Buying a z

[Smigel519]

Hey,

I'm looking to buy a 240z as my first car, but I am not set on what year I want. I will be 17 by the time I plan to buy it so I really would appreciate some suggestions of what year of 240z would be best for me and the budget of someone my age. If there are any cars you would think would be better for me, than please tell me (I would still want a old sports car though - maybe Dodge charger)

Thanks a ton

[Smigel519]

Sorry,

But also would I want Second Generation Z Car rather than First Generation Z Car

[Wade Nelson]

You ought to consider a ZX. For starters the front ends don't float off the ground when you get above 70mph. You don't have to eff with carburetors and chokes. There are fewer rust-thru problems. It's a slightly longer, heavier car, more sports-touring than a cornering machine, and if you regularly do long drives or a long commute you'll appreciate the smoother ride. These days they also tend to be CHEAPER than a Z in equivalent condition so you get even MORE for your money.

[Hardway]

Hey Smigel, welcome to the Z disease. I see you are in TX, where are you located? In regards to answering your question, a ZX is a more refined car, can be had for cheaper, and offer a lot of the "spirit" that the classic Z cars have. Will the vehicle in question be your daily driver? If so I assume air conditioning is a must. A good solid ready to enjoy ZX will probably run you around $4K - $6K depending on mileage, condition, and options like turbo or NA, t-tops, etc. A classic Z that has working AC and you can reliably drive as a daily driver will run you closer to $7K - $12K and beyond. Not that you could not drive a car while you fix it but in reality it makes life really tough as you will always be doing something to it.

In all honesty, your daily driver needs to be 100% reliable, safe, and comfortable. If the Z or ZX is going to be a project or second car then you really have tons of options. However for your daily driver, take your $4K - $6K and buy a used Honda Accord or something. If you went the ZX route you will be dealing with a car that is already 30 years old and even the best specimen will need things on a some what regular basis. I am sure others will chime in but I speak from experience as many others will too.

[psdenno]

Hey,

I really would appreciate some suggestions of what year of 240z would be best for me and the budget of someone my age. (I would still want a old sports car though - maybe Dodge charger)

How much do you plan to spend?

I tend to agree with the earlier comment suggesting that you buy something safe & reliable and consider the Z as your 2nd "fun" car.

Dennis

[Smigel519]

My dad basically has already told me that he will give me his 2006 Jeep Wrangler X and it only has about 32,000 miles very soon, so this would be my main car for commuting if I couldn't use my second car. So I am not worried about it not being 100% reliable just wanted to make sure I have A/C in the car and that I could drive it on a long road trip and not be extremely uncomfortable.

Thx again

[Smigel519]

How much do you plan to spend?

I tend to agree with the earlier comment suggesting that you buy something safe & reliable and consider the Z as your 2nd "fun" car.

Dennis

I probably will only be able to spend a little over 10K... But not much more

[Smigel519]

Hey Smigel, welcome to the Z disease. I see you are in TX, where are you located? In regards to answering your question, a ZX is a more refined car, can be had for cheaper, and offer a lot of the "spirit" that the classic Z cars have. Will the vehicle in question be your daily driver? If so I assume air conditioning is a must. A good solid ready to enjoy ZX will probably run you around $4K - $6K depending on mileage, condition, and options like turbo or NA, t-tops, etc. A classic Z that has working AC and you can reliably drive as a daily driver will run you closer to $7K - $12K and beyond. Not that you could not drive a car while you fix it but in reality it makes life really tough as you will always be doing something to it.

In all honesty, your daily driver needs to be 100% reliable, safe, and comfortable. If the Z or ZX is going to be a project or second car then you really have tons of options. However for your daily driver, take your $4K - $6K and buy a used Honda Accord or something. If you went the ZX route you will be dealing with a car that is already 30 years old and even the best specimen will need things on a some what regular basis. I am sure others will chime in but I speak from experience as many others will too.

Ya I have to have A/C because I live down south in San Antonio

[madkaw]

10k will get you a nice Z of any vintage. Go for the best chassis condition - no rust - that's the money sucker in the end.

Good advice from everyone- even Wade-