Datsun 280z yay or nay?

[Jackrabbit41]

So found this Datsun near by and I really want to flip it and try to earn some cash.

 

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5671747126.html

 

 

Needs fuel pump, fuel lines and a slave cylinder. I talked to the guy and he says that he can show me it runs but it won't run for long because no fuel pump. He also says he'd give it to me for 600$. 80,000 miles so I bet the motors fine. He's about 3 hours away so I'd have to borrow my dads Silverado and u haul trailer it home. Do y'all think it's worth it? I'd love to make a few extra bucks and have fun working on another car at the same time. Never flipped a car but I have all the tools to do it. He also says interior is perfect except for a rip in the dash

[daking]

Well, Personally I'd say no. I think its too old, and may require more work / money then you will be able to sell it for. I'd look up on car sale sites, and ebay for cars like this one. Look for cars like this one, already fixed up, to get an idea of market value. '

 

However, could work out. If he is truthful about the inside. If the seats, dash, carpet, door panels and the rest are in good to great shape. Maybe just need some engine work, body paint, and basic inside work, then maybe a good first flip project. 

 

Judging by his claim of "Brand New Tires", Id say he is not being truthful or he confused on time. Those tires have been setting for some time, you can see the park marks. Maybe they wore "New" 10 years ago before he parked it... So, if he is misleading you on the tires, what else is he not telling you? 

 

Also, I just noticed the rust. If you decide to do this, make sure to look under the carpet for rust. If the side panels are that rusted, then I'll bet you can do the "flint stone"... ( google the flint stones car, I'm not sure on your age man. You could be from the "Pokem in da puddy toons" age or newer...)

 

If you have the time and money, and feel like the resell value will pay off, then do it. If anything it'll make a great learning experience. If you want to "flip", I'd probably get a car / truck that interests you. You don't want to have this Z setting waiting to get worked on, because your bored of it. 

[cruiser54]

Not to mention it's the 2 plus 2 model which is not desirable at all. 

 

You'd be better parting it out. 

 

It's got the big rearend, great 5 speed trans and of course that 2.8 liter 6. 

I would offer $200 to haul it off. 

[Megadan]

Want to know if it's worth buying, crawl under it.  The unibody "frame rails" on these are a notorious rust spot and can severely compromise the integrity of the chassis.   Old rusty 280's don't have too many people interested.

[DirtyComanche]

If it looks that bad in a CL ad, RUN AWAY!

 

 

[shelbyluvv]

It's junk. Older Datsuns rust as bad or worse than MJs.

[coathanger37]

You would be lucky to break even parting it out. Flipping car is a lot more work than the tv shows lead you to believe.

[glundblad]

Sorry for the delayed response. I was curious if you bought this? 

280z (not to be confused with the 280zx) is appreciating but not as fast as the older 240z ( I am on my third 240z).  Those have become very collectable. If this was a 2+2, I don't think those are desirable at all.  The dash tear is very common but the rust issues can be significant.  You may not be able to flip it but you may be able to part it and still come out ahead, especially if the motor runs and the tranny shifts well.

 

gl

[cj_sackett]

I have a 74 260Z and with the coupes there's a decent amount of value but the 2+2's don't have a lot of parts that swap over and there's not many people out there driving the 2+2's