I swear new cars are engineered to support the dealers service department first and foremost.

That much I agree with...

And I am also in agreement with Arne, I at least now, drive my '72 240 as a DD and I have had zero problems with much enjoyment on the way to the much dreaded work.

Which is the problem. Forget ZoomZoomZoom I just love driving the Z...

I know that it SHOUld be a weekender but is that really how the car was created? I think not. I think that a Z should be appreciated and driven. Not just on the weekends but in general.

My only worry is that some idiot on the road is going to take it out, I guess that is part of the risk of enjoying the ride.

Hell, as far as enjoying the ride, my only other choice is the CBR and the heater is broke!

!B

An update:

On tuesday I bought what is destined to be my daily-driver. I purchased an 86 300ZX 2+2. I talked the guy down from $2250 to $1900!

Pros: It's red

It's an AT

T-top

alledged rebuilt tranny

great body, paint, & interioir

no dash cracks

runs strong

side skirts, rear spoiler

performance exhaust

blows cold air

Cons: It's red

It talks

the alarm

very loud muffler

leaks oil below the coolant reservoir

high mileage (218K)

no documenataion of timing belt service

may need a tranny mount

cruise does not work

aftermarket stereo sucks

All in all I'm very excited about the Z31. I know I'll have to pour money into it so that I can feel more confident about it taking the strain off my 280. It's miles apart from an S30, but still a great car in it's own right. Wish me luck!

AndysPlit

1978 Datsun 280Z

1986 Nissan 300ZX 2+2

Lets see some pics!

Well good luck Andy! I just stumbled on this post. I would have weighed in very favorably for the 280ZX. I have used mine as a commuter for 17 years now. Until last year that was every single workday. I have never owned a more relaibale car. And when i got it it had 95 thousand miles on her. Now at 173 thousand with original drivetrain and tranny. Hopeful your z31 will be as good!

I hope this works. I don't have any pictures but here is the one from the ad.

Very nice!

Congrats!!

I would look into getting the T-belt done just to be safe...

Thanks for the pic!

~B

Thank you. I will try to post some more pics of the 300 and my first love, the 280 sometime in the future. I need a digital camera!

But, in regards to choosing the Z31 over the 280ZX, I can see some of the allures of the S130. It does give better mileage, retains the classic Z look, and is simpler in terms of its mechanics. One factor that came into play is that a 280ZX 2+2 is much harder to find and many of them are in fair to poor condition. I saw so many more Z31's for sale. It's ironic because in all my years of being a Z owner I never thought I would ever buy a Z31.

I cruised around town and took it on the freeway last night with the T-tops off. I had a blast, but the performance muffler is too loud. I sort of felt like a jerk driving this loud, red, and flashy vehicle. I almost felt like I was driving a 5.0 or Trans Am! I'm only speaking of the aesthetic and not power of course. Man , it was still AWESOME, but it could never take the place of my 280Z......ever.

I am also interested in more of a daily driver. I have a 72 240 (along with TR6), neither car I really care about driving 75 miles a day in the heat with a coat and tie. I am thinking of the 280ZX since they do have more creature comforts. I have owned 2- 240z, a 260z and a 280Z but never a 280Zx and no nothing of their reliability.

I assume stay away from the automatics? Plus, should I look for a turbo or non-turbo? 2+2 good, bad, (I don't really need the back seat). Is there a good year 1980? Is there a bad year 1979? What sort of high mileage should I be aware of? (stay away from cars with 100,000+. I would like to buy a nice one and don't mind spending $8,000 if it is low mileage. I don't want another car to work on, have too many now and doing a frame off restoration on a 70 TR6. I also have a real car to drive daily (Subaru Outback, not too exciting).

Thanks for the info,

I am also interested in more of a daily driver. I have a 72 240 (along with TR6), neither car I really care about driving 75 miles a day in the heat with a coat and tie. I am thinking of the 280ZX since they do have more creature comforts. I have owned 2- 240z, a 260z and a 280Z but never a 280Zx and no nothing of their reliability.

I assume stay away from the automatics? Plus, should I look for a turbo or non-turbo? 2+2 good, bad, (I don't really need the back seat). Is there a good year 1980? Is there a bad year 1979? What sort of high mileage should I be aware of? (stay away from cars with 100,000+. I would like to buy a nice one and don't mind spending $8,000 if it is low mileage. I don't want another car to work on, have too many now and doing a frame off restoration on a 70 TR6. I also have a real car to drive daily (Subaru Outback, not too exciting).

Thanks for the info,

The 280ZX's are just as reliable as any first gen Z-car. I don't think there is a "bad" year with the S130 series. For your mentioned 8K for a ZX, I would say you should have no trouble finding a car in great shape with relatively low miles for that price or under. I'm sure you can find a good one for half that price.

I've never heard of staying away from automatics. I know a lot of Z31 people hate automatics though. My Z31's auto tranny is out of commision so my 280 is my daily until I get the Z31 repaired.