I went to look at an '80 280ZX today. I do not own a Z-car yet, but want one pretty bad. This one is the four seater (-1). The overall body was in decent shape with only a few pretty bad paint issues (-1). The guy said that it quite starting last year and hasn't worked on it since (-1) The interior looks pretty good for the most part (+.5). The dash is cracked bad (-1). The "console" between the seats is messed up (-.5). The tires need to be replaced (-4). He was asking $1200 for it. Worth it? Take it or leave it? To buy? or not to buy?

Opinions greatly appreciated.

 

My Z is a 2+2, has some serious paint issues, I need a new starter (solenoid went, and blew up my battery with it ) no interior to speak of (carpet AND center console missing, and the dash looks like a fault line), and the belts were showing through on the tires when I got her. But if you're wondering, I got her for $free.fifty-free ...

Mileage? If it's straight, and needs relatively little work (as compared to my car, or perhaps one that's been hit by a semi ...), I'd see if you could talk him down any. If not, I would still bite.

While on this topic, I've found a yellow '77 280Z in a junkyard nearby, but unfortunately, I can't afford another car. If anyone is interested, I could email some hi-res pics - she's real straight and only has a sizeable dent on the left front quarterpanel. The yard is looking for the title, and if found, they'd probably let her go for around $800-$1000.

 

Just as a comparison. I purchased mine six years ago for $800. It's a 79 GL two seater. I went down to Orlando Florida to pick it up. It is rust free, I have done nothing to the exterior finish. It had sat for three years, so the fuel system needed cleaning, and it required a tune-up. I drove it stock for three years before doing the conversion. In the interior the seats were worn and there were a couple of minor cracks in the dash, that's all.

 

My opinion is that it is overpriced. It doesn't even run and we wants how much?!? That's a $400 car.
Also, the 4-passenger model is usually a (-5), not (-1)
Ya, mine is a 2+2 but its actually my "family" car now.
If you don't need a passenger car, then take the time to get a 2-seater. Its worth it! T-tops are fun, but a hard top is cool too. The dash can be covered with a hard dash cover. The carpet covers are ugly. Finding a black interrior is good.

 

Yeah, mine is a '79 GL also. My interior is clean except for the driver seat. I had to replace the fuel injectors, but i picked mine up for $900. The guy is either trying to hustle you or is just retarded. I totally agree with Bleach on waiting, you will be happier if you wait for a better one.