Fun, cool, and rare
Digital dash, new dashboard, A/C, tires.
Fun to drive, fast, good handling, don't see many, especially the Anniversary Edition.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th October, 2017
Awesome little car
4 timing belt replacements (every 90,000 miles), includes waterpumps.
Starter died at 100,000 miles.
Alternator died at 90,000.
Replaced shocks at 60,000, 150,000, 220,000, and 340,000 miles.
I killed the transmission at 90,000. (I never serviced it, d'oh)
This car runs no matter what the weather or road conditions. It has served me better than I could ever have hoped for. It is sporty, fast and handles very well.
The only draw back is, Nissan thinks the parts have gold in them. The are very expensive, especially if it is a dealer only item. Shame on them, if they sold the parts cheaper, they would sell more parts.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th October, 2009
I don't think they make wonderful cars like this any more :-(
Minor rust.
Battery - for a while, I had to get a new battery every 2 years -- it would go out on Labor Day weekend like clockwork. Suspect the security system was running it down.
Air Conditioning System - this was an expensive repair.
Antenna - minor repair.
Tape deck went out - to be expected in 24 years!
Speedometer head replacement.
This is still a VERY cool car - it is like an old friend, steady and reliable. I LOVE this car and plan to keep it as long as I can. People stop me on the streets and ask about it or compliment me on it. It is white, and has been garage kept and looks great. It is a rare Z without T-tops. The upholstery on the seats (cloth) has held up wonderfully, and the car is comfortable and fun to drive...
...except in bad weather. This is the worst vehicle I have ever driven on snow or ice. It also will hydroplane at high speeds in heavy rain, so I have to be very careful. It is a fair weather car, but what fun!!
After 24 years of driving this car (I bought it new), there has been no noticeable change in the way it handles and drives - it is totally a trustworthy car, and I still love it. I am proud to drive this car -- we grew older together!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th May, 2008
This car blows me away everyday
Replaced clutch at 135000.
New thermostat was required at 139000.
When fuel gauge gets to 1/4 tank, it drops to empty.
I bought this car from the original owners, a married couple in their 50's.
It was always garaged and still shines in its glorious burgundy w/gold pin stripes.
The turbo whistles magically.
This is my fourth Z car; including a 1970, 1973, and 1983.
Next is a 1996 twin turbo.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th May, 2006
A small car with enough power, styling, and individuality to make it a joy to drive.
Minor body rust.
Driver side valve cover gasket.
Muffler replaced new one and cutout.
New rack and pinion.
New passenger tie rod.
Battery and terminals.
New brake pads front and back.
Windshield and seal.
Fuel filter, hoses.
Thermostat and gasket.
All new belts.
All new radiator hoses and clamps.
New headlight.
Clutch slave cylinder.
Spark plugs and wires.
Alternator.
Strut tower mounts.
New shocks and struts.
New carpet.
New clutch.
Seat covers.
New speakers and CD player.
New dash.
Horn relay.
New rear brake calipers.
The odometer was replaced by the last owner so the mileage is incorrect, but as a guess the car probably had over 125,000 miles on it total.
The car is not the fastest car out there by far, however it is a joy to drive.
The handling improved dramatically after the installation of new gas shocks and struts.
With the size tires that come on this car make it handle the curves like a champ.
The small size makes it fun in traffic.
It is quick and nimble.
Will provide a small kick in the pants upon acceleration when pushed.
The 3.0 liter V6 engine makes nominal power, but is enough to provide me with the thrill of driving.
The little ZX also has enough power let me throw a few doughnuts in parking lots when the time comes.
The driver seat has many ways to change the comfort of the ride, much like a modern luxury car, the only downside is that is is all manually changed. Such as the front of the seat is an air bag that is comfortable, but must be inflated with a small hand pump.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th November, 2005
I agree. I compare my Z to riding a motorcycle! I think the weather has to be nice, when the t-tops come off and the radio gets just past comfortable, it's time to kick back and cruise. 25 mpg. Only room for two people. Pull over and wait for the snow plows to clear the road - wait for the cloud burst to pass - and enjoy the company of two. Otherwise you can fishtail, and spin completely out of control - and make my surviving Z just a little bit more rare as you wrap yours around a tree! If you see a "cherry" Z in your local want ads and you spend $2k or less - it will be the best fun money you'll ever spend!
I have an 1984 300zx for over 15 years and love it more every day. It has a few things done in the motor, but considered stock. Secret ratio on the rearend does 140 plus, non turbo, not bad for a 25year old car. It has nothing envy in a new car, stays up with the best of them, even the 350z.
I just purchased my first Z. It's an 85 white with t-tops. It doesn't run yet, but it has no leaks and minimal body rust. I paid $500. I haven't drove it yet and I'm already addicted.
I just bought an 84 turbo with a 5 speed manual. Paid $600, and only needed a battery, 1/2 quart of oil, ignition switch and starter.
To my surprise it started right up after sitting for two years. I've only got it around the block, because the reg is out for 2 years, but that will be fixed on Monday.
Trust me, those t-tops are coming off, the radio is going up, and I just might go for a cruise around Lake Berryessa (California).
14th Jan 2009, 20:28
It's so cool to read of someone that has kept and loved their car as much as you. The 80's Z car is an awesome car indeed. It just has that shape that says it's a sports car. Keep it in the family man... One day it will be a collectors car that you can enjoy even more.