What Should I Expect From A Used 240sx?

[Parmasion]

I plan to buy a 240sx after my move to Dallas in June. I have never owned one but I have sure done my homework on these beautiful cars, so I'm no noob when it comes to this subject. I was just wondering what to expect after buying a $5,000 or close to it 240 off of craigslist. What things should I look out for and fix as soon as possible?

[Razi]

Welcome to Nico!

The top timing chain guide on the KA will cause rattles.
Nissan suggests that you take it off.


That's the guy right there.

You should also check out the suspension bushings, those will eventually go due to age. Check the steering rack bushings too.
I highly suggest replacing the tension rods with aftermarket ones. Replacing the rubber with a solid rod end will make the steering and braking feel much better.

Also, since these cars are pretty flexy, I found that the Nismo Power Brace or Jonnie Fraz/Stealth Fab tension rod braces help the feel of the car a lot.

You can find a lot of the articles on these replacements and installs here on Nico. Just do a Google search for them.
Here's the steering rack article:
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/steeri ... ement.html

And and article for all the timing chain guides:
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/fix-yo ... attle.html
You don't need to delve too deep to try and replace the others, the top guide is the main offender.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

For $5000, you have a lot of options for buying a 240SX. You have your choice of both the S13 (89-94 pop-up headlight model) or the S14 (95-98). Both are great cars (I own both), and both have their ups and downs when compared to each other. In comes down to what your really looking for. The S14, since newer, is more expensive, thus you're looking at stock or lightly modded cars for the $5000 price tag you can do. With the S13, you can pick up anything from a stock car for much cheaper and put money into it, or you can pick up a car that someone else has already dumped time and money into.

Definitely check the areas mentioned above, and of course the typical rust you'd look for on any car. Doing a compression check is always a good thing, and if the seller is reasonable, they wont mind at all. If they refuse, you're better off looking elsewhere. Look for smoking at idle and under acceleration. Remove the oil cap and look at the color of the engine internals you can see. If everything is black or a really dark brown, then be questionable. The color shown above or a light brown color is fine.

Are you looking for something stock or close too, or are you looking to buy a turbo swapped 240SX right away? Those will help narrow it down a bit. For turbo and $5k, you'll be looking at S13s most likely.

[Parmasion]

My plans are to swap the KA with a Sr20 if not already done, and after that I want to add a turbo, but buying the car like that is not a big deal as I will take pride in swapping the engine and adding the turbo and other aftermarket parts myself. So stock is no problem in my eyes.

[2_Liter_Turbo]

My plans are to swap the KA with a Sr20 if not already done, and after that I want to add a turbo, but buying the car like that is not a big deal as I will take pride in swapping the engine and adding the turbo and other aftermarket parts myself. So stock is no problem in my eyes.

If you plan to do the SR swap yourself, make sure to get a motorset/clip from a reputable engine importer. I've seen countless times people getting screwed because they wanted to save $100 on a $2000 engine, lol. What part of the country are you in? Definitely post up the ads of cars you're thinking about before looking at them, I'm sure a good number of experienced 240 guys can chime in on the little things that people looking at them for the first time won't see at all. Especially when they are super excited! Ha ha

[Parmasion]

I am currently in Asheville NC but I wont purchase the car until after my move. Here are a few of the 240's in the Dallas area I was looking at.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4218664793.html

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4241125328.html

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4176256988.html

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4160252555.html

[2_Liter_Turbo]

Out of those four, I'd say make a reasonable offer on the dark fastback with the SR. It seems to be the most taken care of car out of the bunch, and it already has the motor. Looks good with the SVT wheels too, lol. The first one linked I'd stay away from, and the other two I think you could do better. Just my quick opinion without actually seeing them in person.

[asoomal]

The first one...WTF HAPPENED TO THE ENGINE BAY???!!!