1982 Datsun 280ZX Reviews from North America

(2004) 400,000 miles when I bought it, and did a minor tune up, changed spark plugs, plug wires, cap, rotor, changed oil, drained and filled radiator coolant, changed new thermostat.

(2010) 403,000 miles... water pump went out, replaced the pump and decided to replace upper and lower radiator hose. Turbo temp. sensor went out.

(2011) 404,000 miles, did another minor tune up again. At this time the ignition switch seems to be going out.

(March, 2013) 410,999 miles, runs good so far.

The car was ahead of its time back in 1982, and even today (2011), it still can beat many cars on the road.

The turbo still spools good up to the red line.

The original brakes and suspension will need an update.

No problems as of yet.

Just bought this car a little over a month ago, and it has far exceeded my expectations. The level of detail and engineering Nissan/Datsun put into their Z cars is amazing. Everything from the note of the engine at idle, to the leather interior is superb. Things that I didn't even think were manufactured in cars in the 80's are on this car in great quality and taste.

I start the car and it has its own systems check right between the speedometer and tachometer. Forget to release the parking brake and a voice tells you. Leave the lights on, a voice reminds you to turn them off. Passenger door ajar? There's a voice for that as well.

As far as engine performance goes, this car delivers even by today's standards. Depress the accelerator pedal, hear the turbo spool up, and feel it in the seat of your pants as you climb past other cars in town or on the highway. Locking t-tops for fun in the sun and even straps in the back to prevent them from knocking around.

I was astonished by the gas mileage of this car, as I drove it 250 miles and the gas gauge didn't even read half empty, and I couldn't help but smile as I whizzed past another gas station.

This car is a head turner, and I couldn't have spent my $3500 dollar budget on anything better!

With the fuel injectors, you should not use ethanol fuel as this "gums-up" the injectors.

Also, the air regulator has to be replaced every 6-7 years.

Great little cruiser (1979 is the first year Datsun, now Nissan, went from a Z car/ sports car to a ZX car/ cruiser). I have recently bought a 1982 ZX, in great condition, and will use what parts I can off my 1979 Z.

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.