Dude, I'm getting a Z.

[DannyMoped240z]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and I was going to inquire about a few thing about the 1972 260z, standard (I dont know if it's a 5 speed or 4 speed). The one I'm looking at is Blue with a White interior... (kinda messy) but the outside is beautiful. There's no rust, and the paint is perfect. It has 89thousand miles on it. I've yet to test drive it. But i've called the owner and he wants 3500 for it.

1. Is this a reasonable price?

2. How do these cars perform? (speed, handling, overall feel)

3. Is this a good car that I can drive and not worry about... as far as dependability, gas milage, and over-all longevity?

I've seen some pretty tricked out, muscelly looking ones... I call them mini-mustangs , because they remind me of an old shelby fastback.

I'm a college student of 19 living in New England, and i am a MAJOR car enthusiest... if it needs fixing i'll fix it... I'm a proficient welder and metal worker... and I know my way around a motor... Is this car for me?

Thanks guys.

[Chino 240Z]

Welcome Danny,

We all have the same type of questions at one time or another. I often ask myself before each modification, change, tune-up or purchase if it is the best move. Ya know you can only answer this for yourself and only after you have done some homework. The answers and a Z education are in every post. Lots of good pictures of Zs and "how-to"s in the gallery.

$3500 sounds like a fair price but one can never tell without a look and a drive. But I don't think I would jump at the 1st Z just to get on the band-wagon. No car is carefree, new or 30 some years old. The driving experience of a classic Z is worth the work one my have to do once in awhile to keep her in top shape. But with the know-how you already have most repairs and tuneups are possible and fun when you get to do it yourself.

If you prepare for your Z before you get one, your experience will only be better from the get go! But watch out cause once that Z bug bites you- Your History Dude :knockedou

Good Luck with you choice of Zs.

Craig

[DannyMoped240z]

Craig,

Thanks a lot for the help. I've always loved the look of these cars from when I was younger. I understand there's always a lot of work involved with starting either a restoration project, or even just purchasing a second-hand 30 year old vehicle. I figure the car has sleek style with modern and classic musscle hughes, and it's also a bulky thick-steel car. It's not like a civic or something where if you ding a fender you have to replace it... the Z will need a LOT more damage before you have to replace the part... plus if you do ding it... just pull out the hammers.

Is there anything to compare them to? Are they supposed to feel chincey? or sporty and tight? or are they like driving a small camaro?

Thanks again, and nice to make your acquaintance. Anyone that can help, or answer, feel free to e-mail me or reply to this... *supermandan03@yahoo.com*

DannyMoped

[hls30.com]

When you get behind the wheel of a Z in a good state of repair, you will know that it drives like another Z, it is tight, accellerates readily, and the smile starts with the first blip of the pedal, and ends only with regret! If your Z reminds you of another car, you have some work to do because something is not right.

Wax on, wax off Danielson!

Will

[DannyMoped240z]

, thanks a lot Will, that really put it in perspective...

How much HorsePower will the stock twincarb straight6 crank out???

[Alfadog]

We're talking about a 240Z?? They aren't "thick-steeled" cars at all. Precisely the opposite! The 240Z has very thin metal. Most Japanese cars back then did...

And also they're not a mini-mustang. They're much better than that!!!

[Victor Laury]

or are they like driving a small camaro?

Somebody has got to give Danny a ride!

[DannyMoped240z]

Yeah guys... I'm missing out here!