1977 Datsun 280Z review from North America
"Not the fastest, not the most comfortable, but if you want to "feel" the road again, buy a Z"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I drove this car from North Carolina to Massachusetts in under 10 hours. I don't think I ever dipped below 100mph. A day later it wouldn't start and I noticed the crankshaft pulley had snapped. After that I just ran into more problems that were probably caused from beating an 18 yr old car to death for 10 straight hours. I sold this car to a friend who had had the under carriage rot out while it sat for a year. This car held up great in NC, but couldnt deal with the winters/salt of MA.
General comments?
There's a reason Z cars are sought after by auto-crossers. These cars can handle, and 170 HP in a 2800lb car will push it pretty well, get it up over 220 hp and you've got a serious machine. My car didn't have power steering or power brakes and I swear the road has never felt the same since I lost it. You really feel like you're driving, and keeping it under he speed limit becomes a problem! The one issue I have with this car is that there is only one place supplying parts for this car, and they are REALLY expensive. $500 for a 4 core radiator?
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1978 - 280Z Fairlady (Japan Spec Everythin 2.8L F.I 130 m.p.h in a 70's Love Machine.. |
| Excellent learning car or weekend car, not a good daily driver though |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1978 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1998 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8L I-6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 100500 miles |
| Most recent distance | 140000 miles |
| Previous car | NA NA |
| Date of Entry | 4th January, 2006 |