realistic budget for common Z repairs

[FastWoman]

Well, as someone who owns both a Z and a Miata, I have to say in all fairness that the Miata is much more fun to drive. It's very nimble and zippy (thanks to the 1.8L 16valve engine -- better than the original 1.6L), and it rides the road as though it were on rails. If it were a hardtop sports coupe, it would be perfect. (I really don't like convertibles for safety and rain issues. Even removable fiberglass hardtops don't resolve these concerns for me.)

However, I also have to say that I feel much more "cool" in my Z, and I agree it's a much sexier car. The Miata is very cute, especially with its headlights ("barn doors") up, but I do have a love affair with the styling of the Z.

If I were hitting the open road or going for a drive in the city, I'd pull the Z out of the garage. If I were taking a short, spirited ride in the country on a beautiful day, maybe the Miata instead. Both cars have their merits.

FAIW, an '89 Miata (which would have the 1.6L engine), is now 25 years old -- considered an antique here in the US, and 5 years off from hitting that magic 30 year mark in Norway. For the (better) 1994, with the 1.8L engine, you'd have to wait another 5 years still.

Anyway, it's just something to think about. Honestly, my recommendation is to own both, but I realize that isn't what you're wanting to do.

[Hardway]

I will speak from my personal experience of buying a car sight unseen. More often than not what rolls off the trailer has been a disappointment. Even the best pictures and numerous emails full details will never tell the full story of a car. Since you will be shipping the car back to Norway and you only want to do that once, I think there is a ton of value and peace of mind in seeing the car in person, driving it, and having the opportunity to go over it yourself. What you are embarking on is not only an adventure but it will be an investment of time and money once it’s all said and done. I have never worked with a broker but I think you are right. If you do your research you can do the leg work yourself and possibly save a little money in the long run. Due to the list of things that need to be thoroughly checked on these cars I would have a hard time trusting someone to get me the car I want. If you are talking with the seller of a higher quality Z then they will understand getting interest from out of the country and hopefully will be more open to working with you on it. Any good seller would probably accept a reasonable deposit to hold the car until you could fly over and inspect it, as long as the flight can be made within a week or so. Once the car is in front of you and you have cash in hand, you can either walk away or make a deal. Bear in mind your up-front loss could mean losing your deposit and of course the money for your flight. On the bright side, it could also keep you from making a large financial mistake.

Since you are thinking of flying over here this is how I would plan it. First, these cars go fast when good ones come on the market. It may be best to plan a week or two vacation over here to go look at cars and have cash in hand. Second, if you don’t find one while you are here make as many contacts as you can, attend meets, etc. Those contacts could possibly serve as “boots on the ground” to be on the lookout for you. If they find one and you buy it, send them a finders fee for the effort. While the guys on TV make finding a car on the other side of the world look easy it’s definitely not impossible. If you want it bad enough, you will make it happen!

[Carl Beck]

Hello AMelbye:

Honestly - I think your budget is way to low at this point. $5K to $10K will only get you a 240Z that needs a lot of attention. Most of the items on your list…

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Pop's Z]

FWIW, I would add that if you are coming to the US to look at Zeds you might want to come to Orange, California, in late April and go to the MSA Z Car Nationals show. You will see more Zeds in one place at one time than any where else. Some of them will be for sale and you will meet some of the most knowledgeable Zed guys around. I've been three times and had a great time every time. If you're lucky you might even meet Mike the Honcho of this excellent website as I did.

Cheers, Mike

[AMelbye]

I have to say in all fairness that the Miata is much more fun to drive.

Exactly what I did NOT want to hear However, isn't the 240z more fun than the 280z? Just my guess, as it's lighter and (said to be) more agile.

Honestly, my recommendation is to own both, but I realize that isn't what you're wanting to do.

I certainly would if I could, but I'm afraid that's not an option for me :/

Due to the list of things that need to be thoroughly checked on these cars I would have a hard time trusting someone to get me the car I want.

This is really my main concern with using a broker / hiring an agent. I believe most will be able to check for rust, and verify that the engine and interior is ok. I however don't trust them to judge suspension and steering, simply due to how american cars handle, and a probable lack of curvy roads to challenge the car. If using an agent, perhaps I should look for a rust free car with a good engine, reasonable interior and calculate with rebuilding the suspension and steering?

Going over to get the car myself is definitely a good option. Thanks for all your good advice in this regard! Still, on the other hand, I'm not a mechanic, I've not owned a car i most of life (in Oslo driving is very impractical, and I'll never want or need a daily driver), and doing an inspection on my own might not reveal all the problems with a car. In addition to this, I'll always be in danger of falling in love with a car, impairing my judgement.

Over here we have something called an NAF test. NAF is an independent company that does a thorough check on a car (120 check points, or so). Is there anything like this in the US, and is it common practise for a buyer to take a car through such inspection before buying?

Hello AMelbye:

Honestly - I think your budget is way to low at this point. $5K to $10K will only get you a 240Z that needs a lot of attention. Most of the items on your list…

I think you're right. Which price range to you think I should be looking at? I've seen quite a few nice looking 240Z's on ebay for around 12-13.000 the last few weeks, most of them buy-it-now, with the option of making a "best offer".

FWIW' date=' I would add that if you are coming to the US to look at Zeds you might want to come to Orange, California, in late April and go to the MSA Z Car Nationals show. You will see more Zeds in one place at one time than any where else. Some of them will be for sale and you will meet some of the most knowledgeable Zed guys around. [/quote']

That would be awsome. If I do decide to go over and find a car myself, that sounds like the place to go