Should I or shouldn't I?

[AngelGoddess]

I've been calling around for cars. I'm a single mother trying to go back to school. I need an inexpensive, reliable car that needs little to no repairs. Today I was offered a 1989 Nissan sx for 2700. I only have access to about 2300 (for everything: repairs, registration, smog etc.). She seems willing to work with me. My problem is that I was told that this type of car is only a two seater. Is there an airbag? Is it safe for a three year old? Is it reliable w/ little need of repairs? And does the price seem too high? It would be more realistic for myself to pay around 1500 - would that be too low to offer? Please help me out. I feel like I'm trying to buy blind. Thank you for any information or opinions anyone could offer.

[StockerThanStock]

Ummm, $2700 is a LOT I think. What condition is it in? How many miles?

It's technically a 4 seater but it's not likely anyone can fit in the back without contorting just a little. No airbag I don't think on that year. It's very reliable, mine's almost at 220k miles and isn't giving me any problems, unless I cause them. Mine was only $800.

[AngelGoddess]

She says it's under 100,000, and has a sunroof and CD player. That's all I got from her cause she was on the freeway.

So, how expensive do the repairs typically range? Is it an easy car to work on? (could I easily use the book and do it myself - or bribe a friend with a case of beer LOL) or would I have to take it somewhere?

[xekushnr]

if you gave me beer i'd fix your car :o

since cars are very dynamic it would be hard to give you an easy answer. some repairs are hard and others are easy. either way, they are all pretty much a nuisance unless you were going to replace the part anyway. as long as you have a little knowledge with cars, some basic tools, and a TSM (tech service manual) you should be able to do some repairs once they are diagnosed. having car savvy friends around never hurt either.

about the price of the car, thats over the bluebook price i think. you can find a 240sx for much cheaper.

[BadMojo]

about the price of the car, thats over the bluebook price i think. you can find a 240sx for much cheaper.

Yeah, the price is way high. She's obviously asking way too much for a car that's 10+ years old. As many have found out with their 240SX's, no matter how reliable the car, once they get this old stuff starts to wear out.

Anyway, she's asking at least $1000 too much for that car, IMO.

[C-Kwik]

The 1989 240's use the single overhead cam version of the KA motor. These motors have a potentially expensive failure waiting to happen if none of the previous owners swapped in new timing chain guides that are backed with metal. This isn't something you can tell from the outside of the motor either. If she's the original owner, ask her what work has been done on the motor. Ask her specifically about the timing chain. If she claims to have had it done, see if she has invoices and/or knows where the work was done. You may want to follow up with the shop, especially if she doesn't have any invoices.

Personally, I would have reservations about the single overhead cam KA's. I'd probably look for a 91+ 240sx for that reason.

As far as using this car for a child with a safety seat, I'd maybe think about finding a car that you can mount the seat in the center of the rear seat for. It generally offers the best protection for your child in almost any kind of impact. And trying to access the back seat is a chore in these cars. I'll always have reservations about putting a safety seat or a small child in the front seat. Even without airbags. I'm not going to tell you that you have to buy a mom car, but the 240 is not a very child friendly car.

[180fan]

There was a recall on the original timing chain on the 89's. You can check the original set of reciepts and find out if the timing chain was done. My car had the timing chain job done at 40k because of the recall.

[IlIkEmYz]

Ummm, $2700 is a LOT I think. What condition is it in? How many miles?

It's technically a 4 seater but it's not likely anyone can fit in the back without contorting just a little. No airbag I don't think on that year. It's very reliable, mine's almost at 220k miles and isn't giving me any problems, unless I cause them. Mine was only $800.

the price is way too much for a 15 year old car and you can check on craigslist.net if they offer any newer model. or a different car.

good luck and yes they are very dependable mind's at 173k

i also recommend 91+ models cause they have the ka24de engine instead of the ka24e;)

[C-Kwik]

There was a recall on the original timing chain on the 89's. You can check the original set of reciepts and find out if the timing chain was done. My car had the timing chain job done at 40k because of the recall.

There was never a recall. There was a technical serveice bulletin on it though. Its not the same thing.

[180fan]

whoa. ok well on my reciept it's listed as a recall. I found that a while back when checking over the service records on my car. Guess the guy was in good with the dealership to get it done for $0.00 according to my records.

[AngelGoddess]

Thank you all very much on your information and opinions. The lady just called back so I'm gonna go look at it. Wish me luck. I'm gonna print this off and take it with me so I have something to go off of. I hope you all have a wonderful day. And Happy Father's day.

Jenn