BUYING A 240! What to look for?

[chrisM]

:help :help <-- nice icons here..okay anyway, a 1st gen (or 2nd for that matter) 240 is a nice cheap car, isnt it? It's high on the list of cars which I'm looking at for the honor of being my first car. Since I'm so convinced of its potencial, I'd like to learn a little more about it.

Is this car a good value for a first car? Obviously, the most important factor is reliability. I can't have something that'll be breaking down on me all the time, and I'm not too much of a mechanic either. So how is the reliability on this thing? How does this relate to mileage? What miles should I look for?

Beyond mileage, what other aspects should I pay close attention to when scoping out a prospective 240?

None of you make any money if I buy a 240, so I'm expecting some nice objective answers!

[Rockenreno]

the search button is your friend. This question has been asked and answerd 5 million times (exactly, I counted! )

Short summary:KA24DE expected life: >200k milesvery reliable cars overallgreat first carwatch out for timing chain rattle and rust under the spoiler (and everywhere for that matter)also, the 89-94's seats tend to be worn out/torn on the driver's side

good luck!

[Dauer]

depending on your plans to keep stock ka motor or do ever popular sr20 swap this info may help:

1990and below: sohc 140 bhp@ flywheel1991 and up: dohc 155 bhp@flywheel (sr20 swap a little easier on ka24de equipped cars, but you will pay more for car)

s13 w/ limited slip: only cars w/ hicasall s14 have limited slip

[Dauer]

depending on your plans to keep stock ka motor or do ever popular sr20 swap this info may help:

1990and below: sohc 140 bhp@ flywheel1991 and up: dohc 155 bhp@flywheel (sr20 swap a little easier on ka24de equipped cars, but you will pay more for car)

s13 w/ limited slip: only cars w/ hicasall s14 have limited slip

before anyone decides to jump on me for providing misinformation I'm corecting myself. I recalled reading in sport compact car that all s14 had a lsd, however it seems that is not the case. It was however an option you can tell by V.I.N or by good old fashion abusive driving

[240tek]

I recently bought mine. Yes, you need to check for rust. Though, how much rust you will put up with is entirely up to you. Honestly, 240's don't have too many common issues that I am aware of. The seats and spoiler yeah, but they aren't serious mechanical things. I was going to get a 1970's BMW 20.02. People suggested I check for rust on the main frame members, apparently that was a common problem on the cars, and obviously important. I don't think 240's have any serious problems like that. My 240 had clutch problems though. Well, clutch "concerns" that, thanks to "good old-fashion abusive driving" I accelerated into problems. Haha. You might want to check the spare tire well. Often times the sealant around the tailights gives out and water collects in the trunk. It's nothing major, it usually just sits and smells mildewy. You do want to check that it hasn't started rusting out the well though. It shouldn't since it's painted, but it's a good thing to check just in case. Aside from that, any real guide to buying used cars will help you. It will explain things about how to check for various problems. Do a search on google for a "How To" on buying a used car. PEACE. Tek.

[Brian W.]

Keep an eye on frame rails for rust, in the engine bay, along the frame rails. Up under the trunk, and under the spoiler also for rust. If it has the HUD, make sure it works and there is no electrical problems associated with it. otherwise, greatr cars, you r main concern should be rust, depending on how you are willing to deal with as stated above.

[Nissan_fanatiC]

blown headgaskets are all too common on the KA motors, but other than that they are good.

[tar0icy_w/tapioca]

$$$ money money money since the value of the car have been driven up, not to mention it is rare, good luck finding one in good shape and have a good price, if u find one than ofcourse get it, the 240sx (1st or 2nd gen) are reliable car if u are willing to keep up with the maintaince(like oil change, tune up, and uses higher end parts) its not a civic that u can just beat up and still runs, if u want the s14 (2nd gen) know that it has air bag, if that thing ever pop for some reason, u will have a hard time keeping the car, as far as builting the 240sx (JDM swap, bolt ons....etc) dont even think about it unless u have access to 5Gs or more, 5Gs being the bare minimum, because that's how much it will cost now for an sr swap ( not stock swap, clip+installation+misc.=5Gs or more) the only thing u can save a little is on labor/installationif u decide to mess around with KA, the engine will need a lot of maintaince (its a truck engine, was not for redlining continuously) so building a KA will cost even more. Then if u start to mess around with the car, suspension upgrade is a must, not to mention aftermaket parts are more expensive then normal, and the car is quite old (1st gen) so if u are looking for a fun car to drive, 240sx is a fun car but if u want to go performance, prepare to reach deep into ur pocket, however, for the money it will be the most fun car u can have

[chrisM]

I dont care about all those upgrades and engine swaps, i'm just trying to find out what i should look for and what are the costs associated with finding a good reliable 240SX. You say good luck finding a good 240, and somebody else said they blow head gaskets, but these are all generalizations..were the head gaskets blown on bad cars or something? I just want to know what ti look for in a 240 specifically. Of course I'd change hte oil and do all the regular maintnence regularly.

thanks for hte help and any future comments, keep it coming

oh, sorry for under utelizing the search function. i knew somebody would say that to me. i looked through the first few pages of this forum and didnt know what to look for in the search function, but now that i know its in here (in the tech forum?), i'll go look now.

Another interesting comment that somebody posted was about the KA being a "truck engine"...Okay, my car will be revving high quite some bit. Even if I do stay up to date with changing my oil and all other fluids and all that, will that really reduce the lifespan of the motor?

Finally, can any of you offer any suggestsions of a car in a simlar price range with less mechanical issues, if that car exists?

[BoyWonder]

Another interesting comment that somebody posted was about the KA being a "truck engine"...Okay, my car will be revving high quite some bit. Even if I do stay up to date with changing my oil and all other fluids and all that, will that really reduce the lifespan of the motor?

Do you mean higher than regular use? If so, why? I mean, running a car all the way up to redline all the time is of course going to reduce it's life somewhat. If you don't go abusing the KA, it'll treat you well.As far as another reliable car, seems like a lot of early 90s japanese imports are pretty reliable. Then again, it also depends on stuff like abuse and upkeep, so you can never be too sure. While 240s are getting rarer, they are still pretty cheap. As far as parts, people part them out all the time so they are pretty cheap and easy to come by. I'd say it's a pretty safe bet for a first and reliable car.

[chrisM]

Thanks for the info. I'll be autoXing the car, and of course I'll drive it spiritedly now and then, and obviously revving an engine will reduce a life span, i just got the hint that doing it on a KA will kill it faster than compared to another engine.

[240tek]

I don't think so. On one hand, yes it's a truck engine and it's not really meant for racing. On the other hand, it is a truck engine, and is designed for high torque applications and to be abused to a certain extent. Don't worry. So long as the engine runs well, shifts well, and looks like it's in general good shape, there is little else you need to worry about regarding the engine internals. Just be sure that you take your time on the visual inspection. Check for leaks, and all the obvious stuff. There aren't really any serious problems that commonly occur in 240's. If there is something wrong with the internals, that isn't evident in anyway when you're buying it, then you're just going to get screwed. There is an inherent level of risk when buying a used car, period. Other than that, don't worry. Don't be hasty, be smart, and you'll be ok. I'm sure of it. Good luck. PEACE. Tek.

[420_240sx]

From what I hear the KAs are pretty reliable, probably up to 200,000 miles if maintained. However, just follow everyones advice and make sure the engine sounds good, transmission shifts, and check for other obvious stuff like leaks and rust. Even if you buy the car and the owner abused it, you can pick up a replacement KA relatively cheap, seen em go for 300 before. Even if you were to have a shop install the engine it wouldn't be a big hit.

[Bryan914]

my friends getting pretty close to 300k miles

[masticatingcow]

ChrisM--

In all honesty, I cannot think of a more complete and reliable car (for the money, of course) than the 240sx. Don't get hung up on the engine, despite the fact that it is probably the singular criticism the 240sx gets. Build it up and you'll have a great little car without draining your bank account.

[Rockenreno]

ChrisM--

In all honesty, I cannot think of a more complete and reliable car (for the money, of course) than the 240sx. Don't get hung up on the engine, despite the fact that it is probably the singular criticism the 240sx gets. Build it up and you'll have a great little car without draining your bank account.

very well said

[Saru of the West]

ok heed what all the other guys have said, when u are looking at a 240sx make sure all the body lines are right. if the car has been in an accident u will be able to tell due to tehe fact the hood might be a little uneven or light or fender etc etc.