I want a 240Z ... maybe

[HDC]

Hi

Im seriously starting to look for a 240Z, but I'm still very much new to them, can anyone tell me what modelsand years are best, what I should be on the lookout for, and a realistic range of prices. I'm quite famillier with 1970's sports cars and there problems particularly rust, coming from owning a 69 912, however I believe that the Datsun 240Z does not have these problems, and is far better than other 70's coupes for mechanical reliability.

Any thoughts appreciated

cheers

[Fun_in_my_z]

The earlier numbered cars are best. 1969 through 73.

[DatsunZsRule]

Hello and welcome,

"I'm quite famillier with 1970's sports cars and there problems particularly rust, coming from owning a 69 912, however I believe that the Datsun 240Z does not have these problems"

Unfortunately thats not true Rust is a problem with any car especially in the 70's. The spots to inspect on a Z is the battery tray area, floor pans, frame rails, spare tire area, ect. Another spot to inspect (This is tough to do when looking) is remove the vent by windsheild or bring a small light with you and try to look down inside with vent on where wiper motor is and look in there for rust. If that area is rotted then walk away as that is very tough to restore and very very very costly. The cause is from crud clogging the drains for water like leaves from trees for example. Very important to make sure that area stays clean and drains are free from debris.

Best year of the 240Z? I'd say 69-72 because 73 had the diseased emission carbs but if you find a clean 73, don't hesitate to get it as you can put the earlier carbs on without a problem.

You won't be disappointed with a Z The Nissan L series motors are practically bullet proof motors and will go 200,000 miles plus if well cared for and properly maintained and it's easy to work on in my opinion. Make sure you also get a Factory Service Manual for whatever year Z you get. It will help you out greatly when you go to wrench on it. Every Z owner shouldn't be without one Courtesy Nissan sells the F.S.M. on CD ROM if your unable to locate a book www.courtesyparts.com

Good luck in your search for a Z. You have come to the right site

[nwcubsman]

The earlier numbered cars are best. 1969 through 73.

I don't mean to be picky, but I can't agree. From a collectable standpoint, the earliest VIN is probably the best, but a '73 has many refinements like intermittant wipers that a driver appreciates. I encourage you to drive the car not dust it and use it as a trophy. I have 2, '73s. Many if not most '73s already have the earlier carbs on them and they generate as much power as the '70-72 models. The weight difference is neglegible. I'm a pack rat and have a few sets of carbs, intakes and linkages. I also have a complete '70 motor from a pre #1000 VIN car with head and 4 screw carbs. 80,000 miles. Someday I might even find a use for it.

Enough of the rant. Rust would be the top priority, IMO, when looking for a car. Completeness next as many parts are NLA (no longer available). Then, dash and console condition. I am just picky about these two pieces, and they are hard to get or expensive to get.

Just get the car you like with the right equipment. If you pay a little more, okay, it will still be cheaper in the long run. I am scavenging right now, because I bought an automatic that I planned to put a 5 spd in anyway. I could have bought an equally cherry car with the right equipment for what I will have into it when I'm done, and I'd be driving it every day now instead of next year.

Maybe that is my 3 cents, sorry!

[Fun_in_my_z]

I said threw 73. that would include 73 model cars.

[zman525]

I think all Z's are nice. I love 240z's just as much as the next person but any Z to me is nice (Only Z i dont like is some ZX's). I thought i wouldnt ever buy a 280z but i did and it turned out to be a great buy. Its all preference. You dont buy a car because 1969-1973 were the best years u buy it because its what you like.

[halz]

Whoa there - ease up on bashing the '73 model. You do not state what part of the world you live in - if you are outside the USA, then in my opinion the '73 model is probably the best, as its the most highly developed iteration of the 240z.

If you do live in the USA, many '73 model cars have had their troublesome 'emission control carbs' swapped out for earlier ones... so don't discount the '73 model year.

[theianmonster]

I've got a '72, and a completely crushed, dead, '73 next to it. If it wasn't crushed, I would be restoring it, because I happen to like the collapsable steering column.

ANYWAYS. Any 240Z is good, just find a gem and make it your own.