How much do you spend to maintain your Z?

[tamboozle]

I'm new! I've been researching and learning tons, and I'm about to buy my very first Z. Can't wait. My question for you all- how much do you spend (on average per month) maintaining your Z? Obviously everybody is coming from different places with their Z's... some folks have awesome budgets to spend lots to upgrade and fix everything... but not me. I'm looking to spend around 4-5k for a rust-free, mechanically sound 240. Not looking to do crazy mods and upgrades yet- just take really good care of it. I've never owned a classic car, and want to be realistic about how much I need to spend to keep the car running well. It's going to be my daily driver. I know I'm not buying a Civic- just help me be realistic. Thanks in advance!

[TQs30z]

The key is to find a zed that is in good running condition, once you get there. The rest is just UPGRADE. Therefore, those money is optional for you to do the upgrade or not. I got my 260z last year and hasn't really thrown in big money on the car yet because the car is in perfect working condition, beside running rich.(will take care of it soon) The money I spent on the car is mostly cosmatic stuffs, ex: wheel, seat swap, toyota truck brake upgrade, exhaust, poly bushing, struts. For your budget, 4-5k you should get a really decent zed without much of the upgrade and the key is be patience and find the one that done most of the upgrades and in running condition. Otherwise, it will bankcrupt you one way or the other. Good luck with you find.

Ed

[Gary in NJ]

How many miles will you drive in a year?

Will the car be garaged or parked outside?

Do you plan on keeping the car stock or modified?

Are we talking about a 240Z or a 280Z?

There are so many variables it's almost impossible to answer your question. While something is working one moment, it's not working the next day.

When I was looking to purchase an airplane many years ago I asked a similar question of an old timer whose opinion I valued. His answer was "if you are concerned enough to ask, you can't afford it".

Edited January 7, 2011 by Gary in NJ

[FastWoman]

Once you get all the bugs worked out and have the car the way you want it, I'd say the maintenance isn't much different from any other car -- often even cheaper (simpler car than most). It's getting the car the way you want that's where you'll likely spend money.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

Again, great advice. If you are looking to buy, spend more up front. I would say every dollar you spend on the purchase to get a quality Z initially is probably worth 5 dollars down the road. Spend your money wisely. A well maintained Z that has been looked after can be a very reliable daily driver, but let us not forget, these cars are nearing 40 years old (240z-280z anyway). Unless you find one that has been restored, it will have older rubber, older wiring, etc. Things WILL break, mark my words. But not as often as you think.

One of the real benefits is that these cars are VERY easy to work on. Since I have had my Z, I not spent much on repairs, I have spent a good bit on upgrades, and refreshing things. I am a fan of fixing things BEFORE they break. When something looks worn, OUT IT GOES. A Z is a great car, fantastic even, and if you can turn a wrench or two, very affordable.

[herbsteiner]

The key is to find a zed that is in good running condition, once you get there. The rest is just UPGRADE. Therefore, those money is optional for you to do the upgrade or not. I got my 260z last year and hasn't really thrown in big money on the car yet because the car is in perfect working condition, beside running rich.(will take care of it soon) The money I spent on the car is mostly cosmatic stuffs, ex: wheel, seat swap, toyota truck brake upgrade, exhaust, poly bushing, struts. For your budget, 4-5k you should get a really decent zed without much of the upgrade and the key is be patience and find the one that done most of the upgrades and in running condition. Otherwise, it will bankcrupt you one way or the other. Good luck with you find.

Ed

TQ and Zed speak with straight tongue! I found such a Zcar just a short while ago, a very clean basically one-owner '73 with virtually no rust, many upgrades and years of maintenance receipts included. I didn't/don't want a show car, but a cool daily driver. So I got it for 3000, drove it awhile, added a spare this and that for more than a few benjamins, had some carb work done, then new Rotosound radio, and Infinity speakers for the back panel box that Zspecialties sells. Hand to replace the heater control valve and a cable to the blower box lid. Found an oil pan gasket leak so I had that fixed. I decided the front shocks are kinda soft so in the installation of the new KYB gas shocks all the way around, it's time to replace the ball joints and tie rod bushings. Cool, now I have a new suspension, new sound, new heater, and an ultra-hip DD.

I'm not a mechanic and at age 63, spry and youthful though I may seem, I don't crawl around under cars anymore, so I have the work done at the garage of my trusted Z guru. There's a big expense right there. A vintage car can be a real bargain if you're a mechanic with time on your hands, or a body work guy with time on your hands.

Total everything up and I have over 6 grand in my $3000 Z-car.

And I haven't had it painted yet!!!

Edited January 7, 2011 by herbsteiner

[spitz17]

I wish my luck was like others around here. I've had tons of problems with my two Z's =\ I think the best thing to do is to take the advice of people around here, to spend the money upfront to get a NICE Z. Not only that, but to take it to an inspection before you purchase it. It may be $100-200 for a quick diagnosis at a local shop, but at least then you can get a solid list of what needs to be fixed or upgraded on the car. Most importantly, as people have mentioned, make sure RUST will not be a huge issue. That $3-5k for the car can quickly turn into $10k+ if there is a good amount of rust.

[tamboozle]

Thanks for the feedback so far everybody, really appreciate it.

Gary- probably 10k mi/yr. Garaged. Plan to upgrade as I go and as parts need replacing. 240 for sure. I'm sure an airplane is different monster than a classic Z, but I catch the sentiment

zedyone i'll definitely keep that in mind. Start with as quality of a canvas as I can yeah? Sounds like I'm on the right track.

Thanks again all

[Travel'n Man]

It's not only the money that we are spending - it's the self reward that all of us get having the cars that we own and drive. It's a sence of pride that comes everytime we start our engine knowing it's not another Ford Mustang or Chev Camaro.

Follow the above advise and get the best car you can afford on the front end - be sure to research as much as possible, know the trouble spots for rust, know what to look for with the engine and transmission. Don't buy on emotion (don't fall in love with the first Z you find) - buy educated!

Good luck and keep us posted on your find.

[signal34]

Here's a link for common rust areas on the 240Z, but given your location you should be able to find a good one without rust issues.

http://zhome.com/Classic/CommonZRust/RustPrevention240Z.htm

Follow the advice that others have already given here. A well maintained Z will save you a lot of headaches down the road. I bought my 81 280ZXT from the original owner and I have had zero mechanical problems in almost fours years. The car came with detailed receipts and records going back twenty years and you could tell the car had been cared for. My 83 280ZXT has been the opposite story. I rescued it from a kid that had went as far as painting the radiator red and installing multi-colored blinking LED's under the dash. :sick:

I'm still fixing "repairs" that the PO made.

Good luck with the search and when you find the right one remember that posting pics are a must!

Edited January 9, 2011 by signal34