Expert Buyer

Can’t stretch to a Porsche 944? This should be on your radar. Careful, though – they bite!

Nissan 300ZX (Z32)

PROJECT

ARE YOU READY?

There are lots around, but there’s plenty to learn about these complex machines, and costs can be huge. Projects are not for beginners.

CHECK ITS BOOST

Turbo pressure should be 9psi. More means that it’s been tweaked; less and something’s amiss. They’re costly to replace.

LOOK FOR RUST

You’ll find it. Obvious areas include wheel arches and fuel filler. Sneakier problems include water draining into the sills.

USABLE

WHO’S TINKERED?

This is dangerous territory. Expect shoestring maintenance, but cars with non-specialist maintenance are best avoided, or haggled hard over.

CHECK THE MODS

Common, sometimes impressive, but not always pretty. Avoid, unless you know exactly what you’re letting yourself in for.

DOES IT HANDLE?

All UK twin-turbos have rear-wheel steering. It should be barely noticeable, so iffy handling means balljoint wear and/or poor alignment.

GOOD

CHECK THE CAR’S PAINTWORK OUT

Beware flashy paint jobs disguising overpriced, unreliable cars. Subtle clues include wiring perished by engine heat.

CHECK THE TOYS

Correcting electronic faults requires specialist input because it can get protracted, so fault codes must be nonexistent at this price.

AUTOMATIC WOES

Watch for signs of overlooked servicing. Autos need fresh fluid every 30k miles, so be wary if it’s black and/or smelly; re-builds are more than £1500.

CONCOURS

HISTORY IS KEY

Maintenance history should be your biggest priority, followed closely by structural condition, then originality, then specification.

BE PICKY

For this money you’re looking for a totally unmolested example (which is a rare animal indeed), with no evidence of lead-footed track day usage.

IS IT AN IMPORT?

Japanese domestic market imports are highly prized, especially the SWB models. Lack of (or incomprehensible) history means that you’ll need to inspect thoroughly.