7ur7le

Nice to know that a Z would survive here in Washington! As for a Miata, I have considered it. It is a great track car and fun car overall (I've heard). Maybe I can't bring myself to getting a Miata because I owned an s2000 a few years back and knowing that the Miata is a much small and less aggressive car (stock) makes it a bit unappealing. When I owned my s2000, I also realized that I wasn’t a big fan a ragtops. Seattlejester, you bring an interesting point. I have had a few project cars over the years and really enjoyed them. Recently I haven’t had a project car in such a long time (due to school, money, etc.) I really miss having something to work on; however I remember how expensive projects cars are. I want to meet somewhere in the middle. I’d like something that I can have a great time driving and working on, but not spend the big bucks. Even though the E30 might be a bit cheaper all around, I think a 240/280z makes more of an interesting project. I’ll have to scout around a hopefully I can find a solid deal.

Thank you all! It’s awesome to see both the strengths and weakness of the Z. It is a very hard choice to make because both cars are great! After hearing this input I think a 240z is something that would still fit my lifestyle and be tons of fun (even with its downfalls). I always understood that owning a Z car isn’t necessarily a walk in the part, but it’s a worth exactly what is put in to it. I’m not going to scratch the Z of my list. I will look for one that is in decent conditions and for a fair price. Once in person with either the e30 or 240z of my choice, hopefully I can come to a decision. I think the e30 may be a bit better for me, but I want to keep exploring the market to see if I find a great Z. Thank you all for your help! You guys have a great community and beautiful cars!

Thank you Denis and Rturbo 930! It’s very insightful hearing from your experiences with cars that I am considering. It probably will be best to test drive the Z and an e30. Right now I have been looking at 280z because for some reason they are more readily available in my area than the 240z and because they are fitted with the bigger 2.8L. However, now knowing that the 240z handles a bit better makes it more attractive. I tend to enjoy a better handling car even if a few horses are lost. I tend to like the styling of the Z more than of the e30 but I have seen a difference in prices between the two. A solid Z is much more than a solid e30. Being newer cars, the e30’s tend not to be as beaten up (as well as rusty and trashed interiors) as the Z. Thank you for your input; it is very helpful and greatly appreciated!

Hello all, I am new to the forum and would like your advice to see if a Z car is a good fit for me. I am very interested in the Z car because of the way they look and all the available transplants. They just look very sleek and aggressive. My worry is the rust. I am pretty mechanically inclined. I have worked and own many imports such as Toyotas, Hondas and Mazda’s, so I am not new to working under the hood of imports. However I never had to deal too much with rust. I live in Seattle so I am even more worried since it is very wet over here for the most part. Besides rust, my second worry is cost. I understand that they are old cars and need work and attention. I do not mind putting in money and work I just wouldn’t want to spend over 15k on a second car that I will use on weekends. I will mostly be using this car as a weekend car and go to some track days every so often. I appreciate any advice on comments on how it is to own a Z car. Thanks in advance! P.S. I am looking in getting a second car regardless but this is just to determine what car. Other cars that I have in mind are BMW e30, Porsche 944, Rx7 (FC or FD). Basically something RWD that provides a great driving experience.