1975 Datsun 280Z from North America - Comments

Car was utterly reliable. No issues.

Got this car from a next door neighbor--my second car. Unbeknownst to me at the time, the car had been recked and somewhat shoddily rebuilt. The frame wasn't quite straight.

Even with these issues, the car was a blast. This was a technological marvel in 1975: Bosch electronic fuel injection. Datsun made a smart move by choosing fuel injection to solve emissions problems rather than tacking on emission devices to a carburetor. The fuel injection improved performance and fuel economy without ANY emission devices. Yep, other than a PCV valve, both the '75 and '76 non-California 280z had no emission devices in stock configuration.

I think this was one of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven. You sit rather low in a well with a high transmission tunnel. For me, at 6' the high transmission tunnel was great to rest my leg against.

There is an incredible amount of room to work in around the straight six engine. It was absolutely amazing--very easy to get to just about anything. Changing the oil was a breeze!

Performance was quite good for 1970s standards. The suspension was independent on all four wheels--handled nicely. Lots of aftermarket performance parts were and are available for it.

Really, overall a fantastic car. So much so that when I sold my '75 280z to get an '81 Mazda RX-7, I dumped the RX-7 and got a '76 280z. Maybe one day I'll get one again if I can convice my wife!

STEVEN: I own a 75 and I agree with every thing you had to say. I would rate mine a ten of ten in every category. how ever there should be a section to describe how it feels to walk up to it in a parking lot just knowing it is yours. a section for how many people will lag beside you just to have a look and a section for how many phone # are written back words on windows with lipstick. in 79 they broke the mold.

I am preparing for the deal of a lifetime. Have discovered a cherry 1975 280z here in N.C. for $2500. I had and totaled a 1978 280z, and have been heartbroken ever since. That 1978 was rusty, had terribly unkempt interior, and would have been a huge undertaking in restoration. This 1975 I have found is as near flawless as could possibly be expected. Igngjhgt has 71,000 original verified one-owner miles, is a 2+2 model, and a recent and decent burnt-orange, reddish paint job. Wow! The only major thing it needs is an $80 dash cover, and it will look as clean as any 5-year old car cruising around here. I feel the same love and awe for these z cars that you do. I hope you find a cherry of a deal somewhere as I did.

Reasona.

Bly unders.

Tanding.

Fuel injection was the way to go! I have a 74 260 and a just got a 73 240 would like a 75 but, then I have to have it checked for emissions. That would include a state employee playing with it on a chassis Dyno.

I am a Z fan as well, and I have owned a 1975 Datsun 280Z as well as many other Z cars in my lifetime...

The 1975 model was the first to feature fuel injection. (Bosch L-Tronic) I have found the fuel injection in the 1975-1978 Z cars to be pretty reliable, however, it would be wise to check higher mileage examples closely for leaky/nonfunctional injectors. It's not that it's a "fault"... it's just that so many of these cars are out there being driven daily on close to original components! It's a testament to how amazing the L28 engine is!

The only other reoccuring problem with the fuel system that I have seen on several Z cars is the fuel pressure regulator blowing out... a forty dollar fix.

Great Overall car! Enjoy!

I bought a 280zx and it has been a really fun and trusting car. That straight six is amazing when it comes to fuel costs and power. It does have the common problems which have to do with the front end, u-joints and some weird noise with the tranny or maybe independent rear...? I'm not saying it was a bad deal cuz I have a lot to work with in this case.

I just bought a 1975 Datsun 280z 2+2 and it doesn't run.

I was wondering what kind of gas mileage it gets?

It's a really nice car. I should enjoy it for a long time.

I have a 1975 Datsun 280Z which is the best vehicle I have ever owned; however, I have experienced a problem that not even the Datsun mechanics can find. Can someone help? I drove approximately 30 miles, stopped at a restaurant for approximately 30 minutes, and then continued on my way. I drove about 3/4 mile and it cut off. After that it would crank, but would not run but couple minutes maybe and cut off. The vehicle would crank, but when put in gear it would not run, but a short distance. When the car sits for a while it will crank and run as it should. Can anyone identify my problem? Thanks. king1.

Fuel filter.

If not the fuel filter, have all your relays fixed, they are easy to repair most of the time, they just have corrosion and need to be put closer to contact. They wear over time, if you do not know how to do this or know anyone who can, we can talk.

I had the same problem with my 76. It had been jumped and the ding dong initially hooked up the cables backwards, anyway it partially fried the fusible links (above passenger side fender) and after passing current for a bit the link heated up and the ignition would cut out. It took forever to figure that one out. They cost about 5 bucks. Hope that helps.

I had a 1977 280 z in college back in 1988 to 1992. It was a good car but it basically the whole car rusted out and the engine went bad. I moved up to a 1983 280zx which had more toys on it but the same engine.. in line straight 6. Not a lot of horsepower but I liked it.

I am so glad to hear the feedback on the 75 280z. I just bought one for 400 dollars that had been repossessed. I am so excited. I was fortunate enough to have enjoyed a 79 Mazda RX-7, but I believe that I'll love this car even more.

I have owned a 75 280Z since new, a 49-state 4-speed with the stock L-jetronic fuel injection. The entire car is stock, with the exception of Panasport wheels, which I added about 8 years ago, using the stock tire size. The car has been dead reliable over the 34 years I have owned it, and rarely do I do anything except change the fluids when I recommission it each spring. It likes heavier oil now that it has 110,000 miles on it. It's been repainted, and the paint on the hood (only the hood) is crackled. Someone told me that they had see this on other Z's. I don't mind it; it still looks good from 20 feet away. Just curious if anyone else has the same problem?

I've got a 75 and it is truly a nightmare! Fuel injection is a brain twister. Too many relays to deal with, and no one on the internet knows anything about them except to tell you to get a FSM or the fI Bible. Both of which are a waste of paper. Will be parting out on ebay next week!