300ZX info, reviews?

[oldroaddog]

After participating in the Middle Tenn Z Car Club Z-Attack yesterday with my daughter along it seems she has taken a real interest in the 300ZX. This subject is a little off-topic for a classic Z forum but I thought I waould ask members for links to reviews, factory specs and other info. I'm looking at '90 or '91 300ZX non-turbo automatic. Also, any one here who has owned on these cars that would like to give pointers and/or advise - please do!

OBTW - The Z-Attack event was fabulous! There were a lot of really nice Z cars from all generations.

Thanks.

[mriz]

I think Zdriver.com has a tech section for the Z32 and possibly 300ZX.com. Do your homework as far as the auto transmission as they were a weak link from what I have read. There were some things to look out for on the early 90 Z32 which is covered in the articles also.I have a 96 NA 5spd no T-Tops which I enjoy driving but selling due to lack of time. Parts are easier to come by but tougher to work on.

[sleepyzzz]

the 91 will have a driver side air bag,which i felt was best for my daughter driving a z. we started with a 90,that her boyfriend now owns. check to make sure that a recent timing belt and water pump maintinence was done, this is very costly if you pay someone to do it. last one ran about $600 at the shop we use,and they require that every 60 thou miles. good luck on your search.

[Hrududu]

This is a 92 but the specs are the same I think for the most part.

[oldroaddog]

Thanks guys. That's two good tips from one post. Maintenance looks a little steep on the Z32. But I think the same was said of the Z30 way back in the day. These cars seem to be falling in a good slot as far as current value though. Too old to be attractive to the average buyer. Too new to be attractive to the classic sports car collector. I'm thinking they are a good buy right now as long as the proper maintenance has been done by previous owners.

[jayhawk]

Hi oldroaddog. Even though I love my 240Z, I think the 300ZX may be the prettiest car of the series. I bought a 93 "Cherry Red Pearl" 2+2 3 years ago as a sort of daily driver. (ie, i use it about 3 times a week...) Also use it to go on Z club events while I'm restoring the 240Z. The 300ZX is a great car, but tight and/or somewhat expensive to work on. In the 3 years I've had it I have only had a broken door lock to repair, and I did most of that myself. Did have the timing belt changed and thought about doing that myself, but decided to let a local Nissan shop do that.

Bought it with 99,000 miles on it (My experience with the 240Z's engine and the 200,000 miles I've put on our '89 Maxima gives me great confidence in Nissan 6 cylinder engines...) I'd highly recommend paying a Nissan dealer service department to check out any 300ZX you get serious about.

These cars when new were something like $30,000 15 years ago, and now I think nice clean ones are going for around $6K (check Edmunds for pricing).

And I LOVE the T-tops! (most all of the 300ZX's have them. I take them off every chance I get.

Another good resource is twinturbo.net. Its focused on the twin turbo crowd, but is a great source of information and help for us "NA" (Normally Aspirated") owners. 220 horses is plenty for a daily driver, but I still have to resist the temptation to lust after the twin turbo models. Fortunately my insurance bills help me resist that temptation...:-) I have a 19 year old son in the household and I do occasionally let him drive it - but not often. Its MINE!!!!!

--Jayhawk

[oldroaddog]

I looked at a car today that appears to be a real jewel. No owner modifications except for a 12 disk changer mounted in the cargo area. Paint is good with just a few tiny chips from road pebbles. The glove box has all the maintenance receipts. The timing belt was changed right on schedule at 62,000 miles. Interior in very good with minimal wear and no stains. Engine compartment a little dirty but nothing that a good steam cleaning won't fix. The seller is asking $6500 1990 300ZX with 89,000 miles showing. This car is a five speed N/A. You guys think it's a good deal? Middle Tennessee area.

[zbane]

Don't know if it's a good deal or not, but I do like the Z32 line. My advisor here at university has a '96, and loves it. Maintenence is high, and should only be done by a Z expert, but if everything has been done correctly in the past by the PO, then you should be in good shape.

Here's a forum that focuses mainly on the Z32:

http://www.twinturbo.net/

Perhaps you could stalk the site and find some good info.