Originally Posted by: 240ZGL

If I can make a suggestion, the questions sound more like you should be looking at a nice 280ZX or newer.

I've gotta agree with 240ZGL. I drove a 240 with the dealer installed AC for 15 years here in Houston. Even totally rebuilt and upgraded, it barely kept you cool. You won't be happy driving it back and forth to school.

Originally Posted by: Royal Flush

I know I'd prolly prefer the 280ZX but even on Ebay they are pretty rare, .....snip

While, good low milage ones are getting harder to find, they are nowhere near as hard as finding a good rust free 240Z. (if it exists! )

I think Kelly did a pretty good job of answering your questions.

The biggest problem with Z's is rust. This is what keeps there value down in porportion to other cars of this era. Mechanically, they are very simple cars and fixing just about anything mechanical is not that difficult.

You should know that there is no such thing as a "rust free" Z. Just my opinion, but no matter where the Z is from (Arizona or New York) they all have rust, just varying degrees. The problem with the early Z's is they rust from the inside out. What looks like a small bubble on the outside may be hiding a quarter inch or bigger rust spot on the inside. Dry State cars may have solid floor boards and frame rails, but there is probably some rust on the inside of the body panels. Maybe nothing serious, but then again maybe so. Cars in the rust belt may have rusted out floor boards, frame rails, etc, in addition to rusted body panels.

Places to check just as a matter of course,

1. Dog legs and rocker panels

2. Around the gas cap filler area

3. Floor boards, all the way from behind the seat to the front of the floorboard

4. front fenders directly behind the front wheels, down low.

5. Frame rails

If you can get a knowledgable Z person to go with you to look at the car or pay someone with knowledge to do it, you can save some big bucks. When you see a car advertised on e-bay that says "minor" rust you can bet you're looking at some serious work ahead in most cases.

Z's are highly reliable mechanically, a blast to drive and if you keep them up will increase in value over time. The main concern I would have is your age and the safety features of the car. No offense intended, but younger drivers just have more accidents. Early Z's don't have many safety features (seat belts are about it). It's not a car you want to get into a high speed crash in.

Hope this helps and good luck with your decision!

Bob

Originally Posted by: 280z1975

Go to Clay Road and Hwy 6, about 350 feet on the left hand side if you are traveling north there is a white 280zx for sale (well about a month ago there was), it was 3000 bucks.

Yeah, I saw that car about 1 1/2 months ago. It's actually a 1st Gen 300ZX and not a 280ZX. Not worth it IMO.

Well I am from the Mountain/Desert region of Pakistan so I dont think A/C will be much of an issue .

I see what y'all are getting at, so would y'all reccommend a newer car like a 300ZX or like an RSX? The reason I like the 240 alot is because of its 70's styling that still has class. I like two seater cars But I like two seaters (Miatas seem too girly and S2000s are too expensive, the BMW Z3 would suit me). I always have a back up 91 Q45 if my car breaks down. Any other kind of 240Z-ish car y'all reccomend my budget is around $17,000

I like this 300ZX http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=181530822&dealer_id=56232857&car_year=1993&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&make=NISSAN&distance=200&model=300ZXTURBO&address=77082&certified=&advanced=&max_price=&bkms=1150075120673&min_price=&end_year=2007&start_year=1981&isp=y&lang=en&cardist=12

Not to put you off a Z, but if your looking for a two seat convertible, you could try an MGB or a Truimph TR6. Both are very easy to work on and quite relaible when they are repaired correctly and maintained properly. A couple of forums that support these cars (like this one does for Z's) are: http://www.mgbexperience.com and http://britishcarforum.com/

Of course, with no A/C, any convertible is also going to be very warm in Houston!

Yeah, I saw that car about 1 1/2 months ago. It's actually a 1st Gen 300ZX and not a 280ZX. Not worth it IMO.

I could have sworn it was a 280ZX, but then again I just stopped by to give it a VERY quick look. There was no sense doing anything more than a quick look when I was knee deep in my 280z's restoration :classic: )

Good call Doug. Gotta love the TR6, when it is running right.

Do you know why the British drink their beer warm?

Their friges have Lucas wiring. (Inside joke for those of you that have owned a british sports car!)

Y'all think a Mazda MX-5 Mazdaspeed miata would be a good alternative?