Used Nissan 300 review: 1989-1996

THE Nissan Z legend began in 1971 with the stunning 240Z and was carried on by a series of great models. One of the best was the 300ZX, sold here from 1989-1996.  It was a well-built, high-performance sports coupe that has aged wonderfully well, so much so it is a popular used sports car today.

MODEL WATCH

THE Japanese car industry underwent a sea change in the late 1980s. For years Japanese carmakers had built affordable and reliable cars for the masses, but in the late 1980s they became obsessed with technology and took on the world.

Among the many great cars in that era was the 300ZX sports coupe, more a high-performance grand tourer than a light, nimble sportster as the original Z car was, but it was nevertheless a very competent sports car.  Even today its sleek shape and smooth lines are sexy.

The car sold here was a long wheelbase 2-plus-2 model with a normally aspirated 3.0-litre V6 engine. It had a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and, with two rear seats, could accommodate two kids or adults at a pinch.  The fuel-injected engine was silky smooth. With four overhead camshafts and variable valve timing, it was quite advanced.

Power was put at 166kW and torque at 270Nm, which was dulled slightly by the 1490kg it had to propel. Still it could reach 100km/h in seven seconds, the standing 400m could be dispatched in a little over 15 seconds, and it would reach a heady 235 km/h when asked.

The manual was a smooth-shifting five-speed; the auto an electronically controlled four-speeder. Brakes were powerful discs all round, there was ABS, and a viscous coupling in the rear axle for added safety.

There were few changes during the eight years the 300ZX was sold here. Airconditioning became auto climate control in 1992, when velour trim also was added. A driver's airbag was added in 1994, as was CD sound and a rear spoiler.

IN THE SHOP

THE 300ZX was well designed and built, and has stood up to the rigours of life on the road.  Look for repainted bumpers, which may not be a good colour match. If not painted properly, the paint can blister and peel.  The trim was of a high quality but any car that has been well used, or left in the sun, will be showing signs of ageing.

The V6 engine is sturdy and gives little trouble, but they are likely to have been driven hard over the years. Major services at 100,000km intervals require cam belt changes, platinum-tipped plugs and other important items and are expensive.  Gearboxes are rugged and give little trouble. Wear in driveline joints and centre bearings is common.

For more information on the 300ZX, check with the Australian 300ZX Owners Association or go to www.aus300zx.com

CRUNCH TIME

A DRIVER'S airbag was added in 1994, which makes cars produced after that the safest. Add a responsive, well-balanced chassis, four-wheel discs and ABS and you have a solid primary safety package.

OWNERS' VIEWS

ANGELA Sykes has owned her 1990 300ZX import for a year and loves it. It has a lot of room, and on sunny days the roof can be taken off and put in the very roomy boot.  On the down side it is heavy and thirsty, and the 100,000km service was expensive.

Tim Garland has owned an Aus-spec 1990 Nissan 300ZX manual since March last year and is thoroughly delighted with it.  It has done 212,000km, and for a car with such mileage it runs beautifully, Tim says.  There have been a couple of minor issues with it since he's had it, but Tim's main complaint is the cost of parts, having just done the 200,000km major service.

THE BOTTOM LINE

16/20 GREAT-looking high-performance sports car if you can afford the cost of parts and service.

LOOK FOR

SLEEK timeless styling
ENGINE and gearboxes give little trouble
LOVELY balanced handling
SILKY-SMOOTH engine
PARTS expensive