HELP! Advice requested on a potential ZX buy...

[Guest comeandzpa]

OK, so I don't know enough about Z's or cars in general to diagnose some things. Here's the situation: I'm looking for a new (read: better condition) Z. We found a 1983 2+2 nearby. Its a 5 speed with 69,000 miles, body is in pretty good shape, just some minor surface rust, some faded paint, and a few dents. Interior is also in pretty good shape, I was impressed with the condition. The frame rails are also in really good shape, as is the battery tray. I'm not a fan of the 2+2 styling as much, but I wouldn't mind the extra 2 seats and I really do want a 5 speed. It also comes with a parts car. He is asking $3000 but tonight we talked him down to $2750, and we're hoping to get him down further in light of the following:

 

OK, so on to the questions. When my dad test-drove the car the other day, he said it ran fairly well. Then I went to drive it today and took it for a longer drive and ran into a lot of issues.

First of all, there seems to be some sort of backfiring. It's not a loud bang from the exhaust pipe, its more of a pop coming from what sounds like the catalytic converter. Also, it seemed to grow louder as we drove.

Second, there is a loud rattling sound coming from under the passenger side. We initially thought it might be the exhaust being loose. However, the longer we drove the worse it got. It seems like the floorboard is loose and wobbling or something; something sounds like its rocking back and forth making a loud thumping noise.

Finally, the clutch seems to grab right off the floor. I hardly had to move my left foot and the car was moving.

So, the questions are: 1) is there some way that there could be a backfire near the cat? 2) Is this probably an exhaust pipe or could that be something worse? and 3) Is this just a problem of adjustment, or will the clutch need to be totally replaced?

 

Thanks for any help you can possibly provide. I wasn't sure what to make of these things and knew that my trusty pals on Hybridz could help me out, I really don't want to get burned on this one. Thanks again.

[z-REX]

for the price, you can do better. clutch adjustment might work, but might not but you could look at it as an excuse to upgrade ... but the real kicker is that looseness you're talking about. a 69k mile car shouldn't feel like something's about to fall off, and neither should a $2750 z-car in general... i say keep looking.

[datsunlover]

Yah, I'd say let this one go.. unles you can talk him down to 1200 or so... I d be afraid of buying a car that backfires and rattles a lot.. And by this point, it's probly been re-painted, so check thoise 'surface rust' spots carefully. I'd have to actually see it myself, but Im guessing the rattle could be suspension or steering related, but who knows.. And the backfiring could be a lot of things, none of them are ussualy good (cloged cat, AFM or other sensors shot, injectors sticking, sct) Personally, I liked the 2+2 styling of the 280zx better than the original 2+2 Z's, but it's still a little weird.. and heavyer as well.. Maybe see if the guy will let you take it to a garage and get it; A-on a hoist to have a look at the under side, B-have a mechanic look at it/drive it..