Ive Found A 1981 280zx Turbo Around My Area With 150,000 Miles For $600 But It Needs Tranny Work Quoted At $800. Its And Automatic And Id Really Prefer A Manual, Where Would I Look For One And Do You Have An Idea Of The Price?

Also Im New To 280's Is There Anything I Should Look Out For?

And Last Of All How Dependable Are These Cars Is 150k Miles Too Many?

Please Respond Quickly I Have To Decide By Friday Morning!! Thanks In Advance.

 

I'd buy it just for parts if nothing else! You can swap in a 5speed fairly easily (depending on your skills).

And there is a sticky thread here just for info about buying a 280zx: 280ZX Common Problems / Checklist for Purchase Inspection ( https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/280zx-common-problems-checklist-purchase-inspection-16386/ )

And welcome to ZDriver!

 

Turbos last for a long time if taken care of... rev the engine & listen for excessive turbo whine/ grinding noises/ any abnormal noises.

 

Ok Thanks. But About How Long Do These Engines Normally Last? Is 150k To Much?

 

I'd suggest you stay away from that particular car out in Arizona.

 

I agree seeings how I am gonna buy it..

 

I want to see secret ninja z !!!!

 

My buddys 1980 has almost 200,000 miles on it, though it is not a turbo it still pulls very well and the engine will drive anywhere. A turbo itself is a replaceable part. I would not say 150,000 is too many miles by a long shot but look it over and be smart when you look at it.

 

lol. when i first read this I was thinkin. Huh. Eather S/C got a new name. or this has got to be the same car. IT'S A RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Im thinking bleach is trying to motivate me.. Sneaky sneaky

 

Thanks for the info and input. Well I bought the car today I had to purchase a new battery and the engine is perfect had it checked too no problems(except needs tranny re-built), plus after 1 wax job with Nu Finish the car as a mirrored finish again.

 

It's not the engine on these cars you have to worry about. I've seen L series motors pulled apart with 250k+ miles that still show the hone marks in the cylinders.

The problem is the electrical and the general age of the cars themselves. These cars are 23 to 27 years old and that kind of age causes the degradeable parts to... well... degrade!

Corrosion of electrical connections, brittle wire insulation, cracked rubber components and body rust are your greatest concerns.

 

If I had a dime for everytime I've seen you type that line out

(I'd have about $.50 baby )

But it is true. My turbo motor was the same way. 120k and still looked it just came from the machine shop.