260z Should I Buy a 260z or hold out for something else?

[FastWoman]

The 280 gets no love?!

 

I know I'm a bit different from most people, but I look at a less desired car this way:  You buy it for less, don't risk as much when you drive it (meaning less heartburn and more fun), and have every bit the same cool factor.  When a car gets too valuable, I don't feel comfortable driving it as much.  I had a nearly perfect '66 Mustang that just sat in the garage (= no fun).  My very nice, but not perfect, '78 280 is much more fun, because I won't freak out if someone leans against it (well maybe just a bit), and I can drive it to the grocery store without being terrified a shopping cart will bump it.  If I need to replace a hose, I don't have to worry about it being an authentic braided one.  I just buy a hose from the local parts store -- easy breezy.  And what wonderful cars these are to maintain!  There's ample space under the hood, and the systems are simple and reliable.  A Z is much easier to maintain than a modern car, even with scarcity of parts.

 

My car is not an investment.  I own it for fun, not to make money.  I'm OK with that.  I prefer my fun to be cheap.  The day my 280 becomes precious, I will sell it and find another cheap/fun car.  That said, I already own it.  It's a Miata, and I'll sell that one too when it becomes precious.

 

Yes, the early EFI is quite primitive.  But a carb is even more primitive.  I'd rather have the EFI any day.  Once you get it working right, it's a fairly robust system, with the exception of hot-restart issues (deriving from changes in fuel formulations over the years -- an annoyance more than anything.)  Just realize, it is difficult to get ANY of these cars (carb or EFI) to pass emissions.  That doesn't mean you can't do it.  It just takes a bit of work.

 

Someone recommended a 2+2.  I hate the look of the things, but some people really like them.  If you're one of those people, it would be great to have a back seat for your kids.  (Of course these old cars aren't as crash-worthy as most modern cars.)  Also these cars all have accommodations for small/medium dogs, who LOVE to ride in the hatch area if you're not terrified of getting nose prints on the glass.  They have a 360 view!  Great fun!

 

My bottom-line advice:  Forget the investment.  Drive what's fun, whatever that might be for you.  If you're the average hobbyist, you're not going to make any money from your car anyway.  You'll do well to break even and have a "free" car to drive (which is what I usually do).

 

PS I'm not taking your poll.  Don't let others decide for you.  After gathering everyone's thoughts, YOU decide.  YOU'll be the one behind the wheel, hopefully with a big smile on your face.

Edited May 9, 2015 by FastWoman

[Pop's Z]

As usual, Sarah gives the best advice.

 

Remember that the only zeds worth tons of money are the early series 1 cars. I have a '73 and I wasn't going to worry too much about the value. I wanted to relive my youth and have fun with my car. This I did on both counts. Have fun. Make up your own mind given your money situation and your mechanical skill level. A lot of members here weren't so skillful that way when they first got here, but they went for it and learned how to work on their own cars. Fun and satisfying. Good luck.

 

Cheers, Mike

[rossiz]

totally agree w/sarah & pops - enjoy the car. 

my 78 280 is my daily driver and it's nice enough to feel wonderful when driving it and it gets plenty of admiring looks in the grocery store parking lot (where i would never park a $15K example). i bought the 280 on purpose because it's always been intended to be my car - not my toy, not my investment. as such, it's a little heavier (which makes it a little quieter, a little less flexi) a little longer (which makes it a little more stable) and a little more plush (i commute in comfort). this is in NO WAY to speak down to the 240s, as they absolutely rock, but for my budget and intended use this car is fantastic. and cheaper. and i get damned near everything at oreilly's or online with no worries about "period correct" as it isn't a show car. i swapped bumpers, modified the hatch deck, put in seat heaters, modern stereo w/usb port, lots of stuff to make it comfy and reliable and i absolutely love it. 

 

and while i get comments on how cool/pretty the car is almost daily, i've never once had someone point out that it wasn't all original...

 

as for teh 2+2, that's a different beast altogether. some like  'em, some don't - your call. but be very realistic when evaluating the "+2" capability, as the front "2" will need to drive w/their knees hitting the underside of the dash while the rear "2" will likely have their shins bruised and their knees hitting their chins. it ain't a sedan by any stretch...

[Matthew Abate]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I ended up passing on the 260Z and, after almost buying serval times, ended up finding a 1973 240z (Orange!) that is restorable (and runs!!) for less than the 260 would have cost me and in better condition (!!!). I'm officially part of the club, an will start posting my process as soon as she arrives.

[Patcon]

Sounds good. Looking forward to pics

[siteunseen]

Congratulations on your purchase.

 

Can't go wrong with orange. 

[Matthew Abate]

Sounds good. Looking forward to pics

 

As soon as I get it in my hands; it's in transit.

[FastWoman]

Congrats! 

[grannyknot]

Good for you, you're going to love it.