A buddy of mine is looking to sell his 1985 300zx because on Tuesday he started it up to go to school and when he put it into drive it wouldn't go. This is non Turbo with an A/T. When he put it into 2nd gear it started out really slow until it reached around 30mph where it started acting and driving normal. Reverse works just fine and it seems 2nd gear and up work fine.

The question is, has anyone experienced this or what might this issue be?

I'm considering buying it if it's not a transmission replacement.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

has it got fluid in it? the slush box in that year not too reliable. on the other hand find a five speed in the junkyard and do a swap. Not that hard.

 

It's a transmission replacement issue. These auto trans are very expensive to rebuild, $1600-$1800 and you can't trust buying them used. Pass on it of plan on a 5 speed swap.