I'm new to 240sx shopping. What do I look for, and a possible good find?

[falcon1209]

Hello 240 community!

I want to become a member with a purchase of a 240 however I'm not really sure about what to look for in buying a car. I read the 240sxtech.com's buyers guide but it seemed vague and generalized a bit.

What I am looking for are some more specific guidelines related to buying a 240sx, specifically this 97 240 I'm looking at. (See bottom)

I was in the FD3S market for a while but the number of common problems that the car had and the volume of cars I saw that were abused turned me off quickly.

I can't really find anything particular to 240sx's that they're notorious for. Hopefully they're just reliable cars and I've got RX-7 syndrome.

I've been browsing the numerous venues for buying cars and found a promising ad.

Here it is (in short):

1997 Nissan 240sx Kouki Manual170,000 Miles on chassis20,000 on new SR20DET motor, professionally installed before current ownerPasses IL emission standardsRuns great, Boosts normallyNo rust, originally from Georgia, never seen salt/snowAt least the third ownerDocumentation of all work done to carAsking Price: $7200 (USD)

Mods:4-way KYB Adjustable strutsEibach SpringsApexi-1 3 inch exhaustApexi SAFC ControllerT25 turbo (New with ~50 Miles on it, old had a blown seal)Custom wiring harnessWiseco pistonsXc piston ringARP head studsGreddy v-spec intercoolerGreddy hot pipeGreddy type-s blow off valveGreddy head gasket 1.22mmGreddy valve springsGreddy oil catch canXspower headersHKS rocker arm stoppersSpec stage 3 clutchWalbro 255lhp fuel pumpDuel flexalite 12” electric fan’sHKS PCF-Fcon fuel managementZ32 igniterZ32 MAF

Any thoughts? Red flags?

Thanks in advance!

[sebazztard]

looks pretty good to me. 7k for a kouki with an sr swapped in, i wouldnt hesitate if the money was on hand. these cars are VERY reliable if treated well and they are easy to work on. if you like it, you should have no worries long term. welcome to nico and abuse that search button on top of the page.

[sebazztard]

oh...def check underneath for rust, this is the biggest red flag of these cars, it dont matter if you have a rod hanging out of the block, rust is the #1 problem. a lil surface rust isnt too bad but they like to rot out completely at the frame rails. from my experience owning both s13 and s14, the s14 seems better built.

[DroptopDrifting]

definately seems like a good deal. if i had the cash, i'd buy it

[falcon1209]

I was gonna check under, inside around and in every nook and cranny for rust. The buyers guide made HEAVY emphasis on rust. Thanks for the tip!

A few concerns:

Stage 3 clutch, daily drivable? Never driven one before, at least not that I remember. He made mention of it being necessary because he considered adding more power, but never got around to it.

170k Miles. Seems acceptable however for a 97. I have a friend who is hardcore about car shopping and insists its garbage by default at 170k. Regardless of maintenance and modification.

Thanks for the replies. Gonna check it out/buy after pending loan.

Wish me luck!

[sebazztard]

garbage at 170k lmfao

your buddy must live on a lease plan with all of his vehicles. my hatch has 183k on the chassis and is in near mint condition and will be mint after im done with it. the engine is f***ed but i didnt buy it for the ka... theres gonna be some wear and tear on some chassis parts but you will be able to notice this on a test drive.

[falcon1209]

Ugh, im suspicious as to how he passed his emissions on a OBD-II scan.

Looks fishy. Gonna ask some questions.

[nifares240]

looks clean and straight. not bad for the price. notice that you're worried about inspection. I wouldn't worry so much about it. there is always a way.

[domiballa]

looks good. just make sure about the rust and that the engine is in good shape. but boy did he put them rear tires to work lol

[S13_love]

7k for that kouki? Damn....as long it doesn't have any serious rust, buy it.

I can't really find anything particular to 240sx's that they're notorious for.

Actually, they are notorious for rust.

Little off track but if you end up not buying that 97 240, imo, you're best bet is looking for one that's an automatic, those tend to be not abused and/or molested from what i've seen (well, not as much at least).

[OutToWinPAHC]

That engine is about 16-19 years of age.... 20k my a**. Good deal however