Introduction

Hi there,

My name is Cesar and Im from Peru. I moved to California 4 years ago, I am 20 years old and going for my 3rd year of college.

I got my first car when I was almost 17 years old in 2005. It was a white 1993 300zx NA. This absolutely changed my life.

I remember being a sophomore in High School, thinking about what car I wanted to get. I didnt have a job then, but I always liked to day-dream about my future goals. I only recall thinking about getting a $10,000 car (which I thought was very afforable)...I actually changed my mind and suddenly wanted a Chevrolet Corvette, from the 90's. I even thought about getting a newew Corvette which were going for around $18,000. Its funny how I used to write everything on paper and calculate how long it would take me to pay it off. Like I said, I didnt even have a job! I was speculating, dreaming, etc.

I used to go online, check out cars and stuff. Until one day, out of the blue, I saw a picture of this silver car. I was like whoaa! nice car! what the heck is it? Well, it was a 300zx.

This is exactly the car I saw-

I felt my mission was accomplished. I discarded the ideas of getting a Corvette and all that.. I was suddenly on the hunt for a 300zx - specially the 1990-1996 model. I knew there was a Twin Turbo model, but at that point I didnt care. I just wanted a 300zx!

Time went by... and it was time for me to get a car (I was getting my permit and needed to practice, etc) I had applied to many jobs and got hired by Century Theatres. I was excited because I was now making minimum wage ($7.25 per hour) and working about 25 hours a week. I knew my dream of having a 300zx was getting close! (I was saving up like crazy).

So finally, after saving about $1000 in like 3 months I told my step dad I needed a loan for $3500 so I could get a reasonable car for about $4000-$5000. I begged, almost cried, helped with chores, do the dishes, do the table, clean, wash the cars on the weekends, help out, etc, to try to convince him. I mean, cmon, being 17 years old, with a crappy job and loeaning money to your step-son, that you met less than a year ago wasnt very appealing.

At the end, I ended up getting the money. We drove (step-dad, mom and me) to San Diego (about a 3 hour drive) to get the car on a Sunday morning. I was sooo excited. We had actually tried getting other 300zx's before but they werent in good condition, weird noises, no bumper, etc.

After a 3 hour drive, I got my first 300zx. It was a 1993 300zx NA (Naturally Aspirated) or Non-turbo model. It was a 5-speed and a 2+2 (2 small seats in the back).

First pictures of my first car - Im stoked!


... And that is how my journey began...

4 comments:

Streetcat73 | October 26, 2009 at 1:43 AM

Hi my name is George, I also own a Nissan 300ZX TT 2+2. It is a 1991 and I am dreaming for years to do the same like you did. Could you help me a little bit? How should I best start? It would be great if you could send me a list with your upgrades done. What software did you use to tune the ECU?

Tari Ledsome | January 12, 2012 at 5:39 AM

You're lucky you get your car at 17. My dad wouldn't let me drive until I turned 21 two years ago. And having a car is such a remarkable experience for me. I can't wait to get my second car this year!

Stelle | March 22, 2013 at 12:46 PM

Awesome! At the age of 17, you got the 1990s Import Car of the Year. ;) It’s more than luck since you really worked hard for it! It’s been a long time since you had it. I hope it still works fine for you. Maybe you have seen a new model and I know you could have any model that you want soon. I have read articles about bit-sized auto loans. You may need it someday. Keep driving safely!
<3 Stelle Courney

Unknown | April 9, 2013 at 11:05 AM

I imagine your classmates turning back their heads whenever your car would pass by then. Man, it looks cool! I suggest that you take good care of that trophy of yours. Washing your car removes loose surface dirt, salt, and road film, and allows you to keep additional contaminants from building up on the surface. Do you still have this car? Anyway, drive safely always!
-Ava Harness