Hey guys, I'm currently in the market for a 300zx and was just after a bit of advice. Having browsed through various online car sales sights and looked at numerous local import dealers I've noticed a significant price range difference, and its getting confusing, especially after reading about the occasionally dodgy practices employed by importers. For example I'll see 2 cars from different dealers, same model/year (i've been looking at the z32 NA 2+2 ones) and from the photos both look to be in about the same condition with similar kilometers with a difference of around $6000 or so. Similarly i'll then see the same models with twice the kilometers for the same price as either of these ones, this causes my brain to explode I don't have much experience with cars, but i know i do want a car that will be fun to drive and be something i'm proud to own. So what should i expect to be paying? is the big differences simply a result of dealer markups? should i be wary of the cheaper ones? and so on! any help would be greatly appreciated thanks!
Hi bathory I'm certainly no expert, but check out some of the zeds for sale by members on this forum. There are some great zeds for good prices and most of the members here are great people who arent likely to rip you off. Any way good luck on your zed hunting :zlove:
hey man, dont worry bout it i was at the same point for 6 months b4 i bought my Zed, i got it off a importer and though i had a look at several private sales im glad i still bought it through the importer and thus have had no issues with the car as of yet lol.. something will come along soon that meets you critera mine was a NA 4 seater jap-spec manual.. so there are cars out there for you.. also cars for sale on the forum are a great place as well, because these people are enthusistcs (cant spell ) and you are less likely to be ripped off... and remember: Cheap may be good, but good is not cheap goodluck with the hunt!
Your right, some dodgy importers out there, but also some dodgy dealers. I don't think the dealer is even requiered to provide any sort of warrenty for cars as old as the Z (MAYBE the 1996 version, but even not sure about that). Your best bet, IMO, is working out what you want, finding the dealer price then trying to get it through private sale for that $6000 less. Hold onto that extra $6000 and if worst comes to worst and a turbo blows or engine etc, you have $6000 to get it all cleaned up.
i reccomend buying from a forum member which will be advertised in the for sale section...that way you know the history of it from others, plus they know about zeds not like the dealers etc... make sure u get conzult/datascan on it to check if there are any errors etc, or even get it booked for a checkup with a zed specialist.... its pretty much you pay for what you get...the na go for less than the tt ones so i would say a very good condition zed should go for about 12 grand.... g.luck
Didn't notice about the NA thing, but same principle, engine or gearbox, all those things (as long as one only, though maybe both) can easy be fixed for less than $6k.
bathory .. check the tech section ... i think there is a "what to look for when buying a zed" this could assist ... and i think, also, that a member "tektrader" did a comprehensive post some time back on this same issue .. so do a search for posts by him .. was at least 12 months ago ... some things to look for : make sure that the 100kkm service has been done .. this will save you heaps has an upper plenum pull been done and all old/redundant hoses replaced ..?? look for a record of regular sevices .. has the heater core been replaced ..?? these are a regular to fail.. is there a vibration when driving between 60-80kph .. a sign that the centre bearing is on it's way out ... and welcome to the forum ....
Advise on ZX I was also a newbie with a ZX. I bought a 92 two seat twin turbo, mine came with lots of previous owner history with invoices and bills showing what had been done by the previous owner so I know what has been done. Mine blew a hose when a rear tyre blew at 140kph - (I did some off road driving and it bounced around causing this) so now it is in being repaired! The guys on this site have been very helpful and supportive to me in my time of need and although I do not know much about ZX, I am learning very quickly with the help people have given me. My car is being repaired in Adelaide by a company that specialises in ZX, I would not have found them had it not been for the help of member Zorro. I suggest you keep reading this web page and ask lots of questions!
And of course use the search function. 95% of questions you have can be answered using this wonderful function. Welcome!
