1983 Datsun 280ZX 2+2 2.8L OHC Straight 6

Summary:

Timeless, fast and cheap

Faults:

Stock, the suspension is too spongy. I had to put an Eibach suspension in it just to get it to hold a turn traveling over 70mph.

Lower ball joints are prone to give out at an early age due to poor design. Buy performance ball joints to keep this from happening.

I'm still not sure of the point of the back seat. You can't fit a family of mice in that thing. I guess Japanese people are shorter than I am.

General Comments:

They are flawlessly beautiful vehicles. I have it in my will to be buried in mine. They are extremly fast to begin with, and unbelievably reliable. My vehicle has almost 400,000 miles on it. It doesn't burn oil, knock, or ping, and has never left me stranded for any reason.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2002

1983 Datsun 280ZX

Summary:

A legend in its own right

Faults:

Clutch master cylinder went bad.

Front brakes wear fast.

General Comments:

Nice car, all things I have had go wrong with the unit have been pretty cheap to get repaired. Parts are moderately cheap to replace and are easy to acquire as original replacements.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 2001

1983 Datsun 280ZX 3.8 turbo

Summary:

High performance, reliable, fun car

Faults:

Digital dash was acting up, it took a while to figure out was that was all about, ended up just being loose wires to the fuel pump.

Body rust is common to these cars.

Replaced the clutch at 240,000km's.

Replaced the rack & pinion at 200,000km's.

General Comments:

This car was bought the summer of 1994, by a 16 year old as a second car. Considering the abuse this car has been through, I would have to say it is one of the best made vehicles

This year we have decided to restore it only because of the body rust and all that I keep hearing is that even with 240,000km's, it has a very strong engine that will be reliable for a while yet.

This car is fun to drive, fast, handles like a dream and is overall a pleasure to drive.

Many people are surprised what this old, little car is able to do, I haven't had a problem with at least keeping up with anyone in the city.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2001

24th Mar 2003, 17:41

Just because a 16 year old drove it, automatically it was abused?

25th May 2003, 19:25

A sixteen year old in a land-rocket like the 280ZX? Are you seriously suggesting it wasn't abused regularly?

4th Jun 2003, 21:01

At least a 16-year-old didn't abuse it for long unless he was driving it before he had a driver's license!

21st Sep 2005, 13:31

Hey I have just bought a 280zx and I am replacing the fuel pump and have not drove her yet. When I set in the car I feel the fun and joy of having her. she has set for two years, but a some paint and custom work and she will rise again. By the way not all 16 yr old hotrod. They just love having one.

6th Apr 2013, 23:37

I jut turned 17 and bought my very own 280ZX Turbo. I have taken better care of it than the owner who was restoring it. I am responsible with the glorious piece of machinery, and am amazed at its capabilities.

It is truly a astonishing vehicle, and I am an incredibly proud owner of it. I do all the work on it myself and am completely restoring it.

Age does not determine the abuse a vehicle takes; the attitude with which one views the vehicle plays the largest role.

Respectfully, a proud z-car owner

In reply to 6th Apr 2013, 23:37

7th Apr 2013, 16:42

I built a car with my father as a teen, and it was over restored, never abused. I would not like to buy a used car with an owner too busy to change the oil and other maintenance in a daily work beater. Not all young drivers are abusive. It's their main pride and joy until they can afford a new home after school.