1983 Datsun 280ZX 2.8L Straight 6 from North America

Summary:

I've got my Z, don't need anything else

Faults:

The car was parked in a muddy driveway for about 7 years and sank a good deal into the mud, took a new computer to get it started.

Computer had to be replaced ($200)

Alternator is bad, battery constantly dies.

Constant misfires.

Wheel alignment is screwy and tires needs balanced.

Some minor leaks around the T tops.

Can you say rust?

Most of that's fixed now though, didn't cost very much as I got a bunch of friends to help me.

General Comments:

I bought this car and a parts car with a turbo for 600 dollars. Now, about 7000 miles later, this car hasn't let me down once.

Absolutely incredible. All the electrical system was working just fine after 20+ years. This car has gotten looks, nods, and a few challenging ricers that got too scared to step up into the 100+MPH range.

Can't go wrong with guys telling you that they wish they had one and girls telling you what a big front end it has.

The people that complained that this car isn't "fast" should think again, and moreover, this car should be restored and owned more for what it is, a Datsun, the car that started the import industry. Enough said.

I've also got a 1000 dollar Trans Am (305 v8) and modded the hell out of it, and that is my "fast" car. Because butchering the original engine to trade for a 350 is just inhumane.

All the features from computer voice to racing style gauges to dead on handling makes this car truly a timeless machinery ahead of it's time.

Truly a college student's dream come true. I've got my Z, don't need anything else.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2005

31st May 2005, 07:10

You bought a car that was sunk in mud for seven years?

Why?

14th Jul 2005, 13:49

83 may seem old, but I've got an 82 with nearly 200,000 miles and it runs like a champ. You're right that it is an antique, but the thing is, these things have a reputation to run forever and they are an awesome deal for the money if you can find a good one. Mine basically found me instead of the other way around. One day it was just sitting outside my parent's office and two days later it was mine.

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1983 Datsun 280ZX 2+2 straigh six cylinder from North America

Summary:

A great car to be had

Faults:

The in car voice electronics failed. The speedometer did not work. The passenger door was broken. The transmission started coming out of fifth gear.

General Comments:

The 280ZX is a wonderful car and gives a lot of power for being so small. The engine is a straight six cylinder which packs a lot of power for such a small car. Drove extremely well especially for being so old. Before owning one, everyone I had met that had previously owned one told me that they regretted getting rid of theirs. I am now a member of that club.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th July, 2004

1983 Datsun 280ZX Coupe non-Turbo Inline 6 non-turbo from North America

Summary:

It is a fast fun car at 1/3 of the price that you would pay for a new car with similar performance

Faults:

My car has received:

A new Clutch

New Radiator

New KYB Gas Shocks (i love the shocks, they are a must for performance centerd drivers)

Need New seats

Rear Defrost does not work.

General Comments:

This car is a blast to drive! Most people take one look at my car and think that it will not perform well, be unreliable and generally be a bad car. My little brother drives a 1980 modified corvette and he says that my car is a blast to drive. For the price I paid, I got a great looking, fast, reliable classic car, and I'm only making it better. I would recommend this car for ANYONE! It also has quite a bit of storage space, I have fit a lot in my car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th January, 2003

1983 Datsun 280ZX zx V6 from North America

Summary:

It may be rusty, but it's all mine..

Faults:

The starter needed to be replaced.

It leaks oil.

The car stalls while driving at cruising speeds.

Three injectors are leaking.

General Comments:

When I first test drove the car it felt like a lion ready to attack. I was amazed at the performance for such an old car. However after a good two weeks of driving the car that is when I noticed how much work was needed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2002

22nd Jul 2013, 04:20

I had the same problem. I bought my '83 knowing the brake master cylinder was out, so I replaced it, and the rear left caliper that had gone bad, then away I went, just to overheat... After over a month of struggle, I finally sorted out the overheating, and made it six feet before the transmission started gushing fluid. I've totally given up on this car.