1986 Nissan 300ZX

Summary:

This is my fourth ZX, and they are wonderful cars

Faults:

Fading interior.

Drive shaft bolts fall out.

General Comments:

My 86 Nissan 300ZX is a non-turbo 2+2.

I'm curious to find out what the thing is over the map/reading light is, on the ceiling of the car.

I have looked in the manual and can't find it. It's black with two (looks like) vent holes, but it's making a slight noise, and when you cover it with your hand, you can't hear it. Anyone know what it is?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st May, 2010

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.

In reply to 9th Oct 2012, 20:52

3rd Jun 2013, 16:43

That is not correct.

It is the housing for the aspirator fan. This fan works in conjunction with the Auto-Climate control to help regulate the car's interior temperature. I was the 2nd owner of an '86 for 16 years, and had to replace that with almost everything else on the car.

In reply to 3rd Jun 2013, 16:43

30th Jun 2013, 02:32

It is for the climate control, so I completely agree with the last comment posted!

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

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

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!

10th Apr 2014, 16:14

I have a turbo model. City mileage is bad; about 20 MPG; highway I get 41 MPG. It's all original; the only problem I had is the vacuum lines cracked over age. Had it on a dyno; 235 HP and 354 lb ft between 2700 and 4200 RPM.

1986 Nissan 300ZX GLL 3.0Liter V6

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

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.

In reply to 29th Mar 2008, 20:36

3rd Dec 2012, 12:08

I have, the Mustangs are nose heavy and push through the corners, Vettes are sloppy and loose. Don't get me started on a Bimmer, Audi or Transmerowbird, it's 300ZX or 13b RX7s for me. Should start mainstream next year, looking forward to my first race car, and I'm planning on a 300Z.

In reply to 23rd Jul 2008, 21:38

10th Apr 2014, 16:17

Funny, I did too, he was not a happy camper.

In reply to 23rd Jul 2008, 21:38

15th Apr 2014, 05:29

I had 2 of these in the 80s, then an NSX and now a 2014 Corvette. I guess you know my opinion today.

In reply to 19th Jun 2008, 01:03

21st Sep 2015, 13:23

If you have an automatic 6 cylinder Nissan - drive slowly to a transmission shop and have a transmission cooler installed. Mine, as many others, 'cooked'. No used ones around, same problem as mine. Parts only through Nissan - $2500 for internals, you pay the rest.

Other than that?? Best car I ever owned. Fast and super comfortable.