1978 Datsun 280Z 2.8L L28E

Summary:

Excellent learning car or weekend car, not a good daily driver though

Faults:

- 3 Fuel Injectors went bad at 162,000.

- Clutch slave cylinder went at 164,000.

- Some wiring needed to be replaced at 164,000.

- Battery cables melted themselves due to poor factory mounting scheme twice. Used bungee cord to hold battery in place.

- Fusible link broke at 165,000, replacement was difficult to locate, Parts for this car are not made by the dealer anymore.

General Comments:

Great car if you have a cheap mechanic or are good at fixing things yourself. They are a blast to drive and are easy to work on. They tend to develop unusual problems that can be cheaply fixed, but are sometimes difficult to diagnose. The engines will last forever if properly maintained. Replacement parts for this car tend to be cheap.

Do not buy this car if you are not a do-it-yourself type of person. EXCELLENT weekend or project car though. Lack of power steering makes paralell parking a hassle.

These cars are quick off the line and have good passing power on the highway. They do OK on mileage (mine averages ~25 mpg on the highway). The 4 speed transmission has you turning pretty high RPM's on the highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2005

23rd Jul 2010, 23:07

But do expect the Bosch inline 6 to run forever with next to nothing for trouble. Sure they don't have the "Luxury" ride of a lot of cars today, but you don't buy this car for that reason, it's a simple meat and potatoes vehicle, you buy it to go fast, turn fast and have the time of your life doing it... every time you drive it. If they didn't rust as soon as you look at them the wrong way, they would be the best car ever made in my opinion. ZX series too, just not the 2 plus 2 (so fugly) and not the auto trans (that's for wankers who don't know how to drive)!

1978 Datsun 280Z Coupe 2.8 Liter

Summary:

The car turns heads when I drive by

Faults:

My air conditioning compressor died at about 20,000 miles (it was replaced under warranty). The air conditioning isn't working currently.

The original factory finish blistered and deteriorated within about 4-5 years; I've since had it repainted and it looks great.

General Comments:

I've been driving this car for 27 years now and it is still fun to drive. It still gets going when I ask it to.

Overall, the car has been durable mechanically. It's never had the head off of the engine. I had new bearings and synchros put in the transmission at 185,000 miles, and had the clutch replaced at the same time (though it was still serviceable).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th June, 2005

1978 Datsun 280Z Fairlady (Japan Spec Everythin 2.8L F.I

Summary:

130 m.p.h in a 70's Love Machine..

Faults:

Transmission: Died at about 120mph/250,000 miles on a very fast test run from LA to Sacramento, California. Car handles quite well when the transmission shifter comes off in your hand and the windhield wipers are tearing off from the wind blast at that speed.

I feel very thankful to the engineers @Nissan.

General Comments:

Wonderful car for first project: I drove 4 of these cars in Japan, and fell in love with them. They are easy to work on, will reward you well, and it's one of the few cars a guy with a mullet can look good in.

The exhaust note with a decent muffler makes little kids smile and adults wish they were little kids again.

When shifting, you actually feel the car begging to go faster -- it will throw you back in your seat... and it's so cool getting on the fwy with a 30 year old car, blowing by everyone with the growl of the engine and a giant smile that is bigger than my hair.

Your 70's CD collection never sounded so good -- make a statement. Be unique, don't Buy & Obey -- this car is the epitome of "GT."

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2005