Faults:

The only problem has been the distributor's electronic module, which was not a standard item on a 240z, but was on the later 280zx.

General Comments:

The 240z is a heavily underrated machine, especially in Australia, although general opinions are changing.

Excellent handling with minor modifications and improvements.

Very reliable. Can always get it to start and runs like clockwork.

Extremely satisfying to drive, I've never driven a car that's more fun; even high power output turbo's.

The only downside to a 240z is the cabin and original seats. They look great, but are not very comfortable when old and saggy. I about to fit some Recaros.

The fumes in the cabin can be a problem, but replacing all rubber seals around windows and hatch and rear tail lights will greatly reduce this problem.

Faults:

Replaced the radiator.

Replaced the brake hoses.

Replaced spark plugs and distributor wires.

Also replaced the points in the distributor with pertronix and replaced the coil with a pertronix flame thrower coil.

Interior is pretty well maintained, dash is cracked which is pretty common and the seats are pretty worn in.

A slight bit of rust on the passenger front fender.

New 205/60r14 tires.

General Comments:

I bought my Z for a mere $2,000 dollars. I got a good deal on it because it was a friend of the family's. It was sitting in his garage for 8 years, it had a few problems, but nothing too big. When I bought it I kept it in my garage and worked on to get it in running condition for about 2 or 3 months. I replaced a few of the major things (ie. radiator, brake hoses, tires). and added a few of my own touches front strut bar, pertronix, flame thrower coil, and a few others as well. Its also funny because people are surprised that a girl drives this car, I get a lot of people wanting to race me.

Too sum things up this car has definitly been worth the money that I've put into it.

Faults:

Replaced the clutch upon purchase.

General Comments:

I bought 2 of these cars at the same time for $1500.00. After replacing the clutch in one of them, I drove this car daily for 2-3 years while working and attending college. Classic Japanese lines derived from analysis of the American consumer and European body styling. The in-line six is pleasing to the sense of sight and sound, especially between 2800 and 4000 rpm in second and third gear. Engineering of the car allowed for easy repairs and replaceable mechanical parts. The cockpit is comfortable and cavernous. Be advised to inspect the floorboards and wheel wells for rust and stick with the original bell top dual side draft carburetors. In sum, the 240z is a good example of what new manufacturers should produce now; a strong, nimble, spartan, economical sport/muscle car with classic lines and a driving personality.

Faults:

Faulty radiator - minor leaks due to crooked fan that collided with radiator when engine was given excess revs. Caused minor leaks in radiator -easily fixed.

The car was susceptible to overheating in hot weather in heavy traffic, this was cured by going to the local scrap yard and installing an electric fan from a Mazda 323 and adding a temperature sensor.

Overheating though managed to cause damage to the head after a long journey and due to loss of some fluids, combination caused head gasket to go and therefore to be redone.

Eventually I got the radiator recored and this managed to get rid of the heating issues once and for all, I could travel down the M25 and sit there for hours after thrashing down the M4 and the car would purr away at running temp.

Electrics were a bit faulty initially, when I say it was faulty, it always ran, although sometimes power was inconsistent.

This took a long time to get right, first I replaced the leads, followed by the spark plugs. It began to get better, next I replaced the coil and power was visibly more consistent. Next I went through the wiring with a friend of mine and we managed to iron out the majority of the rest of the electrical niggles.

This process was well worth it and took little time in comparison with reward. Power output was noticeably quicker. The car could reach 127mph again.

General Comments:

The Datsun is a good looking sexy car, the lines are beautiful and I am more than happy to say that since this car, Datsun or Nissan have not come to close to something that looked this good. The 350Z just doesn't quite have the prowess of the 240Z.

The cars wheelbase is short combined with the naturally aspirated 2.4L engine gives a twitchy, fun car to drive. The engine roars rather than growls and sounds fantastic.

In addition it's rear wheel drive and that can always bring a smile to one's face. Sideways can be fun in this car, although the short wheelbase can lead to some nervous moments if you're not quick.

Check the brake balancing as this can be a little off and lead to some interesting heavy braking where the car turns sideways.

Look for rusted sills, rusted floor-pans under the passenger side carpet, oil leaks from the side of the head. Also check for general running, if you can floor it and it accelerates cleanly without stuttering up to 6000 then it's good to go.

For a 70's car, it has all the mod-cons, combined with great reliability. There are only so many classics that you can drive every day and don't break down on you. Find a good one and you will be rewarded with a car you will never want to sell.