Very Curious Newbie Needs help

[MTD324]

Ok, here's the deal.I drove my first 240 yesterday and I absolutely loved it. So i went online to find some info about it and spent most of the day here.I am a complete virgin to the "sport-compact" segment (not "ricers" I got the idea from these postings that they're the anti-240 )anyway, I would love to slowly work my way into this kind of thing.

Funds are limited as well as mechanical capability, but not ambition, I think i found a good car to start with and was hoping some of you pros could let me know what you think.

My uncle's friend has an 89 fastback with 130k on it, appears to be in exc condition, runs very good, quiet, lots of pwr, strong clutch.Only 2 minor problems and one that might be major.1. Drivers seat needs to be replaced, the top half broke off the bottom half.2. It pulls to the left when coasting, maybe just an alignment maybe more, I dont know.3. The engine puffs a little oil smoke when its cold and you take off.

I know nothing about the reliability of these engines or what that means (does it need a rebuild now or does it have another 10k miles on it still?)

Anyhow, like i said my funds are limited and he is willing to let me pay him weekly up to a total of 1500. Am i getting reamed or is the car and the "financing" worth it.

PLEASE somebody let me know, I am very intersted in this car, I could tell from the 2 minutes i drove it that I NEED to own one.

Thank you.

[Zebrahead]

I'm not very technically inclined about engines, but I know the basics. And smoke out the tailpipe could mean a blown gasket in the engine, which would be very bad++. Replacing the seat wouldn't be tough if you have some junkyards around.

It also depends on how much money you have (you didn't specify, just "limited funds"). If you have around 5-6k, you could by a non running 240, and swap the motor out with an SR20DET, the 2.0 litre Japanse spec turbo motor.

Just keep researching. I would also recommend taking the car to a mechanic, and having him/her check it out. It would be well worth the effort if it means you found out the car was a lemon.

Nick.

[Daunttless]

Hello and welcome to NICO. : ) We hope you enjoy your stay here. As far as your questions, the drivers side seat problems is pretty common on 240s, for a cheap solution for the time being so you can drive it to find another seat, I would suggest unbolting the passenger seat, and bolting it on to the drivers side, that will at least let you get around until you can pick up a new seat. As far as your second concern, that could be as simple as tire pressure. : ) You may wish to check the psi of the tires and make sure they're all up to the rated amount as well as being as close to equal as you can get it. As far as your last concern, thats probably blow by of your piston rings. As long as you aren't burning too much oil, you should be good for at least another 10,000 miles, most 240s run well over 200k so long as theres no timing chain difficulties. : ) While I can't GUARANTEE that since its not like I've seen the car, I can't imagine a little oil burn is gonna drop you dead in your tracks anytime soon. So long as theres no timing chain problems, you're in good shape. : ) I would say for 1500 dollars you got a great deal, and be sure to ask any questions you have as someone around here is bound to be able to help you. Welcome to the community and enjoy your day!!

[nametakennow]

Once again, Daunttless has explained all, when he really needs to pass those stones...

[Get240DiZzY]

How long has Big D had the friggin' stones? I keep hearing about them.

[Daunttless]

Over a week now. : )

[Sygerwulf]

Such endurance, I think I would have died of agony about 3 days ago : )

[Daunttless]

Well, as I've said before, the pain is not such a concern as the ****ing up my shop. : )

[Sygerwulf]

lol that's amazing, I saw my step dad fall to his knee's screaming in pain and pass out from stones before : ) you're one hell of a man dauntt lol

[Daunttless]

Heh, I thought it was a back ache, previous to my rush to the emergency room I was running in place and stretching trying to get the kink out of my back. : ) Then I realized the excruciating pain was actually in my kidney, and now significantly worse, figured something had burst so I went to ER. : )

[PalmerWMD]

Unless you see hude clouds of blu smoke its almost normal to have some blowby.

It could be years before it gets excessive.

Fred...

[MTD324]

Thanks a lot guys, you have been really helpful.Im going to get in touch with the guy today and see if I cant start driving it this week.

As far as how "limited" im giving him $500 and paying hime $150 every two week or more if i can afford it.

And good luck w/ those stones Daunttless, I know i wouldnt want to squeeze a golf ball through a straw