NEED HELP ASAP ON BUYING A 240sx

[Jbyrd62510]

Hello. I've been offered a Nissan 240sx which looks very clean. It is garage kept, new body kit, new paint job, new sunroof installed, new carbon fiber interior, new seats, aftermarket rims, the whole nine. Only issue is it contains 160k miles. That is a WHOLE lot of miles. But for $4500, is it worth it? He just had a tune up done recently, he is only getting rid of it because parts didnt match. I want a 240 so damn bad and they're hard to find. Should I take it?
Here's the car

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/2439526603.html

[badbob2121]

mileage shouldnt be your main concern. the price seems a little steep, but from the few pictures posted in the ad, it doesnt look bad.
what do you mean hes getting rid of the car because parts dont match? that makes no sense

and never believe any private seller that the car is in perfect condition, 9 out of 10 times it is not all they say it is... ask for reciepts

[Jbyrd62510]

Im not sure, he said he wanted to swap it but things didn't work out. He owns 3 of them, all garage kept. I am just worrying about this thing dying on me the week I get it. I would be able to replace the engine in the future, but not soon. Any advice at what I should look at too make sure this car is worth the cash?

[Lobo240sx]

Being on the East Coast check for rust under the car frame rails, shock towers, spare tire/trunk area. You worry about it dying then take it to near redline if it breaks or knocks, don't buy it.

You are taking over a 15 year old car so be prepared to spend some money if things don't go right.

[Jbyrd62510]

I am prepared to have work done in the future. I wouldnt mind spending some money especially on the car i love. But do you think I could do better? East coast is a pain in the a** with these cars, I can say that much.

[allenms240]

Just something to add, building a car on your own is it's own experience.

I would much prefer to buy a stock car, and do everything myself, it's a pride thing haha.

But, if the shoes fits, go for it! As mentioned above, don't take his word for it, he is trying to sell a car.

[OutToWinPAHC]

Ehh I am from Philly and I don't know that car... Clean, but I am skeptical it needs only o2 Sensors. And it's an ODB2 which is not fun here in PA aka must plug in for emissions.

[Jbyrd62510]

well, if you're from PA you must know how hard it is to purchase an S14. I want this car real bad, and it getting to be crunch time so I need to find one. This happens to be the only one I can purchase for around $5k. I HAVE NOT A PENNY MORE TO SPEND
Im going to take a look at it tomorrow, any advice what I should look for to make sure its worth the money. I really would like to own this car.

[OutToWinPAHC]

Do you plan on swapping it or boosting it all while being 100% legal here in PA? If so you want a 1995 model, unless you can get stickers for it.

[Jbyrd62510]

Well i am in NJ. And no I dont plan on doing anything to it besides having it as my daily driver. I would only swap it if I had the money and if it quit on me.

[OutToWinPAHC]

I don't know ODB2 with NJ emissions inspections, but ODB2 can be iffy. I'd offer to look at it with you. Chances are I know the owner, see what NJ laws are. I think you can swing 4K if you show cash. Does AC work?

[Jbyrd62510]

He said everything works. I am going to look at it tomorrow around 1. I dont know these terms ODB2 and such :/ Im not so good with cars.

[LoserCard]

If your worried about miles, my KA has 242,xxx miles and I don't foresee any problems in the next 60k. The only mechanical problems I have ever encountered were self-inflicted. =P KA's are pretty hardy engines. People must bump the rev limiter all the time to break these engines because I've never had anything mechanical break in my two 240's.

As for purchasing it, make sure to be very thorough in checking:

1. Carfax
2. Frame
3. Engine condition, make sure it idles correctly and all accessories work.
4. Check to see any "custom wiring"
5. Check for fender gaps, and see if the body kit was just "thrown on"
6. You might want to have him replace the o2 sensors and pass your emissions before a title transfer. I don't know how PA is, but here in CA SMOG can be a b*tch.
7. Take the car for a test drive and notice any noises and make sure the transmission shifts smoothly.
8. Get any and all records for maintenance.