Hi. I'm Bart. I'm eager to buy a Z car. I'll be doing some research over the summer and hopefully I'll be buying one soon because they're so freek'n sexy and I gotta have one. I've never owned one before and even though I like the idea of a 'fixer upper' I think i'm too much of a novice to be able to do it successfully, at least at this point in my life. Maybe in 10 -15 years I can have more experience and do the fixer upper route.

Bart

Welcome, Bart. Your search for a Z is commendable, however, be very aware the cars can be money pits - especially if you buy a rust-bucket. That is basically the first and only consideration you should have. Is the car sound, or reasonably so? Forget the engine. Forget the interior. It's the body that is key. Take your time and don't jump on the first one you look at unless it's preeemo and relatively rust-free. Pay more for a good one and you'll end up spending less in the long run. Enjoy your venture!

What he said!

Thanks for the advice. I bought a rust free 1978 280Z from a really nice guy in San Diego, CA.

Trust me, I looked the body over and it is "rust free".

I drove it from San Diego to Santa Fe and I had no problems the whole way.

So I'm quite happy with my purchase. No complaints. I have the official title and I'm free and clear.

I paid just under $4,000

Technically the engine has 214,000 miles on it. Its a 3 speed automatic.

There's not a whole lot that needs to be done to it. I wouldn't mind having a sun roof and I need to get a cup holder. Plus a new stereo system at some point.

Edited June 2, 201212 yr by b_art

I'd strongly advise against cutting the roof, Bart. It's pretty flimsy the way it is.

214K miles... just under $4K. Not bad..not bad..

Is that the original paint - or has it been repainted?

Very nice, rust free 280Z in Gainesville, FL. 42K original miles.. ready to drive anywhere... but $6,000.00.

Oh yes - I would not recomment cutting the roof..

FWIW,

Carl B.

Welcome to Z land, nice ride with lots of potential, this is only the the first step in the addiction , soon the mod bug will bite and the excuses to spend, spend and spend..........

That is so true.

I would recommend first and for most doing a complete tune up. Flush out the fluids, brakes, etc. Then check hoses, belts. Look for old decaying vacuum hoses and change them. Get the FSM and have it handy in your garage.

Most of all, congrats!!!

Having recently bought a 280ZX I'd suggest the 280Z instead. You get the fuel injection, but not the crappy suspension on the ZX. All the $ in the world can't fix a poor rear suspension geometry / design.

congratulation on you're find, nice car! I also would suggest not cutting the roof. If you search you will find the pains some have gone through to re-weld a whole new roof in. Yes on the cup holder (I use the ashtray slot).

Edited June 3, 201212 yr by grantf

Thanks everyone. I won't touch the roof, then.

Is it the original paint job?

I think it's the second. I can't remember, the owner filled my head with so much info, but yeah, I believe its the second. I don't know the exact name of this paint. Is there a way to find out?