The price of other Z's-n-stuff
 

I am 8 business days from (forced) retirement but still thinking about a "toy" to mess around with. I have a 15 370z but she is my queen and I don't want to do anything to that car other than a spoiler and FI exhaust system. So, I got to thinking I need an older Z that I can drive, build, and modify as I go. It didn't take me long to realize 240s and 260s are so expensive as to be out of the question. Anyway, what I found was the 280Z is still kind of affordable, the 300ZX N/A is almost in the same price range, and then the surprise. The most affordable, all things being equal, is the 350Z even with relatively low miles. How could this be? What I want is the 280Z but I have to admit, the price of 350 is really tempting, complaints about bad paint and all considered. What is up with that?

Availability. They sold a bunch of 350s and they're not so old that they're hard to find in good shape.

Thanks
 

That is really interesting. I just couldn't believe how cheap they are.

If you're looking at early 350s with a VQ35DE, they're cheap for a reason and you'll be disappointed considering you've got a 370 in the garage.

Why is that?
 

Is the early one a dog? I really don't know. I am leaning toward the 280Z more than any other. My second choice was the 300ZX, last version but NA because the twin turbo is often too expensive.

This reminds me of the manual vs. automatic discussions - it really depends on what YOU are looking for. The 350 will be a more powerful car with more modern amenities (and possibly a better suspension). But the 280s are, IMNSHO, sooooo much cooler. YMMV

DEs are pretty down on power compared to later 350s and pale in comparison to the 370. They're still far better than a NA 300ZX. Those are really, painfully slow.

Spend more. Get the 280. It's a classic. The 300NA and 350s will never be classics.

Thanks
 

You know, what you all have posted makes real sense. I always say don't make a decision until it becomes clear and obvious. After reading what your responses, and all the articles and pics I've collected on the 280Z, that is what I really want. Thanks for helping more than you know. What a great forum. I forgot to add, I was looking at an old Rx7. 1985 GSL SE with the 13B engine but from a 91. I've had 6 other Rx7s, still have my 84, and know how much it costs to make the rotary really go...a lot. He wan'ts $5K and the car will need body work, repainted, and maybe work under the hood. It runs but. It didn't take me long to figure out I can find a good 280Z in the 10 to 15 range, about what it would cost to bring the Mazda up to snuff. So I had pretty much made up my mind to go with the 280 until I saw the prices of the 350s and was tempted. I am going with the 280 (I drove a 240 once and they are a blast).

The rotary engines are a pita :(

I do love the rx7


Btw get the 280 to baby and the 370 to abuse! Don't settle as this will probably be one of the last cars you can reasonably enjoy. Do it right!

Mishuko
 

Thanks, I bought an 84 Rx7 that I'm trying to "restore" now, for my young son, and I'm wishing I had spent the money on the Z instead. Yes, you are so correct, I may never be able to buy anything again. Forced retirement means I am black listed too (politically incorrect teacher in these times is a death sentence...). The 280Z it is then.

I think the 300ZX (2nd gen) has aged gracefully. Sure, it may lack the power and be painfully slow but I would definitively pick that one over the 350Z.

Oh, the Z32 is still a great looking car for sure. It's just that the NA version is an absolute dog. The 350, while in no way a great looking car, will demolish it in every measurable category.

Except looks. But that's personal preference... I guess it's not measurable :(

More to think about
 

Yeah, I like the looks of the 300ZX especially body shape and tail lights. Would a single turbo set-up help this car? Original Twin Turbos are out of reach for me but, maybe...

You'd probably spend as much as if you had bought the TT from the start.