Looking at a 240 Convertible... worth it?

[CJRocker]

Hi all! First post, with a short story! When I was younger, my dad wound up with a mid 80s Sentra or something for $150 at an auction that was beat to crap, but ran for two years and over 15k until the timing belt broke. I'll never forget that little beat up, coffee colored, rust bucket, but boy did it run. It was a 2 door, and I THINK a second gen Sentra. I would have no problem with another Nissan after that car.

Right now I am driving a 93 Corolla. Good car, but I think I want a track or fun car. So I've been looking for a budget project. I came across a "1991" (has to be a 92 though right?) 240SX convertible. The guy wants $700 obo, I think I can talk him down to $400 as he's had it up for sale awhile. Anyway, the catch is the car is out of time.

So I've got a few questions;How hard are these KA24DE's to time? I don't know the extent of it being out of time. Is there anything I can do to get out of towing it in terms of ignition timing? I am fairly experienced with 4A series Toyota motors, and know the Cams have installation marks on them that line up when the first cylinder is set to TDC. does the KA24DE have anything like this if it is a cam issue (I'm thinking it's not though, but don't know much at the moment).

I am trying to get more pictures on the car but the exterior seems to be nice. Assuming the interior is par for the course, the rear window is not trashed, and the engine has not had major work done on it, if I do pay $700 am I getting ripped off (assuming I have to pay someone $100 or so to tow it 45 miles to my house)?

Anyone know of a scan of the brochure for these or a list of features/options that came on them?

Finally, assuming the frame rust is in check, should I drive it often during the winter? I know these are prone to frame rusting issues, and Pennsylvania weather/roads are not gentle on much, and you have to fight rock salt a lot in the winter, so I'm a bit concerned about that.

EDIT: Found the specs!

[Nategreat923]

For 400?! Yes, it is worth it. Even if its hard time, you can buy a KA24DE for like 400$

[justclay]

For a budget track/fun car, you can't beat a vert. However, just realize that there will be some safety expenses in the form of a roll-bar or cage if you decide to track it seriously. I think that if you post pics, everyone on here can help you make a decision.

All the best with your search!

[krash]

$400 is defintaley worth it. Like nat said, if its all that bad, a new KA is like $400. As for winter driving, I'm here in MD and my sister drives around her vert all the time in winter, no rust is happening. on mine I went ahead and rustoleumed everything in sight just incase, so if you're looking for a daily, this should be no problem. The only thing that sucks is going uphills with snow/ice/slush. but this is so for just about any RWD car so some good snow tires can help you out there. as for timing, I pretty sure that theres a timing mark. If you have any experience with timing a motor you should be fine. Check out the Vert Buyer's guide also: zerothread/312662 Theres some good info in there.

Hope you'll be joining us soon, good luck!

[Harman850T5]

For $400 that's an awesome deal. Where is the car located? Even for $700 it's still a great deal, unless it's got some really bad cancer.

[Azrial]

sounds like a steal even if the rear quarters are rusted you can always hack them off and bolt on some wide body kit. If you want to take it to race your probably best just putting an sr20 in it unless you want to turbo the KA. I can't really help you with the timing problem though haven't had to do that to mine yet.

[CJRocker]

It is located in the land of baloney, Lebanon. It's on Harrisburg Craigslist I think. Sadly one day has passed since I emailed the guy, and after one day, the chances of contact are about 0% so I guess I will just need to keep looking. I "I sold it" or "You're dreaming with that offer" would have been nice... I'll update though if it changes.

[Loki]

I'll keep an eye out over here for you. I know I've seen one near me, but they wanted $6k for it I believe. Also seen a kinda beat black one driving around, maybe I can stop them and offer to buy it