What is your opinion on the pre-1990 300ZX? Is it worth it as a used car buy?

can't say much, other than I think they are fun... don't know any hard facts, but the turbo-charged versions accelerate reasonably, and they handle ok... I've always liked the look.

just my opinion

They are great cars...except....

They are plagued with problems. The electronics are a frequent problem, the suspensions are often worn out, and it is difficult to find one in good repair.

To top it off, the engine bay is PACKED *if you've ever worked on a 300ZX successfully, you are a GREAT mechanic* and it is hard to get to everything. The turbo engines are a rare find, but are even hard to fix. If you happen to find one in good shape, by all means, get it, but be prepared for aggravation if you didn't check it out completely. It's pretty annoying... even the simplest things (changing an oil filter... retrieving a dropped tool....) almost leave you BEGGING for an engine swap. Can you believe it's possible to swap the V8 VK45DE into that thing?

If you do happen to find one that runs well and is in good shape, you're very lucky. In my opinion though, it's more worth it to find an older 280ZX. It's much easier to work on the L28 engine, and hey... mebbe you can drop an RB26DETT in there.... :square:

Ach! regarding the mechanical troubles of the 300zx (pre-90), I remember some neighbors who bought a Sentra (maybe a stanza?) in the mid 80's, had problems enough that they swore off nissan and bought only detroit made for years afterwards. Do you think that Nissan/Datsun altogether, in the 1980's, did not have the reliability they do now? Were other 1980-90 'nissan/datsuns' sup-par for Japanese import?

Originally posted by chrysostom77
Ach! regarding the mechanical troubles of the 300zx (pre-90), I remember some neighbors who bought a Sentra (maybe a stanza?) in the mid 80's, had problems enough that they swore off nissan and bought only detroit made for years afterwards. Do you think that Nissan/Datsun altogether, in the 1980's, did not have the reliability they do now? Were other 1980-90 'nissan/datsuns' sup-par for Japanese import?
Well, no car is perfect. Every car is different, but then so it every owner. When you say they had "enough" problems, what problems did they have exactly? Did they have major problems that caused frequent overnight stays at the mechanic(engine, transmission, suspension)? Or did they have minor quirks(interior, lights, stereo, uncomfortable seats, sluggish performance) that were a big headache to them?

I have a non-car friend who owned a Subie Loyale Wagon for a year, and due to that car, he assumes ALL Scoobies are junk. Go figure.

I'd rather rely on Consumer Reports in regards to reliablity.

Hmmmm.... maybe that explains (partly) why I have a G20.

You may be able to get an old Consumer Reports at the Lie-berry which woukd have stats on the older 300ZX.

Its performance & looks were put to shame when the '90 300ZX was introduced.=)