I thought I'd run this by you folks, since this might be my first Z car purchase. I have a chance to buy this car for $4,500 and I wanted to see if you guys thought it was worth it.

The engine was rebuilt 15,000 miles ago and a performance cam and valves were put in. There seems to be rust on the fender and door hinge. Other than that, the car looks nice, but I'm a little worried after seeing a rusted 260z last night (even the floor was rusted through). The car is in another city, so my brother and I would have to fly there and drive it back.

Opinions?

From the rust I can see in those pictures, the repaint, not so clean engine, aftermarket air cleaners, etc. and the fact that it's a 73, that's not a $4500 car IMO.

Agreed.

Places you would need to check are the battery tray, the doglegs, the hatch deck, the floors and the bottom of the doors (that one's from very personal experience). By the time you get rust like that over the fenders, these spots are usually in dire condition.

Even if those are all perfect, you're looking a decent amount of work to fix the rust that is present and it probably doesn't justify the asking price.

Where is the car located? Perhaps see if someone on the board can check it out for you.

Cheers,

Agreed.

Places you would need to check are the battery tray, the doglegs, the hatch deck, the floors and the bottom of the doors (that one's from very personal experience). By the time you get rust like that over the fenders, these spots are usually in dire condition.

Even if those are all perfect, you're looking a decent amount of work to fix the rust that is present and it probably doesn't justify the asking price.

Where is the car located? Perhaps see if someone on the board can check it out for you.

Cheers,

Good point - thanks for the input. My brother has someone to check the car in Kansas City, so I'll make a checklist of things that you mentioned.

These cars most always look better in the pictures. Having someone check it out would be a waste of time though, unless the seller is willing to drop his price substantially. Be patient and wait for the right one to come along. For that amount of money I think you can do much better.

Thats a nice color btw I was thinking of painting my Z that color is that midnight blue?

Thats a nice color btw I was thinking of painting my Z that color is that midnight blue?

Yes it is, i love it

I paid $600 for my project 73 and it has some rust (doglegs are the most problematic), but nothing major. I replaced the entire front clip from the doors forward (due to dented sheetmetal, not rust) for $200.00. Still needs a lot of work but when all is said and done it would have cost me about $1500 to get it up and running and looking decent. That's a total of $2100 spent. $4500 is way to much for a Z with visable rust issues. Somewhere in the $2K range would be more appealing.

Someone locally just sold their 71 or 72 for a couple hundred more then what they are asking for the 73 and it is almost in mint condition. Zero rust.

I'd pass also. Without seeing the floors et al, and knowing what lurks under the fender paint bubbles that's a 2-2.5k car at best. Remember, you can paint the car whatever color you want--that's much cheaper than finding someone to repair the rusty bodywork then have it painted (trust me, I know)--so be patient for the BEST BODY CONDITION car to come along at your price point. If you're willing to pay 4,500 for a car you'd be shocked--shocked! at what you can get for 6k...

Good luck,

Steve

Listen to what they're saying, they're right.

Since you live in Texas you might find a better deal local to ya

California, AZ, and Texas cars always seem to be

in the best conidition. Less Rain, Less Rust. :rambo:

Nice Avatar By the way!

~Z~

Listen to what they're saying, they're right.

Since you live in Texas you might find a better deal local to ya

California, AZ, and Texas cars always seem to be

in the best conidition. Less Rain, Less Rust. :rambo:

Nice Avatar By the way!

~Z~

Advice taken!

And thanks about the avatar, I made it in illustrator if you wanna mess with it. I made a 13x19 poster in brown to match my room and I think i wanna put it on a tshirt soon

Besides the floor check out the frame rails and in the wheel wells AS WELL AS ALL the other spots the guys mentioned above. $4,500 is a bit steep. If you love the car, offer him $2000-$3000 IMHO.