Hellooooo! Great site! It's good to see so many people passionate about something so cool as the Z cars.

I have always loved the 240. In about a year I will retire my Honda Civic of 250k miles and I thought it would be great to get a real sports car. Can someone lead me in the direction of what I might want to consider before I purchase a 240-mechanical issues, body quirks,etc. I am not the most mechanical so I won't be into doing a restoration myself. I will probably spend from $10-13k. Thanks

John, welcome!

There's lots of info on this topic here, play with the search function a bit for terms like "pre-purchase" and suchlike. Because if any of us try to write it all here we're likely to forget something, but the site archives never forget.

One of the first things you will find is that rust is a huge issue. Don't take the seller's word for it, seems like lots of people have pretty lax definitions of "rust-free".

That said, for $10-13k you should be able to buy a really nice car, as long as you're not looking for a concours or show-quality example. But expect to have to travel or have it shipped, as the selection on much of the country is pretty slim.

Decide ahead of time what it is that you want out of a Z. Total stock? Period-correct weekend driver? Modified road burner? Something else? Then we can help advise on specifics to look for - and specifics to look OUT for as well.

And don't be afraid to ask for help. Having someone who has already been through this on their own car when you go to inspect one is a HUGE advantage. Many of the people on this site will be happy to help you should you need info on a car in their part of the country.

Welcome John

In addition to watching out for rust, I would suggest finding the most complete car, in keeping with your needs, that you can find. Some components while not impossible to find can be rather pricey when purchased separately. Unfortunately, some of the repro parts just aren't up to snuff.

Karl

I'ld say for 10K + 2k (delivery) + 1k overhaul you would have very nice car. The engines are very tough and reliable (once tuned) so I would focus on getting a "good body" with a running engine (under 100K MILES). Look in California for the largest numbers - that seems to be where the premium units are (Arizona good, but not so much). Once you have it 1k should have you on the road. Check Zhome.com for tips

I am constantly looking and they are out there under 10K ready for the road. If I resided in California my yard would be a Z showroom.

Hellooooo! Great site! It's good to see so many people passionate about something so cool as the Z cars.

I have always loved the 240. In about a year I will retire my Honda Civic of 250k miles and I thought it would be great to get a real sports car. Can someone lead me in the direction of what I might want to consider before I purchase a 240-mechanical issues, body quirks,etc. I am not the most mechanical so I won't be into doing a restoration myself. I will probably spend from $10-13k. Thanks

Basic information can be found here. Spend most of your money in getting one close to top condition as possible. You may even consider buying one on the West Coast and driving it back. The air fare is less than the cost of fixing a rusty Z.

Based off eBay, you may not have to spend $10k on the car itself. Most the stuff on there now is $7k and it all looks great!

Though if you are wanting a 240z only, (no 260, or 280's) then I would start looking now as great stuff is hard to come by. You might end up buying earlier then you think.

For that kind of money, there shouldn't really be anything that you should have to worry about. The only concern with these babies is rust, though even at that price is seems hard to find. Look everywhere. The bottom, under the battery tray, under the carpet, in the spare tire whole, ect.

For that price, you should be able to get a great condition Z, get it shipped out and put some upgrades on it. Sway bars front and rear, brake upgrades, basic maintenance, tires, 4-row radiator, and a 5-speed transmission.

Excellent information here, and you're so right, a great site! We're also fixing up my brother's 1971 240Z for sale, and find that this native California car has been sitting in the California sun curbside for decades, driven less than 3 or 4,000 miles since the 240Z was replaced with a 260Z engine. We've had quite a lot of work done since we've decided to sell it, with more in progress now at the shop. It's hard to find things like driver's seat fixes for this year, though Ebay had a set for sale but even those looked like the driver's seat was dipped really low and worn. Guess it's just the way it is with 36 year old classic treasures like this.

Anyway, appreciate the information shared here, and just wanted to say thanks and chime in with our work in progress and goal to sell here in the Bay Area.

":0) Asta

Thats a good point that Red Dog makes - you will broaden the feild quite a bit if you look at the later Zs. The 260 and 280 are still Zs and with a fuel injected version the reliability seems to improve. Prices are generally better on the later versions as well.