Picking A 300zx
<div class="IPBDescription">I need something faster than my maxima</div> I'm seriously thinking of getting a 300ZX. I love the style of them and their rather fast from what I've seen. I'm not exactly 'rich' so I cant go out and buy anything I want, but something in the pricerange of $5000 can do. You would be amazed at what I can find for that much <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Now for the cars, I've been hunting around autotrader for some in my general area that are somewhat affordable to me. Heres the lineup:
-This ones my favorite, its already got a bunch of work done so its less out of my pocket. Blowoff valve, clutch, black paintjob, bodykit (looks like only the front skirt in the picture I cant tell), new transmission, and cd player (tape player comes stock in 300zx, and last I knew tape players are out). Tons of other stuff. Only problems I see is its in ohio and I'm in Ft.Knox kentucky, so it will be a few hour drive just to look at a car to find out if it has scuff marks everywhere. At just under 10k, its going to be one where I'll have to borrow money. <a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=186344522&dealer_id=56644212&car_year=1991&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&model=300ZXTURBO&transmission=&distance=200&address=40175&make2=&advanced=y&certified=&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=26&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=25&engine=&doors=&fuel=&lang=&cardist=133' target='_blank'>click</a>
-This ones nice, twin turbo is something that I'd prefer as its a extra 80 horsepower, and turbo 300zx's are rare, especially at $8K. Looks rather stock other than that but I like the black interior since the other color (tan) looks ugly with the interior work I do myself. Perhaps my 2nd or 3rd choice of the 300zx's I want, the turbos are hard to find <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> <a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=186235327&dealer_id=56634087&car_year=1995&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&model=300ZXTURBO&transmission=&distance=200&address=40175&make2=&advanced=y&certified=&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=26&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=25&engine=&doors=&fuel=&lang=&cardist=26' target='_blank'>click</a>
-This ones nice, looks like its in great condition and the white gauges are a plus, since their not fun to install. Clutch makes it all the more awesome. Its not turbo, but thats no big deal if its nice. Its really far away though :x <a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=165276462&dealer_id=54544666&car_year=1996&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&distance=200&transmission=&model=300ZXTURBO&make2=&address=40175&certified=&advanced=y&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=1&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=0&engine=&lang=&fuel=&doors=&cardist=194' target='_blank'>click</a>
-This one. This ones nice. Black, clutch, and sexy looking all around. Stock, but thats ok. Its close, really close. Interior is not the color I want, but I can paint the dash and I have seatcovers that should go perfect with the body w/ matching floormats. Perhaps the best choice for me since its best price-to-quality. Fixing this up could get expensive, though :x <a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=184110238&dealer_id=1884839&car_year=1995&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&distance=200&transmission=&model=300ZXTURBO&make2=&address=40175&certified=&advanced=y&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=1&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=0&engine=&lang=&fuel=&doors=&cardist=200#vdptop' target='_blank'>click</a>
-Cheapest of them all, the dealer says its gold but I cant tell what it looks like from a black and white picture. Has bodykit and looks good from what I can tell. If its as good as it looks in this rather low quality picture, this will be most likely my choice as I can get great paintjobs for $200. Says theres lots of addons, so it sounds like a deal to me. <a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=186770574&dealer_id=56689950&car_year=1990&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&distance=200&transmission=&model=300ZXTURBO&make2=&address=40175&certified=&advanced=y&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=1&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=0&engine=&lang=&fuel=&doors=&cardist=100' target='_blank'>Click</a>
Help me look around if you want, somewhere within a 200 mile radius is about as far as I would go. (Zip 40175 if you need it to run searches) Thanks guys! Gimme opinions!
Now for the cars, I've been hunting around autotrader for some in my general area that are somewhat affordable to me. Heres the lineup:
-This ones my favorite, its already got a bunch of work done so its less out of my pocket. Blowoff valve, clutch, black paintjob, bodykit (looks like only the front skirt in the picture I cant tell), new transmission, and cd player (tape player comes stock in 300zx, and last I knew tape players are out). Tons of other stuff. Only problems I see is its in ohio and I'm in Ft.Knox kentucky, so it will be a few hour drive just to look at a car to find out if it has scuff marks everywhere. At just under 10k, its going to be one where I'll have to borrow money. <a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=186344522&dealer_id=56644212&car_year=1991&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&model=300ZXTURBO&transmission=&distance=200&address=40175&make2=&advanced=y&certified=&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=26&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=25&engine=&doors=&fuel=&lang=&cardist=133' target='_blank'>click</a>
-This ones nice, twin turbo is something that I'd prefer as its a extra 80 horsepower, and turbo 300zx's are rare, especially at $8K. Looks rather stock other than that but I like the black interior since the other color (tan) looks ugly with the interior work I do myself. Perhaps my 2nd or 3rd choice of the 300zx's I want, the turbos are hard to find <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> <a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=186235327&dealer_id=56634087&car_year=1995&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&model=300ZXTURBO&transmission=&distance=200&address=40175&make2=&advanced=y&certified=&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=26&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=25&engine=&doors=&fuel=&lang=&cardist=26' target='_blank'>click</a>
-This ones nice, looks like its in great condition and the white gauges are a plus, since their not fun to install. Clutch makes it all the more awesome. Its not turbo, but thats no big deal if its nice. Its really far away though :x <a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=165276462&dealer_id=54544666&car_year=1996&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&distance=200&transmission=&model=300ZXTURBO&make2=&address=40175&certified=&advanced=y&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=1&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=0&engine=&lang=&fuel=&doors=&cardist=194' target='_blank'>click</a>
-This one. This ones nice. Black, clutch, and sexy looking all around. Stock, but thats ok. Its close, really close. Interior is not the color I want, but I can paint the dash and I have seatcovers that should go perfect with the body w/ matching floormats. Perhaps the best choice for me since its best price-to-quality. Fixing this up could get expensive, though :x <a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=184110238&dealer_id=1884839&car_year=1995&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&distance=200&transmission=&model=300ZXTURBO&make2=&address=40175&certified=&advanced=y&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=1&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=0&engine=&lang=&fuel=&doors=&cardist=200#vdptop' target='_blank'>click</a>
-Cheapest of them all, the dealer says its gold but I cant tell what it looks like from a black and white picture. Has bodykit and looks good from what I can tell. If its as good as it looks in this rather low quality picture, this will be most likely my choice as I can get great paintjobs for $200. Says theres lots of addons, so it sounds like a deal to me. <a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=186770574&dealer_id=56689950&car_year=1990&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&distance=200&transmission=&model=300ZXTURBO&make2=&address=40175&certified=&advanced=y&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=1&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=0&engine=&lang=&fuel=&doors=&cardist=100' target='_blank'>Click</a>
Help me look around if you want, somewhere within a 200 mile radius is about as far as I would go. (Zip 40175 if you need it to run searches) Thanks guys! Gimme opinions!
Comments
And yes, I love my maxima. Only reason I'm selling it is not because it sucks, actually its one of the best cars I've ever seen/driven and its VERY dependable for 190k miles. Its that I'm wanting something a little more sporty, and a 300zx is what I'm aiming for since I love nissans (their great cars, run for long time!)
eh, I seem to like the 300zx more. Its kinda my 'affordable dream car' <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin-"240sx"+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> ("240sx")</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Horsepower: 155 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 160 ft-lbs @ 4400 rpm<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-"300zx"+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> ("300zx")</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Horsepower: 222 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 198 ft-lbs @ 4800 rpm<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well it won't get you places noticeably faster than other cars considering you respect speed limits ;p
And a faster take off ^_^
Street racing where I live is rather pointless. Everywhere is hills/backroads so dangerous its bad just doing the speedlimits. The cities are crawling with police so no racing there w/o radar detectors/police scanners. Mostly limited to showing off a sexy car and drag strips, 300zx should grab some attention in louisville when I get my custom stuff done to it <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
rofl around here in the mountains the sign says take the turn at 15 we go around 65 <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Bolded for importance.
rofl around here in the mountains the sign says take the turn at 15 we go around 65 <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yea I do that here too <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I know some roads that I jump and get all 4 tires off the road doing 45 mph <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Well at least I'll still have money in my pockets when I do get there a few minutes after you <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
Need I caution you that SUVs such as you drive are not intended to be driven that fast, and suffer a major tendency to rollover? This according to Consumer Reports.
<span style='font-size:7pt;line-height:100%'>Sorry, couldn't resist raining on your parade ... but it's true.</span>
====================================================
God luck in your pursuit of teh 300zx Fuzz0r.
<img src='http://people.freenet.de/Subaru-Libero/userbilder/woife-bus.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
It will attract as much chicks with its "fun factor". There is 7 seats too, more seats = more chicks! <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo--> It's a subaru "libero" (they call it "e-wagon" in some countries), 1200cc 4x4 52hps, ph34r! You just have to be careful not to flip it on its side when you take a turn, but hey. I guess you can get one for like 1500-2000 bucks, it's great to go for some camping too.
Note: this is not my car, but i sooo want one cause i like funny cars, heh.
No seriously, don't kill yourself with a too fast car. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=186235327&dealer_id=56634087&car_year=1995&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&model=300ZXTURBO&transmission=&distance=200&address=40175&make2=&advanced=y&certified=&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=26&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=25&engine=&doors=&fuel=〈=&cardist=26' target='_blank'>Green 300ZX TT</a>
That one is probably in the best condition, however you would need to check the timing belt as that needs to be replaced at least every 60K-70K. Not to mention check the radiator hoses and make sure there are no cracks and etc. 300ZX run pretty darn hot, more so then most cars.
<a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=184110238&dealer_id=1884839&car_year=1995&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&distance=200&transmission=&model=300ZXTURBO&make2=&address=40175&certified=&advanced=y&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=1&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=0&engine=〈=&fuel=&doors=&cardist=200#vdptop' target='_blank'>Black One 300ZX Non-turbo</a>
That one obviously needs its belt and radiator flushed. Not to mention hoses, and all fluids very throughly checked. If that coolant looks even a little bit brown, make the dealer flush it.
<!--QuoteBegin-DrFuzzy+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DrFuzzy)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
eh, I seem to like the 300zx more. Its kinda my 'affordable dream car' tounge.gif
<!--QuoteBegin-240sx+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (240sx)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
Horsepower: 155 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 160 ft-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Weight: 2900+ lbs
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-300zx+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (300zx)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
Horsepower: 222 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 198 ft-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Weight: 4200 lbs
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Weight makes more difference then you think, without that extra horsepower your basic 240SX will be equal to if not faster then your 300ZX natural aspiration.
<a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=186235327&dealer_id=56634087&car_year=1995&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&model=300ZXTURBO&transmission=&distance=200&address=40175&make2=&advanced=y&certified=&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=26&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=25&engine=&doors=&fuel=〈=&cardist=26' target='_blank'>Green 300ZX TT</a>
That one is probably in the best condition, however you would need to check the timing belt as that needs to be replaced at least every 60K-70K. Not to mention check the radiator hoses and make sure there are no cracks and etc. 300ZX run pretty darn hot, more so then most cars.
<a href='http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=184110238&dealer_id=1884839&car_year=1995&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=NISSAN&distance=200&transmission=&model=300ZXTURBO&make2=&address=40175&certified=&advanced=y&carfaxGeneric=false&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=&first_record=1&end_year=2006&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&car_year=1995&isp=y&pager.offset=0&engine=〈=&fuel=&doors=&cardist=200#vdptop' target='_blank'>Black One 300ZX Non-turbo</a>
That one obviously needs its belt and radiator flushed. Not to mention hoses, and all fluids very throughly checked. If that coolant looks even a little bit brown, make the dealer flush it.
<!--QuoteBegin-DrFuzzy+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DrFuzzy)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
eh, I seem to like the 300zx more. Its kinda my 'affordable dream car' tounge.gif
<!--QuoteBegin-240sx+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (240sx)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
Horsepower: 155 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 160 ft-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Weight: 2900+ lbs
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-300zx+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (300zx)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
Horsepower: 222 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 198 ft-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Weight: 4200 lbs
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Weight makes more difference then you think, without that extra horsepower your basic 240SX will be equal to if not faster then your 300ZX natural aspiration. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Ah thanks ^_^
Yea i kinda figured the weight ration in there, I'll just do some weight reducing on the 300zx if i get it. God knows how much useless crap they put inside things <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif' /><!--endemo-->
I just got off the phone with the black 300zx owner, he said he might take my maxima and trade for a 300zx if I can ride up tomorow so I'll try to do something then. I'm excited out of my mind <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
They cost more to keep up, depending on the turbo style, you have oil lines, pressure valves, oxygen sensors, ect... to keep up above and beyond the added stress forced induction puts on an engine. Detonation can destroy a engine. Also factor in that 300zx's require Z rated tires, generally running over 100 dollars a tire for low end brands, and if you run this thing at speed, you will eat through tires.
That being said, they are fun cars. I've had two friend own them, and one of my bosses had stillen fix one up for him. They dont handle terriblely well, but they have potential to be rockets on the drag.
They cost more to keep up, depending on the turbo style, you have oil lines, pressure valves, oxygen sensors, ect... to keep up above and beyond the added stress forced induction puts on an engine. Detonation can destroy a engine. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
oh and its twin turbo which is alot more costly
Disregard <i>everything</i> in this thread. Talk to a mechanic, then make a decision.
Sorry, but for something as costly as automotive advice, you don't go to the NS Forums. I don't care how much The Internet thinks they know about cars. In general, the majority of them are not mechanics and are not liscenced to repair your car.
Need I caution you that SUVs such as you drive are not intended to be driven that fast, and suffer a major tendency to rollover? This according to Consumer Reports.
<span style='font-size:7pt;line-height:100%'>Sorry, couldn't resist raining on your parade ... but it's true.</span>
====================================================
God luck in your pursuit of teh 300zx Fuzz0r. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
I could beat him
1) I can go off road- Muddy back yard? For me, pop it in 4x4 and upshift for lower revs (so I don't spin the tires and loose traction) and it's a shortcut! For him, yeah, right.
2) I wont' bottom out on anything less than 16 inches tall. Period.
3) My oil pan has a new-ish skidplate so if I DO bottom somehow, I'm fine <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
4) My suspension and transmission is easily adjusted from inside the car to fine-tune it for the terrain (can choose 2 modes default, sport or cruise, or can "manually" adjust it)
Disregard <i>everything</i> in this thread. Talk to a mechanic, then make a decision.
Sorry, but for something as costly as automotive advice, you don't go to the NS Forums. I don't care how much The Internet thinks they know about cars. In general, the majority of them are not mechanics and are not liscenced to repair your car. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Hate to burst your little bubble of hope and what not... but some of us who actually own cars, do the work ourselves.
I know the only work I've had done my car was the welding of the exhaust, because I don't own a welder/plasma cutter, as it is rarely used(in my applications).
That goes for both my Talon, Cavalier, Sunfire, Malkie's Saturn, my sisters Grand Am and etc.
:-)
[on topic]
I'd also like to mention fuzzy, that if you get the 300zx, don't expect it to "leap" off the line at all, as since it is a Japanese six cyclinder, you will have a lower "low end torque" which is what pushes you off the line to begin with.
Before my talon was upgraded a bit, I was being jumped off the line by anything and everything that has some torque in the low rpms, which is why a nice turbo/twin turbo upgrade is almost a neccessary bolt on for your car. Even though it may cost more that extra 80-150hp can make a large difference(in the middle of the run) when you have to make up the being jumped part. :-)
An automobile is a sizeable investment. If it's pre-owned, by all means have someone qualified give it a good inspection, even if you ARE mechanically inclined. I've rebuilt 2 engines from the ground up, raced 3 different cars, and consider myself a knowledgeable auto mechanic, but I'd still pay to have someone do it.
<span style='font-size:7pt;line-height:100%'>Unless it comes with a 3 year 100,000 mile warranty on it like mine did...</span>