Hi everyone - new to the forum. Thanks for all of the great posts and information so far. I'm looking at a used '95 300ZX 2-seater, NA, cloth interior. The car has around 67k miles on it and looks to be in good shape with regards to the body and mechanically. The fluids have been changed regularly, the timing belt has not been changed yet. Any recommendations on if the timing belt should be changed ASAP? Anything else I should pay close attention to? The asking price is $8500 - does this price seem reasonable or high compared to what other folks are seeing?

Thanks for the assistance!

 

a bit high but low mileage cars are worth it for sure, blue book says 7200 on the high side of value

 

Thanks - where are you looking for blue book? Kbb, Edmonds and nada all had differing values...

 

It's usually a double edged sword with older low mileage cars, as since it's not being used every day things like corrosion, oil sludge, rust in the block, gummed up cooling system from old coolant, gear oil sludge, compressed springs and bad shocks..etc are more common then a car which has been driven lightly a few times a week for it's entire life.

 

I'm going to have the car inspected before I purchase it. Besides the standard safety inspection, should I have them do a compression test on the engine?

 

ha ha ha ha the block and sag in the suspension, and gear oil sludge should not be what a guy is worried about when buying a low mileage car. And if maintenance was done with quality oils and fluids, these would not really be a problem. ANYWAYS what to look for on a low mileage car is the body, interior etc, you pay for the fact that the miles are low and the car is in PERFECT shape. if it was beat move on, look under the cars, look for dents from speed bumps rocks... FACT low mile cars are worth a ton, mainly because they are in great shape, depreciation really takes its toll. motors oils, radiators can all be changed or cleaned out, frames(uni-body structures) that are rusted, dented, bent are worth crap...

 

^ Also remember, oil loses it's viscosity when it sits too long. And the same goes with coolant which can go bad, and damage and or gum up water passages. There are all kinds of things to consider. All aside, low miles doesn't always mean a great car. It still needs to be maintained just like any other car.

But I am in no way, showing you up. I am just stating some points. Thank you.

 

You are correct, my point was the body and frame is more important, motors and shocks can be replaced.

 

Ok, looks like I may have do try and do some negotiating. Checked with the local service shop which is very reputable and they quoted ~$650 for the timing belt change. Does this seem like a fair price for this work?
What would you offer for a car with 67k, body is an 8/10 (some fading on front bumper), a few scratches and one small ding, interior is 9/10, needs 60k service.

 

$650 on timing belt change is OK. find out what exactly they are replacing there are some other things you might as well do while it is apart. around Seattle $8500 for a non turbo is high unless it was in mint condition. mileage doesn't really mean alot. Check craig's list in various cities and you get a better idea of what people are asking around the country. But don't think that they are getting what they are asking. My 96 TT cost about $8K three years ago. needed tires, timing belt, blown turbo gasket. No dings, no rust, good paint interior in good shape. Put 2.5K (include new magnaflows) into it to get it right. She is still running fine and I enjoy driving it. it had 80K on the clock.

 

Thanks Roger - understand there are also some seals that should be replaced when the timing belt is done and also possibly the water pump?

 

i recently bought this 94 300zx for $4200 and it has 97k.. engine was clean no leaks, and the interior is super clean too.

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