(first post) need help w/ car choice (autocross)

[Ga240sxMan1181]

Hey everyone first time poster here. I want to get back into autocross racing and have always wanted a nissan 240sx. I think this would be a great platform to start with and eventually build it up.

I need help deciding what year to buy and how much money to spend. The car will be used in autocross racing about 8 times a year and other than that will only be used for short trips to the store. I have a 06' Toyota Tacoma which is my everyday driver.

I do the autocross racing for fun so as conterproductive as it sounds i still would like the car to look nice and have decent interior. I really prefer the look of the newer ones over the older style.

I really want a 98 but it seems they are really hard to find. Dont think nissan made to many. Should i setlle for another year or wait out until a 98 hits the market.

Besides just wanting the newest car i can find would there be a specific year that would be better for autocross racing than another year?

I am looking to spend between $2,000- $5,000 for a car and would be willing to put another $2000 for any other performance mods i need. Can i get a decent car for this price?

Any info anyone has that can help me would be great. thanks for the help!

[Blake...]

You could easily pick up a clean s13 (89-93)(94 being a convertible) for under 3k.. Throw on some coils/arms, light wheels, and sticky tires and be under 6k and have a fun car that can still be streeted. What about a miata? They seem to do quite well in autocross...

[EnjoiNismo]

Yes, here buy this.
Its strictly a track car used for autocross and drifting.
http://az240sx.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=48903

[voodoo_child]

OR....you could buy a s13/s14 shell and start from ground up. you can get a real cheap shell for $500 then the rest of your money put it on engine, suspension upgrades, wheels, paint, etc. for me there is no point of buying a running 240sx if your going to change almost everything in it.

[laxands13]

as said, s13 is gonna be waaay cheaper than a 97 or 98. but if you find a decent kouki for a good price then why not! Oh and, what part of Georgia are you in?

[Ga240sxMan1181]

Thanks for the replies.

@blake- I really like the look of the second gen 240sx over the first gen. I know the main purpose is autocross and going around town but i still would rather have the 95-98. I thought about miatas because they do very well and are very versitle for autocross but just never really liked them.

@voodoo child - Yeah that is a good point and still a possibility but i wanted something already running that i could go ahead and get into racing. Still might consider that but never have seen just the body and frame for sell on one.

@laxands13 - Yeah i would prob spend the extra money to get the 2nd gen that i like better. I am from savannah ga.

I read somewhere that the 95-96 is different than the 97-98. Are there any performance differences or is it all visual? I couldnt tell much of a difference in the pictures i have seen.

Thanks again and if anyone else has any opinions on this please post.

[nismoracingsx]

Yay for georgia 240's ^_^
Savannah, here. Welcome to the forums.
I have seen many 97-98 240's for well under 5k : ). Patience is key in finding the car that's worth YOUR money : ). GL

[laxands13]

Oh nice another Ga guy! im a little south of the atlanta airport... and no the differences in 95-96 and 97-98 are just visual. drivetrain and all that is the same

[PEZi]

the biggest problem you'll have is deciding what class you want to run in... if you want to run it in a fun competitive class you may end up putting your $2000 mod money into suspension alone... then you still need your engine mods, wheels, tires... etc.