New and Advice Needed

[cdegroodt]

I owned a 69 2000 back in 1989-90 and have regretted selling ever since. I have been dreaming of getting one for years. I would like a little advice. Obviously I will not hold anyone to anything just want some advise from some of the experienced folks on this board. I have linked the craigslist listing of a car I am interested in. Let me know what you think and if there is anything obvious I am missing. there are 25 good pictures in the link. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1761795989.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[notoptoy]

Buying the best you can afford is a good axiom to follow. This has lots of nice bits (Solex's etc.) that are desireable and that would quickly jack the cost of a "lesser vehicle" way up to equal it. You are asking at the right place, and probably someone here has a good background on this car. Hopefully they will comment.

[cdegroodt]

Thanks Tom. I appreciate the feedback. And yes the car is located in NorCal and I am hoping someone with first hand knowledge of teh car could provide feedback. Although the listing is detailed and there are many pictures. I would hope someone could help with advice. Thanks again for responding.

[datsun1500]

The owner is on the Datsun Roadster email list, and has been for awhile. From what I can see, knowing he is into Roadsters and looking at the photos, you are looking at a car that is very, very nice. There is no way to start with a project car, or even a $4,000 runner, and make it that nice for the price. That car has great paint, great chrome, great interior, and the go fast goodies. There should not be a debate on owing it, it is worth the price all day long. Nothing needs fixing from what I can see, just buy it and enjoy. No hassle, no projects, nothing to do but drive it.

[datsun65]

The owner has been on the roadster list for years. Looks like a gem of a car. With all the work put into this car, it is a good deal.

[dbrick]

I agree, if it won't break the bank, buy the whole package and be enjoying it the next day.

[EScanlon]

The absolute HARDEST bit of advice to give a potential owner: SPEND THE CASH UPFRONT!
I.E. Buy the vehicle in the BEST condition, maiintenance status and driveability you can afford.

Nobody gets rich buying a "fixer-upper" and spending thousands on labor and parts.... except your mechanic and the parts distributors.

The "labor of love" is a nice badge of honor for those of us (myself included) who have spent innumerable hours disassembling, repairing, replacing and re-assembling the vehicle... but it is more of a self-effacing front. Not to say that there isn't something to it... just that it takes a LOT of discipline and dedication to buy it, tear it down, repair/rebuild/refresh and re-assemble and then drive it again. Far, far too many end up as "Bought this car years ago intending..." and ending up as fire-sale ads on the Nickle Ads (nowdays Craig's list).

Buy that car. Then wait at least 1000 miles or 6 months of ACTUAL driving before you begin to think of "improvements".

2¢
E

[cdegroodt]

Thanks for the advise folks. In this case we are discussing a trade for my 98 BMW M Roadster. The M is faster, newer, has AC, parts are more available etc. But it is not a Datsun Roadster and I have been wanting one since the day I sold mine in 1990. Thinking I am going to do it. A little gunshy but I think I will.

[wgb1]

That is a nice Datsun, but I think I would have to hang on to the BMW and get the Datsun.

[dbrick]

Thanks for the advise folks. In this case we are discussing a trade for my 98 BMW M Roadster. The M is faster, newer, has AC, parts are more available etc. But it is not a Datsun Roadster and I have been wanting one since the day I sold mine in 1990. Thinking I am going to do it. A little gunshy but I think I will.

My $0.02
If the BMW is worth 12K to the seller of the Datsun, and the BMW is an equitable trade in your mind, take the chance. You can get another BMW any time you want one, but a good solid Roadster is a tough thing to find. Besides, an old car has soul, so much more important than AC. If you're worried about the cars condition, contact Mike Young and get it checked out. He may even know the car. http://www.datsunsports.com/ He also has some for sale, worth looking at.
If you plan on leaving it stock, this is the way to go. If you have an engine swap, different color etc in mind, then maybe not.
Only think I would do is maybe remove the stereo stuff in the trunk. Rest looks good

[notoptoy]

Thanks for the advise folks. In this case we are discussing a trade for my 98 BMW M Roadster. The M is faster, newer, has AC, parts are more available etc. But it is not a Datsun Roadster and I have been wanting one since the day I sold mine in 1990. Thinking I am going to do it. A little gunshy but I think I will.

Agreed, if you can sell the BMW for more - in your time frame, then I would do that - but buy the Roadster regardless!

[datsun1500]

Around here the BMW would be worth anywhere from $8,000 to $13,000 depending on miles. I would say it is a fair swap. Remember the BMW is still going down in value.

I am going on the assumption that it is the Z3 M edition, not a M3 convertible...

[cdegroodt]

Is there any owners on here from Nor Cal that would be willing to take a look at it for me? Again I am not going to hold anyone hostige to what they say good or bad. Thanks.

[Alvin]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if I was looking for a high windshield car. It's got all the right stuff, and from a long-time Datsun enthusiast.
I am about 20min from Fremont if you want me to check it out

ps how many miles does your M roadster have? hard to believe that it's only worth 10k

Also, have you also seen this one?
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/1764785084.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[cdegroodt]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if I was looking for a high windshield car. It's got all the right stuff, and from a long-time Datsun enthusiast.
I am about 20min from Fremont if you want me to check it out

ps how many miles does your M roadster have? hard to believe that it's only worth 10k

Also, have you also seen this one?
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/1764785084.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Alvin,

Thanks for the post my 98M has 98,000 miles in it and your right to the right buyer it is probably worth more then 10K. Is there alot of value in having an extra engine transmission, carbs etc? If you are willing to take a look I would appreciate a honest assesment of the car.