Advice on convertible purchase

[AZnative47]

I'm new to this, so please be patient and kind... I currently own a 77 280Z and am looking tonight at a 92 240SX convertible as a 3rd 'fun' car to enjoy in the good weather. My son says they're good cars and can be modified easily (bla, bla, bla); I just want a fun car. It's an AZ car so no rust and I know to ask about service records, timing belt and any recent work ... is there anything else that is a common problem for this model that I should inquire about? Help will be greatly appreciated!

[cmkelly]

Welcome aboard! You're going to love the car if you find the right one. With all the recent purchases of "gems" there are still a bunch out there.

You will get a bunch of replies and help on this topic, here are the issues I am dealing with. Keep in mind that all of these "problems" are relativley minor and can be fixed without too much expense. You can also talk the seller down based on them (unless they're a NICO forum member then you have to give them full price ;>)

Power Steering Leaks. This seems to a problem with the age of this car.

Auto transmission sticks in first gear. Again, a standard problem that can be fixed by unplugging a relay in the engine compartment.

Rear Windows that work correctly. The guides are nylon and tend to break causing the windows to go off track. Several fixes are available in this forum as new parts no longer exist.

Convertible Top Replacement. A new top installed is ~$1000. $300 - 400 parts and the rest labor. Several members are in the process of replacing their own tops.

Rust. Look everywhere. I have an AZ car too but notice rust behind the back seat under where the top stows. Also on the top of the front windscreen area.

Timing Chains Upper Guides. These can be removed (and should be) to reduce noise and reduce the liklihood they will damage the timing chain at some point.

Okay guys, what else?

I hope you find the right car and enjoy top-down motoring.....

kelly

[94_240sx]

cmkelly covered pretty much about vert specific and some general issues. These are items from my experience with my car, and I'd say they are more like general 240 issues. These are maintenance items, so you will have to replace these sooner or later. If you can buy a car that's been taken care of, you can spend money toward upgrades rather than these maintenance stuff.

1. Water pump2. Thermostat3. Tension rods(rubber bushing pops)4. Tie rod ends(rubber bushing pops)5. Fuel pump6. Injectors go bad on KA7. Belts(cracked)8. Steering rack boots(cracked)9. Cruise control goes bad sometimes.10. Crank seal leak(front)

Besides, these 240s are well made car that won't give you much headache.

[slip69]

and dont forget the damm inside rear speaker panels!!!!!!!

[94_240sx]

and dont forget the damm inside rear speaker panels!!!!!!!

Which is $600+ each brand new....

[BOOMSHAKALAKA]

Everyone else pretty much covered the major stuff...

...but something minor you might want to look into are the side mirrors. Make sure they're not loose or anything. My passenger side mirror fell off on the highway after I bought mine. Apparently it fell off before and the dealership used some cheap glue to put it back on. You can get a replacement mirror (you don't have to get the whole thing) for about 20 bucks at Autozone. Give them a call first just to make sure they have it in stock. When you put the replacement on, don't drive too fast at first...make sure it's stuck on there. I learned that one the hard way.

Some other things...Make sure the trunk struts work. If not, you might want to replace them...not that big of a deal.

Oil leaks! Be on the lookout for those...even if it's just a few drops.

Oh and check the engine bay for any loose nuts and bolts. You might think that rattle is the timing chain but you'd be suprised.

Make sure the flip up lights are working properly.

That's all I can think of for now...good luck with your purchase!
Modified by topless94 at 3:35 PM 4/27/2007

[AZnative47]

Thanks for the help! Car looks good (not perfect, but it's a '92 after all.) My son will look on Sunday to confirm I'm not being taken, then I plan to enjoy the fresh air!!! Thanks again.