stode

I been looking at a local 1983 280zx turbo and had a few questions to further considering buying it. The owner said its been sitting for at least 5 years now. He has 2 other older Z cars and doesnt have the time for this one. So far the body looks straight and rust free. Mechanically it needs some updating and maintenance done but everything seems solid. It turns over and runs first try, and seems to drive fine.

The main last red flag is it has a full digital dash and electric accessories, I.E. windows and mirrors. When I went and took a more in depth look at the car today none of the dash worked nor did the windows or lights. The only thing that seemed to respond were the mirrors. The owner says the last time he was messing around with things awhile ago everything was working aside from a few glitches such as a brake light on all the time and he said the dash would come on only after the parking lights were turned on.

As for me I have a decent knowledge of car mechanics but know pretty much nothing of car electronics ither then the very very basics. I am new to Z cars as well.

What I am looking to find out is this something that I should just say isnt worth it and run away or is there some simple tricks I can try to see if its may only be something simple. Are these cars known for having bad electrical problems? Or is there an alternative such as putting in a more mechanical traditional cluster, or putting in aftermarket gauges? The main purpose for the car will be for fun. Auto crossing, track days etc. But I would need it foremost to drive home and perhaps to drive around for a little while until my daily is back to that task.

Anyhow anything would help thanks in advance.