This is my first time on the forum so thanks for helping me out. So I need some advice; my neighbor is selling his Datsun 280Z for $1,500, but obviously it had some major problems. He said the air conditioning and speedometer are broken and the engine stalls often and sometimes makes a popping sound. Is it still worth buying? How much do you think the repairs cost. I don't care that much about the AC but the engine and other problems are concerning.

Edited June 16, 20168 yr by Danielvbro
Added Photos

Pictures would help but a running Z for $1,500 sounds good to me. I paid 1,400 for my '77 five years ago. Pulled the motor and rebuilt it also a new fuel supply, tank pump injectors just about everything. Runs great now after another $2,000. Are you able to spend at least another thousand? If so, buy it. 

If it's popping it has a vacuum leak most likely. If it won't stay running it has a fuel delivery problem.

All the help you can stand is right here. It's like playing online chess trying to figure out problems with most folks on here. BTW, I always lose to the same 3 people. You know who you are!!!

 

if you consider the amount of things you can learn from working on the car, i think $1.5k is reasonable price... (plus things its going to need to fix it up) was the car sitting outside? you might want to look at www.zhome.com and go to the what to look for sections, and the common rust sections. Might be able to get flexible on the price. 

 

basically go to the bank and buy it.  

Buy it right now, you won't regret it. Mechanical problems can be fixed.

 Welcome Danielvbro 

 Mechanical issues are a walk in the park in these cars. Mechanically they are near bullet proof compared to others of this era. Rust and Bondo are the two biggies to watch for. When you find either, do a realistic estimate of your; wallet depth, time frame, your abilities and your desire to undertake the project. That said the price is right unless the body is badly rusted. @heyitsrama is right. Check at zhome.com. A lot of very useful information about what to look for and where to look for body damage when shopping for a Z. The price is great if all else is OK. 

 You've come to the right place for help. The diagnostic hounds in this club love to get their teeth into new meat. Good luck.

its all about the rust and what you want in the end. If the body is sound then its a great deal, its a simple car to work on. If you are going to have a nice one you need a garage IMHO to store it, else the old rust monster will come and take hold. They are a lot of fun to drive. Hope it works out for you.

 The car is in Minnesota? Major rust issues may be lurking on the underside.  Proceed with caution

 

P.S... who needs an A/C in Minnesota?

Edited June 16, 20168 yr by hr369

29 minutes ago, hr369 said:

 The car is in Minnesota? Major rust issues may be lurking on the underside.  Proceed with caution

 

P.S... who needs an A/C in Minnesota?

It's the land of 1000 lakes. You need to keep the windows up in the summer to keep out the mosquitoes.

I took a couple quick photos of it this morning. I know they don't show the underside or interior, but it looks like it's in decent condition to me. Any thoughts?

That looks like a good car.  I would buy it, sunroof and all.  Somebody liked that car before it started running bad. 

If it's generally rust free (a big, important if!), then it sure looks like a good deal based on the few photos you've posted.  Cars in worse condition go for 3-4x what he's asking and prices have been going up. Worst case, if you decide the car just isn't your thing, you can sell it and make a few bucks.

What does it look like underneath? How about in in the engine bay, especially around the battery tray and brake master? Is the car usually parked outside with the nose going downhill? If so, watch for rust around the hatch sill.