240s in winter

Post by **TurboTuli** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

Hey everyone, This is my first post, and I don't actually have a 240...yet, but had a couple questions. I just bought my first car about 4 months ago, and now I'm disappointed I wasn't patient enough to wait for something that I really wanted. I settled for a 90 Mazda MX6, mainly because it already had a decent sound system in it and is in good running condition with not too many miles. Also it seemed decently fast mainly because the other cars I've driven are so weak(my moms Geo Prizm, an 88 Chevy Nova and a 90 Subaru Loyale). However now I really want a 240sx, because I think it has a lot of potential, looks great, and it wouldn't be a waste to put money into one(performance-wise). However my main concern is that it is RWD, and I live in Wisconsin where it does snow(although we hardly got any this last winter). I was just wondering if any of you drive your 240s in snow and could tell me how it is. Also wondering if they're especially prone to rust.. I'm a good driver and now how to handle myself in winter conditions, probably because its so easy in a 4WD, studded tire Subaru(My dad lives in Alaska). Anyways, let me know. Until them I'll continue my search for a 240sx in my area.

Website · Post by **wiwalsh** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

I drove my 1st 240 in some pretty bad snow in blacksburg this past year. Didnt wreck it, but it was pretty wild.... a good nickname would be the "240sx Widowmaker" in the snow....

Of course it was an 89 auto with an OPEN DIFF. I was able to manage, but definately had quite a bit of sliding (Sometimes more deliberately than others :evilhaha

Same with everything, drive it easy in the nasty stuff and you will live to drive another day

Post by **TomsMR2** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

if you've only been driving a few months.. you'll kill yourself in a RWD car in the snow.

Post by **TurboTuli** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

I've been driving for 3 yrs. I've only had this car for a few months. Before that I drove my parent's cars. The Subara was the bomb in the winter. It would go anywhere. 4WD and studs go a long way. And If this winter in WI is anything like last year I won't even have to worry about snow...

Post by **Jusepi97sx** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

umm, in heavy snow.. i wouldn't recommend it.. i can pretty much become undriveable..

in the heaviest snow day last winter here in jersey.. i wasn't even able to get it out of the parking lot (lot wasn't clean all the way).. but i gave up after a long struggle to just get it moving...

so in heavy snow... stay home and sleep

Website · Post by **wiwalsh** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

Yeah, I have been driving for 8+ years (yea so now you know how old i am), and I wouldnt have driven mine if I didnt have to. RWD especially open diff RWD are not for the snow. As far as rust, if the undercarrage still has its barrier coat on, you should be okay. Main concern is the unibody frame underneath.

Post by **lessthanjakejohn** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

snow tires I hear will help you tremedously

You could also get some coilovers and lower your car in the summer and raise it up in the winter

Post by **Eklectrick** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

TomsMR2 wrote:if you've only been driving a few months.. you'll kill yourself in a RWD car in the snow.

Bah! I am a december baby and the first car I learned how to drive in when I turned 16 was an '84 Toyota Cressida. You just have to learn to embrace the RWD.

Website · Post by **wiwalsh** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

and you passenger has to learn how to embrace the oh shi^ handle

Post by **Eklectrick** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

That was the best part. I would fake 'em out like I lost control in a parking lot by sliding my hands realy fast over the steering wheel going Oh My God! Oh My God.

Post by **nlzmo400r** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

haha!!! i do that sometimes just to freak friends out, i had an accident in the rain and i was with a friend, so now i do it to him al hte time, he goes rite for the handle freakin out!

Post by **4PLAY** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

I live in Saskatchewan Canada.. all I can say is that you have not seen snow until you come here in the winter (its not fun). But you get used to it. When I first got my license it was November, and the car I drove was my dads Mustang GT. Blizzak tires rule. period. Without them that thing was not going anywhere, with em and some cautious driving it was no problem (except a few stupid moves around a nice long corner :pface ).

I would suggest taking your 240 to an icy parking lot when winter starts. Test it, if it has trouble getting traction from a stop, put some sandbags in the back. If it get traction but likes to slide the rear end out, dont put sandbags, they will make it worse. We use 2 in the mustang.

So my advice, drive cautiously, drive with some common sense, get some nice winter tires (can use em many winters in a row, but take em off as soon as the snow is gone so you dont wreck em), and know the limits of your car on the snow.

Post by **HackofDestruct** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

So if i get a 240 when i turn 16 should i also get another beater?

Website · Post by **wiwalsh** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

a VLSD couldnt hurt (if you dont understand use the search button

You dont need one as long as you dont plan on being 1st to get anywhere during the snow (not a good strategy anyway)

All any of us are saying is just use common sence and take extra caution knowing that it is a RWD car and it is more prone to oversteer in low traction conditions.

I agree with 4play, find a large slick spot and go have some fun doing some controlled slides and different manuvers. This will teach you what to expect at the limits of traction. I used to do this while waiting for my wife. I actually showed up early to pick her up when it snowed just so I could do that

Website · Post by **elbles** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

I've been driving with my license for maybe a year and a half now, and I just got my 240 this past November, and *I* made it through this New England winter on all-season Cooper Cobras (they suck). You will be slipping and sliding a lot on snow, regardless of speed, the key is to learn what to do when you lose control of the car, and perhaps more important than that, realize that you have lost control of the car. The car will not usually correct itself, you will have to do something to get the car going in the direction you want it to. The hardest thing I ever had to deal with was getting traction after coming to a stop going up a hill (there's plenty of those here in CT). Took me 10 minutes just to get up a hill, and around a corner one time, but I did it. Just be careful, and you can make it through a winter with a 240, even with very limited driving experience.

Post by **wpg240** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

As 4Play mentioned.

Up here in Canada we see a s*** load of snow. I drove my 240 last winter with a good set of All seasons on it with out much trouble. (take into consideration I have been driving rear wheel drive cars in these conditions for .... let's just say a loooong time.)

My 240 has Vlsd and ABS. two items I definately find helpful in snow. (I know some guy's don't like the ABS - but in the snow up here it's definately a help.)

I would strongly suggest some Blizzaks or comparable winter tire. I here they make a night and day difference.

Embrace the ease of drifting in snow young buck.:ylsuper

Post by **TurboTuli** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

Thanks for all your input everyone. Now that I've pretty much cleared that issue up I REALLY want a 240. The search will continue.

Post by **240sxgirl** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

I live in Wisconsin, I bought my 240 from Madison though. I would never drive it in the winter, just for the fact it can get rust, your rims will tarnish, the back end loves to slide. If you have a crappy 240 and could care less I say go forit. Most people near me do drive their rwd in the winter all the time. Or be like me I own 4 cars, if you live in wi you should have a summer and winter car. I will never let my 240 go out in the winter, she stays parked in a climate controlled garage.

Post by **Former_240_s14** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

I refuse to drive my S14 in the winter, so I bought myself a 91 Ford Taurus for $150 from my friend, it worked great last winter and all I had to do recently was replace the front axle and water pump. I spraypainted her green, and I am now redoing the paint, lol.

It lowered my ins. $40 a month also, and its nice to have a beater when it rains/snows, or if you need to haul crap.

I would def. not recomend driving a 240sx in the winter!

Post by **240sxgirl** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

If you are going to drive in the winter or other bad weather, go out and buy a small fwd beater car like former_240_s14 said. I drive my Altima in the winter. I also have a beater car (Corsica) for the real bad days. I hate to even see my Altima in the snow but its my daily driver, I have the Corsi as a beater. A 240 should never ave to be out in the bad weather, they are great cars and need to be treated well.

Post by **wpg240** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

240sxgirl wrote: If you have a crappy 240 and could care less I say go forit. Most people near me do drive their rwd in the winter all the time. Or be like me I own 4 cars, if you live in wi you should have a summer and winter car. I will never let my 240 go out in the winter, she stays parked in a climate controlled garage.

I think a reality check is in order here. A significant # of people on this board can only afford 1 car. Let alone 4.

I drove my 240 this past winter because "technically" it could be considered my winter beater. I have a nice summer car in the garage for those sunny day's.

I hate to put my 240 through the winter but I find it hard to justify to myself why I need ANOTHER car just so I don't have to drive my 240 in the snow.

just my $.02

Post by **yashin** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

if you are able to get a model with SUPER HICAS this should also add some help to the car driving in the snow

Post by **240sxgirl** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

WPG240-You dont have to be rich to own alot of cars, i am just saying someone could go out and buy a car for a few hundred dollars for a winter beater like what formers14 did. But if you decide to drive your 240 thats your opinion. I see my 240sx as a show car and I barely let it see rain some others might just use and abuse their 240 for the fun of it. I am just trying to help out the guy as I also live in WI.

Post by **warwick5s** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

hey fellow madison person!

i drove all last winter, almost every day, in my 240 (a 90 manual with open diff) and it did GREAT!!! 240's are so balanced that if anything bad starts to happen it's pretty easy to get it back. during that really bad snow in february i was blasting past stuck suv's going down university with ease.

i had then-brand-new Dunlop SP Sport 5000's on too - not exactly a snow tire.

make sure you wash it RELIGIOUSLY though.

but i will admit, i've spent a lot of time in RWD cars in the snow. my first car was a VW Bug (the real one) and i drive vans quite frequently.

Post by **Former_240_s14** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

wpg240 wrote:I think a reality check is in order here. A significant # of people on this board can only afford 1 car. Let alone 4.

I drove my 240 this past winter because "technically" it could be considered my winter beater. I have a nice summer car in the garage for those sunny day's.

I hate to put my 240 through the winter but I find it hard to justify to myself why I need ANOTHER car just so I don't have to drive my 240 in the snow.

just my $.02

I am not rich, and I bought my car for only $150 "the Ford that is"....

not to mention I now pay $40 less a month in ins, and that means the car paid itself off in 4mnths alone just w/insureance break!

Post by **chrispy** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

none of you can touch the vista colt , 5spd with four wheel drive.

Post by **wpg240** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

I think you guy's are missing the point. I think we need to spend more time answering TurboTulli's question about winter use and rust than telling him to buy another car.

Plus there is more involved with having multiple cars than just the capital cost.

Where do you store your 240. If, as I'm sure many on this board do, you live with your parents I'm sure they aren't going to be willing to give up their garage space for your toy. Do you have siblings? Suddenly you have 4 or 5 cars already in the driveway. Do you live in an apartment without access to multiple parking spots.

Up here were it averages -15 Celcius in the winter I have to buy storage for my toy so that I can still park my 240 in the warm garage each night.

If you have a SHOW Quality 240 then I absolutely agree that with 240sxgirl that it should not be driven in the winter. However, I would think that the majority of people on this board use their car as a daily driver and thus ask questions in these posts pertaining to the use of their vehicle in this fashion.

Former_240_S14

- I think your ford was a sweet deal. Do you guy's have to put your cars through a gov't inspection before you are allowed to register it for use? Up here we have a real ****** of an inspection that we have to put our cars through before we can register them. (our registration & insurance are gov't run - not private vehicle insurance in the Province I live in) They check every thing which makes it hard for us to get the $150 cars to pass without significant cost in repairs.

Post by **240sxgirl** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

WPG240-I am just trying to help turbotuli as I live in the same state as him and I know how Madisom can be in the winter. Madison is a big college town and has alot of one way busy roads. I know the guy I purchased my car from used it in the winter in Madison, but also I can tell as there was rust on the bottom of the rocker panels and under the foam spoiler. I am a professional car detailer and I know by experience that the salt that is put on our roads will eat your rims and eat your paint. You can wash your car in the winter but sometimes that is not good, if you wash and immediatley dry your car and wax as soon as you get home you will be fine. Your best bet is to drive a beater, in WI there is no emissions or any kind of inspections at all so you can drive whatever you want. I am just trying to prevent another 240 from being wrecked. I bought mine wrecked and I never want to see it happen again.

Post by **wpg240** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

Yea I agree. if you don't have to drive it in the winter I wouldn't. But i'd rather see him buy a 240 and drive it year round than buy a Honda or some other FWD car. HEHE

You guy's are so lucky about the inspection stuff. I had an old 84 Laser Turbo sitting in the back yard that I said I would fix up for my wife's little brother. Car ran well but it had a rust spot on the floor that the inspector pushed a screw driver through. So on top of the basics (brakes/, tires, plugs) I had to have a new floor pan welded in. In the end it cost me almost 750. US to make the thing pass inspection.

Post by **Former_240_s14** » Tue Jun 10, 2003 12:05 pm

wpg240 wrote:
Former_240_S14

- I think your ford was a sweet deal. Do you guy's have to put your cars through a gov't inspection before you are allowed to register it for use? Up here we have a real ****** of an inspection that we have to put our cars through before we can register them. (our registration & insurance are gov't run - not private vehicle insurance in the Province I live in) They check every thing which makes it hard for us to get the $150 cars to pass without significant cost in repairs.

You have a very good point there, all we have is an emissions check that will make us unalbe to use the vehicle if it fails inspection.

240s in winter

240s in winter

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