I'm back! Not that anyone probably really remembers ahhaha... For a quick reminder/update: I inquired a while ago about owning a z32, and how much it would effect me financially, and basically, you told me it was too expensive for me. I ended up with an MX-5 which i enjoy, but i am still very eager to own a 300zx. I have $11500 in the bank, plus my mx-5 so lets say $18000. I am eager to own a 2+2, manual, non-turbo (p-plater), 93 or older (airbags mandatory in my family) At the moment i am in school, with a part time job, so lets say earning $150-250 per week. It would be insured under my father's name for a quoted: $560 per year. Ideally i want one in perfect condition, however i am willing to spend less money and more money making it perfect mechanically. So basically I was wondering... At what point does this become affordable and realistic to me? I dont spend much money outside of my cars... Like almost nothing... How much would i look at spending plus maintenance etc? Any input and advice is appreciated, I am still amazingly keen to find a nice z. Thankyou all. Jimmy. TL;DR I want to know when a 300zx n/a becomes a realistic financial option.
There so cheap now anyone can buy one. its just maintaining them. for 11k youll get a tight TT with some balls.
The requirement that threw most members off being able to advise you was this part. You are buying a 20 year old car with an airbag steering wheel. You will have to factor in the new replacement of that steering wheel part and servicing of associated sensors by Nissan, to keep the family happy. Whatever the condition of the car you look at, remember that you will have to get the airbag replaced. Contact Nissan Australia, for a price on that, then adjust your budget. Good luck, post updates.
Can't get a TT, not just yet, I dont know whether to keep desperately looking now, or wait until i am off my P's. In my financial situation is purchasing and maintenance affordable? I am quite stingy, but have been my whole life in means to buy a nice car!
They are a great car to own and drive, but expensive to maintain (assuming you want to do it properly). If you are willing to spend up to $18k then you should be able to get a REALLY nice example, provided you're patient. In fact you should be able to pickup a nicely maintained car for around $10k and have some money leftover for mods/repairs if you wanted to look at it that way. The best advice I can give you is to get an inspection done. I can do this for you, more info HERE if you're interested, or by all means take it somewhere else, just make sure you get it checked out. Many 300zxs have had servicing/maintenance related corners cut due to the afformentioned expense. An inspection will at least let you know what you are getting into.
ThanksQLDZDR! I have never actually been told that before, i will take a look! Anyone had it done who can give me a rough idea of price?
Rob, i am not willing to spend up to $18k, want to spend as little as possible, hopefully around the $7500-$10000 mark. But i dont know whether i should buy now, or wait until i have more money and am off my p's and buy a tt, or a 350(z or gt) I dont know if it is worth getting so low in my bank account.
Ok understood -you'll still get a decent car for that money, you would have gotten an exceptional one for $18k. Not at your stage in life it's not worth depleting your bank account entirely for the sake of a 25yr old car, no matter how appealing it may seem
Thanks again Rob, Ill keep my eyes out, So are you saying in my financial situation, being that i love driving, buying a semi-cheap one is a realistic option now?
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/wood...x-green-4-speed-automatic-liftback/1075664791 not exactly what your after, but just showing that with a quick search, late model and looking to be in good nick cars are out there. rare colour as well. pity about the high kms.
Alright, thanks heaps everyone, im gonna keep my eyes peeled, does it matter if it has high kms, if i maintain it well, can a high km 300zx still work smoothly?
A lot of maintenance can be done by yourself if you are willing to give it a go. Though it can take a bit longer than paying a shop to do it, so if it is your primary mode of transport that won't always work.
My advice is keep the mx5 for a while longer and get a tt when you are off your p's. First time you have a ride in a nice one you will be kicking yourself... And mx5's are pretty cool (for a hairdresser car )
Rob his Family have put a condition on him to have an airbag, so I assume they won't be satisfied unless it is proven to be operational. Who on this forum is going to satisfy that requirement? I suggested he contact Nissan about the airbag, as would a mechanic (and I would assume you) who was repairing a 1994+ Zed with an airbag. But sounds like you can probably advise him a bit better, have you got a DIY diag for the 20 year old airbag, no worries, so its up to you then. :thumbup: refresh your memory BTW, I think he should look for a nice NA 2+2. He sounds like someone who will cherish it. He does need to check out the airbag requirement to his parents satisfaction, getting a quote for servicing/replacing the 20 year old airbag by Nissan isn't a BS idea, unless you think he should BS his parents? So can you help him?
I'm sure guys parents want the car to have a steering wheel too, would you suggest he budget for a dealership replacement of that too?
seems crazy Jimmy, you are better to wait till you get off your P's and then get a TT why own half a chook when you can have a whole chook, fried and flying. I believe it is better to have a ZED as a weekender a bit of great car but not use it as a daily or solely rely on it better to have a small 4 cyl thing that is economical and just bring the weapon out on weekends and easier to look after that way as well
