1976 Datsun 280Z review from North America
"Just AWESOME, Fast, Easy to repair, and Chicks dig it!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Alternator Quit.
Radiator Cracked, practically overheated the car.
There've been some other minor quirks (bad fan clutch, electrical things) but nothing that has severely hampered the car's driveability.
Numerous replaced hoses (vacuum hoses, heater hoses, radiator hoses)
The fuel injectors are leaking, and I think the fuel pressure regulator is about to go out too.
The cylinder head also probably needs a good rebuild, with leaking valve stem seals.
U-joints are going south too.
General comments?
This car is strong.
I'm a young kid who picked a Datsun Z car as his first car, and so for one thing, I can tell you that there are occasions where I drive my car HARD, and the 280z can take it!
Time and time again I marvel at just how resilient the 2.8 L powerplant at the front of this car really is. For most cars of this vintage, approaching 100,000 miles is like a funeral march, but not with the Z!
Of the other Z owners I know, not one has a car below 120,000 (One, in fact, has over 350k on his!)
The absolute best part is, when something goes wrong, it's pretty simple to diagnose with the right informational tools (service manuals, online forums, etc.) and replacement parts are easily available from places like Checker/Kragen and Autozone... did I mention there are performance modifications available by the boatload?
Nissan also still has lots of replacement parts, if special order situations arise.
Anyway, I'm very pleased, and I don't plan on getting rid of this car EVER!
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| No other car like it.. |
|
| She's the bee's knees, Mac |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1976 |
| Year of manufacture | 1975 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 OHC Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 83000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 87000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 23rd May, 2007 |