I'm about to buy (tomorrow) a 77 280Z from a small local dealership. My question: is this a good idea to buy this car on a low budget? In other words will I always be fixing something on the car? I love these cars and have always wanted one, but money is a little tight right now. The car has 77,000 original miles on it and supposedly the motor has been rebuilt. Any help is appreciated!

Here ya go guys. This is one of those questions where if you ask 25 guys you'll get 30 different answers...... Come on boys, belly up to the bar....

For low budget I'd suggest as new a Honda as you can afford. The Z is a 35 year old car and will nickle and dime you to death if you want to keep it properly maintained. They run forever, they're good cars, etc, but most any car that old is going to need some attention.

My question would be IF it has only done 77,000 miles, why did the engine need to be rebuilt. I would doubt those miles. My 72 Z has 120,000 and the motor is untouched apart from valve guide seals, uses no oil, and still goes strong.

If the car is going to be your daily driver, expect to spend some dollars to keep it on the road. The electronics would be my biggest concern. Read the problems others have with that.

Edited October 4, 201014 yr by olzed

My question would be IF it has only done 77,000 miles, why did the engine need to be rebuilt.

I second that.

And if the mileage may be correct, things like starters, alternators water pumps, wheel bearrings, u-joints, clutches..... call 'em hard parts may not need any attention but you can bet anything rubber with 33 years on it will leave you standing beside the road.

Low budget? stay close to home or get AAA and a cell phone. Once you have all those sub systems returned to square one, then the fun can commence.

Get a car with carbs, IMHO.

Since body refresh and interior 10 years ago, we have done over 20,000 miles, and our 240 has never let us down. Two weekends ago we did a weekend trip of 1,000 miles. Love the old Zed.

As Bruce says AA is a great idea as well. We have comprehensive, which means they transport your car home as well as you, and put you in a motel for a night. Well worth it

Edited October 5, 201014 yr by olzed