Hello everyone!
I've been looking for a nice used 240SX for a long time, but each time i came across one, it wasn't in very good condition. So i ended up buying my second favorite car, the 2000 Honda Prelude.
I still have the Prelude, but i'm still very much in love with the S14 body style.
I recently came across a red 98 240SX SE 5spd. with about 47k miles for $11,500. I checked Kelley Blue Book and they have it at $9,360.
So here's my question... are there any problems i should know about with this model? Anything from mechanical problems, to stuff that just annoy you... like a window defroster that doesn't work? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Help buying a used 98 240SX SE?
Other than the normal stuff you'd look for on any car (rust, signs of a collision, etc.) the only things I can think to look out for are timing chain problems (rattling/ticking sound at startup) and any transmission problems if it's a manual transmission.
The synchros in 240SX transmissions tend to get a bit cranky with age, and while it's not a major problem it can be annoying.
The timing chain thing can be serious. The KA24E/DE engines are interference engines, so you could have some serious problems if the chain was in really bad shape. There's a pretty characteristic noise associated with the problem...a ticking/chain rattling sound near the front of the engine. The injectors in these engines tend to be a bit noisy, so don't confuse that with a timing chain problem.
If the car has a rear deck spoiler you want to make sure there is ZERO rust around the spoiler. Rust loves to hang out there. I'd also look in the spare tire well in the trunk to make sure that's rust-free.
Neither the timing chain nor the synchros should be a problem at 47K miles. Depending on where you are I'd still look out for rust.
Bottom line: any model year 240SX is pretty much a good choice. Both the DOHC and SOHC engines are bullet-proof and the rest of the car really doesn't have any glaring faults.
Run a Carfax, take a good long look at the car, and if you like the way it looks...go for it! Good luck!
Oh, if the car you're looking at has a VLSD (Viscous Limited Slip Differential) that's a definite bonus.
The synchros in 240SX transmissions tend to get a bit cranky with age, and while it's not a major problem it can be annoying.
The timing chain thing can be serious. The KA24E/DE engines are interference engines, so you could have some serious problems if the chain was in really bad shape. There's a pretty characteristic noise associated with the problem...a ticking/chain rattling sound near the front of the engine. The injectors in these engines tend to be a bit noisy, so don't confuse that with a timing chain problem.
If the car has a rear deck spoiler you want to make sure there is ZERO rust around the spoiler. Rust loves to hang out there. I'd also look in the spare tire well in the trunk to make sure that's rust-free.
Neither the timing chain nor the synchros should be a problem at 47K miles. Depending on where you are I'd still look out for rust.
Bottom line: any model year 240SX is pretty much a good choice. Both the DOHC and SOHC engines are bullet-proof and the rest of the car really doesn't have any glaring faults.
Run a Carfax, take a good long look at the car, and if you like the way it looks...go for it! Good luck!
Oh, if the car you're looking at has a VLSD (Viscous Limited Slip Differential) that's a definite bonus.
Thanks for the reply and help BadMojo.
The main reason i'm worried is because i bought the prelude before i found out the Sport Shift transmission has been known to die on the 97-98's. So far the 2000 Prelude owners have been lucky, but you never know...
That's kinda what i mean. Are there any widely known problems i should consider before making a serious consideration on buying a 240?
Again, thanks for any replies!
The main reason i'm worried is because i bought the prelude before i found out the Sport Shift transmission has been known to die on the 97-98's. So far the 2000 Prelude owners have been lucky, but you never know...
That's kinda what i mean. Are there any widely known problems i should consider before making a serious consideration on buying a 240?
Again, thanks for any replies!
My best friend had a 2000 Prelude typeSH. Sucker was fast, but, you are smart to want a 240. FWD = wrong wheel drive :pface