240sx - buying, what to look for?

[xtbasic]

I found a 1990 Nissan 240sx 5spd for cheap locally, i was wondering if there is anything i should keep an eye out for when i go to look at it (and drive it )

Thanks

[dareo]

Its a SOHC KA24E car, check out the timingchain if you can. You'd need to take off the valve cover. Look for the tensioner and guides, if they are eaten away or gone you might need to do the timing chain job. (800 or so if you get it done professionally, about 100-200 for parts if you do it yourself) The chain itself can also be visually worn out. Make sure the clutch grips well, and the car doesnt leak any fluids, and has decent power. If all that checks out its a good car mechanically. Tapping/lifter type noises are fairly normal for this motor because of the hydraulic lifters, on mine they came and went, often dissapearing after an oil change.

If you want to really go in depth, you can rap on the body panels all around, if you find an area that suddenly feels a lot more solid than the rest you got yourself a bondo patch. And take a close look at the tires, study the wear patterns. You can discern alot about the car and the driver with a good tire study. Anything but even and normal wear on each tire can indicate alignment problems or consistent agressive driving. (my car suffers from both)

[xtbasic]

$200 for timing chain? might as well get the sr20det

[Camel]

check the body panels with a magnet covered with some felt. it will tell you where any bondo is on the body.

check the trunk for leaks.

check the front tc rods for blown bushings (this is a good negotiator for an owner that doesn't know much about the car)