I've had good luck in the past with giving prospective cars a pre-buy, professional inspection. I'm getting gradually closer to being able to shop for and buy my first z-car, and I wonder if anyone here has experience with this sort of thing. Whether you got good feedback from a pre-buy inspection, and also whether anyone can recommend a good shop. I'm in San Diego so feedback on southern california shops would be great. I'm not opposed to finding the right car just about anywhere in the country, but obviously to ask for feedback on a whole nation's worth of shops would be impossible so I'll just start with the SoCal area. Thanks in advance, everyone

Don't really know anything about specific shops in the area, but about the best thing to check is for a local z club, they may have members that can check it out for you, or go with you if the car is local.

When looking at the older cars, the main thing I look at is the overall condition of the whole body and undercarriage. Mechanicals are the least of my worry.

This advice is moot if you're looking for a "numbers" matching or completely original car that has been restored and you would want everything to be in tip top shape.

For example on my '73, it sat for 14 yrs and the only thing I checked was the condition of the body, it checked out and I was out the door with a very nice condition '73 for $500 not running.

Andy,

There is a San Diego Z Club and the Z Car Club of Inland Valley (ZCCIV) in Temecula that are both close to you. Just google both for contact info. Any of the members will be glad to assist. You joined the right board here. Members will (and have) done inspections across the country for other members who are interested in a car close by for them.

Be sure to give them an honest description of what you want to buy and how much you want to put into it. They will help you find the right car. Be patient.

I'm in Orange County and will be glad to help. Try Rich Scharf (motorman7) on this board too. He's located down in the San Diego area and is also a member of ZCCIV.

Bob

Hi Andy. I'm located in Pomona and if you need any help up my way just ask.

I am in the san diego north county area and I look at cars all the time for customers. So if I am not too far out of your way I am willing to help. I presently have my lift tied up so I may not be able to put it up in the air but I can show you where to check for damage and rust issues and it would be a free cursory look for you unless you want me to go deeper into things. Best of Luck in your purchase and you can feel free to call me at the shop.

Les 760-940-6365 Classic Datsun Motorsports

Freaking awesome, thanks for the great feedback, guys!! I'll definitely look you guys up once I've got a real budget to work with. Paying off debts before buying toys takes unbelievable amounts of self control but I'm almost there.

p.s. - I guess I can change the "texas" location in my profile since I'm back home again...