Orsonwood

Hello! Not a z owner yet, but I am being offered one that has been garage kept, 180k miles, current service records and recent repairs to the transmission and timing belt. I'm sure these are great cars, but it will be my only car. My work and school commute add up to just under 200 miles a week. It does not snow where I live. Gas mileage and lack of safety features is something that I am willing to accept, but what about the reliability? How likely will the car refuse to start in the morning? How much time would I need to dedicate to be a custodian of a car like this? I will be interested in preserving it and upgrading parts only if they improve dd safety. I don't want it to be too much distraction from school. The only similar car I've had before was an NA Miata.

NismoPick

Welcome to ZDriver!

Just to clarify, this car isn't a UFO... it's not much different from any other 80's car. If you take care of it, no problems. If you have a basic mechanic skill level / understanding, it's easy to work on. Make sure you download the fsm and all will be well.

Z31 Factory Service Manuals

86tcoupe

The rings and valve seals have to be close to shot if original , rod bearings too.
the problem as a D D. obtaining parts , and the early self diagnoses is not one most shops/techs want to take on.

rogerz

180K not much on a z31 especially if it has been well maintained. Not being a turbo is a plus. Don't know what 86T had problems with but unless driven to death it will be fine. If it runs fine now you should be good. My 85T had over 200. My present 86T is right around the 180 mark. pretty tough little car.

86tcoupe

Well it's a easy test , what is the oil comsumption in 1 K

Donn144

Z's are famously safe! In fact, 4.5 years ago I got CRUSHED by a dump truck in my beloved 1988 Z..and walked away unscathed! There are numerous stories of Z's saving their drivers.
reliability? I have been driving Z's since 1988...oil change, mufflers, and brakes..oh yeah just had the radiator go...geez my car is a 1987! Freakin 30 years old! My only car!