Newbie here!

I went to look at a '78 the other day. Price is a steal, $450, hasn't been running fully in about 7 years and hasn't been cranked in about 3. The body looks okay, but it was raining so I'll have to take another look next time. The chrome was still good surprisingly, and the seals didn't leak.

Any suggestions or key things to look out for? I'm going to assume the engine is a bust though he said it only needed a maf (but that was 3 years ago.)

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Read this checklist thread (written for 280zx's, but still applies to 280z's): https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/280zx-common-problems-checklist-purchase-inspection-16386/

 

If it doesn't have rust in the critical places mentioned then the only new things you need are an engine, afm, battery, tires, paint and a whole lot of stuff you don't know about yet. You have to assume there are electrical problems maybe brakes and a clutch. Upholstery? Carpet? Glass? Hate to flame you're dream but don't buy any car in the rain or dark. Make a list of the obvious and add up the costs and the hours of work. For a few k you can get one a lot closer to what you want to end up with. Good luck.

 

worse comes to worse he could always part it out and find another, hes a stone throw away from florida and north and south Carolina are also within arms reach as well as several other states, i would say try and talk him down some.

 

thats a great deal, but i think my car was the best deal anyone can get. $175 dollars for an 1982 280zx. It runs and drives, it has $2000 in new parts and the interior is mint. the exterior has some minor rust but so what for that price oh and its only got 90,000miles on it, a minor tune up and ill have a NICE car. If anyone finds a deal like this let me know