drive a Z daily.

When I have the finances to redo the body, I'll drive it when its nice and find another $100 beater and drive it in the snow.

Chris

[Sgt. Redneck]

Well hey sorry it took me so long to get back on the computer. i think that picture you just posted was/is like the cheapest Z i saw (exept that 1 is red)

Check it out (the site it is being advertised on) http://www.canadatrader.com/trader/result/affich.asp?rubno=4000&r=%27SAS%27&ste=&sid=&issr=1&yfr=0&yto=0&kfr=0&kto=0&pfr=0&pto=0&dm=1&dp=4&mk=DATSUN&md=&kw=&or=0&oby=7&pg=1&vid=183902

sorry its so long, well anyways i do like mechanical work and i do know enough to get around under the hood.

but my sister (a year younger then me) says "we" (in quotes for a reason that goes without saying) should save up tougether to get an older VW Wesfailia Van and paint it pink... I hate the idea. Its called wesFAILIA !!! I realy want that...no wait...MY! 240Z!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gema]

Just make sure you have enough money to properly prepare, maintain, and preserve the car.

[Victor Laury]

Don't pay too much for ole red there mate. What is up with the fender? has the body rotted away soo much that the fender no longer has anything to bolt to on the bottom? I hope not! The goods? I like the American Racing Vectors, fine, very light wheels. Get some more info on the car before you sell yourself. Is it close enough to you where you can inspect it? If you go to see it ALWAYS give yourself the room to WALK AWAY if it's not much of a car. If it's a bargain, (under $1,000?) get it and get some Z expirence. Heck, I'd hate to see you start off with a parts car!

[ChrisA]

I agree with Victor, get the price down to $1000 or less. My first Z was $1000 and it gave me a lesson on Z cars I'll never forget. I wish I still had it.

Much luck,

Chris

[Corganx33]

pink vw van..... 240z......

share a pink vw van with sis.... 240z......

being seen by friends in a pick vw van...... 240z......

... have you considerred a moped? You'd get more respect than you would in a pink vw van.....

I know I have stated reservations before about having a Z car as your only car... but damn.... looks like you don't have much of a choice.

[Sgt. Redneck]

Oh god, please don't think that I considered the VW for a second!