Looking for advice on a prospective purchase (78 280z)

[calvinhg]

Hey y'all, it's Calvin, I was active here for a few months back in late 2018, if y'all remember me. But now I have a couple years of mechanic-ing under my belt, and some well placed investments in crypto have propelled me to be on the lookout for a 280z. I was watching craigslist, seeing some nice ones come and go, but hopped onto facebook today and had a quick look, and found this 240z: (link to the fb listing)

 

FB description: 1973 240Z for sale! Triple Delorto Carbs, numbers matching engine. 5 speed 280Z transmission, aftermarket sunroof, no leaks. Factory Air conditioning. Runs and drives great. No rust issues. Datsun competition steering wheel, amco door card guards and luggage bar.

 

So as you can see, it looks real clean, and doesn't seem to have any rust or other issues. It also has a custom sound box in the back, if you're into that kinda stuff. Repainted in the late 80s, but can't see it needing a new coat anytime soon. All in all, what looks to be a real good deal for $20k.

What do y'all think? I'd like to jump on it but I don't want to be too hasty and overlook anything. Thanks!

Edited May 2, 2021 by calvinhg

[heyitsrama]

It certainly looks like it has all the bells and whistles, is it local? Can you check out the body for rust?

[calvinhg]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that. It is about 4 hours away, not too bad. The seller told me he can trailer it to me, all I have to do is send him a $800 deposit (non refundable). I could also go and see it next weekend but it would be much easier to have him bring it here.

[heyitsrama]

Well giving it a good inspection is going to be worth the time and/or money. A thorough inspection too, get under the car and look for patch work.

does the seller have more detailed photos?

AC is nice.

[calvinhg]

There are a couple underbody pics in the listing:

 

Not very good pics though. I'll ask if I can get a few better ones.

Definitely a plus with the AC, especially in TX.

[DatsunZGuy]

I believe you are about an hour away from Austin.  Correct? 

That said, I would suggest contacting the Capital Z Club and find out where they are having their next membership meeting or event.  Introduce yourself and express you interest in Z car and that you would like some advice.  Many members have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they are willing to share.  In fact, your networking skills may result in an offer to inspect a car with you.  Better yet, a club member may know of someone who might be wanting to sell their car.  Moreover, members have lots of situational awareness of what is out there in the area and may advise you about some sketchy car up for sale. 

What strikes me odd about the car you pictured is the fact that it has a performance-oriented triple set up with an MSD ignition, yet it's running an AC compressor and air pump  parasitically robbing horsepower.

[calvinhg]

Thanks a lot for the advice, I requested to join Capital Z.

The owner sent me a video of the underbody, looks pretty good to me.

https://streamable.com/29wrut

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[Mike]

Looks like the ad now says sold..  did you buy it?

 

[Patcon]

I am more than willing to lose the Hp to run AC

[calvinhg]

Nope unfortunately didn't buy it... The guy sold it within the hour of my last post. Pretty bummed out, but I'm sure I'll find another one.

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[Patcon]

In todays market, if you find a decent car for a reasonable price you have to move on it. Go see it, give a deposit,  something...

[calvinhg]

Yeah... The issue I have is I don't want to make a big commitment before being sure it's a good value... Although I don't mind doing a refundable deposit.

Switching gears, what do y'all think about this one? I was turned away by its distance but it turns out shipping a car costs under $1000. I love the color, not so much the mirrors but other than that it's great. Same price range too.
No obvious rust, and has been garaged while in the Midwest which is nice.

https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/d/columbus-1978-datsun-280z/7312285841.html

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