found two 280z's...

[fishbrains]

Hi everyone this is my first post... I found 2 280z's at a local body shop... And I wanted to know how 280z's run price wise.. How much would relatively beat up one cost?

Just so when I walk in there and ask, i have some knowledge.

I am only 14, but i was hoping for a price range of about $500.. (Summer job and a little help from the dad. But by the time I am 16 I want a relatively nice car to drive... so two years will give me some time.

thanks...

[PrOxLaMuS©]

whoo hooo... 14 is a good age to look for cars...

500??$$$

only if the engine doesnt run and the body is in good condition, or if the car engine runs barely and the car is rusty.

Depends on the condition of the body and engine and drivetrain.. does it run? hows the body? any Rust ?

relatively beat up?

between $800 to $2,000 depending on what beat up is.

But based off your short and little info.. i say expect between $800 and $2,000.

[owenk]

Some of you guys will get upset with this opinion.

At this point in your life it is not wise to waist $500 on an auto that will need much more than $500 over the next view years. The costs add up quickly. You may become a slave to working to support the car and the joy of owning a classic will disappear. You need a car that will start every morning, get you to work and school. I say all this from watching my 2 sons do the same. #1 son, now 20 purchased a 510 and after about 3 years of driving - working - working - driving it is now parked and he has Pathfinder that starts every morning so he can get to work and school. My #2 has just learned that it takes money and time to fix up an auto. He purchased a half built Toyota 4x4 thinking it needed only a small amount of work before it would be ready to go. It needs about $2000! It is now sitting at his grandparents home and he is look for someone to tow it off.

I have a Z as a 3rd car / hobby it may become my daily driver but only after I am convinced it will get me there for me when I need it.

Oh, the babes in the car mags are paid to lay half naked over cars! Most women could care less about your car. But they do care about if the car smells funny when running, or gets something on their dress. Cars like audio systems typically only impressive other guys. It is like women and clothes, only other women are impressed. Us guys only care if we can see nice curves.

2cents from a 48 year old (in your eyes older than some dinosaurs)

[texasz]

owenk, truer words were never spoken. My first car was a good buy (a 10 year old Accord for $1800) and passed my mechanic's inspection but within 6-9 months the tranny was slipping (an automatic), the A/C quit working, and there was another major malfunction but it slips my mind. I was in a way fortunate that I got rearended and the car was totalled thus getting me out from under it and having cash from the insurance to buy something else (which I autox and ran into the ground!).

Also about the women, SO true. My wife does not like riding in my 240Z because it smells of exhaust and has no A/C. When she has been in it she said it smelled like a Nova (to her this meant an old car) to which I took great offence to. She also does not like it parked in front of the house because it is not all prettied up yet (see my gallery or the icon under my name). However, she does like that I enjoy it and that makes her happy. Aaaawwww!

[Gav240z]

Having bought my first 240z at 17 i realise that in alot of ways it would have been a good idea to wait until i was older to buy this kind of car.

The main problem is when your young generally you have small pockets and can't fund something of this kind.

$500 now could be $5000 in 3 years.

Having said all of that buying a car at a young age and fixing it up with dad is a great way to hang out with dad and gain some knowledge about cars.

I've learnt so much when i started I didn't know anything really I didn't want my step father to take the dizzy cap off cause he might not put it back properly. how things have changed in just 4 years.

If your dedicated and you love the car by all means do it I look back now and don't really regret anything except buying the 2+2 hehe. If you like the 280z it might not be the best idea to get a $500 beater.

Keep earning money doing summer jobs put it aside and by the time you can have your licence you'll have enough for a great 280z that won't be rusting out everywhere.

As for women not caring what you drive yes and no if it's clean reliable and doesn't take much $$$ it's a good idea for a daily car.

If you can have a project that doesn't require to be on the road all the time even better if i hate anything it's driving my 240z daily hence y it's been in the garage more time than on the road last 4 months .

As for 280z values well I think the best thing to do is get it tested by a professional mechanic who will give you a good opinion and advice and take it from there.

Pay more for anything that won't require alot of work.:cheeky:

[Inf]

Yes, the majority of women really do not give a crap about cars at all. A lot of the girls I talk to here and there are under the impression that their boyfriend's bone stock honda civic is virtually a street legal F1 car(wonder where they got that idea?!)... oh, and they(the car) look "cute" too apparently!

[Jae]

280z's are nice..

[fishbrains]

Thanks for your advice everyone.

I am still thinking about it... but i definetly want to read all the posts of common problems and learn as much as i can about the Z before i buy one.

As for the car itself. It does not start, and there is minor rust on the front bumber area.

Thanks... I'll post if I DO buy it...

[St.stephen]

Let me know where in jersey you are located. I am in northwest jersey exit 12 off rte 80 near the poconos. perhaps I can be of assistance in checking out the car. I have had 8 z cars and currently have three. 74 early 260, 76 280, and a 78 2+2

[fishbrains]

I live in a town (Lawrenceville) thats squished between Trenton & Princeton

so im about 10 minutes from both.

The Z is in Flemington

[Victor Laury]

Jason,

Everything our brothers have told you is true. Common sense, all of it. We like to feel we can still speak the truth even if we don't follow it.

I say, "F" the truth! If you got Z lust, Welcome to the club. Buy your Z car, then restore-while-you-drive and love it! Haleluya! Baby! that's what this group is all about!

But, don't be hasty! You are right on when you say you want to learn before you buy. Be carefull you do'nt spend 500 ~ 2,000 bucks on a car that will never get to the appearence/performance you want. There are deals out there. take you time and find them.

[fishbrains]

Thanks Victor Laury:

I hear that there is a "Z restoration book." Or something to that effect. Is this something I would want to purchase?

And do most of you guys complete the restoration by yourselves or do you send to various body shops?