A 280Z inspected by me, 'might seal the deal on this one.

[KDMatt]

Well, for those of you who have been keeping track of stuff I've been posting, I'm sure you're well aware by now that I am very much in the market for a Z.

Today I paid a visit to the car I may end up buying. I've probably mentioned it at least twice on these forums, but I'll recap for those of you who missed it.

'76 280Z

83k miles

Listing says that there are spots on the body that "need attention"

Well, I went out to go see for myself what kind of shape this beast is in, and conducted an inspection to the best of my abilities. The rust damage is, in fact, quite minimal. The seller made it sound as though rust was practically consuming an entire portion of the car, but I barely even noticed it as I walked up to the the thing.

"Needs attention" probably also pertains to some paint peeling on the hood.

Underneath I didn't see anything peeling or falling off and I could not see any rust behind the bumpers. I can't even remember seeing rust near the battery or inside the wheel wells. The seller says that as far as he knows, the car was never repainted, so this means that it's quite possible I'm looking at the original paint job, and if that's true... then holy crap... this car rarely ever saw extended periods under the sun, or in precipitation. The paint didn't look very faded at all, only chipped and peeling in a small, aforementioned area of the hood.

The interior was equally impressive. The dash had one, maybe two cracks, and still seemed to be giving off a noticeable sheen. No noticeable blemishes anywhere really. The only 'blackballs' against it are an aftermarket steering wheel, as well as an aftermarket shift knob and boot (not properly done either I don't think, since something inside of it likes to rattle at speeds between 30-35 mph). What I did like though, and this would probably be a blackball from you original equipment/restoration purists, is the upgraded stereo system. It's got a Pioneer CD Player with four new(er) Pioneer speakers. I'm a teenager, If I can't listen to my CD's while I drive, I'm lost!

Mechanically, it seems to be in pretty good shape too... the only thing that concerns me a tad bit is that it doesn't seem to like idling regularly. It seemed to bounce around a bit, and I know this isn't a problem isolated to Z's only (my dad's Mercury does this too), but I'm wondering, could that be as simple as maybe getting some new plugs and plug wires in there, or could it be related to compression variances? Even so, I don't expect this is anything I'd have to worry about too much anyway, but there's always the possibility I'm dead wrong. Hell, I suppose it could be lousy gas too, given all of the additives they're putting in these days.

I can only see one thing I'd have to replace right of way, and that's the exhaust... holy crap, this car, quite literally roared to life.

I'd also have to spend a lot of time practicing my manual tranny driving... The other cars I've driven (i.e. Corolla, Escort) are a lot more forgiving than this car was... I think I killed it like... 7 or 8 times, crazy clutch... ... The guy wasn't mad though, we were both laughing about it, which is good I guess. :knockedou

[oldroaddog]

'76 280Z

83k miles

I've got a '75 280Z and I think the '75-'76 model Zs have some cool and interesting features. You'll find some parts that are specific to that year range.

I can only see one thing I'd have to replace right of way, and that's the exhaust... holy crap, this car, quite literally roared to life.

Check to see if the catalytic converter is in place. I don't know what emmission regulations in your area are but that's critical to passing.

If you decide to buy - I'm sure your enjoy this ride!

[sblake01]

The rattling under the shift boot is more than likely worn shift lever bushings. Easy to replace. As far as a catalytic converter goes, I thought they were only on California cars. And for originality, I don't think it's as important on a 280Z since they are looked upon differently than the 70-73 cars IMO. 280Zs make better daily drivers and if that will be your use for the car, you'll want to have the things in it that make the daily drive more enjoyable. I've owned a 78 280Z for 8 years and if the price is right, I would recommend it.

[EScanlon]

I think that it sounds as though you've found a car you could be happy with.

Remember, the major part of the FUN of owning a Z is in the drive of it. You can't explain it to someone until they drive it, then they're converts.

If in order to drive it you have to change the stereo to something different, well, yeah, I guess it's a shock to the purist world, but if you retain the parts in the garage for whenever you sell the car (if you do) then at least you've not destroyed the car. I think most purists would agree that the problem isn't in the items done to "optimize" (my term) the car to their individual owner, but rather in that the changes are done in such a manner as to be irreversible. In fact, that's what can make a car completely undesireable to the purist, if the changes are such that they've affected structural modifications (sun-roofs) or changed key items (engine, transmission).

In my opinion, if you do the changes to the stereo, and addition of the speakers without having to modify anything (i.e. cut, drill, weld) and you keep the old one, then you've made it relatively easy to return the car to it's original (restored/refurbished) condition. With original parts (the ones that came with the car ORIGINALLY) then it is "better" than when you have to go find "replacement" or "or-equal" parts. That is items of the same style/function as what was in the car originally. With the notorious changes mid stream to the production of vehicles, whether you got the auto-scan radio of the Series I or the Cassette or 8 Track player of the later years becomes a regular crapshoot....unless you have the original receipt.

So go buy the car, enjoy it's drive, and when you make changes (and you probably will) make them so that the next guy can undo them if THEY wish.

Enrique

[KDMatt]

Thank you guys for your replies!

I'm feeling better and better about this car with each passing hour, and I'm now poised to make an offer on it.

NADA Lists a low retail value 280Z as being worth about $3,375 (probably a bit inflated). The seller is asking $2500 OBO, and I'm thinking I'm going to offer him $2200 and see what he does. Reasonable? yeh or neh?

Even if I get it, it's going to be a while before we can actually carry out the transaction though, simply because the gov't up here is basically 'shut down,' and that includes the DMV. So even if I bought the car tomorrow, we wouldn't be able to transfer the title until everything is back up again. Ugh... politicians...

[beandip]

I would offer 2K and go from there . he can only say no . and will come back with another figure. You might save 5c though. You will need it . Good luck . I hope you are right about the rust. Or lack of. Gary

[Mike]

I agree with Gary. He probably put a price tag of $2,500 knowing he'd get $2,000. The car sounds like a good one to start out with. The concerns you listed are superficial and can be fixed easily. The other stuff like rust and such are more deep problems. But, it sounds like you didn't see much of that... especially in the battery area.

This rig sounds good from what you describe and the price isn't that bad. The rough idling is probably due to the timing, worn parts, or just old stuff. Go out and buy a new coil, spark plug wires, and other such tune-up parts and go through it. I assume it's a fuel injected model? Or is it carbs?

-- MIke

[KDMatt]

I thought all of the 280's were fuel injected? *shrug* Anyway, yeah, it is fuel injected.

When I originally found his listing about a month ago, the price was set to $3000, but he dropped it down to $2500, and when I talked to him, he said the ($2500) price was pretty firm.

Hrm... you guys say 2 G's, my "used car consultant" says 2.2 G's... So I'll cut it even and go 2100. My only worry is that someone else is going to see the light that I see and try to snatch up this car before I get a chance to move on it.

[bemmerguy714]

Well, for those of you who have been keeping track of stuff I've been posting, I'm sure you're well aware by now that I am very much in the market for a Z.

Today I paid a visit to the car I may end up buying. I've probably mentioned it at least twice on these forums, but I'll recap for those of you who missed it.

'76 280Z

83k miles

Listing says that there are spots on the body that "need attention"

Well, I went out to go see for myself what kind of shape this beast is in, and conducted an inspection to the best of my abilities. The rust damage is, in fact, quite minimal. The seller made it sound as though rust was practically consuming an entire portion of the car, but I barely even noticed it as I walked up to the the thing.

"Needs attention" probably also pertains to some paint peeling on the hood.

Underneath I didn't see anything peeling or falling off and I could not see any rust behind the bumpers. I can't even remember seeing rust near the battery or inside the wheel wells. The seller says that as far as he knows, the car was never repainted, so this means that it's quite possible I'm looking at the original paint job, and if that's true... then holy crap... this car rarely ever saw extended periods under the sun, or in precipitation. The paint didn't look very faded at all, only chipped and peeling in a small, aforementioned area of the hood.

The interior was equally impressive. The dash had one, maybe two cracks, and still seemed to be giving off a noticeable sheen. No noticeable blemishes anywhere really. The only 'blackballs' against it are an aftermarket steering wheel, as well as an aftermarket shift knob and boot (not properly done either I don't think, since something inside of it likes to rattle at speeds between 30-35 mph). What I did like though, and this would probably be a blackball from you original equipment/restoration purists, is the upgraded stereo system. It's got a Pioneer CD Player with four new(er) Pioneer speakers. I'm a teenager, If I can't listen to my CD's while I drive, I'm lost!

Mechanically, it seems to be in pretty good shape too... the only thing that concerns me a tad bit is that it doesn't seem to like idling regularly. It seemed to bounce around a bit, and I know this isn't a problem isolated to Z's only (my dad's Mercury does this too), but I'm wondering, could that be as simple as maybe getting some new plugs and plug wires in there, or could it be related to compression variances? Even so, I don't expect this is anything I'd have to worry about too much anyway, but there's always the possibility I'm dead wrong. Hell, I suppose it could be lousy gas too, given all of the additives they're putting in these days.

I can only see one thing I'd have to replace right of way, and that's the exhaust... holy crap, this car, quite literally roared to life.

I'd also have to spend a lot of time practicing my manual tranny driving... The other cars I've driven (i.e. Corolla, Escort) are a lot more forgiving than this car was... I think I killed it like... 7 or 8 times, crazy clutch... ... The guy wasn't mad though, we were both laughing about it, which is good I guess. :knockedou

as soon as you get the chance get some pics!

[Alex 240Z]

I agree start at $2000 it is always better to work your way up than to work your way down !!!!! If there is not to much rust that car can be a very reliable driver especially with 83,000 miles if that is documented These cars can run for another 100,000 miles excellent transportation for a student !!!! and little by little you can fix it up !!!!! Good luck and pictures would be nice !!!!

[KDMatt]

Good news folks: I GOT IT!

I just got off the phone with the seller, and he's going to sell it me.

I started with an offer of $2100, and he countered with $2300 ... We both thought that was a fair and reasonable price (since 2100 and 2500 average to it). Anyway, hopefully within the next week here I'll have my own, personal Z, and some pics for all you guys!

Thanks again for all the help you guys have been giving me, your insight and opinions have been instrumental.

I've come such a long way from that other Z I thought I wanted way back in May, and I owe it all to this fantastic community.

Thank you so much!

[hls30.com]

I like the new math-congratulations!

Will