1982 Datsun 280ZX 2+2 review from North America

I got mine with 195000 miles on the car and drive train after 4 previous owners. Nothing has gone wrong with the car while it has been in my ownership, but it came to me in need of a valve job and a brake job. I got those fixed as well as a few other things (oil change, fluids etc.) I still have yet to get it smogged and fully registered, but both my mechanic and I don't think it will be a problem. The interior has some wear, but nothing beyond cosmetic. The stereo is shot, but I could care less because I would have replaced it regardless. Mine came with new tires which was nice and I know the power steering and fuel injection system have been rebuilt. The body is fine except for fading paint on the roof in between the t top roof and the back window.

This is my first car and it is also one of the first cars I considered as a desirable, affordable, first car. The 2.8L engine is quite a power plant when under the hood of one of these cars. On the freeway this thing goes like a bat out of hell and goes from 65 to 100 or so in no time. However I believe the strong point of this car are its handling and steering capabilities. This thing hugs the road like a much more expensive European sports car according to my Dad who owned a Triumph TR4 and my Mom who used to have a Triumph Spitfire. I don't think I could have gotten a much better deal than I did with $1400 for the car and a total repair cost of $1100 or so although I think the Blue Book value for one of these is about $2500 As far as economy goes I think it is pretty decent for a car of its age and size (18 mpg. average). I especially love this car on the long, windy country roads with strangely high speed limits that seem to be all over the place here in the Northern San Francisco Bay Area. I also love this thing because I can actually fit my entire drum set inside it (2+2 yay!) and go jam elsewhere. Someday I might want to upgrade this one or hopefully buy a similar 280ZXT with a 5 speed and upgrade that. Overall this a fun and reasonable car for just about anyone, especially a 16 year old high schooler like myself.