Checklist: 4th gen Nissan Z 1990–1996

Draft: this page has not had its final check yet, so check the sources behind anything you rely on.

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

The inspection sheet: mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.

Look for 6

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Leaking HICAS lines 1990–1993Look for a HICAS warning light on the dash and for fluid along the lines that run to the rear, and ask whether the system was ever switched off. Hagerty, SlashGear
Leaking T-tops and blocked drains All yearsLook for water behind the seats and in the footwells, and check the T-top seals for shrinking. Hagerty
Rust in the sills and door jambs All yearsLook at the sills ahead of the rear wheels, the door jambs and the seat rails. A patched outer sill can hide rot inside. Hagerty, SlashGear
Poorly repaired front end damage All yearsCheck the fit of the nose panel, hood, bumper and headlamps, and use a paint thickness meter. Before 1995 a body-colour lower bumper means it has been repainted. Hagerty
Leaking turbo seals All yearsAsk whether the turbos were checked or replaced, and look for blue smoke. SlashGear, Hagerty
Weak gearbox synchros All yearsShift through every gear on the test drive, quickly as well as gently, and feel for grinding. A published reference

Scheduled work a seller can show records for.

Timing belt All yearsReplace every 60,000 miles or 7 years. Ask for the receipt for the last timing belt. Hagerty, SlashGear

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

Modified cars All yearsMany Z32s were modified. SlashGear advises collectors to pass on cars with big changes, since the work is hard to judge in a tight engine bay, and Hagerty says to be patient and find a clean, mostly stock car. SlashGear, Hagerty

The boxes are for you: nothing you tick is sent or kept.