New 240 (I hope)

[dfw240_EE]

Well guys,

This is it. After about 2 or so years of saving, studying, researching, and dreaming, I am finally ready to buy my S13 240SX. So far both used dealerships I have called have sold theirs, but I haven't called the private listings yet since it is the daytime and I assume they are at work. (where the used dealerships do this for a job and would be expected to be there)

I am going to go into this cautiously. I am not ready for a project car so I am looking for one in good shape. It seems that I can get one in such condition for about $2500 to $3000. I want the vehicle to last at least 2 years before I can handle a project car (I graduate with an Engineering degree in about 9 months). I think I can find one like that if I am very careful and willing to pass up on a few that "Just aren't right".

So here I go looking, keeping my eyes and ears open for problems. Eyes looking for rust/weld marks on frame rails or suspension, suspension layouts that aren't just right. My ears listening for engine noises, problems with the timing chain. Why do I feel like I am more going into combat?

[dfw240_EE]

A Bump and an update.

All of the ads I have found were old and have already sold their cars. Autotrader doesn't seem to clean up their ads too often. So now I just wait for new ads to pop up and respond to those as quickly as I can.

This will take some work and time, but I will get it.

[silkk]

have you tried craigslist.org?

i think they have a dallas one

[dfw240_EE]

This is just the sort of help I need. So far I have been checking autotrader.com (I will go get a print version tomorrow), cars.com, and Dallas Morning News. Craigslist did not have one, but it is another source to watch.

The NICO ads are rarely in the DFW area, or even in neighboring towns, and most of them are for project cars. At least they have been lately.

[burnin240sx]

Try ebay that's where i got mine. it was only a 2 hour drive away. I see TX cars on there all the time.

http://listings.ebaymotors.com...ideZ1

[dfw240_EE]

That's the other thing I wanted to throw out. I know you trust E-bay motors burnin240SX, but what about everyone else? How much do you trust E-bay motors?

My main problem with the idea of buying over e-bay is that I can't inspect the car myself unless it is fairly near to me.

[Oatmealman]

i hate e-bay,granted they do have good prices for parts,but you can get jhipped,so i hardly ever use it unless i [abouselutly have to

[dfw240_EE]

I might consider e-bay if I can find a local car on there that I can go inspect in person.

[dfw240_EE]

I might consider e-bay if I can find a local car on there that I can go inspect in person.

[dfw240_EE]

Well, I finally got it. After much saving, work, research, and patience I have my S13. Some of my friends don't think it was a good deal at $3100 after taxes, but I think it is. 1992 Red hatchback with 162k and no spoiler. 12 years old and I can still see myself in the paint. The engine runs smooth, no oil leaks, no noise from the timing chain area. The transmission is about the best I could ask for, the clutch feels firm (might need a new one in about a year).

There are some gremlins in the car, like something on the exhaust pipe (a hanger I think) is loose and rattling, the muffler sounds like it is developing a hole. The interior is clean, but the cigarrette lighter/12V plug doesn't work. My favorite one is that the driver side seat belt buckle is missing. I went into Courtesy Nissan and I ordered a replacement. That was only $18, no big issue.

All in all, I am very happy with it. I will have the buckle Wednesday, so I can drive it freely then.

[Doomed2Walk]

Got my car on e-bay. Cars aren't bad, but because of stupid bid wars, you might end up paying more than you'd like or not get a car.

[S14Life]

I'm very happy that you found a car dfw240_EE. Congrats! They are great cars and I'm sure it will last you a while and you will be happy wiht it for as long as you own it.

[dfw240_EE]

Yeah, I am still amazed at the condition it is in.

Update: I actually found the damn driver side buckle. It was for some reason stuffed in a tear in the driver seat. Darndest thing I have ever seen.

I actually do SCCA autocross and I seek in a few years to do Street Mod. I was going to do an SR20DET, but as it stands now the KA runs so well I might just do a KA-T. When I get serious about it, I will examine the true state of the engine thoroughly, but if looks good I will probably go that route.