New To Z

[superfunk]

i am looking at buying my first Z car. Its a 1970 240 with the 5 speed out of a '76 260. Clean car, marginal rust, rebuilt head. I have a couple questions that I hope you guys can answer for me. Was there a difference between the Canadian and US delivered vehicles. Also, how many of you use your Z as a daily driver. Is this a realistic expectation for a vehicle in good condition.

[76Datsun280z]

Also, how many of you use your Z as a daily driver. Is this a realistic expectation for a vehicle in good condition.

Welcome to the site! I drive my 76' 280z every day as it is my first car. As long as you take good care of it and keep it in tune there shouldn't be any problem there.

[Arne]

Also, how many of you use your Z as a daily driver. Is this a realistic expectation for a vehicle in good condition.

No reason a well-maintained 240Z can't be used regularly, except you should be aware that they aren't particularly good winter cars. And if they use salt on the roads in your area, driving it in the winter is condemning it to a rusty grave.

[geezer]

Welcome Adam - In my part of Ontario, we have less snow than a lot of the US states. But when it does snow, they sure do pile on the salt. Even when the spring rains come, it takes quite a while to wash away the residue. That's why I had to go south to buy my Z. They are next to impossible to find here, in restorable condition because of this. That is, unless it was not winter driven. Does your car have the expansion tank for the fuel system? I have heard of some Canadian imports that did not.

[280z1975]

... Also, how many of you use your Z as a daily driver. Is this a realistic expectation for a vehicle in good condition.

Most Z's are reliable, but you should always have a back up plan when your car is 35+ years old, no matter the make or model. My Z is a semi-daily driver, as I have a regular car a share with my wife. It's much more reliable for the long trips and a bit more room.

Also, as stated before, driving your Z in the winter is not a good thing ... water can get in different areas and combined with the salt leads to problems. These cars won't last forever, but they can and will outlast you if the are taken care of properly. My Z is currently off the road till the snow stops.