23rd Apr 2008, 07:43

You don't go buy an older car made for racing and want someone else to do the work for you. If you're gonna do that, go buy you a 01 Focus or something... Seriously, you can't complain about the dealership. Learn to work on your car! That's all there is to it.

23rd Jul 2008, 00:59

I sat in an '86 non-turbo 300zx when I was graduating high school. In 2006 my brother gave me the best Christmas present ever.

Since that day I've put on new : tires, fuel pump, spark plugs and wires, oxygen, fuel and of coarse oxygen/fuel sensors,2 alternators, battery.

The radio antenna went out last week and the gas door doesn't work anymore.

But still this is a great car for freeway driving.

23rd Jul 2008, 20:50

I own a 86 turbo. These cars are very reliable. I think it handles just as well in the city as on freeway. If you have problems, most time it's caused by vacuum lines or could be EGR valve. As far as being sluggish, I disagree. I smoked a Mustang Cobra. My car is stock. Remember these are high performance engines, so sometime open them up; it may help cleaning it out.

9th Jan 2009, 15:53

I have an '86 turbo, stock. I love this car, I do all the maintenance myself, that's all a part of owning an older sportscar. Where's the fun in letting other, underpaid, unappreciated people work on your car? I service both engine and transmission, rotate my own tires, and only take it to mechanics to use their tools! considering the car is 23 years old, think about what the part (s) has been doing since it was placed on the car...working. If you get 23 years out of most of your car, good for you. If you want to complain about small things, go finance a brand new car with a warranty!!! I'd hate to have that car note! later... Lover of the Z.

8th Feb 2009, 15:20

I have a 1986 300ZX with BBS style rims and a ground effects package.. I love this car... I'm a use car salesman and I bought this car at a court seizure auction... remember this car is a garage kept toy that someone lost because someone owed the court money... we ought this car for 750.00.. a super steal.. I bought it to make money as any car salesman would do... but I fell in love with it.. GREAT CAR and FUN FUN FUN to drive...

13th Apr 2009, 18:45

Maybe I will buy one today for 1k$

7th Jun 2009, 02:11

You should change the thermostat. Check water pump and your radiator. Additive heavier oil won't do.

23rd Jun 2009, 19:51

I had the same problem with my N/A 1986 5-speed 300ZX, it ran with the temp gauge slightly past the halfway mark. I noticed at one point that it was leaking coolant, so I took it to the shop and had the water pump and timing belt replaced along with new radiator hoses and failsafe thermostat.

The VERY NEXT DAY after driving it home I started it up, and noticed it was gushing coolant. Turns out the radiator failed. Replaced the radiator and all my cooling problems were solved. Now my 300ZX NEVER EVER overheats and hasn't leaked any coolant for almost 2 years since replacing the parts. Plus getting 37mpg out of it isn't too bad either!!

Joe M.

27th Jul 2010, 16:35

I've owned my 1986 300ZX for 24 years. I love this car, and it's been a rock with very little repairs until now. So far, the mechanic can't figure out what's causing it to run so rough and die. Replaced the water pump, spark plugs & wires. Still shaking when gas applied. Any clues? Would the fuel injectors cause this type of behavior?

Just had it shipped and filled it with gas. Within a half hour of driving with a full tank, from running smooth to hard to start and stay running. Rough, shaking when gassed: never happened before. Could it be bad fuel? Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.