Just purchased a 1982 280zx with only 170K Miles this weekend and got a good deal. AC COLD but it does have a lot of rust. Is this common?

 

Yeah, rust is pretty common.

 

is it worth getting painted?

 

Would cut out the cancer and weld some new metal in before I would attempt to paint the car if I was you.

 

Thanks!

 

Welcome to ZDriver!

Almost all Japanese cars had anti-corrosion problems until the mid 90's.

Having gone through the restoration process myself, I strongly suggest making a long term goal / plan for the car and your finances. Restoring / rust repairing a car IS NOT CHEAP, nor easy. If you have a body shop do a complete resto, plan on $5k - $15k. If you do it yourself, $3k to $7k. Also keep in mind the value of these 280zx's (an absolute perfect restoration MIGHT sell for $7k).

These aren't investment cars (we've had several recent discussions on this), so if you want to keep it for a long time, and enjoy it because it will be your car, go for it.

 

Ahhh... understood!!! Thanks

 

depends on where the rust is and what you consider "a lot". post some pics can range from cosmetic surface to poke your finger thru it.

 

Mileage means nothing on these cars. A high mileage car with no rust - I"d pay top dollar for. Rusty low milage - parts car.

 

I got mine a few years ago, she sat in a driveway for 14 years completely neglected. 130k miles now, some rust, still awesome to drive, and starts up everytime.

 

It blows my mind how easy these cars will start...