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Considering an '86 300zx

601 Views 3 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  erzelda, 
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I've found an manual NA '86 300zx locally for 700 bucks. I've driven it and checked it out. Runs beautifully, shifts fine, sounds great. Was a blast to drive. No leaks, dirty exhaust, noises - just a good solid machine. Trouble is that the body and interior are rough. Rust in the A posts is what concerns me most - it isn't bad and I can repair it but what a pain. Has the usual dash cracks, cracked steering wheel, rough door panels and god knows about the wiring. Luckily the wiring wont be a problem for me. Mirrors are in rough shape too. Hood has a rather large dent in it.

So I guess what I'm asking is this...
At that price is it worthwhile as a fun, running, possibly eventual parts car? What problems should I be looking for with this motor and drive train? I'm living on a firefighters salary, so... :D Thanks for your consideration and understanding.
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"Runs beautifully, shifts fine, sounds great. Was a blast to drive. No leaks"

A lot of car for 700 bucks..a money pit if you want to refloat it..up to you
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From what you said, it sounds like a great runner. But with that body work, you could easily find a cheap, clean, and RUST FREE ZX without a drivetrain and just put in that good one. That would be what I would do, considering there's no point in spending that much money on fixing a rusty shell.
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t5turbo said:
"Runs beautifully, shifts fine, sounds great. Was a blast to drive. No leaks"

So for $700 what the heck do you want? Try finding and decent running vehicle for under $2000 that you don't have to put another $1000 into.

Rust? Get a can of rustkiller/primer - buff and repaint or fill holes if you have to and repaint.

For $700 and just run it as a daily driver for a year with only liability insurance or get Collector/Antique car insurance and run as a 2nd car. You'll be so ahead of the game in buying a "used" car.

Add to the fact it's a Zcar and it's fun - what's to think about - unless you have better deals out there?
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