Is this 76 280Z worth getting?

[jareddbh]

Hi All,

 

I posted a couple weeks ago about interest in a 240z.  The talks didn't last long when the owner didn't want me to crank over the engine and have any kind of detailed look under the hood.

 

I'm now looking at a 280Z that has been offered as part of a trade (working out the details).  Here's what I have so far:

 

- 76 280Z

- Second owner, AZ car

- Car is original except for paint, but correct color (teal); iron cross rims

- 132k original miles

- "Runs like a top"

- Factory R12 AC works

- Has a spare 78 280z engine and other spare parts

 

I saw from the pictures that it is an automatic.  I'm fairly certain this substantially hurts the value.  I'm working for more information about the condition of the gauges, rust, etc.

 

I'm looking for any information I can get about this car's value.  I'll post more information when I can.  Expect little to no rust and working gauges.  Interior looks mostly good (some fading).

 

Thanks for looking!

Edited June 26, 2015 by jareddbh

[Hardway]

Hey Jared.  I read through your post and believe I contributed to the questions around the 240z you were looking at.  An automatic 280z still makes for a nice car.  However, if you really want a 4-speed or 5-speed car, hold out for one, they are out there.  If you want an automatic, that 280z looks nice.  All Z cars continue to gain popularity with each passing year and I believe there is something to be said for a nice, all stock, well running car, regardless if its an auto or not.  Yes, the auto hurts the value a little but given its so original I don't think its as big a ding as most people think.  If it was a modified car or project car the auto would bring it down considerably.  Again, search for and buy what you really want, be patient, the right car is out there.  Out of curiosity, what is the seller asking for that 280z?  Keep us posted once you know more about the condition, especially any rust.

[jareddbh]

Hi!  Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it.

 

I'm not actually buying it for cash, but trading for it.  I have a 68 Chevy Impala 4 Door Hardtop in pretty good condition (I value it around $7500).  

 

I actually just got a reply while typing this email.  He says the rear struts need to be replaced, but he has them.  Hasn't been able to do the work due to hand problems.  Engine has not been rebuilt, does not smoke.  Everything works except for the clock.  He mentioned "one small bubble on the drivers door just above the body line the size of a pencil eraser" .  He said he's not sure if a rust bubble, or paint bubble.  It's been living in Globe AZ it's entire life, and apparently he got it from the original owner 4 years ago.  He mentioned he has a hoist and I could look at it all over.

[Zed Head]

It looks in great shape.  You could start a completely new forum on "worth".  It could be a philosophy forum.  Or a money forum.  Or a time plus skill forum.  An emotion forum.  Family forum.  

 

The transmission swap isn't that hard.  If you have the time and skill.  And the extra money.  And it makes you feel good, and your family is okay with you spending time away, on the car.  Some would say it's not right to change an original car, but that can be debated.

[jareddbh]

Honestly I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get something worth substantially less dollars than my current car in case I need to sell it in the future.  I have no plans of doing this, but I can't predict what may happen.

 

My plans for the car is to use it as a commuter.  I believe as classics go, they are potentially one of the best candidates for daily driving.  Fuel injection, AC, decent MPG and suspension.  Should be easy to work on as well.

 

I am setting up a meet tonight, so I'll keep everyone posted!

[Zed Head]

I was joking, sort of.  Purpose determines value.

 

For your stated purpose though, that car looks like an excellent choice.  If it's been maintained and driven, it's probably dependable.  It's the "ran when parked " cars that sat for 10 years that have the problems.

[tamo3]

I was joking, sort of.  Purpose determines value.

 

For your stated purpose though, that car looks like an excellent choice.  If it's been maintained and driven, it's probably dependable.  It's the "ran when parked " cars that sat for 10 years that have the problems.

 

Sounds familiar

http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/111648-10-years-after-hybernation-75-280z/

[Mark Maras]

Automatic or not, That appears to be an excellent 280. It likely has seen little rain (Az.car) and judging by the dashboard, it has seen little sun.

IMO you won't get hurt trading it for your Impala. Even if the Impala is worth a

little more today, (questionable) in a very short time a good Z is going to be worth a lot more.

If driving the automatic sucks, convert it to a stick & save all the parts. The next owner, should there be one, will have his or her choice of trannys. A positive selling point.

[jareddbh]

I'm glad noone through any major problems at me with these cars.

By the way, awesome responses and very quick! This is a great community, I can tell.

I'm going to meet him tonight or tomorrow night. He'll have it on a lift, so I'll get a good look.

If all looks good, he's going to trailer it to me, and then load mine up and take it. It's about 100 miles, so that's pretty nice!

[black gold man]

Looks like cap on dash and the fuel rail has wrong clamps and maybe wrong hose  in two places.  

The clamps cut the hose.

[FastWoman]

The automatic doesn't necessarily hurt value.  It's an unusual feature.  Automatics were rare, and most were replaced with standards, making surviving automatics even more rare.  (Of course it's not a "desirable" feature from a driving perspective.)

 

FAIW, I had a '66 Mustang with factory power steering -- also an unusual feature for that year.  The design of the PS was not particularly good, but mine was functional and in good shape.  I think it contributed greatly to the value of the car, mostly as a curiosity (as it was done with hydraulic cylinders).

 

That '76 is a nice looking car!

[jareddbh]

Does anyone happen to know if there are known issues with the automatics as far as reliability is concerned?  I really wish it was at least a 4 speed, a 3 speed makes highway cruising sometimes harder than it has to be.  Although bigger tires could help with highway RPMs.

 

Anything I should specifically be on the look for?  I'll check for the usual things when getting a used car, but don't know the specifics with this model.

 

Otherwise, I'm very excited!  Been looking at Zs for some time now.