any advice >

[larien]

Alright-I'm 16 and currently I've got a 95 Lumina LS. Great car, great price, etc.. but I want .. well I Don't want a family car. So, first off I have to tell my dad that the great buy he found for me needs to be replaced (he will be UPSET). So I need to show him that this is worthwhile and blah blah and I've done research and blah blah. So-the car I've gotten a taste for is the *dun dun dun* 240sx. surprise, right? Here's the point. I'd like some advice from all you veterans on how is the best way to go about this. What are particular quirks that I need to look/watch out for, is this a decent car to begin with, fairly cheap parts, etc.., easy mods.. My best friend's dad is an auto mechanic so that makes up for my lack in experience (she has an 88 supra btw ) But basically, I need this to be decently cheap, safe, easy mods, w/e, you know. anybody got anything to say? be greatly appreciated

[Tino]

Well first you gotta decide which model you want s13 or s14. Do a search theres a wealth of information out there.

[larien]

thanks, but, it's not what i want, it's what happens to show up/is available. this is a small little poser town; there are mustangs and camaros for sale.

but--which would you suggest?

[AZhitman]

If you're 16, you're in the right car. Your parents bought it? If they did, suck it up and be happy with it. If you're going to be paying for it, then I'd think you have a little more say in the matter. Either way, there's no sense in getting ahead of yourself.

Fact is, your first car is supposed to be a safe, reliable, basic car - The Lumina certainly fits the bill. Worry about getting all the education you can and making a good living for yourself.

That way you'll make sure your first car is significantly worse than your future car. Some people are still driving something on the same level as their starter car because they never figured out their priorities.

Welcome to NICO, by the way!

[Rockenreno]

s13's are '89-94 $1000-4000s14's are '95-98 $4000-12000

those are rough estimates or averages or whatever on how much they'll cost you. 240's are super reliable and run over 200,000 miles with very little work, they also have good crash test ratings, so they're safe. I've heard many stories of people going 100+, crashing, flipping, hitting trees, etc, and walking away without a scratch. There is plenty of aftermarket support. Just don't expect a super fast car from a stock 240. They'll run mid 16's stock, and you are going to have to throw in a couple grand to get it a lot faster... It will handle awesome and take care of most rice for you though... Once again, search for anything else you need, you'll find it.

[Tino]

I'd have to agree with splitman there, I was in the same situation and ive gone through 4 vehicles right now. It's ridiclous I've lost way too much money for my age. I say stick with a pos like me (and plus gas prices and insurance will murder a 16 y/o) save your money for food, clothes, and electronics and just wait awhile for a 240. Hell after awhile you might change your mind 4 or 5 times like me and even be unhappy with the car you picked.

[reggiegsd]

Check the insurance costs BEFORE you go to daddy. You need to know the bad news before he does.

[Bubba1]

Stay away from Camaro/Mustang. They're poorly built, unreliable, plus insurance will be expensive. If I were in your shoes, I'd keep driving Dad's Looomina, til you save some significant $$$$. But if you're determined to get a 240sx, I suggest an old S-13 and pay cash for it (or finance it via the 1st national bank of Dad). With a clear title and an old car, you won't need collision insurance. It's going to high enough given your age. Good luck

[larien]

Wonderful--ok yea I was planning on staying away from camaro/mustang, etc..

I did buy my own car, it is mine. Also, yes, I still need to call my insurance agency and see what they have to say about prices.. if it goes up..oh boy.. As far as $$ for buying the car, well, it'll be allll mine (parents will NOT help me on a second, unneeded car, guaranteed) and it will be cash..

Yea, I'm lookin for an early 90's/late 80's, mostly b/c they're cheaper w/o sacrificing style and all i've heard is wonderful things about running high mileage.

See, my figuring is that a 240 isn't the #1 A-list Top-of-the-Line Sportscar of the Century kind of car, but I like it a lot. The few that have been in the ads have been decently priced, so I think that as long as insurance doesn't sky-rocket, I'll be fine. But, is that the general concensus? that I should wait fer a while and bide time?

-thanks guys

[Tino]

If your gun-ho for a s13 than sure go for it. Up to you.

[ninjak84]

A couple things....

1: If you got the Lumina for a great deal, then why not sell it for a bit more and make some cash?

2: When I told my Dad I wanted to sell my Sunbird and buy a 240sx, there really wasn't any sugarcoating it. I said what I felt, he called me a moron, and that was that He grew up streetracing a 280zx in Europe though, so he was happy to support the 240sx, and he still does. Use the car to bond with your Dad instead of drive the two of you away. I'm sure he'll be happy that you're into modding cars anyways.

[BB Turbo]

Yeah, thank god for me, i have about 3 mechanics in the family, and both my brother andmy dad are into modding cars, At first i wanted a 70 impala in my lowrider days, then a 93 mustang 5.0, then a civic hb, now a 240sx. I decided on a 240sx about2 yrs ago so i am in good shape and it is already decided i am getting one, hard to fid the one i want though. Do what the other guys said. Good choice in car though. Dont get me wrong,i stil like all of the civics hb thatarnt rice.

[larien]

To sell the Lumina for a little more cash, well, I bet I could get about an extra 1000 out of it. Blue book was 4k, got it for 2k b/c its been in an accident. But it's got a handful of little problems, the most disturbing being (which I can't figure out) is like, a seriously big vibration comin from the engine when theres steady pressure on accel pedal (Not when accelerating, when constant speed) We changed the spark plugs, might hafta do wires too...but :p Also, if I were to get a 240 I think I'd like to keep the lumina to drive thru winter...we DO have winter around here.

Alright-father daughter bond using cars as a catalyst? mm...not really. THe last thing my parents want is me getting into fast, *dangerous* cars. Besides, my dad doesn't like working on cars anyways: he does it to save money. I wish, though.

[Rockenreno]

the 240 is hardly fast and dangerous (unless you start drifting, but that is a whole different issue)... I keep hearing they are great first cars, but I don't own one yet so I can't vouch for certain. Good luck!