1986 Nissan 300ZX Reviews

Delete this review

9th Oct 2012, 20:52

I know this has been a long time, so you probably found out by now, but for newbies wondering... it's a vent. Inside is a small fan, which is designed to keep the light cool that's right next to it.

1986 Nissan 300ZX Non-Turbo non-2+2 6 cylinder 160 hp from North America

Model year	1986
Year of manufacture	1986
First year of ownership	1986
Most recent year of ownership	2010
Engine and transmission	6 cylinder 160 hp Manual
Distance when acquired	4 miles
Most recent distance	249512 miles
Previous car	Toyota Celica

Summary:

Greatest vehicle I ever had or will have

Faults:

General replacement of worn-out parts over the years. Car did not need any major repair services at all for the first 12 years/170,000 miles. Just basic maintenance, tires, etc. Timing belt every 60,000 miles, new clutch about every 70,000. Car has been absolutely amazing.

General Comments:

Quite fast for a non-turbo and extremely reliable. The car has outlived all of the Nissan mechanics who really knew how to work on it - so going to a dealer for repairs is out of the question now. I found a clever, creative mechanic - who works in his own back yard - for most minor repairs, replacements and tune-ups. The guy is amazing in the way he figures out what needs attention and what doesn't.

We intend to replace the timing belt this summer, along with the fan belt pulleys, all the other belts, and also work on the vacuum controls for the heating/cooling dampers, etc.

Amazing facts: Except for the headlights, not a single bulb needed replacement for the first 21 years I drove the car. Then one (1) brake light bulb and the dome light bulb burnt out and needed replacement. Every other bulb is original and works. In fact, every other gadget and feature works as well as it did when I bought the car - except the vacuum controls for the main damper. We will fix that this summer. The T-tops still do not leak after 24 years - and the car has never been garaged!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th April, 2010

Comment on this review

Delete this review

3rd Apr 2011, 10:58

Very cool that you still own the car after buying it new 25 years ago! I have had mine since 1996 and have had mine in storage since 2004. Good luck with yours!

1986 Nissan 300ZX GLL 3.0Liter V6 from North America

Model year	1986
Year of manufacture	1986
First year of ownership	2004
Most recent year of ownership	2008
Engine and transmission	3.0Liter V6 Manual
Performance marks	10 / 10
Reliability marks	10 / 10
Comfort marks	10 / 10
Dealer Service marks	8 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	8 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	9.2 / 10
Distance when acquired	139000 miles
Most recent distance	144000 miles

Summary:

Worlds best sports car, by Nissan. Awesome!

Faults:

Rear shocks went bad from age (22yrs old)

General Comments:

Beautiful car, great styling!

Fairly quick, 5 speed is VERY strong, as is the R200 differential.

The VG30E is a VERY VERY reliable and strong engine -- great for modifications

Fairly good aftermarket support, includes suspension and engine parts.

Interior is designed well, leather seats are EXTREMELY comfortable!

Handles VERY VERY well for the stock suspension, and with aftermarket springs, shocks, sway-bars, etc... it handles like its on rails... like a dream come true!

Everyone looks!

With a performance exhaust, it sounds mean!

Capable of 400WHP on Stock internals!

Boost = Fun.

Z31 for life!

As the '80s slogan says..."Awesome!"

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2008

Comment on this review

Delete this review

29th Mar 2008, 20:36

World’s best sports car? I highly doubt this. Drive a Corvette, Mustang, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. Please don’t use upper cases to try to make your point, lower case will suffice?

19th Jun 2008, 01:03

I can vouch that these are some darn good cars. They rank among the best without the "best" price. I had an '87 Maxima SE with a 3.0 V-6 engine. Even at 21 years of age the car ran PERFECTLY. I had NO engine problems and commuted with this car 120 miles each day. I trust it more than I do my much newer Sentra. For the time it had features many newer, low end cars today lack. It had dual power mirrors, seats, windows, door locks, 3-way shock adjust suspension (which was great!), driver lumbar seat support, couch-like front and rear bucket seats. Handling was great, I never felt unsafe at high speeds or on curves. The car felt like it literally hugged the road in the rain and I have very few complaints. I believe this was truly a BMW without the price tag. The Maxima and 300 of this era had the same engine though the 300 had a slightly more powerful engine.

23rd Jul 2008, 21:38

You can have the Corvette or Mustang. I'll drive my 300zx. I have driven BMW and Impreza. Tried Corvette and Mustang. Guess what, the 300zx GLL is way more fun and handles way better. Smoked a Mustang Cobra with my stock 300zx.

4th Feb 2012, 16:39

I guess someone didn't read your opening comment... World's best sports car BY Nissan. I couldn't agree more. I've had 2. 1984 for 16 years... sold it, wished I hadn't. 6 years ago bought a 1986 with 55,000 miles, original owner. A real cherry. I totally agree with your opening comment!!! These cars were so ahead of their time.