This is the first time I have posted on this site so bare with me. I'm only 18 yrs. old, and I will be graduating high school in two weeks. I will then move to the west coast to go to college. The thing is I need a car that is reliable, and I was wondering if the 1979-1983 280zx is a good reliable car. Since I'll be going to college I won't have enough money for a major fix like a blown head gasket or something like that. Any help or suggestions on another year of Z would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
Shaun

 

Yes, the 280zx is a good reliable car. Mine is the most reliable car I've owned.

Just don't go buy a $900 280ZX. Spend some money like $2000-2500 on one that is mostly all original. Make sure the engine is fairly clean and that all the wiring is original and not messed with. That should prove to be a good reliable car. Get a non-turbo, not a turbo for less maintenance.

I'd suggest the 1981-83 280zx as some very minor changes to engine design and wiring were done for those years. That might be a bit better for you. Stay away from the digital dash in the 1983 model if you can. Also note that some of them with t-tops leak a little even if the car appears to be in good shape. You never know. Usually its a slow drip on the outter edge and gets the corner of the seat wet if any.