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1970 Datsun 240Z — cheap project has enough margin to fix and resell?

WeekendOwner738Community StarterMar 11, 20261970 Datsun 240ZNew Jersey
1970 Datsun 240Z, about 217,500 miles. I found a running car with cosmetic damage and deferred maintenance at a low price. Before treating it as a flip, how do you budget hidden repairs, title/registration, taxes, transport and selling time?
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13 replies

TrackRoadie11Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 11, 2026permalink
Treat this like a math problem, not a vibe. Call your insurer in New Jersey before you fall in love with the 1970 Datsun 240Z. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' I'll post OTD once I have two apples-to-apples sheets.
WeekendOwner738Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 12, 2026permalink
I asked about cheap project has enough margin to fix again and they still won't put GAP/add-ons on their own lines. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
WeekendCollector482Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 13, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. In New Jersey, insurance quotes flipped a 1970 Datsun 240Z comparison for me more than the sale price did. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Make the next action something you can finish this week. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
BatteryMechanicish308Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 12, 2026permalink
The trap is a pretty payment hiding a worse car price. In New Jersey, insurance quotes flipped a 1970 Datsun 240Z comparison for me more than the sale price did. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. Not letting add-ons ride along because everyone does.
DailyCommuter815Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 12, 2026permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. A written buyer’s order on the 1970 Datsun 240Z is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” Do that before you talk monthly again. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' Sleeping on the number either way.
ProjectGuy168Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 12, 2026permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. Ask for out-the-door on the 1970 Datsun 240Z with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. If they balk, that's your answer. Any freeze-frame data saved? Sleeping on the number either way.
ShiftCollector423Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 12, 2026permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. Call your insurer in New Jersey before you fall in love with the 1970 Datsun 240Z. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “cheap project has enough margin to fix,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. I screenshotted the quote for later.
WeekendCollector482Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 13, 2026permalink
Hard-won lesson from my last deal: Call your insurer in New Jersey before you fall in love with the 1970 Datsun 240Z. Do that before you talk monthly again. On “cheap project has enough margin to fix,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
ShiftCollector423Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 14, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. I would not wire money until I've seen the 1970 Datsun 240Z and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
RustBeltDetailer958Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 13, 2026permalink
Hard-won lesson from my last deal: GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 1970 Datsun 240Z numbers without them. If they balk, that's your answer. On “cheap project has enough margin to fix,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Just my two cents from doing this recently. If they get vague again I'm shopping the deal elsewhere.
DailyHauler884Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 13, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Two 1970 Datsun 240Z quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. That's the part that actually changes the decision. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' Doing the boring step first on purpose.
CamberDad452Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 13, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: Ask for out-the-door on the 1970 Datsun 240Z with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. If they balk, that's your answer. On “cheap project has enough margin to fix,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 1970 Datsun 240Z in New Jersey with 217,500 miles. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. If GAP is bundled I'm making them unbundle it.
BrakeDad759Community StarterCommunity StarterMar 14, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. Two 1970 Datsun 240Z quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. That's the part that actually changes the decision. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? Calling insurance in the morning before I reply to the desk.
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