Going to look at a 1990 240sx any tips?

Post by **Talford00** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:53 am

Like the title says i was looking on my local craigslist and found a 1990 240, for sale reasonably priced. Anything particular i should watch out for when i go to look at it. I own a coupe but when it comes to the hatchback I'm not to familiar.

Post by **Axel Grungy** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 6:57 am

moved!! check the underbody/frame rails for rust. Well just rust anywhere.

Post by **Spiffy240** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 6:59 am

especially with a hatch, check the hatch and under the factory wing if it has it

also check the weather stripping and the headliner b/c the hatches sometimes tend to leak.

Other than that, check the usual like how the engine sounds, take a test drive, listen for any unusual sounds, and other typical stuff

Website · Post by **roadboy240sx** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:09 am

check the frame, body condition, engine, every thing works, etc.

Post by **MastaYu** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:17 am

check for leaks ex. Engine, trans, rear diff, coolant, etc.

Post by **nevertheless** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 7:51 am

yeah grab a flashlight, and search the whole car for rust. Also check the color and level of the oil to see if it has been maintained.

Post by **Koshin** » Sun Jan 04, 2009 8:48 am

Ive got a tip, if you get it dont rice it up....

Post by **Talford00** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:08 pm

Like the title says i'm going to look at a 1990 240sx hatchback. Any tips on what to look for or check over on it?

Post by **Mr1der** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 5:35 pm

noise from the timing chain cover and rust.

especially in the strut towers.

and on the hatch if it's got the damn spoiler...

Post by **qat727** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 9:13 pm

Also, rust on the frame rails and quarter panels.

Check for cold start and idle problems

If it's a hatch, check for leaks in the trunk (probably the taillights)

Look for leaking fluids, etc.

Look for modified wiring/other modifications. Nissans are prone to wiring gremlins naturally; modifications only exacerbate the problem.

Post by **themadscientist** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 9:32 pm

I am sure 240s rust in the same spots as Silvias so check the rocker panels if it is a sunroof car. The frame rail on the drivers side can rust if the master cylinder leaks and strips the paint. The factory spoiler rots the hatch, check that if it isn't a trunk.

Post by **MinisterofDOOM** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 9:35 pm

qat727 wrote:Look for modified wiring/other modifications. Nissans are prone to wiring gremlins naturally; modifications only exacerbate the problem.

That must be a 240sx thing. None of the 6 Nissans I work on regularly have wiring issues...

Post by **sbird1** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 9:48 pm

Check the power steering rack boots for tears and/or leaky fluid from the lines. S13 are prone to those problems. A good indicator of how well the car is maintained in my experience is how well the interior is put together. If there are bunches of screws missing, an abundance of broken plastic pieces, etc. then you can guess that the rest of the car took the same kind of shoddy workmanship. There are obviously exceptions to the rule, but that is my S13 experience.

Post by **arabdrifter** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 9:56 pm

check to see if it has any frame damage. such as door jams, windshield, engine bay, etc. make sure you get a windshield washer bottle and that it works. none of mine except for the coupe had one..lol. see if the door locks, and all mechanisms work..as it will prevent some douche stealing your car

Post by **qat727** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:07 pm

MinisterofDOOM wrote:That must be a 240sx thing. None of the 6 Nissans I work on regularly have wiring issues...

It seems to depend on the chassis and age, honestly. My friend had a 1996 Maxima that didn't have any real wiring troubles. I've messed with 3 different 1991 Maximas and they all had wiring troubles. Every S13 I've owned or seen has had something wrong with some part of the wiring. I have yet to encounter a hardbody without some wiring troubles.

Also, I neglected to mention: check for a cracked coolant reservoir. Nearly all of them are broken.

Post by **Talford00** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:21 am

91SilviaKs wrote:Ive got a tip, if you get it dont rice it up....

hahaha i wasn't planning on it, i got a coupe, but that needs a lil work so i figure wats better than have a hatchback for a daily

Post by **I_Farted** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:47 am

^ like they said, watch for rust...Ohh and make sure your frame rails arn't pushed in flush with the floorpan...Previous owner of my car bottemed out on something and bent those mugs up nasty...

Post by **pflicht** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:51 am

Axel Grungy wrote:moved!! check the underbody/frame rails for rust. Well just rust anywhere.

QFT!!! I didnt do this when i bought mine, now Im stuck with 8"-12" holes where my rails used to be right underneath my driver AND passenger floor boards

Post by **S13Joe** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 11:02 am

I'm going to be selling my hatch this coming up week. I'm on long island so if you want to come see it let me know. $1500. Im looking for a coupe too if your interested for a trade... eh? eh?

Post by **Talford00** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 5:04 pm

that would sound good to go to long island but, i'm in upstate new york not the greenwich near the city unfortunetly