Newbie needs advice on dead '90 240 (no mods)

[themunk]

Help me with some advice, 240 gurus!!

I had a beatiful 1990 240SX 5 spd hatchback, (no mods) bought from my ex-roomie (non-racer, like me) a year ago. I loved her looks.

There were some things wrong with it. Cruise control wouldn't work, AC front panel on the dash was loose (though AC was fine), there was a rear main seal oil leak. I used to top her up with oil periodically, but got sick of doing it and got the leak fixed. Other than that, it was a lean mean machine that turned heads wherever it went, and could take out pretty much any car on red->green.

But then, unbeknownst to me, it started burning oil.

It hurts me to say this, but knowing very little about cars, I did not realise what was happening nor that I had to keep topping up. Eventually, the engine gave way (after probably weeks of abuse, bless its heart). Now my mechanic says it will need a new engine (around 2K).

I dont have that money for this car, guys. But I know enough from your forum that this is not an ordinary car. It would break my heart to see it go to a junkyard, or just parted out.

It was running fine except for the problem of burning oil. To be honest, I've not taken good care of it like I should have. But it'll be nice if this car can be of use to an enthusiast, to rebuild, or as a project.

I have neither the money nor the skills to do any car project myself (I'm majoring in EE!) . And I need some money to finance a low-budget car (at least for a few months). When I get some $$$ later, I'll look to getting a 240 again, and take better care of it...

My question is, is this car still of value? How much can I expect to sell it for to an enthusiast? Would anyone want this car to put a new engine in it? I can post pics or more details if you want.

One more thing, this car was involved in a low-speed rear-ending. The damage was to the left "eye" motor, so it now has the motors disabled and the eyes fixed open. Other than that, there's a really small (2-3 inches long, half-inch deep) dent on the driver-side ahead of the side-mirror. Cant think of any other issues with it.

Its had a change of power-steering fluid, recently replaced brake pads, and some other work. I live in Austin, TX.

Sorry for the long post or if I violated posting etiquette. Any help will be GREATLY appreciated.

[912.0turbo]

I would have loved to take it off your hands but I am trying to fix my problems first.2k is alot for a SOHC you could get a DOHC for less.Depending on the condition I'm pretty sure you could sell it to someone in the area.(damn I would have loved to get it)

[tar0icy_w/tapioca]

engine damage is no problem but body and frame damage really devalue the car, so consider the price or cough up a little cash and get it fix shop around for the engine and goodluck

[USDM240]

for a 90, you can expect to get between $800-1000 for it. you could chunk the SOHC in favor of a DOHC motor and spend about $200-400 if you did it yourself. but i dont know your mechanical experience, or financial situation. so best of luck, whatever you decide to do.

[Altiman94]

I would search junkyards, or on here for a replacement sohc. You could have as shop install it for around 400 bux. All said and it done it shoudl cost around 750 or so

[flyfishz]

Pay the shipping and I will give you a great running SOHC that was removed from an 89. Ships from california SF bay area

Do not junk the 240

[SloS13]

was a lean mean machine that turned heads wherever it went, and could take out pretty much any car on red->green.

Damn, there must be some slow cars in texas. haha.

good luck with the car

[themunk]

Thanks for your input and offers, guys.

But because of finances and lack of auto knowledge (!), I've decided that although this car should run again, I won't be able to do it myself.

I guess I should try and sell this car. I'm willing to let it go for 800-1000 as mentioned in a post above. Are there any takers on this forum? (if I should repost the car details in a classifieds forum, please let me know).

Thanks again for your advice.

[themunk]

Damn, there must be some slow cars in texas. haha.

Heyy!! the 240 *IS* a nice car with an amazing pickup. (who am I telling )

[SloS13]

Lack of auto-knowlege is NO EXCUSE and there's always a way to do something cheap, yet reliable.

you'll be suprised how fast you learn when you get your hands dirty. Not to brag, but 2 years ago, i knew VERY LITTLE about cars in general. Since, I've done half a dozen swaps, 4 or 5 turbo installs, brakes, diffs, suspension, ignition systems, street tuning, misc troubleshooting. blah blah

A factory service manual is a good place to start if you want to learn.

To a noob, 'doing a motor swap' sounds intimidating, but all it really takes is an engine hoist, a set of tools, a friend or two, a few beers and a few pizzas. Its just nuts and bolts