hawaii5.0

Aloha, Just joined the forum hoping to get some reliable info. I recently came across a 82 280Z, it is the turbo 5speed model. Its in decent shape. I can see quite a bit of rust forming around the window seals (otherwise the body looks clean), and it appears that the turbo is no longer functioning, the hot and cold side are both disconnected? Its got 280K miles, it is current on its papers. Curious what a car like this is worth in the condition its in? Im in Hawaii also if that makes a difference. Anyhow, Thanks for any feedback, much appreciated. A-

zxguy1986

Welcome to ZDriver!

You need to DL a free factory service manual at XenonS130 - S130 Reference to check out the guts of that Z and see how maintenance and troubleshooting happen when done right. Easy pages to follow. Other docs there, too, like the owner's manual. Check it out.

If you are asking for our 280 pros' opinions, you have to post some fotos. Nobody in his right mind would guess what it is that you are looking at out there in Paradise. Could be a prize or a total dog. Give us as much info as you can get, model, mileage, mods, maintenance, running or not... etc - PLUS fotos! You will get valuable input from our 280 guys.

Welcome and thanks

hawaii5.0

Awesome, Thanks! Ill try to grab some pics next time Im out. All I know so far is its bone stock. Its a 1982 280Z Turbo, one owner, the mileage is at 280,000, the maintenance was done by whoever the owner seemed to see fit at the time (dealership, flagships, midas, etc..), The interior looks to be in decent shape (no cracks in the dash or any of the vinal, the seats probably need to be replaced, the body is straight but there are probably a dozen or so signs of cancer around the windows, it is currently his daily driver but hes an old man so he drives it 2 or 3 times a week. I looked under the hood and im not familiar with the Nissan motors but from my basic understanding the turbo is not functioning at the moment. It looks like the intake side of the turbo is not connected to anything. Ill try to take pics like I said, but since its not mine kinda hard. The guy said he would consider an offer, so all Im looking for is a ballpark figure what its worth. Thanks again. Will update with some pics if I can.

Freshzx

I just purchased two 280zxt, both for 1k each. One was an 83 that had 86k miles, but the transmission needs to be rebuilt and the floor pans need to be replaced. The other was an 82 and has a better body, but it is not currently not running. It was sitting for a while, so I am leaning towards a fuel problem. I live on the east coast where Z are not as common as they are out west, but any given month I see 3-4 turbo models posted on Craig's List.

Hope that can give you a point to start your negotiations.

zxguy1986

Used to live in Honolulu. I remember it being Honda Heaven - everybody either drove a Honda or wanted to drive a Honda. I would expect Z prices to be lower there like they are on the mainland Northwest, OR and WA - lower than in the eastern US. I would check Craig's for those states. The 280k on the odometer isn't necessarily a skip-it sign - unless it hasn't been maintained regularly in the basics. My guess is it's from the mainland.

If you can get hold of the VIN, run a Carfax report. For $40 it will tell you where the car has been and how many owners it had. That's a start. You need to borrow it long enough to get it to a place where you can check the fluids, get it onto a lift for rust and leaks, and maybe even check compression. Your turbo can be brought back to life. Older cars cost money to bring back to real life. The less you spend to get your hands on it, the better. Aloha e como mai!

hawaii5.0

The old man who is driving it now is actually the original owner. He bought it off the showroom floor, out here in Hawaii I believe. Forgot to mention that.

hawaii5.0

Ran into him at the grocery store last night. Here's a couple pics.

zxguy1986

Looks pretty good outside, at night in a parking lot. Did you ask him why he is selling it - and how much he would take for it 'as is'? When you get that number and are still 'thinking about it,' see if he will let you borrow it to take it to a mech with a lift to have it checked out. List of stuff I posted above is important if you want some control over your restoration budget. You still know almost nothing about it - except that you love it. Try to avoid a marriage made in hell...

hawaii5.0

He's not "actively" selling it. I was in a yard across the street picking some coconuts when I noticed it in a covered parking. I was perving out in it from across the street and he came out kinda giving me a stink eye. So I walked over and started a conversation. A few minutes in I asked him if he'd be interested in selling it. He said show me some cash. And thats how it started...