Kraker_Jax

Currently looking at a '81 280ZX in Arkansas, I live in Houson, Texas, I was wondering if ya'll would think its worth it, the guy has yet to send me more pics than of the one that was on his site, says it has 55k miles on it, but I ran a bg check and it showed 202k one year, then the next 120k, roll over? rebuilt engine? I'm lost please help, but what I'm making out of it is that it has 300k possibly? perhaps more, if you would think it's worth less, what should I try to get it down to? thanks for the replys

Redbeauty84ZX

Where at in arkansas, im sure i can have someone take a look at it for you.

Kraker_Jax

really? that'd be great if you could, my dad was bugging me saying I should have it checked first and not to buy it without even looking, oh well I'd be paying for it, he doesn't have much to complain about, the car is in Siloam Springs, PM me if you could possibly have someone check it, thanks!

Bleach

I would trust the 202K miles and the 120K miles is just what the next owner thought it was (or was told) and recorded 120K miles at that particular mechanic or emissions change. It is really 255K now.

At 55K miles, that car should be in showroom condition...
Just ask him if it is 55K original miles or if it is 55K on a rebuilt engine. If he says original, then he's a liar and don't buy the car. It probably has other problems he'll try to hide.

Kraker_Jax

Thanks for the insight, any help is helpful to this lost 17 year old >.<

280gty

Well, you gotta rule out 50k miles & showroom condition, otherwise he'll be asking for a lot more than $1500.

low mileage & "perfect" can be valued at $7,000 to $10,000 or more to many buyers...I paid similiar to that for my 1981 280ZX.

$1,500 means that there will be cosmetic & mechanical "defects"...it just depends on whether you can identify the problem areas, how serious they are & whether you can live with them or deal the costs of repair & maintenence.

...So, for the price, it is worth checking out at least...

Bleach

That's true. Actually, if the car is in good shape (or even ok condition) and runs and drives good, its worth $1500 at even 255,000 miles. Just make sure all the lights work, talking voice, power windows (and locks), all heater/fan controls, ect. Don't expect the AC to be cold or the cruise control to work but if either of them do work, then that's an added bonus.

If some of those things dont work or it has more bodydamage than just minor rust chips and dings, then use those problems to negotiate the price down to maybe 1000-1200.

Kraker_Jax

yea I can deal with body damage and stuff, gives me time to learn for my future job, thanks again for all the info guys, really helping me save the money I need and man my friend with his 240sx would be so jealous if my car talked and his didn't

Bleach

1981 is a maybe on the talking voice. Only the "GL" or luxury models that year had it. (I think) 1982-83 they all had that stuff along with all power options those last couple years.

Kraker_Jax

ahhh i see, still would be nice though, haha

EatmyDust

Hey man
I know where there is a 280zx runs great, clear title, needs a new paint job, but like I told you runs great. The good thing is well I am in your area, and if you are interested in looking at it, let me know and I will see what I can do. I think I can get it down to $500. It is an 80's model. again if you are intrested wich if your not your crazy, just let me know. My e-mail is magertman@yahoo.com my name is Mike