Looking to purchase a 240SX (89-93) need advice

[Fidelity101]

I have been browsing around for new car and the 240SX has really intrested me and I have found several one that are in my price range, looking for manual and a color preferably other than red or yellow.

I honestly don't know my Nissans, like I know my VWs or my own 1990 corolla. so I really need an upgrade for driving this thing for about a year.

On autotrader I have found several that are for sale in my price range (cheap) that are located around me, if you could help me out with some fair warnings on some of these cars I would greatly appreciate it. I know a few don't have pictures, but I will visit the dealers and get some for myself.

but anyways, here is the link.

http://autotrader.com/findacar...1&y=6

edit: looking for 240sx's around the Chicagoland area, so if you also find something, let me know VIA PM or email at [email protected]

[kclem69]

Fidelity101,

I don't post much, but I own a 1990 Hatchback and I might be able to help you out some. If I were going to buy another 240sx I would look at 1991 and 1992 models. They have Dual Overhead Cam engines and make a little more horsepower than the 1989 and 1990 models. Also, the '91 & '92 models have a sleeker front bumper cover than the '89 & '90 models. Check the mileage on whatever car you look at. I had to rebuild my engine at about 160,000 miles. If you see a car that is getting close to this number, it may need work soon. There are alot of parts and upgrades for these cars on ebay, so you might want to look there any items that you might need. I hope this helps some. If you want to contact me to ask a specific question, feel free.

kclem69

[Bubba1]

Well, 240's are very rewarding durable little cars. Key is finding a well maintained one. The engines easily last well into the 200's if properly maintained. Ideal situation is to find an original or long term (non-kid) owner with receipts. There are plenty garage queens out there to be had.As far as what tends to go, the clutch slave cylinders (240's have hydraulic clutches) all eventually leak. (mine occurred at 150,000). The clutch pedal will begin to engage lower and lower to the floor. The front struts will eventually wear around 150K. The hatchbacks tend to rust under the foam wings on the deck lid.The driver side cloth seats tend to get wear holes on the bolster."hot Red" was the color used in most 240 ads in '89, so there are a lot of them around. I had a loaded red one.

As far as SOHC vs DOHC. Regardless of what you read, one is not significantly better or more reliable than the other. The SOHC ison the earlier ones, that's all. The HP difference are minimalMy gripes with my 240 was the lack of power and lack of cup holders. Otherwise I was extremely happy with mine. Good luck

[Fidelity101]

I had the same problems with my fathers prelude with the hydraulic clutches and the rust under the same area, but it is VERY minimal, but I think I may check out the white 93 one sometime soon.

[SnaFu337]

Just ran a carfax report on that autotrader link from your 1st post. Is was clean and only 1 owner! Looks like a str8 deal to me see if he will take $3,400:)

[Fidelity101]

Really? one owner? nice, I have come down to which one I want would be that white one I posted or this one I found, which is MUCH closer to me, so I may even check it out later today.

http://autotrader.com/fyc/vdp....ist=9

its a private seller so I may be able to talk him down, and it seems in nice condition, I'll maybe take a few pics of it myself.

[Bubba1]

The 96 looks pretty nice, and it sounds like this seller can provide you a maintenance history, which is rare. Good luck.

[Fidelity101]

Yeah, but a downside now. I was hoping my car would be worth about 600-800 dollars, acording to carmax today, its worth 50...

so now I gotta get overtime hours or something if I want one soon.

[SnaFu337]

Personally I kinda’ like the older 240’s but either way, all 240s are sweet! Get the one with the better body/interior.

[blacks13ek]

SOHC engines are 90 and below model 240's. Another difference they made in 91 is they made the turn signal lights just a little bit more rounder. they went from a design like this: [ ] to this: ( ] just some misc. info. i learned the hard way

[SnaFu337]

if u are doin an SR swap 89-91 u have to move around the power steering/take it from a 92'+ 240

[youngturk]

Wanted to throw in my 2 cents. I agree with most posts regarding the reliability of the 240SX. I current own, as my only car, a '92 240SX SE Coupe 5-speed. It has 199,600 miles on it. I am the original owner. I have been driving this vehicle since September, 1991. Honestly, it has been very reliable and I can't complain at all. With the exception of a few parts replaced over the years (one part had to do with A/C, plus I had the o2 sensor replaced a few times), I have not done anything but change the oil. I must add that (I know you guys think I am crazy), but this car has never been in any shop but a Nissan dealer, even for the oil changes. If you do oil changes regularly (I do mine every 5,000 miles because I use Mobil 1 synthetic) and the 30,000 mile service, the car should last you a very very long time. I am in Austin, Texas and the summers are long and very hard on engines in this area. I am still driving with the original clutch and struts (they are inspected regularly). I regularly cruise above 80 mph in the countryside (this is Texas). If you find a car that has had one or two owners with receipts (as one person said above), you will have a very reliable car. With this many miles on the car, I still get 25-26 mpg in the city and 28-29 mpg on the highways.

Good luck with your search.

[supra brit]

I'm also looking for a 92-93 240 fastback, or even a 95 if I can find one within my price range (up to $4k). I want to eventually do a swap (SR20 or possibly RB25 if I can afford & am patient enough) All this advice has really helped me...now i just need to find one 'cause all the ones I have seen have had high mileage or have been automatics. If any knows of any for sale in Georgia, please let me know thanks!- Brit

[Repo Man]

I'm also looking for a 92-93 240 fastback, or even a 95 if I can find one within my price range (up to $4k). I want to eventually do a swap (SR20 or possibly RB25 if I can afford & am patient enough) All this advice has really helped me...now i just need to find one 'cause all the ones I have seen have had high mileage or have been automatics. If any knows of any for sale in Georgia, please let me know thanks!- Brit

Keep an eye on our buy/sell/trade section. It's very active and there are a lot of nice cars for sale. Let us know if you need any help!

repo

[supra brit]

Yeah I've been checkin it often! I guess I just gotta be patient...thanks!