1990 Nissan 300ZX 2+2 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

High performance daily driver

Faults:

Needed new alternator at time of purchase. Will need exhaust soon, too, as well as brakes and tires.

General Comments:

Wonderful car. Firm ride, but surprisingly comfortable. Very fast and dependable; I got a 2+2 because I needed a backseat for my daughter- kid-sized seat back there, so she fits fine- she prefers it to my wife's Subaru. I do, too!

The car feels as though it will run forever. Repairs are really not bad if you can do them yourself. Prices for parts are consistent with other cars I've owned, and very plentiful.

The non-turbo V6 is still a dream. I wanted a 5-speed, but my wife can't drive a stick. The auto is responsive and has a quick kickdown; a good compromise cosidering the overall performance of the engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd November, 2003

1990 Nissan 300ZX Coupe 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

The 1990 300ZX is the poor man's Porsche!

Faults:

Clutch slave cylinder and master cylinder went out at 123000: (cost: $400)

Retro-fit air conditioner: (cost:$500)

Timing belt and surrounding components changed at 124000: (cost:$900)

Clutch went out at 125000: ($460)

General Comments:

The 1990 300ZX is the poor man's Porsche. In March of 2003 I purchased the car from a local dealer, something I recommend not doing. When I got the car the master and slave clutch cylinder went out. Initially it was only the slave, but my mechanic could not figure out the bleeder valve was on the front passenger side of the car.

Due to fear that the timing belt might break, I changed the belt and its surrounding components. Nissan offers a timing belt kit that I highly recommend. If your car is around 120000 miles, expect to spend an extra $2000 on the car to get it up to par.

I have the non-turbo 2 + 2 version. It's a great car, however don't waste money on trying to get more horsepower out of the car. Instead work on increasing the stability of the car. Shocks and springs make a world of difference.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2003

1990 Nissan 300ZX ZX 3.0 from North America

Summary:

For the money, nothing else comes close to the Z.

Faults:

The water pump went out about two and a half years ago.

My alternator failed about two years ago.

The Bose system stinks, I replaced it long time ago.

My electric antenna mast broke. It cost $45 from the dealer.

General Comments:

The repairs have been minor for a 13 year old car. This car is pleasure to drive. It corners, and handles like a dream. I love the T-Tops, the sleek lines on the car flow. It's beautiful from every angle.

I would love to have the 300 horsepower found in the Twin Turbo, but trust me, you can get in enough trouble without the turbo...

The car has been incredibly dependable, solid, and just a pleasure to drive.

I feel the engine on the car is bulletproof. It runs, and runs, smooth as ever. My Z turns heads every time I pull it out of the garage. It's gold in color, but I felt something was missing when I purchased it. The rear spoiler from the 1996 Turbo model was it. I ordered the spoiler and had it installed. I also had the 4 exhaust tips re-chromed. Problem solved!

I have three buyers in line. But, they will be waiting a while.

I simply love this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2003

1990 Nissan 300ZX 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

A high quality, well mannered sporting machine

Faults:

Mufflers were bad when I bought it. Apparently this is a common fault; OE mufflers were poor.

Starter is going bad, but is still original for this car.

Automatic antenna does not go down. Probably a simple fix, but reception is not affected.

General Comments:

It is expensive to own because of its poor mileage and premium gas requirements. (Although the owner previous to me did not put premium in it and reported no problems.)

It is expensive to own because of the compact engine compartment and replacement parts. The Z is reliable, but an old car will need repairs regardless, and on the Z these will cost more.

That being said, the car accelerates, handles, and brakes very well. It is a good looking car, and is rare, making it even more eye-catching. If you can handle the slightly increased responsibilities of owning one, it is worth every penny.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2002

20th Jun 2003, 18:04

Sorry, but ALL slick-tops are N/A (aside from one that has been swapped with a TT). ALL TT models came with T-tops.

29th Jul 2003, 20:55

The 300ZX is a great all round sports car.

The acceleration, looks and handling of the car are awesome considering the cost of the vehicle now.

The only disadvantages of owning one that I can think of are the labour costs for repairs/upgrades and the amount of fuel it uses in city traffic, other than that I can't complain!

(BTW, the 1991 300ZX TT models do come out in Slick-Top... I own one!)

25th Jul 2004, 11:43

All guys that Own A ZED should Take a Auto-Mechanic course then you will save Big Bucks in the long Run I guarantee it... Say good bye to Labour Costs...

11th Aug 2012, 19:04

I live in New Zealand and own a 1990 2 seater twin turbo manual slick top. Was imported from Japan. This is how it left the factory.

9th Jan 2018, 23:26

Not true. I live in New Zealand, I have a 1990 2+0 5 speed, turbo, SWB, slicktop, and have seen others.