I'm going to look at a 280Z in Philadelphia PA area tomorrow that I'm really close to making an offer on, but I'm new to Z cars and would love a second opinion from someone more experienced. Would someone mind coming to check it out with me? If you're able to, please shoot me a text.

203-536-6641

Thanks!

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

I'm thinking that if you want some good advice from our 280Z pros, you should hold off on buying tomorrow and just take some pix, get a price - and post the pics here. That way, you'll get input from guys with 280s all over the place - and maybe not make a big dive into a budget busting Z before you know what the obvious positives and potential negatives are... Just a thought.

Good luck tomorrow, whatever you decide.

 

I've attached some pictures. He's asking $9k.

It has some cracks in the dash and a really heavily undercoated bottom, but it seems to be solid and just a slight bit of surface rust underneath. It also has a bearing noise in the transmission. Other than that the car is good in my opinion. Does anyone know a good mechanic in that area to do a pre purchase inspection?

Thoughts?

 

She's obviously had a lot of work. Price still sounds way high. Have you compared with other 280s on Craigslist? Compare mileage vs. price. That is, unless you're already in love - which mean you've bought her in every way but your checkbook. Me, I'd make an offer way below the asking price. It is very high... Plus you will want (or need) to work on her yourself when you get her. There's always something. That will cost you more $$. I think you should think about this. 280s don't cost in that range. Check Craig's ... and see if you can hang here long enough until our 280 pros give you their input..

 

I don't know where you are finding them cheaper. Here's what I'm seeing on the internet... which makes me feel like this is a pretty good deal. It seems to me like the normal asking price of these is between 10-20k. That said, I could probably actually get it closer to $8250.

1977 Datsun 280Z for Sale | ClassicCars.com | CC-583381

Datsun for Sale | Hemmings Motor News

Datsun 280z

The ones below $10k mostly look like junk to me. 1978 Datsun 280Z 5 speed

1975 DATSUN 280Z

 

Yeah that price might not be that much out of line. The values of the old Zs have been going way up, to the point its getting harder to find a decent one under $10K.

On a positive note, its nice to see old Japanese cars finally get some respect in the classic cars market.

 

Dash covers for the Zs can be found on eBay and probably elsewhere. Spend around $125 to $150 including shipping and you'll get something that, when installed, is hard to tell it's there. They look great, are easy to install and only those who already have dash covers can really tell ...

 

The cracks in the dash aren't much compared to the ball joints & tie rods (See the last picture.). On the plus side, it still has a splash pan. Those were frequently discarded along the way. It's missing the original oil cap, too. Try tracking down Captain Obvious at Classiczcars.com (aka Mr. Completely at zcar.com). He lives in the Philadelphia area.