Hey guys, what's up.
I'm kinda new to the whole S13 community, but I think it's a great car and am looking to get one. This would actually be my first car, and I'm kinda excited about getting an S13.
I have found one that might be sutiable (right price, right body), but I'm about 450 miles away, and need to ask the seller for some pictures of the car. What I was wondering was, does anybody have suggestions for things that I should specifically ask for? i.e. I need a picture of the engine bay from the left side, or I need a shot of the underbody, etc.
Also, does anybody have any specific questions I should ask the seller? Thanks for your replies, and I'm sorry if this sounds like a nOOb thing to ask, but we all started somewhere, right?
Phil
Buying an S13
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:: orion ::
- Posts: 1483
- Joined: Fri May 23, 2003 4:40 pm
- Car: '96 240SX, with KA-T @ 12psi...
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There's nothing that's a "common" problem with these cars that you could detect from pictures, except maybe rust under the rear spoiler (if it has one).
Otherwise, it's like any other used car...all depends on how well it ws taken care of.
Washed/waxed on a somewhat regular basis, oil changes at the right intervals considering the type of oil used (regular dino oil or synthetic), etc...
I'd at least compression test the motor before I bought it, if the body is up to par...
Basically, you'll have to see it in person.
- Brian
Otherwise, it's like any other used car...all depends on how well it ws taken care of.
Washed/waxed on a somewhat regular basis, oil changes at the right intervals considering the type of oil used (regular dino oil or synthetic), etc...
I'd at least compression test the motor before I bought it, if the body is up to par...
Basically, you'll have to see it in person.
- Brian
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benemorius
- Posts: 1937
- Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2004 5:39 pm
- Car: s13, s13, eg, e36
Re: (:: orion ::)
Yeah, nothing really beats a first-hand look and test drive. You really need to see it in person before buying it.
If that really isn't an option, a shot of the engine and a few of the interior may give you a clue as to how well the owner takes care of his cars. That won't necessarily mean the engine is in good shape too, but it's the best you can do with pictures. As far as common s13 problems- as orion said, try to get a picture from behind/under the rear spoiler. From my experience, it's rare to find an s13 without a rusty spoiler, but you asked what to look for... As the spoilers are made of foam, they hold water quite well. This causes the spoiler's mounting bolts to eventually rust away.
If that really isn't an option, a shot of the engine and a few of the interior may give you a clue as to how well the owner takes care of his cars. That won't necessarily mean the engine is in good shape too, but it's the best you can do with pictures. As far as common s13 problems- as orion said, try to get a picture from behind/under the rear spoiler. From my experience, it's rare to find an s13 without a rusty spoiler, but you asked what to look for... As the spoilers are made of foam, they hold water quite well. This causes the spoiler's mounting bolts to eventually rust away.