If your Z31's digital dash goes dark except for the fuel gauge, the solder on the pins where the pigtail plugs in have shriveled up and lost connection. Fairly easy DIY to freshen the joints and get your dash back.
Ha! A comment that’s 100% CORRECT. I soldered everything so much I went and re weighed my Z. Getting into it the first time was a bitch. Yeah, it took a few tries and different solder points. Don’t get me started on vent controls for heat or a/c. Almost went postal, but Sam Adams brought by some beer.
You took your time with the video and people should pay attention to this video as a good buyers guide. I there is only one or two thing that you may have missed. Pay attention to the framerails because they are easily damaged when you lift the car up using them which causes them to rust and rust behind the seats under the carpet from leaking t top seals or leaking water line running from the t tops. Great video!
Thanks for the great video! As a non-car guy I just bought 2 Zs! A black '86 NA 2+2 manual for $750 CAD. Runs and drives, but it's got some rust and needs interior parts/carpet. Bought a red '88 NA 2+2 auto to help cover the pieces I need for the black car. Both blue interiors. Stoked to be in a position to get these cool cars for cheap and have somethung fun to wrench on.
My Aspen Gold low mileage 85 makes me happy just by looking at it. When I was a kid I would go to classic car shows with my dad. I always felt that I wouldn't get a chance to own something cool when I got older. Took me longer than expected, but I rediscovered my enjoyment for cool cars in my mid 20s and the Z31 just fit perfectly for me. Unique, sleek and stylish wedge design that had that edge of 80s attitude. In less than a month of driving, I had already been stopped 4 times at gas stations and when I was driving around in my small town shopping center, a kid shopping with his mom stopped in his tracks and shouted "WHOA!! WHAT IS THAT!!?" Cracked a smile outta me
I just bought my 3rd Z31 last week for 1000 bucks. an 87 coupe/na not in the greatest shape, but she runs. needs some TLC. I previously had an 87 2+2 and an 84AE when I was overseas. all GLL digital with auto climate control... great cars! loved 'em both and regret not keeping them. I am traditionally a 280/280zx guy and I never liked the 300, that is until I got in one and fell in love with it. This video is on point.... the Z31 is much more of a bear to maintain and it has a lot more things to go wrong than the earlier cars. and they really suck when they break but they are blast when they're running! Cool cars. Keep 'em running 😎
I know this car pretty well. There is a on line z car forum to ask questions on. Don’t mess with the vacuum hoses that control the vents. I almost went to prison but didn’t have any bullets.
This mentioned some issues that I experienced while owning which I wasn't expecting to hear like the leaking rear quarter panel. My trunk is rusted to hell because of this. Something I didn't see mentioned were weight differences between slicktop and targatop models. I've had my slicktop for 7 years now, and I bought it running at like 168k miles(?) for $1,500. Since then, I've only seen these cars go up in price. The final good deal I saw was in like 2019, I saw CLEAN blue targa top turbo model with like 150k miles for 2.5k on craigslist. Since then, nothing very interesting has come around my area. Also, my 85 owners manual says Datsun on it, but the car did have a Nissan badge which eventually fell off one day lol. Never knew the 84 said Datsun.
Those definitely sound like some great deals, unfortunately I don’t think any of the “enthusiast” cars will ever see prices like they did years ago. And the weight difference would have been a good addition to the video. Do you happen to know what it is?
I had an 87 n/a in 1997. Loved it, but it always wanted to overheat and the mechanic could never figure it out. Had to blast the heat on summer days and keep moving. It was a fun car though. I put bkackiut vinyl stickers over the rear taillights and cut circles so the brake lights were each 2 circles like corvette. Looked awesome when i was a teen.
I had a 1986 2+2 with leather and digital dash. So sorry I ever sold that car. What a gem... I currently have a fully restored 1991 2+2. Still a masterpiece
That Dude in Blue just reviewed my 89.. Mine is blasphemous, I know,,, but I had been looking for a decent example for many years. Drove hours to go test drive a few, and when I got there the engine is coughing and there is rust in the rear truck (very common). Also had one almost loose the rear diff during the test drive. (Diff mount problems also common). Meanwhile they seem to be creeping up in price... All this to say, if you want an ok condition na car probably budget for around 7 grand and plan on a grand or two on immediate repairs. If you want a nice turbo car budget for 12-15grand and plan on 2 to 3 grand in repairs. Remember either way it's an antique car, all rubbers, plastics, and wires will be brittle. Try to buy one from an enthusiast, that's you best bet, and they'll probably throw in parts... Great points in this video! Best z buyers guide vid on UA-cam! Buy your z31 ASAP you'll be the only guy in town with one!
Very informative, I've been eying one sitting in about 6ft tall weeds for two years. Finally stopped by yesterday and asked about it. 84 turbo model but not sure on the trim as I got attacked by wasp before getting to look it over too much did have power seats and t tops didnt get a chance to look at the cluster for digital nor how many miles on it.Trying to work a deal on it with the lady and make a youtube series on it from field to finish. Thanks for all the info!
Great video!! I did wanna add that looking for a w-series would be a good idea ONLY if your trying to build the engine. It could save you a bit of time and money because W-series rods have the same wrist pin as the z32. This means that when going with forged pistons you don’t have to buy rods as well since the only benefit of after rods would be the weight. However I prefer the oe rods since they retain an oil squirter for cooling the piston.
Good video....I am original owner of 1984 GLL NA, the headlight washers were a turbo option not GLL, 1984 GLL had no EQ but added for 85' as mentioned, The AE had the square wheel which all 84s had
15:43 Actually a bit of adjustment can be made on the stock rear trailing arms with offset crossmember bushings by K-MAC (541326 H). I have them installed on my '85 Turbo. Unless you're lowering the car a lot they should allow for proper tow and camber. Professional alignment after installation is recommended.
Man, I went through so many Z31na and the Z31T. Love these cars, but here's a list of things that will fail: MAF, radio, alternator, headlights, headlight switch, Trans, electronic suspension, crossmember, motor mounts, digital gauge, radiator. God, so much money and time devoted to these cars. Fun fact I was gonna buy a Shiro special for 1500, but the engine was seized. I couldn't take the project on with 2 other cars. A neighbor of mine owned a 50th AE he wanted 5gs to buy it, and I felt it wasn't worth it. I'm still nissan, but I moved on past the many Z's and 240s. I'm in an A33 6 spd maxima. KA>VG> VQ.
I have had 4 Z cars. 3 of them Z31. I had an AE and never quite liked the shift box as opposed to my 87 & 88 which was much smoother. My 87 engine was louder than my 88 which I thought was my best Z. My first one was a 1980 280ZX
Hey I love the video keep making them it’s information dense which I appreciate so much cause people don’t understand cars but I will say you shouldn’t worry so much on how you’re speaking, as your personality is part of the reason people will watch you, overall I’m gonna hit the sub thankyou for the video 😊
The DAY I got my insurance check for my totaled 280z my neighbor dragged out one of these THAT DAY. Got $1400 for the 280 paid $700 for the 300z. No 3rd gear. Had transmission on ground by 7pm he pulled up with a good replacement as promised. Ran that night and for 3 more years. Lost reverse and sold it for the same $700 I bought it for. Loved those T tops!
theres a shiro near my location with a couple of bubble spots and a blown headgasket for 15k. its a canadian model, and i wanted to get it cause its rare, but its not the color i want.
5:54 MIne was exactly like this, but in black cherry rather than brown. 😢I miss my '84 I also had a 78 280Z, and an 82 280ZX. IDK if I could even sit in one now that I'm old.
sadly can confirm at least for turbo models, prices still regular 10-15k and even 25-30k for some under 100k miles. Of course, these are crazy dealer prices and you can always negotiate especially if its a auto since its less desirable
The 71C trans is actually the "Weakest" one. The T5 trans hold more power as long you aren't just absolutely BANGING on the gear shifter. Upgrade the shifter to one with stops, and upgrade the shift forks, it'll hold plenty more power than a 71C
Great video! as someone without any experience in repairing or rebuilding cars, do you think itll be my financial ruin to buy a z31? im currently studying so i have about 300€ income per month. Ive already seen one at a car dealership and it was in pretty good condition but only small changes has been made over the years (suspension has been changed). All of my friends and family think it would be a bad idea because id have to buy so many exchange parts.... thanks for your opinion
in addition, in germany you only find the z31 for about 10 000€ or more, ill try to negotiate down to maybe 9k but thats really the lowest you get here...
If you don't mind learning a bit about repairing cars yourself then it wouldn't be too expensive to maintain one. But otherwise it may be a bit more costly to keep up on one, at least in the beginning since its an older car and will likely need a little bit more work to get it 100%. But disregarding the maintenance costs id say if its the car you really want and will be happy with you should get it anyways.
Guttentag - As an 85' turbo owner, if it's your daily car then no unless it's in great condition (mine wasn't when I bought it but it's a summer car). If you have another vehicle then absolutely. Great cars and they run well especially when well taken care of, but being so old a random issue may pop up here and there. Pretty easy to fix minor issues, rust is the main killer. Make sure it doesn't require substantial bodywork for a safety and then you should be good. As reliable as a 80's Nissan Maxima would be
On March 25th, 2004, exactly one week before my 18th birthday, my BEST friend, my brother from another mother, was driving home and swerved to miss a horse, hit the 2nd horse in the opposing lane, and clipped a 3rd horse, went sideways in to the ditch where it flipped over, ejecting him and the car landed on top of him. We believe he was killed on impact from hitting horse #2 straight on. The horse was an adult horse, so you can imagine how tall a horse is and how tall his silver '85 (same year he was born) 300ZX 2+0 non-turbo digital-dash 5-speed, EXACTLY like @ 1:22 in this clip. The horse pushed back the windshield, his t-tops, pillars & back glass and moved it to his rear spoiler. His head left an imprint in his headrest. After hugging his parents, his dad asked me to go to the wrecker yard and get everything out that could be salvaged, since I knew that car from top to bottom. I knew the few hidden spots on that car. Got the stereo out of it and his graduation tassel, from his rearview mirror, which I still have, it's in my safe. He didn't drive that car like you'd expect, except once. As he liked to tell the story, he got a "flying without a pilot license after he sent his car airborne in an intersection in front of a cop. The car was taken care of well. A Japanese doctor everyone in town knew. I think brought it over from Japan. I think he babied it, because it was kinda slow, but fun in the snow! lol He and I both had red StreetGlow red neon underbody lights on your vehicles (mine was a '94 Reg Cab 2wd all black S-10 with the S-10 SS 4.3l CPI motor) Anyway, he never drove the car fast. Actually, we both would draft each other and try to hit record fuel economy since we all know the ZX's have a digital instant & average fuel economy. I have one tattoo. It's on my upper right shoulder. It says RIP on top and in the middle, it has some tribal with "ZX" in the middle & "ML" for his initials on the bottom. I never thought I would want one of these, but now I do. I wish I had one now. Please wear your seat belt and either replace or restore your foggy/hazy headlights. He was going 60mph (limit was 65) and he still couldn't see them until it was too late. We were suppose to go to the junkyard that day, but I took a nap after school, so I blew him off. He was at my house, or me at his, everyday after football practice. He went to his gf's instead, fell asleep, woke up around 1am and headed home. He got 3/4 mile from home. It was his neighbor's horses that got out.
hey bro! it looks like you have experience with all the cars I am looking at! I’m going between a 300zx (84) and a bmw 330ci (02-05) and if you have any comments on which one to choose.. I love both so I’m struggling to decide right now
Both are great cars but it really depends on which one you'd personally be happier with. I think the Z has a little bit more of a coolness factor because of its age. Just test drive both and see which one you'd like better for weekend cruising would be my recommendation. Can always get the other one down the road if you're unhappy!
Thanks!! Over the years I have owned "five"Z31 turbo's(3-87's, 88 and 84 50th Av.). The reason I asked you about price is I presently own a 87 turbo with Camel/tan interior and White exterior that I purchased from the original owner who was a retired "Boeing engineer" who had it in storage. Has original window sales sticker paperwork. Car was purchased in Lynnwood, Wa. in 1987. I'm Thinking of possibly selling this year. I have owned it for about five years now and is 99% original. I have put maybe 1K miles on it in the last five years. Coffee runner and spring and summer weekend driver. I'll let you know . Runs strong. Hoses and belts replaced (he did timing just before selling to me). Only downer, Auto tranny. Has 98K miles. Price not sure yet, but north of 12K, or even 15K. Probably 18K-20K........Z-ya
I am looking to buy a z31, but really scared of the parts sourcing part. Is it really rare to find parts for it? I felt there are many shared parts between the Zs and different nissan cars.
“It all depends on what parts you’ll end up needing. Obviously the common stuff like headlights, taillights, t tops, etc that most of the cars shared should be easier than say a red steering wheel with functions on it or a specific colored trim piece. It is an obstacle that prevents people from owning them tho there’s enough support/ people that should be able to help u find what u need” -Nic
I feel sad since people make fun of me when they see that i have a non turbo 2+2 to the point where I am deciding to sell it or just let it sit there... people are wild
@@meowut69 it was kind of insignificant stuff tbh. Like digi dash color changed to white and red in 87 and the digi center gauges also changed in 87. I’d have to rewatch the video to get all of it.
@@jacobrohlinger9038 Little late to this convo.... But I have NEVER seen a full factory car with digi dash in any color other than green. (13 years of Z31 ownership). Only time I've seen different color digi dashes is when people change out the overlays on the gauges.
Sorry, adding that it's a good video 👍 By this point, I consider the better idea to have it as a usable classic, rather than mod it and ruin its long term appeal.
You state no bullshit guide for buying a used 300 then start off like you did in the last video with a whole history lesson and details about new car options that were available for it at the time. Nobody's buying new. What the hell should we look for if an old beater happens to come up for sale in our area? Video fail.
If your Z31's digital dash goes dark except for the fuel gauge, the solder on the pins where the pigtail plugs in have shriveled up and lost connection. Fairly easy DIY to freshen the joints and get your dash back.
Do you know a way to speed up the lag inherent in the digital dash?
Ha!
A comment that’s 100% CORRECT.
I soldered everything so much I went and re weighed my Z.
Getting into it the first time was a bitch. Yeah, it took a few tries and different solder points.
Don’t get me started on vent controls for heat or a/c. Almost went postal, but Sam Adams brought by some beer.
@@dboy2547microprocessors we’re just that way in the mid 80’s. Yes the dash assembly had quite a few in it.
@@dboy2547 You got me there. I've never driven another digi dash car so it's always seemed fine to me.
would that also cause the little increments on the rev range to be solid and not fluctuate like theyre supposed to
The turbos all had 5 lug hubs from launch in 1984.
You took your time with the video and people should pay attention to this video as a good buyers guide. I there is only one or two thing that you may have missed. Pay attention to the framerails because they are easily damaged when you lift the car up using them which causes them to rust and rust behind the seats under the carpet from leaking t top seals or leaking water line running from the t tops. Great video!
Those are some solid points, and thank you!
Thanks for the great video! As a non-car guy I just bought 2 Zs! A black '86 NA 2+2 manual for $750 CAD. Runs and drives, but it's got some rust and needs interior parts/carpet. Bought a red '88 NA 2+2 auto to help cover the pieces I need for the black car. Both blue interiors. Stoked to be in a position to get these cool cars for cheap and have somethung fun to wrench on.
My Aspen Gold low mileage 85 makes me happy just by looking at it. When I was a kid I would go to classic car shows with my dad. I always felt that I wouldn't get a chance to own something cool when I got older. Took me longer than expected, but I rediscovered my enjoyment for cool cars in my mid 20s and the Z31 just fit perfectly for me. Unique, sleek and stylish wedge design that had that edge of 80s attitude. In less than a month of driving, I had already been stopped 4 times at gas stations and when I was driving around in my small town shopping center, a kid shopping with his mom stopped in his tracks and shouted "WHOA!! WHAT IS THAT!!?" Cracked a smile outta me
I was looking for Z but later decided to take MA70 Supra .
@@drsanmyattunfor how much? and how much was z31 when you considered buying?
I just bought my 3rd Z31 last week for 1000 bucks. an 87 coupe/na not in the greatest shape, but she runs. needs some TLC. I previously had an 87 2+2 and an 84AE when I was overseas. all GLL digital with auto climate control... great cars! loved 'em both and regret not keeping them. I am traditionally a 280/280zx guy and I never liked the 300, that is until I got in one and fell in love with it. This video is on point.... the Z31 is much more of a bear to maintain and it has a lot more things to go wrong than the earlier cars. and they really suck when they break but they are blast when they're running! Cool cars. Keep 'em running 😎
I know this car pretty well.
There is a on line z car forum to ask questions on.
Don’t mess with the vacuum hoses that control the vents. I almost went to prison but didn’t have any bullets.
Had an 84 turbo in the early 90's, loved it soo much, got a 06 350z roadster in 15 in the same color (still kicking 😂
This mentioned some issues that I experienced while owning which I wasn't expecting to hear like the leaking rear quarter panel. My trunk is rusted to hell because of this. Something I didn't see mentioned were weight differences between slicktop and targatop models. I've had my slicktop for 7 years now, and I bought it running at like 168k miles(?) for $1,500. Since then, I've only seen these cars go up in price. The final good deal I saw was in like 2019, I saw CLEAN blue targa top turbo model with like 150k miles for 2.5k on craigslist. Since then, nothing very interesting has come around my area. Also, my 85 owners manual says Datsun on it, but the car did have a Nissan badge which eventually fell off one day lol. Never knew the 84 said Datsun.
Those definitely sound like some great deals, unfortunately I don’t think any of the “enthusiast” cars will ever see prices like they did years ago. And the weight difference would have been a good addition to the video. Do you happen to know what it is?
@@meowut69 I used to, but not anymore sorry. Since I've forgotten, I think it's just up to preference. I love my slicktop tho
I had an 87 n/a in 1997. Loved it, but it always wanted to overheat and the mechanic could never figure it out. Had to blast the heat on summer days and keep moving. It was a fun car though. I put bkackiut vinyl stickers over the rear taillights and cut circles so the brake lights were each 2 circles like corvette. Looked awesome when i was a teen.
I had a 1986 2+2 with leather and digital dash. So sorry I ever sold that car. What a gem... I currently have a fully restored 1991 2+2. Still a masterpiece
Thank you for doing This. We need more old chassis preservation info videos.
I had z31 as a daily for years and it was by far the best, most fun car ive ever owned. even if it was NA 2+2. Shiro is a dream car of mine.
Thanks for this excellent Z31 review. I have a turbo '86 and NA '87, great looking 'money holes', but I love mine!
That Dude in Blue just reviewed my 89.. Mine is blasphemous, I know,,, but I had been looking for a decent example for many years. Drove hours to go test drive a few, and when I got there the engine is coughing and there is rust in the rear truck (very common). Also had one almost loose the rear diff during the test drive. (Diff mount problems also common). Meanwhile they seem to be creeping up in price... All this to say, if you want an ok condition na car probably budget for around 7 grand and plan on a grand or two on immediate repairs. If you want a nice turbo car budget for 12-15grand and plan on 2 to 3 grand in repairs.
Remember either way it's an antique car, all rubbers, plastics, and wires will be brittle. Try to buy one from an enthusiast, that's you best bet, and they'll probably throw in parts...
Great points in this video! Best z buyers guide vid on UA-cam! Buy your z31 ASAP you'll be the only guy in town with one!
That’s pretty awesome your car was featured in one of his reviews! And thank you for the compliment! We tried to be as thorough as we could.
Been looking for another for about 15 yrs now. I’ve owned 2 both 88 one turbo and other non turbo. Great cars.
Very informative, I've been eying one sitting in about 6ft tall weeds for two years. Finally stopped by yesterday and asked about it. 84 turbo model but not sure on the trim as I got attacked by wasp before getting to look it over too much did have power seats and t tops didnt get a chance to look at the cluster for digital nor how many miles on it.Trying to work a deal on it with the lady and make a youtube series on it from field to finish. Thanks for all the info!
Great video!! I did wanna add that looking for a w-series would be a good idea ONLY if your trying to build the engine. It could save you a bit of time and money because W-series rods have the same wrist pin as the z32. This means that when going with forged pistons you don’t have to buy rods as well since the only benefit of after rods would be the weight. However I prefer the oe rods since they retain an oil squirter for cooling the piston.
Thank you! Great info as well.
Thank you for this sole source of information to make all of my Z31 decisions! 🙂
(Great video!)
Lol
hell yeah man love the Z content! I have two zenkis and they are the sickest cars
Thanks!
In 2013 I had a black '87 kouki na 2+2 5spd with the analog dash, damn i miss it
Good video....I am original owner of 1984 GLL NA, the headlight washers were a turbo option not GLL, 1984 GLL had no EQ but added for 85' as mentioned, The AE had the square wheel which all 84s had
15:43
Actually a bit of adjustment can be made on the stock rear trailing arms with offset crossmember bushings by K-MAC (541326 H). I have them installed on my '85 Turbo. Unless you're lowering the car a lot they should allow for proper tow and camber. Professional alignment after installation is recommended.
I love my z31 regard the issue she brings me joy n slot off memories can't put a price on that sir but thanks for the infor ..was great
Thank you!
everything about the later cars is better except the tail lights it just totally kills it for me
Man, I went through so many Z31na and the Z31T. Love these cars, but here's a list of things that will fail: MAF, radio, alternator, headlights, headlight switch, Trans, electronic suspension, crossmember, motor mounts, digital gauge, radiator. God, so much money and time devoted to these cars. Fun fact I was gonna buy a Shiro special for 1500, but the engine was seized. I couldn't take the project on with 2 other cars. A neighbor of mine owned a 50th AE he wanted 5gs to buy it, and I felt it wasn't worth it. I'm still nissan, but I moved on past the many Z's and 240s. I'm in an A33 6 spd maxima. KA>VG> VQ.
I have had 4 Z cars. 3 of them Z31. I had an AE and never quite liked the shift box as opposed to my 87 & 88 which was much smoother. My 87 engine was louder than my 88 which I thought was my best Z. My first one was a 1980 280ZX
God i miss my 1987 2+2 300zx
(Non turbo) such a good, reliable car)
Hey I love the video keep making them it’s information dense which I appreciate so much cause people don’t understand cars but I will say you shouldn’t worry so much on how you’re speaking, as your personality is part of the reason people will watch you, overall I’m gonna hit the sub thankyou for the video 😊
Thanks!
The 87-89 bumper looks wayyy better
nice work you put on this video, liked it! how about you would tell us some preferable price ranges? Current and approximate prices, of course.
Hii, ii know z cars..I miss my 88 white perfect dream. I was a Z mechanic...
Just sold my 86 NA yesterday and this is in my recommended today. Google sure knows how to make you regret your decisions...
Time for another one!
The DAY I got my insurance check for my totaled 280z my neighbor dragged out one of these THAT DAY.
Got $1400 for the 280 paid $700 for the 300z.
No 3rd gear. Had transmission on ground by 7pm he pulled up with a good replacement as promised.
Ran that night and for 3 more years. Lost reverse and sold it for the same $700 I bought it for.
Loved those T tops!
theres a shiro near my location with a couple of bubble spots and a blown headgasket for 15k. its a canadian model, and i wanted to get it cause its rare, but its not the color i want.
The wide body style fender change both front and rear in 1986 is notable.
5:54 MIne was exactly like this, but in black cherry rather than brown. 😢I miss my '84 I also had a 78 280Z, and an 82 280ZX. IDK if I could even sit in one now that I'm old.
sadly can confirm at least for turbo models, prices still regular 10-15k and even 25-30k for some under 100k miles. Of course, these are crazy dealer prices and you can always negotiate especially if its a auto since its less desirable
The 71C trans is actually the "Weakest" one. The T5 trans hold more power as long you aren't just absolutely BANGING on the gear shifter. Upgrade the shifter to one with stops, and upgrade the shift forks, it'll hold plenty more power than a 71C
This kinda blew up, you gotta make more of these for those underrated cars
Definitely in the works but it’s been hard to find time
I owned one. 88 turbo manual. There is only one thing you need to know to have one of these cars. Have a disposable income. Also... run premium gas.
28年前、初めて購入した車が300zxだった。その後280zxを購入した。z31にまた乗ってみたい。usa86editionが欲しい。
Great video! as someone without any experience in repairing or rebuilding cars, do you think itll be my financial ruin to buy a z31? im currently studying so i have about 300€ income per month. Ive already seen one at a car dealership and it was in pretty good condition but only small changes has been made over the years (suspension has been changed). All of my friends and family think it would be a bad idea because id have to buy so many exchange parts.... thanks for your opinion
in addition, in germany you only find the z31 for about 10 000€ or more, ill try to negotiate down to maybe 9k but thats really the lowest you get here...
If you don't mind learning a bit about repairing cars yourself then it wouldn't be too expensive to maintain one. But otherwise it may be a bit more costly to keep up on one, at least in the beginning since its an older car and will likely need a little bit more work to get it 100%. But disregarding the maintenance costs id say if its the car you really want and will be happy with you should get it anyways.
Guttentag - As an 85' turbo owner, if it's your daily car then no unless it's in great condition (mine wasn't when I bought it but it's a summer car). If you have another vehicle then absolutely. Great cars and they run well especially when well taken care of, but being so old a random issue may pop up here and there. Pretty easy to fix minor issues, rust is the main killer. Make sure it doesn't require substantial bodywork for a safety and then you should be good. As reliable as a 80's Nissan Maxima would be
On March 25th, 2004, exactly one week before my 18th birthday, my BEST friend, my brother from another mother, was driving home and swerved to miss a horse, hit the 2nd horse in the opposing lane, and clipped a 3rd horse, went sideways in to the ditch where it flipped over, ejecting him and the car landed on top of him. We believe he was killed on impact from hitting horse #2 straight on. The horse was an adult horse, so you can imagine how tall a horse is and how tall his silver '85 (same year he was born) 300ZX 2+0 non-turbo digital-dash 5-speed, EXACTLY like @ 1:22 in this clip. The horse pushed back the windshield, his t-tops, pillars & back glass and moved it to his rear spoiler. His head left an imprint in his headrest. After hugging his parents, his dad asked me to go to the wrecker yard and get everything out that could be salvaged, since I knew that car from top to bottom. I knew the few hidden spots on that car. Got the stereo out of it and his graduation tassel, from his rearview mirror, which I still have, it's in my safe. He didn't drive that car like you'd expect, except once. As he liked to tell the story, he got a "flying without a pilot license after he sent his car airborne in an intersection in front of a cop. The car was taken care of well. A Japanese doctor everyone in town knew. I think brought it over from Japan. I think he babied it, because it was kinda slow, but fun in the snow! lol He and I both had red StreetGlow red neon underbody lights on your vehicles (mine was a '94 Reg Cab 2wd all black S-10 with the S-10 SS 4.3l CPI motor) Anyway, he never drove the car fast. Actually, we both would draft each other and try to hit record fuel economy since we all know the ZX's have a digital instant & average fuel economy. I have one tattoo. It's on my upper right shoulder. It says RIP on top and in the middle, it has some tribal with "ZX" in the middle & "ML" for his initials on the bottom. I never thought I would want one of these, but now I do. I wish I had one now.
Please wear your seat belt and either replace or restore your foggy/hazy headlights. He was going 60mph (limit was 65) and he still couldn't see them until it was too late. We were suppose to go to the junkyard that day, but I took a nap after school, so I blew him off. He was at my house, or me at his, everyday after football practice. He went to his gf's instead, fell asleep, woke up around 1am and headed home. He got 3/4 mile from home. It was his neighbor's horses that got out.
Good information
Awesome z bro
Good info!
Thank you
Good nice video. I got 1988
hey bro! it looks like you have experience with all the cars I am looking at! I’m going between a 300zx (84) and a bmw 330ci (02-05) and if you have any comments on which one to choose.. I love both so I’m struggling to decide right now
and this will be my weekend car , I have a daily driver
Both are great cars but it really depends on which one you'd personally be happier with. I think the Z has a little bit more of a coolness factor because of its age. Just test drive both and see which one you'd like better for weekend cruising would be my recommendation. Can always get the other one down the road if you're unhappy!
I had 1984 white with T tops I got from Mom with 60k This one was 2 plus Zero
When did you get your Z31, and if you don't mind my asking...what did you pay for it? GREAT looking car!
I believe he paid in the ballpark of 10 for it. Has had it for a couple years
Can you do a similar video for the Z32?
We can definitely try
Meowet, I won't ask what you paid for your Seattle Z31, but can you tell me what the selling list price was it for. Also how many miles? Thanks
Was listed for 12 and it has 140k
Thanks!! Over the years I have owned "five"Z31 turbo's(3-87's, 88 and 84 50th Av.). The reason I asked you about price is I presently own a 87 turbo with Camel/tan interior and White exterior that I purchased from the original owner who was a retired "Boeing engineer" who had it in storage. Has original window sales sticker paperwork. Car was purchased in Lynnwood, Wa. in 1987. I'm Thinking of possibly selling this year. I have owned it for about five years now and is 99% original. I have put maybe 1K miles on it in the last five years. Coffee runner and spring and summer weekend driver. I'll let you know . Runs strong. Hoses and belts replaced (he did timing just before selling to me). Only downer, Auto tranny. Has 98K miles. Price not sure yet, but north of 12K, or even 15K. Probably 18K-20K........Z-ya
I am looking to buy a z31, but really scared of the parts sourcing part. Is it really rare to find parts for it? I felt there are many shared parts between the Zs and different nissan cars.
“It all depends on what parts you’ll end up needing. Obviously the common stuff like headlights, taillights, t tops, etc that most of the cars shared should be easier than say a red steering wheel with functions on it or a specific colored trim piece. It is an obstacle that prevents people from owning them tho there’s enough support/ people that should be able to help u find what u need” -Nic
Recently bought a new battery for my Z and now it has no power, where to look from here?😊
I’d confirm the battery is good (even though it is new) and then check power on any main lines or fusible links
I feel sad since people make fun of me when they see that i have a non turbo 2+2 to the point where I am deciding to sell it or just let it sit there... people are wild
If you enjoy it who cares what anyone else says
So does a 1987 n/a have a lsd or open diff
Open
i wish these cars weren’t near impossible to buy in europe. i rarely see one on sale and even then it’s usually overpriced
what do i do if ive had one for 5 years already
Buy another one
Please..we call them..Z300.❤
some incorrect info here but overall good vid
Thanks boss! Do you mind letting us know which stuff is incorrect? Just to help other viewers.
@@meowut69 it was kind of insignificant stuff tbh. Like digi dash color changed to white and red in 87 and the digi center gauges also changed in 87. I’d have to rewatch the video to get all of it.
@@jacobrohlinger9038 Little late to this convo....
But I have NEVER seen a full factory car with digi dash in any color other than green. (13 years of Z31 ownership). Only time I've seen different color digi dashes is when people change out the overlays on the gauges.
@@lucionsrandom5195 kouki digi is white so is the kouki analog
I'm going to sell my 87 with 125K. You think i can get $4,500?
As long as it’s decently clean you should be able to.
you got pics???
i bought a na 87 with 162k for 3250 and its in rough shape, bunch of trim missing, bunch of quirks and whatnot
hey. send me a link for this. im looking for a car rn and this is my dream. Hook a brother up
My 87 NA says 2+2 on the title, does not have the rear seats, but does have the triangular rear windows, making me question wtf is going on there lol
That is interesting for sure
I like I have 5
黒の８８もいいねぇ～
Now hear me out would it be smart to daily one of these🗿
In my opinion absolutely. If that's what you want of course.
I did for years was my first car 88 300zx
It's a shame that you consider the camber issue an issue at all, due to the fact that this only comes up if you're modifying.
Sorry, adding that it's a good video 👍
By this point, I consider the better idea to have it as a usable classic, rather than mod it and ruin its long term appeal.
@@8bvg300 that’s a great point, we appreciate both stock and modified
I have a carburetted one lmao
Z31s have gone WAY up in value.
You state no bullshit guide for buying a used 300 then start off like you did in the last video with a whole history lesson and details about new car options that were available for it at the time. Nobody's buying new. What the hell should we look for if an old beater happens to come up for sale in our area? Video fail.
It’s no problem man not everyone has elementary level comprehension! Thank you though