Is it worth it?

[dced86]

I have liked the look and sound of 240sx's for a while now. I drive an '83 VW Rabbit right now, and it's just dying out on me so I thought I'd look into getting a new car. My budget isn't very high, but I found a really cheap 240 in the local buy sell and trade paper. It's only 1150$$ canadian (about 880 US) I thought wow what a steal. It did say that the car was rusty in the ad...Anyway I went to look at the car and it seems to be in good condition. There is a lot of rust on the bottom of the doors and a bit on the fenders, but it seems to be mechanically sound and is in good interior condition. I could classify this as a "project car". It doesn't have any extras, just a sunroof. No power windows, or doors, it comes with an alarm and wiring for an amp and subs if i want to do that eventually. It's an 89 model. Anyway, I was just wondering, do you think it's worth it? Should I go for it? Do you think it will cause me many problems down the road?

[krazy skwerel]

I would check the strut towers make sure they have no rust. Fiznat just sold his car because of this problem. Also make sure the rust does not copromise the integrity of the car. I would probly pay 500-600 for a car in the condition described. Providing it was not structurally unsound. Good choice in cars and welcome to the forums.

[dced86]

Thanks for your advice. I will look into the strut towers. The thing is, like i said, as I get more money, I will be looking to fix up the body of the car. I don't mind having a bit of rust on it for now, as long as it performs up to my expectations. By the looks of things, it can haul ***

[krazy skwerel]

Like I said as long as the car is structurally sound then it's all good. Rust can be a bastard though so just be very cautious. I hope it makes you a good car. Lots of stff we can do with our cars you know. Good times. What type of Rabbit you got?

[fiznat]

Fiznat just sold his car because of this problem.

yup

I wouldnt ever consider a rusted car a project car.... unless you know how to weld and blend metal very very well. And even if you know how to do that, if you have big problems on strut towers (like I did) or a few other parts, you are going to have to know how to keep the body straight when welding the whole thing back together--- like if you just cut and welded the strut tower back together without some hardcore measurments, you'd probably end up driving sideways or at least pulling to the right or left at high speeds. Not fun.

Rust really is a bastard... it's always more than you think from the start, it keeps growing, and once it's there it's VERY VERY hard to get rid of. Even though the car is cheap I'd avoid it completely just because I know what rust can do to a car. There are other 240s out there for around a grand, especially if you want a (89-90) SOHC.

[dced86]

Yeah Fiznat you could be right too..I do know a body man in town though. I don't know I'm pretty confused. I'm just kinda stoked to buy it even though i don't necessarily have to get this very car. Maybe I'll be a bit more patient.

Skwerel, as for your question. My Rabbit is an 83 1.8 Liter Fuel Injection 3-speed automatic.

The 240 i'm looking at is a 5 speed. More fun to drive

[krazy skwerel]

I was hoping you would say Rabbit GTI. Damn i love those goofy little bastards.

[dced86]

LOL unfortunately not. Mine's an LS :P Luxury Sedan...yeah right. Vinyl seats, crap brown color. Oh well, w/e it runs well

Gettin' the 240 checked out by a mechanic tomorrow!!

[w1ngzer0]

mine smells like catpee..

[dced86]

LoL. I'm picking it up tomorrow