Thoughts on this 240sx (buying)

[YellowStarS2000]

Hi guys,I've been looking semi-seriously about buying a S13 240sx recently and came across one that I might be interested in. I would like your opinions as to whether I should buy it.

This will likely be my daily driver and possibly a toy if I decide to venture into drifting it for fun.

Good:RecordsLimited modsCleanWhiteHatchback'93Decent price considering how much people think their 240s are worth. (no offense) $2200 asking price

On the fence:HICAS

Bad:Coolant leakPower steering leak

Questions:1. Worst case scenario for a coolant leak shouldn't be that expensive to fix right? 2. Power steering fluid leak also shouldn't be that expensive of a fix either right? I can probably live without power steering for a while.(I've done some searching on coolant and PS leaks but I'm wondering what the worst case scenario is)

Any insights and inputs are very appreciated.Thanks,Joey

This is the ad:I have a 1993 240SX that I am no longer interested in. Since I've had it I've kept meticulous records on it; have all receipts including gas going back to the day I purchased it. But I'm done with it. I am completely addicted to motorcycles and won't be returning to the 240SX scene.

Brief description of what I've done to the car.

1993 Nissan 240SX SE with SuperHICAS (four wheel steering)5 Lug conversionS14 SE wheels300ZX 30mm front brake calipers and rotors300ZX rear brake including e-brakeStainless steel brake lines all around17/16" 300ZX master cylinderNismo Transmission MountProjectNissan Engine Mounts (Polyurethane based)Powerfolding Side MirrorDual Altima fans installed and wired for ECU and manual control120K timing chain maintenance performed (water pump, chain, and gears replaced with OEM new parts)Complete Energy Suspension bushing kit installed (minus subframe inserts, I saw those as a bandaide solution and not a fix)Factory vLSD with Redline Synthetic fluid MT90

Cosmetically I haven't changed anything with the car. There are two issues that cropped up during the later part of 2008 which I haven't fixed yet which is why I am selling this lower then I think its worth. One, there is a coolant leak, its source is somewhere on the intake side and I'm hoping a hose just came loose but I haven't been able to trace it exactly. The other, one of the power steering hoses is leaking; again haven't found out which one. Honestly I'm disguised with the idea of turning a wrench on the car, in March of 2008 I complete a 3 month maintenance project with her and that was suppose the be the end of the major projects with her for some time. Seven months later she started leaking coolant. She's been garage kept most of her life.

Why did you spend so much time on this and just want to sell it?I love this car, I really do but I have reached the end with this project. I honestly can't stand to work on cars any more. I honestly contemplated taking her to a dealer but weight that it wouldn't be worth it for me. Last year I purchased a motorcycle and have fallen completely addicted. In my opinion they are much easier to work on and there are less parts in general. To me automobiles are simply transport for items that can't fit in my backpack now. The car does run but does lose a lot of coolant once it has heated up. I started to diagnose the coolant problem but couldn't exactly trace where it was coming from. I believe after the two issues are resolved the car would run for another 100k with no problems.

It can be viewed most Saturdays (if I am not road racing the motorcycle) and all Sundays any time. If you would prefer to view it during the week or nights something can be arranged but I have a varying schedule (pretty much oncall Monday through Friday from 6am until 8pm) so please don't take it personal if I can't show it a specific time during the week.

I want it out of my garage as soon as possible to make room for another motorcycle. P.S. the photo is when I first got it, which is why it has 4 lugs.

[breadbox]

mileage?

Not bad, if the car is uber clean then sure. You are the only one who tell us what it looks like. The coolant problem you might want to investigate before buying so bring a couple gallons of water and see if you can't find it. The steering hoses shouldn't be too bad.

[glitched]

not bad. probably needs a new water pump.

[Steady_One_S13]

Sounds good but do you have any pics of it?Did you check for rust spots, frame rails and any damage to the 240.2200 is a little pricey. What if the coolant is coming out of the block itself? What then? Head gasket job. Try to have the asking price lowered. The mods on it sound good from whatI just read.

[Dittoz7]

Jump On It.

But Don't Fak It UP!

[YellowStarS2000]

I haven't gone to take a look at it, but I am most definitely going to take it to a mechanic before I buy it.I'm not sure exactly how clean it is, but it's only had 2 owners, and seems clean. I'm going to take a look at it this weekend.

Here are a list of questions I asked him:1. Is it a 5 speed?2. Any rust?3. How many miles are on it now?4. Clean title? Any accidents?5. Do you have any more pics and more recent pics?6. Number of owners?7. Ever been modified other than the mods listed?8. Is the dash cracked?9. Any other issues?10. Body damage?11. "Complete Energy Suspension bushing kit installed (minus subframe inserts, I saw those as a bandaide solution and not a fix)" I'm not sure I understand: This was a fix for what?

This was his response (I was delighted that he actually took the time to answer all my questions with detail unlike many other sellers I've encountered):1. Yes, it is a 5 speed. I converted it. It has a stainless steel clutch line.2. Not any substantial rust. I remember (while working on it) seeingsurface rust but its lived its entire life in Texas. And I can say Inever drove it in the ice or near ice days. I can't remember where Isaw the surface rust but I do know there is very little of it on thecar.3.213273 was the last recorded mileage. I've driven it maybe 80 milessince that tank of gas.4. Clean title, I am in possession of it. No reported accidents. Theoriginal owner did have some sort of mishap and the front driverfender is a different shade of white (they didn't clear coat it) butother than that no.5. I don't have any recent photo. I do have a lot of older ones but Ifeel it would be misleading to show them as how the car currently is.6. I am the second owner. I purchased it from the originalowner/family. I believe the aunt bought it new from the dealer, thenyears later gave it to her nephew.7. I'm sure I have forgot some mods; those where just the ones that Icould remember. I remembered a few other mods I did after I posted theCL ad. I put an exhaust cam on the intake side with a machined camgear retard 5 degrees and the gear moved up one link (IIRC). Alsothere is a S14 driver seat. Is there something specific?8. Unfortunately one crack on the instrument protrusion. Approximately6 inches in length.9. I did forget to mention there is a huge crack in the windshield. Ifthis is a deal breaker I can have a guy come install a replacementwindshield.10. It does have what appears to be a trailer hitch indention near thepassenger tail light (original owner era). It does have various doordings as well; it is 17 years old.11. Part of my original intention was to resort the functionality ofthe car if not enhance it to/from its stock form (not so much in thecosmetic department). I figured it would be a waste of time to dropthe subframe just to install what are shims from the Energy Suspensionkit. I figured solid bushing would be the best but didn't want tosacrifice its daily driver-ness. So I left it alone. I still have theshims in the ES box.12. My house is 1.7 miles from center of 76112 per maps.google.com.

This Saturday I am going to Houston but should be back before dark. Ican also show the car any time on Sunday. The next two days I will beoncall and don't commit to something with you and then have to breakit off because of my obligation to my employer.

Thanks for the interest,Justin Holcomb

P.S. I just remembered I converted the car to S14 seat belts. Also Ijust remembered the spoiler is rotting and believe there is rustunderneath it but I haven't taken that apart so I don't know theextent of damage. Also, has a new battery with a 3 year warranty fromSears. Next email I respond to you I will include anything else I'veremembered about the car. Its been about 5 months since I've drivenit.

Pics when he bought the car:

Once again, Thanks a ton for your input.

[YellowStarS2000]

Another response that kinda scares me:I don't mind if the car is taken to a mechanic but in its currentstate I don't feel really comfortable driving it for any considerabledistance. It loses coolant at an alarming rate. I don't want todiscourage you but, I do want to make it clear this car is being soldas a project. I will tell you anything you want to know about the carin the most honest/truthful way I can. I honestly doubt a mechanicwill be able to tell you specifically what is right or wrong with thecar more than me. If you are not comfortable working on a car or don'thave the funds to take it to a dealer to get fixed 100% I highlysuggest you look for another 240. I apologize if that comes off asharsh but I want to make sure we are on the same page.

What do you guys think?

Once again, I'm indebted to you guys for your insight.

[glitched]

I'm still going to guess that it's the water pump, especially with that many miles on it.

Are you capable to replace that yourself?

why do you want this particular car? I'd hold out for something with less miles...