What to Look for when buying a z32
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What to Look for when buying a z32
I currently own a 86 NA Z31 5spd and am looking to upgrade to a Z32 TT 5spd. I tried searching and didn't find anything on to what to look for when buying one. I am wondering what the estimated price to pay would be. Note that I am new to the Z32 scene. I currently have 12000 miles on my 86 and am looking form something with less miles.
My main questions are:
1.) What are the better years? (Ex. does one year have an option that another doesn't have. Like is the 4wheel steering on all years?)
2.) Price expected to pay?
3.) Major issues that I should look for? (Example Z31's had a fuel injector leak recall [which could be repaired])
4.) Best place to find information on the Z other than the forums. Like Z31.com or ZBUM that tell you some upgrades that you can do.
I have two vehicles that I plan to sell to get this car and it will be my primary driver. Planning on spending around $5000 if possible. Any help would be appreciated and if this is on the forums somewhere a link would also be appreciated. Thanks again.
My main questions are:
1.) What are the better years? (Ex. does one year have an option that another doesn't have. Like is the 4wheel steering on all years?)
2.) Price expected to pay?
3.) Major issues that I should look for? (Example Z31's had a fuel injector leak recall [which could be repaired])
4.) Best place to find information on the Z other than the forums. Like Z31.com or ZBUM that tell you some upgrades that you can do.
I have two vehicles that I plan to sell to get this car and it will be my primary driver. Planning on spending around $5000 if possible. Any help would be appreciated and if this is on the forums somewhere a link would also be appreciated. Thanks again.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 45
From: Monroe, North Carolina
Arguably, the best years were 94 and 95. In 1996, the Z underwent OBDII and was reduced 20 hp. Suede interior became available in 1994. The seat belt also moved from the door to inside the cabin (safer). Airbags were standard equipment (92+). So 94 and 95 Z's had everything. HICAS came on all year model TTZ's and no NA's, but is usually frowned upon for its tendency to leak. I've also heard that it doesn't cope well with higher HP numbers. A lot of people will eliminate it all-together, which is just dead weight on the car. Not good.
Price varies by area. In mine (Charlotte, NC) you should expect to pay between 11 and 15 thousand for about a 70k mile, good shape all around twin turbo and about $6-10k for an NA in the same condition. $5k should be extremely hard to accomplish for a TTZ that's in any kind of good condition (you're talking 150k miles in non-running form). I really don't want to discourage you, but it's the truth.
I'm not very aware of major problems with the Z32, especially problems that can't be fixed. Look on http://www.alldatadiy.com/ at the Recall section for confirmation (Feel free to use my account. Username: "Phillip Broome". Password: "300ZX".
Honestly, the best place that you CAN find info is on forums. www.zcar.com (my favorite) and, of course, www.twinturbo.net are two great ones. This one is a tad bit slow (not too many regulars I guess, but I just joined so I don't know), but it's got a good format and can get there with a little promotion.
If you really want to save money, you should twin turbo an NA (depending on how much you do yourself - $3-6k) and then report the NA VIN number to your insurance company. You will pay NA insurance for your TT car, but the payout will be less in the event of an accident.
Price varies by area. In mine (Charlotte, NC) you should expect to pay between 11 and 15 thousand for about a 70k mile, good shape all around twin turbo and about $6-10k for an NA in the same condition. $5k should be extremely hard to accomplish for a TTZ that's in any kind of good condition (you're talking 150k miles in non-running form). I really don't want to discourage you, but it's the truth.
I'm not very aware of major problems with the Z32, especially problems that can't be fixed. Look on http://www.alldatadiy.com/ at the Recall section for confirmation (Feel free to use my account. Username: "Phillip Broome". Password: "300ZX".
Honestly, the best place that you CAN find info is on forums. www.zcar.com (my favorite) and, of course, www.twinturbo.net are two great ones. This one is a tad bit slow (not too many regulars I guess, but I just joined so I don't know), but it's got a good format and can get there with a little promotion.
If you really want to save money, you should twin turbo an NA (depending on how much you do yourself - $3-6k) and then report the NA VIN number to your insurance company. You will pay NA insurance for your TT car, but the payout will be less in the event of an accident.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 67
From: In Texas
DWHall1, Z1 ONLY just about said it all, the only thing that I would add is make sure that the Z hasn't been into a major wreck. Minor fender benders aren't a problem. When the Z32's were newer they repaired major damaged cars instead of totaling them out. Happy Z hunting.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,672
From: Gerber, CA
http://www.300zx.co.uk/tech/BuyingZ.htm
I stole this from a link in Rizz's signature, so he gets the credit for it. With this, you get a few more technical 'heads-up' items.
I stole this from a link in Rizz's signature, so he gets the credit for it. With this, you get a few more technical 'heads-up' items.
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