1986 Nissan 300ZX from North America - Comments

Oil pressure sender blew out.

Muffler fell off.

Tape deck broke.

I was a little leery about buying a Nissan, what with their spotty reliability record, but I've been very pleased with this car all-and-all.

First of all, this isn't a little rice-rocket, it's a solid little sports car with a lot of pick-up. I get a kick out of flying by bald-headed teenagers in Hondas that they've pumped $2000 into in my 16 year old car that requires no modification at all. I've gotten the Z up to 120 MPH, though admittedly, since it is such a low-slung car you feel every bump and crack in the road at those speeds, which just means you've got to know what you're doing if you want to push this car to its limit. Its very comfortable as well, with cushy seats complete with adjustable back-support.

This car is amazingly reliable. I haven't had one major problem since I bought it, outside the muffler (which can't really be blamed on the car, considering the poor conditions of the roads I'm forced to drive on), and after a long, hot day of driving the oil pressure sender blew out (not really a big deal). The main annoyance is the crummy stock stereo unit, which, as I understand, is a common problem with the entire line of Zs. This isn't too big a problem, except you have to (as I understand it) have some major re-wiring done to install a after-market head unit which is not cool. Beyond that the car has a tendency to get a bit hot on especially hot days, which is solved easily enough by using heavier motor oil, and the transmission is a bit on the clunky side, which, considering the age of the car, is to be expected.

Admittedly this isn't a road-trip car, I wouldn't expect this to last on a cross-country trip, but that's not the point, it's a fast and cheap little car with a lot of power that's also a lot of fun to drive and is perfect for somebody on a low-budget who doesn't want to be caught behind the wheel of a Civic or an Escort.

On the contrary, I have taken my 1986 300ZX on many road trips (i.e. New Jersey to Florida) and find these cars very comfortable. I also have never dreaded driving the car at any point during the many trips that I have made in it. The seats are great and the arm rests are wonderful.

I bought my '86 Z31 for $500, put in about $800 worth of parts (shocks, ball joints, tuneup, etc...) and about 40 hours of my own labor. A month and a half later I drove it from VT to FL and back with pleasure! I found it more comfortable than my Volvo...

In my Z I have put in an aftermarket head unit and needed no rewiring. The only problem is that I have to replace the head gasket, not at the fault of the vehicle. The previous owner went 80MPH with a broken radiator!

I want your opinnion should I get a 1986 300zx for $800 with 165K miles and the only reason he is selling it so cheap is because it needs some body work.

Yes, It would be a good investment for the future. That is if the bodywork is actually fixable and everything else is in good shape. Good luck!

I have an 87 300zx with 81k...Garage kepted..minor front right damage.1200.00 Needs rt. fender Headlight ass. and bumper. Frame is in great shape.. Leather int. Power seats auto trans.. 863-699-3977 Tom Lakeland Fl.

I was just wondering if it would be a good investment for me to purchase an 86 300 ZX for 1500 it has 148,000 miles and a missing passenger side mirror with a new rota needed on one side... other than that it seems like a good car.

Where can I buy replacement interior sun visors for the T-tops?

You might can find one at a reck yard if they have any z cars in that is or just buy from your local nissan dealer.

Hey, just wondering if this would be a good purchase.. after seeing all the positive reviews about these cars, it almost seems too good to be true. Here are the specs for the sale:

This is a 1986 Nissan 300ZX manual 5 speed non-turbo, 2 seater.

It was originally from the states so the units are in miles.

ODO has 13x,xxx miles on it.

Engine still runs, no leaking, no burning oil.

The engine pushes approximately 160hp, with 180lb torque.

Replaced starter a while ago and still under warranty.

Also got new rims on the rear 2.

The body has some rusts on it.

The front right fender is a bit dented, hence the bumper isn't that balanced.

It will be a great car in summer with some TLC. And it'll be better if some body work is done before drifting.

Asking $800 Firm.

Anyone figure out what on the T top is the cause of the puddle in my drivers side carpet? Is it the drain holes on the roof below the t top that gets clogged? Or is it a gasket issue?

I own a wonderful 1986 Z non-turbo. This is possibly the greatest car I've ever owned. Speed, handling, and fuel economy are great. After I drop my new turbo in it you'll most likely be seeing me on youtube, or possibly in a high-speed chase on the news. To all you Z drivers out there... put the pedal to the metal, you only live once.

I just purchased my 2nd Z (an 86 with 120k on the odometer). They are wonderful cars! Any idea where to purchase replacement sideview mirrors at a reasonable price (power, but non heated)? I want to get the cosmetics up to par and both mirror housings are cracked.