Might go for #14, 78 280Z

[dogma420]

geeze 5k for a car that doesn't run correctly? If I was asking 5k for a car, and all it needed was a tuneup or some other small thing done, I would always get it done before I sold it--you should assume the same--so I would at this point assume something worse is wrong with it. Up in Oregon we have a company called E-Lemon-ators that will come out for a total of $75 they will check everything and hook up a full van full of DEQ type testing equipment to the motor, check compression, and make sure that the issue is minor--I've used it on the last 5 cars I've bought/checked out--and if the guy finds something badly wrong-he'll stop and just prorate the $75 price...which is nice--possibly you have this kind of company out there?

reminds me--in your profile you can put where you live, so your general location is known in the left side bar--this can help us help you better--esp. if someone is nearby to you they can recommend local stuff that could help.

[DatsunZsRule]

geeze 5k for a car that doesn't run correctly? If I was asking 5k for a car, and all it needed was a tuneup or some other small thing done, I would always get it done before I sold it--you should assume the same--so I would at this point assume something worse is wrong with it.

Not necessarily. Your right about how simple things like a tune up should be taken care of by the seller before he/she puts the car up for sale but some are just lazy and don't care because they figure "why worry about it, I'm selling it anyways" Not that it's right, but some people would rather stick the money into there new toy, or for other personal reasons why they have to sell it.

I had to work out some bugs on mine back when I bought it like what I mentioned above and I don't regret it all. I would have missed out on my beautiful Z if I would have let those little issues stop me. Others on here have had to do the same I'm sure when they have boughten there Z's.

I can't say for sure because I personally have not seen the car in person but if that car is as clean as it looks in that photo with low miles, then 5,000 isn't bad TO ME even with the running issues. If your looking for a classic 1st generation Z that needs absolutely nothing (both runs/drives and looks new, ect.) and you don't have to do a damn thing to it then expect to pay more than 5,000.00 Just my personal opinion.

Tom, you have seen this car in person so if you work on them, you should have a better idea what shape its in better than the rest of us that have NOT seen it in person. All we can do is just offer suggestions & opinions. If you feel like your better off waiting and could do better, then thats cool. Do what YOU feel is right. I know some people (maybe not you) just don't have the equipment, room, or time to do work on there cars.

Again, best of luck in whatever you decide to do

[dogma420]

Good points Datsuns Rule...

<<

I know some people (maybe not you) just don't have the equipment, room, or time to do work on there cars.

>>>

Not sure if the above applies to owning an early S30...I don't think there is any way you could own an S30 without having to work on them a bit, just because at 30+ years old, everything on them is wearing out and needs to be replaced (IMO)...I guess if you had a lot of money and either got one of the turnkeys or had the $$$ to always have them worked on, it'd be ok...I think that the s30's target market though are the humans who like working on a car a little bit--but like the natural muscle car type wrench monkey thing, because to me, the S30 is as close to an american car to work on as they get (to me at least).

[tomwas]

But i don't have a garage, I've undertaken some pretty intense tasks in my driveway, changed the rear crossmember bushings on my previous 88 2+2. Nissan wanted $1,100. bucks to do it. Took me 9 hrs. total and numerous scissor jacks to hold up the IRS but what a sense of accompishment after completing that job. Once i got the crossmember out i brought it in the kitchen to show my wife, i said "i got that sob out", displaying it like i just caught a Tarpon and fought it to shore.... I'm still considering the car, have to get back with the owner and discuss it in depth....... tomwas

[DatsunZsRule]

See Dogma420 The man doesn't have a garage. That was my point in what you were quoting me on in your last post. Some people just don't have all the luxuries to do a lot of there own work on there cars or knowledge. (Not directing the knowledge part at you Tom ) The Classic Z's do rely on owners that are fanatics like us here to maintain them. Most so called mechanics today just don't have the knowledge on these older Z's and they can create more problems for you than you started with. :paranoid:

Tom, If you do decide on this Z or another one in equal shape, I highly recommend finding some way to shelter your beauty from the elements. especially this time of year with winter since your in New York. I'm in Minnesota and had to tuck my little one away for winter like I always do every year. Mine is an Arizona beauty and I'm going to keep it that way If these cars see winter, they will rust bad no matter how much you wash it.

But anyway not trying to steer you away from getting a classic 1st gen. Z Hopefully there is some kind of Z club or shop in your area that can be of help to you since not having a garage is an issue for you. Of course, us here at this site will always try our best to help you as well

Take care and good luck with your Z search.

[dogma420]

I don't have a garage either! never stopped me either...