280z or 280zxt for reliable wife car...

[skamaniac]

NewB here is cali... need everyone's input. I have the opportunity to get a very nice condition 78 280z with around 90K miles on it or a 83 280zxt with about 50K miles on it. Both are in great condition, I really just wanted to get everyone's input on which might be a better daily driver and reliable car. I know the 280z would normally be the answer, but then again the ZXT only has 50k miles on it... Help...

[Ttiger]

Well, that's a tough one. The ZXT is much more of a cruiser than the Z. It will have a softer ride and more creature comforts (power steering, power windows, etc). I assume they are both 5-speeds? Will it be driven in stop and go traffic?

The ZXT will be much more forgiving in hot weather and stop & go traffic with the A?C on. The Z is more of a sports car and will be fun to drive.

I had a 1971 Z years ago (1981) and the window crank handle broke. I went to my local dealer where I had to walk through the showroom to get to the parts department. In the showroom was a 1981 ZXT, black & tan. I sold myself that car! I traded my '71 for it and drove it for 10 years. It's still around.

I got married and had kids so the Zs went away and we had Pathfinders and Quests. I have a Maxima now and just picked up a '73 Z to play with. I also found an '81 ZXT just like my old one. It was a mess and I got it for nothing. I put it back together and really enjoyed driving it, even more than the 240-Z. My son got t-boned in it and it was totalled. Now I'm back with just the 240Z. I really did enjoy the ZXT. It was a nice combination of sport and refinement.

So, I guess the answer to your question is to find out what type of driving and what kind of comforts you want. The ZXT may be the best all-around car while the Z is the classic more basic sports car.

[ggarrard]

I have to agree with Ttiger that the 280ZXT is a more "refined" car in the sense that the luxury items make it more liveable in traffic and on the highway.

My first impression of the ZXT was driving the one I bought home 2 hours on the highway. Setting the cruise button, and turning on the A/C was/is definitely nice. My '77 is now reserved for play, and the ZXT is the "family Zed" (83 ZXT 2+2)

GWGarrard

[AndysPlit]

My 86 300ZX 2+2 is a great cruiser and daily driver. Well, was a great daily until the tranny died. Now I'm waiting to fix it.

At any rate, my 280Z is more fun to drive, but the ZX's are great daily rides for the aforementioned reasons above.

About the only thing that I find more enjoyable about my ZX over the Z are the T-Tops.

[zbane]

Just buy both! It'll work out, one for you and one for her!

Kidding, of course. They both have their benefits, as mentioned by those above. I think the best thing to do is to go and actually drive them both, see which has the right "feel," and go from there.

[red_dog007]

I would get the ZXT. I agree with the statements listed above. The ZXT's seem to also be getting pretty rare, and seem to be going from a pretty penny online these days. So resale value could also be better if it is ever sold.

If you do get the ZXT, first think that I would do is get an intercooler. Even if it isn't pushed often, I would get the intercooler to help keep the engine cool, last longer, and always allow you to boost the engine to peak psi when ever you drive it!

Lower mileage also, which is awesome!

[bigoak]

Hmm...tough one...I used my '86 Z31 as a daily driver for 8 months last year. Was great and the T-Tops were awesome through the summer. For short jaunts or 1 day trips the 240Z was the best, but any serious miles or sitting in traffic, the cushy seats of the '86 couldn't be beat.

The 280Z will be more of a head turn/tongue wagger, but not sure that's what you're going for if its for your wife...

Either way, welcome to the club!

[e_racer1999]

tough call. the zxt will be quicker, but you can't beat the S30 styling

keep skankin