Buying a used Nissan 300ZX Z32 (1989-97)

The 1989 Nissan 300ZX was launched when Japan was chasing world's best practice. Aimed at the gap between the Porsche 944 and 928, the 300ZX was a whopper -- as wide as a Falcon and even heavier, with an engine 25 per cent smaller. Despite its high-tech wizardry, the 3-litre VG 30E V6 struggled with the extra weight of the local 2+2 T-roof specification but its sophisticated nature encouraged careful, wealthy owners who looked after them.

Grey imports filled the gaps with turbo-powered short wheelbase two-seaters but nightmare compliance issues and modifications that no longer line up with Japan or Australia generate extra risks. Because parts and labour bills are so high, watch out for cash-strapped owners selling because of overdue maintenance or cars ruined by cheap parts. If you cannot afford the specialist maintenance that even the best ones will need, look elsewhere.

Prices: Worn-out early examples start under $10,000 but the best locally delivered cars with history can top $20,000.

Cooling system including expensive radiator, water pump, hoses, thermostat and coolant must be factory quality. Faulty temperature sensor and thermostat will cause auto transmission to misbehave. Check for firm, decisive overdrive engagement when warm. Early manuals can snick on fourth and fifth change. Special oils can help but ultimately will need an overhaul. Watch for clutch slip.

Timing belt and platinum plug change is due every 100,000km and is expensive when so many parts have to be removed for access. Leaking camshaft seals must be replaced immediately as oil can destroy alternator and other parts. Oil leaks around whole engine are a big problem after overheating.

Power seat operation and switch can fail with abuse, early electric window regulators can generate shudder and switches can fail with dirt. Check that T-roof panels and seals are in perfect shape. Cars that creak and crack excessively in the T-roof area have been smashed or abused.

Complex front and rear suspensions have four strut inserts that must be replaced routinely with factory quality items. Certain suspension links can fatigue crack with excessive loads and abuse and must be checked routinely. Hydraulic bushes in the front end's track rods can fail and leak. Any 300ZX with twitchy handling must be checked out immediately before it leads to a big lose and crash.

Brake rotors and pads are not cheap. Standard alloys don't like being kerbed. Expensive tyres must meet factory standards and wear quickly. Driveline vibration and harshness are nightmares to trace with split tail-shaft and may require tail shaft, universal joint and centre-bearing replacement. Cost of exhaust system if damaged or non-standard will bring tears to your eyes.

Factory bumpers, front spoiler, headlights, tail lights and alloys are seriously expensive so non-standard or faulty items must be considered in final price. Eliminate possibility of rebirthed example wearing the ID of written-off local example.  Chassis complexity dictates four wheel alignment check. One or two major repairs can soon soak up difference between the worst and best examples.