Looking at 240SX SE... good deal?

[legbuh]

I was looking through our local paper the other day and say a 1994 240SX SE convertible for sale. 103k miles. I decided to call.

He said it ha new brakes and rotors, new tires, top and back window are still good (you can see through the back window still), has boot for top in the trunk, he claims 99% perfect shape. Said he never had transmission issues with it. Had cooling system and transmission flushed when he bought it (2 years ago from a friend, bought it with 101k miiles on it.. )

It's white with a black top, forgot to ask if it's leather or fabric interior. Do these come with leather?

Also, I'm 6'3".. any headroom issues?

Just looking for a daily driver and fun car. Drive a 08 tundra now and while I work from home (not much driving except taking kids to daycare), it would be nice to have something that gets a little better milage to run into town to get groceries, run errands, etc.

I parused the faq on buying.. great info! I hope to go look at it tommorow. He said he has it at a friends in the country in his yard with a for sale sign on it.

Asking 4850 for it. I'd like to ask more like 4k for it... not sure if that's "fair" (in southern MN).

Thanks!

[cmkelly]

If it's in perfect condition he might get close to 5K but I'm with you, closer to $4K in great condition is more reasonable.

We have many mutant members over 6' tall and none have complained. Even fat members seem to fit just fine.

Some came with leather but more with cloth. Check everywhere for rust in too being in MN.

Buy it, you won't regret it.

[legbuh]

Well, he did mention "they are rare, they were only sold in california". Not sure if that's right or not. Rare, yes. only sold in CA?

He said no rust. 99% perfect must mean there are obviously chips on the front bumper at least.

I know if you take care of vehicles here, you won't see rust (I'm anal about my cars, which means I won't be interested if I see rust.. be he claims there is none).

It sounded like an older guy, said he was a mailman and I could see it tommorow afte 3pm or so when he got home.

He even told me he paid 4200 for it two years ago when he bought it. But wants more now because of the brakes, tires, and struts he had installed. To me, that's wear and tear items..

edmuds says private party is only $1800, dealer $2200? kbb says 4100. So I may be willing to pay up to 4300 or so. I like dealing with dealers a lot more than private parties.

Stinks it's getting cold here now.. lol!

[Eikon]

I'd stay under $4k for it.

They were sold nationwide, though many more sold in Cali than elsewhere I would guess.

Check very carefully for rust!

[legbuh]

I will check for rust. Hard to believe there's none.

Like I said, he said he paid $4200 for it 2 years ago. That's 2 more years of depreciation, but he did put a couple grand in it for maintenance items. And coudn't tell me if the timing belt and/or water pump had been replaced (my only real worry on these cars).

when he's already asking $4850 for it, 4k will be a very lowball offer. Maybe I'll go to the bank and just get 4200 in cash before I get there and wave it around. lol...

[Loki]

C'mon, you're worrying about headroom in a convertible? Sounds like a reasonable deal if you can talk him down.

[legbuh]

lol! Last smaller car I had was a 91 Integra LS SE... loved the thing. I fit ok. But since I started driving trucks I kinda am spoiled for headroom.

Won't have the top down in the winter around here in MN! that's for sure.. But RWD sure would be fun on the backroads.

Ya, money will be the thing. I don't need a car, I just want a toy.. always wanted a convertible. Call it a beginners "mid life crisis" car if you will.. haha.. of course, I'd rather have the new Z roadster, but if I got that, my wife would make me trade in her murano for something newer..

[S15nS13vert]

i am 6'2" 240lbs i am wide (chubby), i fit fine, and i am in love with my vert, i know you will love it too, i can't fit on a S2000, Corvette, or viper.I paid for my car 2800 with 125k miles on it, good luck, and WELCOME 2 OUR FAM.

[legbuh]

If I could get this for 2800 it would be a no brainer.

I think I'll show up with 4k cash and just say take it or leave it after looking it over and deciding if I want it or not.

then I'll put it in storage after a few years for a graduation present from HS for my 3yr old daughter.. lol.. probably won't be able to find a gas station by then. .haha..

[cmkelly]

I paid $4200 3 years ago with 89,000 miles and excellent condition, leather, etc. I probably overpaid a bit but have had to do very work, just that standard vanity mods and routine maintenance.

I'm with you, the stuff he replaced is part of the expense of owning a car and should not be factored in to the sale price. If you own this car for any length of time you'll love it, spend money on it and never get back what you have in it, but that's not the point right?

Welcome to mid-life...give in to the dark side...

[NISXAN]

And coudn't tell me if the timing belt and/or water pump had been replaced (my only real worry on these cars)..

Haha...if he told you the timing belt had been replaced, run!

The KA's (and most Nissan engines) use a timing chain, not a belt, so that's one worry you shouldn't have.

Good luck with the purchase!

[legbuh]

The KA's (and most Nissan engines) use a timing chain, not a belt, so that's one worry you shouldn't have.

Ya, after more reading I realize this.. that's good to know! Thanks!

[biggie]

I'd definately try for $4,500 or less. I paid that for a 101k Vert in '06 from a dealer.

And there is more head room in the Vert with the top up than there is in my coupe. I have no issues with space and I'm one of the larger members in the "large/fat guys with little cars" club.

[-RJ-]

i would pay no more than 4000

[legbuh]

Well just got back from seeing/driving the car.

I thought I had possibly found a great car babied all it's life. The minute I got 20 feet from it, I could see issues.

First, it's obviously been wrecked, at least the front half. The alignment of the bumper/hood/lights/front quarters was way off especially on the passenger side.

Dale Jr. seat covers, vanillaroma air freshner, a few cig burns on the fabric (which wasn't in bad shape except for that). Driving down the road the front passenger side of the hood was hopping up and down at least an inch or two.

roof and rear window were in great shape, though. Trunk didn't stay up, both rear quarter windows were off track with tint peeling off.

It started hard and slow.. engine compartment was dirty and had signs of some leaks. Big sticker on the front radiator/frame that said "retrofitted piece".

Open the doors, obvious paint job on it.. and not even a good one. Tape line right around the edge of the door. Paint chips with very poorley touched up spots everywhere.

I wasn't happy at all. My idea of "99% perfect" must be a little different than most. I wouldn't have given him 2k for the car. (although top, rear window and engine seemed to be in good shape).

Here's a pic I took while there of the front bumper. Hard to see the terrible misalignment, especially on the passenger side.



Love the decals too. What is this, a Ford F150? lol.. I took down the VIN, said I wanted to do a carfax and would get back with him. He said "if it doesn't sell, I'll trade it in anyhow." Wait, that's my line when I sell to a dealership, not a private party! Probably wouldn't get 1500 for it on trade, if that.

Oh well.. kinda like hearing about this hot chick you are going to get set up with and meeting her and.... well.. you know. I just got my hopes up too much I guess.

Thanks for all the help!

[Eikon]

Bummer that it wasn't so nice. He'll never get anything close to that trading it in.. In fact, based on what you say, he'd be lucky to get $2500 for it even going private party.

Don't worry.. be patient and you'll find one.

In fact.. Here's a nice one.. I know Chicago is a drive for you.. but it might be worth it. This one sounds like it's a lot nicer, and it's much less expensive. http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/816448121.html

[legbuh]

Ya, it is a bummer. I have a 1986 golf car that I paid 1200 for that I wouldn't have even traded him even up for it... I am anal about my vehicles.

Oh well.... maybe I'll look for an old porche or something.