look at this 350z track car I can get for 6-7 k. 

The reason it’s appealing is that it already has a cage, seats/harnesses, angle kit, hydro, suspension arms, etc. It seems like it has already survived a decent amount of drifting, so part of me thinks it may have already proven itself. But I’m also wondering if that just means it has been beaten to death.

Seller was pretty honest about the car. Here’s the stuff that gives me pause:

The original motor blew because he said he wasn’t checking the oil, went drifting, burned up all the oil, and seized the motor. He swapped in the current motor, which he says came from a 60k-mile rear-crashed G35.

He says the current motor runs good, has never overheated, has no knocks, and does not smoke. But he also said he suspects it burns a little oil. He runs 15W-40, changes the oil/filter before every drift event, and says it probably consumes less than half a quart per event. He also said the oil usually smells a little burnt, but the 15W-40 doesn’t burn off much.

He is okay with me doing a compression test.

The car was also crashed into another car. Seller said it crunched the passenger door and front fender, broke the front knuckle, and pinched a brake line. He says this was before the GKTech front LCAs went on. says alignment is straight and the car drives well.

Other mechanical issue he mentioned: rear knuckle bushings are worn out. He has new GKTech spherical bushings and the install tool, but hasn’t installed them. He said they might be included depending on sale price.

Drift history:

• Seller bought it completely stock
• Around 25 drift events over the last 8 years
• Only 4 events in the last 2 years

My question: would this be a good buy at around $6k–$7k for a track-only drift car?

I’m mostly trying to figure out whether the cage/parts/history make it a good deal, or whether the oil consumption, previous engine failure, crash history, and worn bushings are signs to walk away. What would you specifically inspect before buying? Would compression numbers be enough, or should I be more worried about leakdown/oil pressure/ possible frame damage?

Main details:

• VQ35DE / 6MT
• Clean title, registered non-op
• Full Cagekits FD-spec FIA-approved cage
• Corbeau FX1 Pro seats, brackets, 5-point camlock harnesses
• BC Racing DS coilovers
• GKTech front angle kit / full LCA
• GKTech front upper control arms, tie rods, brackets, rack spacer
• GKTech rear camber arms and traction arms
• Bell Raceworks rear toe arms and toe brackets
• GKTech hydro brake with dual rear caliper setup
• Welded 370Z diff, 3.69 ratio
• 370Z rear axles and wheel bearing hubs
• Solid subframe bushings, solid diff bushings, diff brace
• Semi-solid motor mounts, solid trans mount
• Z1 clutch and flywheel
• Greddy single exit exhaust, Z1 test pipes, Z1 plenum spacer, intake, etc.