28th Aug 2002, 02:45

I got my 280zx about 8 months ago I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything. It needs a new transmission, but it has 240K miles on it.

9th Oct 2002, 02:02

I have a 280ZX for over 11 years now. Excellent car and can still do over 200 kph with 14x8 Volk 3 piece mags on the back and 14X6.5 on the front. Only problem been mechanics aren't up to standard on tuning, auto electricians are the best way to go.

Probably will need to sell it shortly for a mustang.

Tony

New Zealand.

2nd May 2003, 12:30

I have to Zs, a 240Z with a V8 and a 280Z. Both are nice. Handling is very Nissan-like, predictable with slight understeer. I also have a 1967 Nissan Roadster and the Z cars drive almost as nice. Fun cars in the rain, very stable handling parameters. As far as hard to work on, this is because Nissan doesn't build slop like other car makers. Yes, buy a book and read it before you work on a Z, you will be rewarded for your effort though.

11th Mar 2005, 10:35

My dad bought a 79 280zx I have got to say it is one of the best handling cars. When your going on the highway at 90 plus it's still fairly smooth.

14th Mar 2007, 20:32

I'm on my second 280zx... and not looking forward to the arrival of my first child for the fact that there's no getting around needing to sell it and get a "family car"... *sigh*

You've driven the rest, now drive the best. Go find yourself a 280zx and restore it. It will look after you. It will turn heads. It will make you happy, and sad. And there's no other way to live life.

23rd Jul 2007, 00:14

Name's Phil.

I gotta say I'm only hearing good things about this car, guys.

I just wanted to know if it's all that, because I do need a dependable car... but something I can REALLY RIDE at the same time! Do the fuel injectors on this model really make a huge difference? Or is it about as good as a regular electrical carburetor? I just started learning about cars, and I'm loving it. If you guys (and gals) have some knowledge that you want to share, fill me in! I promise to put it to good use.

It's weird; I can't see myself in one of those new cars! I'm 20 and I get this strange feeling, like the older cars have a bigger soul than these newer mass produced cars... Anyways, I'm looking into buying a Nissan 280ZX, and if anyone has a couple of pointers on what to look for when buying one, that would be great! Who knows, you might just see a new driver on the road.

22nd Aug 2007, 15:09

Bought a 82 a year ago for 600.00. Original everything including paint. AC compressor OK. I'm in Florida. Excellent body with just normal spots of rust. Charcoal gray. Wasnt running, kid said it needed starter and injectors. Starter in, started with the coil, replaced 10.00.Injectors tested OK. Replaced distributer when I got into it and found a broken magnet ring in there.150.00. She fired up with some smoke. Cleaned gas tank. Changed plugs and have been driving her since with excellent fuel economy. Have some rust issues underneath I'm not thrilled with, but my faith paid off. Not the most practical thing on wheels, but dependable and have had an easier time striking up a conversation with the babes.

9th Feb 2008, 18:27

I got a 1982 280zx 2+2 about a month ago the t tops leak the carpets are shredding the floors are rusted shocks always bottom out body is fair wiring is fried, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

30th Aug 2014, 13:08

I have a 280ZX turbo that I'm restoring. I've had it almost completely apart and have acquired good knowledge of the whole car. Lots of weak points for rust in places you can't see, so if you own one I suggest you keep it in a garage and don't leave it in the rain.

Before I started it the first time, I cleaned the gas tank out (the same gas had been sitting in there for the last 15 years and had built up lots of nasty residue). It fired up first time once I had it ready with new belts, coolant, oil, etc...

Nice engine bay, easy to work on. Some engine jobs can be a pain, but very rewarding and a very reliable engine! My turbo model pulls like a train!

If the car is left sitting for a long time you can get some issues... I had a rusted out clutch slave cylinder & the clutch was stuck to the flywheel.

Overall, a brilliant car! I love it and probably will never sell it.

15th Oct 2014, 04:10

I recently purchased a 83 280ZX turbo. It is very classy and sporty.

The previous owner took pretty good care of the car, and I've only needed to do minor repairs and maintenance.

I love my 280ZX, and it is in a special class of cars that make you feel good while driving them, especially with the t-tops off on a nice drive through the countryside on a pretty afternoon.

This 280ZX is timeless, and a nice addition to my "adult toy collection".

15th Oct 2014, 18:16

Imagine the feeling, ordering a brand new one. They weren't cheap new, and they were not considered as much as a sports car, but a cool luxury 2 seater or 2+2 version. They were advanced with many options. I owned a Corvette at the same time. The 280ZX was not very fast 0-60, but handled quite well for the day. Loved the glass T tops on mine. Insurance then was actually higher than my Corvette!

19th Jan 2017, 19:03

I own a 1982 Non-Turbo 2+2. Picked it up from a buddy for $500. He owned it in high school and as such, drove the stuffing out of it. That said, it has been an amazing car that I have loved working on. Minor rust and a few panels replaced from an accident he had just before I got it. Fast, fun, and cheap. An all-round classic!