WHICH USED CAR TO BUY NISSAN 300ZX Or HONDA PRELUDE?

Question

Hey guys,

I was wondering if it was a good idea to buy the NISSAN 300Zx. Although, its production was stopped in 1996, I was kinda inclined towards the looks of the car. I don't know much about its performance in comparison with the Prelude.
Also, most of the 300ZXs that I found had over 100K miles on them.

Thanks to everyone who left their suggestions.

Answer 1

This is hard to answer cuz Im a loving owner of a 93 Prelude Si and its great but much like you ive had my eye on the 300zx. The downside of the nissan is that the parts are alot more expensive if something breaks and it will take a lil more gas to keep it happy, plus car insurance will be more on the zx. The 300zx is faster and might have a more agressive shape that I like alot. It will probably cost less to mod a prelude then a 300zx. If you can get your hands on a twin turbo in your price range DO IT!

Answer 2

I have had both 300ZX and currently a '94 Honda Prelude. I believe the real issue to bring up here is what gets better gas mileage. Sure the 300 was more of a blast to drive than my prelude, but what made it so much more fun? The speed. And that's where you run into money. Even though both cars take 93 octane gas, the 300 guzzles it down quicker than any car I've ever owned. And it doesn't take much pressure on the gas pedal to accomplish this either. Of course more people look when you drive by in a 300 (depending on what you have done to the prelude) by how high a cost are you willing to gamble because gas isn't getting any cheaper.

Answer 3

Get a 91 or newer 300ZX non-turbo. The engines are good for >200k miles and good performers. The turbo engine is also good but its hard to find a turbo that hasn't been abused. A well maintained turbo will last well over 100k. In 91 the brakes were upgraded along with a driverside airbag. Be sure to change the timing belt or verify that it has been changed. Besides the oil, it's the key piece of maintenance that the VG engines need to live a long fruitful life. Preludes around the same year are in a different class. The 300ZX's performed much better. The preludes are typical honda quality so I can't say anything negative about them. They are just a different kind of car. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Hi, I just love the cars in the 80s & 90s so now I own the 1992 Porsche 968 & 1988 944 Turbo, 1990 Honda Prelude, and 1989 Nissan Fairlady 300ZX TT, etc. in my collection. I can only say all are super cars and it voice down to your mood which car preference you have on that day. On whole 300ZX has the power & looks, comfort, 968 & 944 has the upper performance sacrifice the comfort, and Prelude has the pop up lights so my choice on daily drive is still my 300ZX, and all consumes gas no matter how you drive so be prepared for it.

Answer 5

Id definately choose the nissan 300zx my fiance has 1 & i love it id love 2 drive it everyday but im not old enough 2 b insured 4 it as u have 2 b 25.Its a red twin turbo,u get so much attention when out drivin.Its an L plate but u wud never no its 10 years old!Its never let him down yet!Alot of people mistake them 4 a ferrari which is even better.Take my word 4 it & go 4 the nissan 300zx u will really impress the girls,it worked 4 me!

Answer 6

A 300zx may have more power than a Prelude, but a Prelude may be cheaper.
Check Yahoo autos. They have a ton of price listings for cars.

If mileage seems to be a concern, buy a new engine, although pricey, a new engine may actually increase performance.

Answer 7

Both are great cars, but for the same money I think you can get a much newer Prelude (2001 last year?). Locating a 11 year old Nissan with less than is 100k miles will be difficult.

Answer 8

if im looking at style and performance, hands down the 300zx.
When it comes to a performance vehicle, who cares how many miles the car has on it, you can find new engines for it. If this is going to be your daily driver, then you might not want the nissan, its a problematic car. But if this is your weekend car or project car, hell yes, the 300zx.
This is my favorite car commercial of all time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XLyCDsKhGo

Answer 9

I'm partial to Honda as the least 3 cars I've owned have all been Accords (an 86, a 96 and an 02). I have not had any major problems with any of them except for timing belts, oil change, tuneups and routine maintenance,

Answer 10

2001 Nissan 300zx