1991 240sx dilemma

[gutterline]

New to the forum, so please forgive me if something on this order has been asked before. I've scanned the topics and didn't see anything quite like what I want to know.

I didn't know if I should post this in the Technical forum or General, so I went with the simpler of the two topics, since I am looking for opinions.

I have a 1991 240sx SE Coupe with 200+K miles and I would have no problem jumping in it to make a 1K mile trek. It's been well maintained and I've driven it hard over the past 8 years (I got it with 37K in 1993).

It's been wrecked twice, both times were collisions involving the front-end (once was before I owned it, the second was me).

My dilemma is: do I want to go in debt for a 90-96Z TT or put the $ in my 240 to bring it back up to (or beyond) expectations?

After researching the prices of Z TT, I'm not sure I want another car payment that could last for another 4-5 years (not including the increase in insurance), but I could spend some $ over the next year and really work on the 240.

Modifications I'd be looking at:1: change engine - it's really lost some pep, so I'm looking into something bigger/better.2: some sort of body kit - this would give the car a fresh look and allow the body shop that does the work to bang out the minor dings and re-paint it.3: new upholstery - after driving it all these years, the both of the front seats are pretty beat up 4: new rims - I'm a big fan of keeping a car factory (especially something like a Z or the 240), but the factory rims are beat up and don't currently help the looks of the car

There are some other minor things, but they aren't as costly as what I've listed here.

Everything being said, I'm not the individual that would be doing the work on the car. I really don't know much about the engines, other than what I may read in the specs. I'd be paying professionals to do all of this, so labor would be tacked on to all of the modifications.

Any opinions will be appreciated.

Thanks,Mark[email protected]

[Repo Man]

You could be putting yourself in a world of hurt by financing a Z for 4-5 years with the possibility of any major repairs. Even smaller repairs on that car can be very costly given that they're a PITA to work on.

Between the two, I vote for refreshing the 240. A lot of choices for the engine. Look in the various engine sections for all of your options. There is a ton of good info in there. New interior and wheels wouldn't be hard. I'm possibly looking at the same deal right now. I'd do the body kit last.

The good thing about this approach is that you can do it as finances allow. Car payments don't get put on hold, and if they do then you may get a not-so-friendly visit from someone like me...hehe...

[nismokid]

freshen up the 240 the z will end up killing you even though they're so purty. financing an older car + maintenance on the z is going to be expensive

[lucky]

You would have a VERY tough time convincing you to give you a 4 - 5 year loan for such an old car. Most banks will only give you a 2 year loan on an older car like that unless it's an exotic or something extremely rare.

[Daunttless]

They would do a 3 or 4 year loan due to the inherent value of the Z....not that it matters. : )

[lucky]

Mabye if it was a '95 - '96 Z but I seriously don't think they would do a 4 year loan for a a '90 - '94. I could be wrong since I've never tried to buy one but the Z just doesn't strike me as an exotic or even a rare car.