What to look for in a used 240SX Convertible...

[Firewind]

I've run across a 93 240SX convertible here in my neighbor hood that is selling, and I guess I am looking to get it, for one, I love the look of 240SX and convertibles too. I am going to see the car tomarrow, what should I look for? The body has 220 miles on it the engine has around 180 miles on it. The motor swap was done a while ago in cali, by a different owner. He wants $3000 for the car. I am going to talk him down of course.

The car was originaly an automatic, and has been converted to a 5 speed since the motor swap. The motor in it is still only a basic 240SX motor. I've heard there can be problems with the car having a 5 speed swap done to it... is this true? Something I should avoid?

My plans for it would be to do a motor swap as soon as possible to a much more powerful turbo charged motor.

So in summery if anyone can tell me what to really look for in a 240SX convertible, you know issues with the tops and just other issues 240SX's have for body, and supention issues...

I'm sure every noob has posted these same questions somewhere on here.. And if I've posted in the wrong spot, sorry in advance.

Thanks everyone.

- Adam

[AZhitman]

Not a problem Adam, welcome aboard.

First and foremost, is there rust? Pull up the carpet and look under/behind the seats for any signs of rust...

Does the top work? That's a PLUS.

Do the rear quarter windows go up and down? Also a plus.

Next, bodywork. If there are dents behind the doors, skip it. If these are small dings on or in front of the doors, no big deal.

Interior - I can almost guarantee you the interior will have issues, esp the door panels. If not, it's a good find.

The 5-speed swap is a good modification, and it's fine with the stock KA motor. Actually, the motor is the only part you really DON'T have to stress about. They're plentiful and cheap to replace.

The rest of the car is the same as a Coupe or Hatch, and parts for those are plentiful.

The miles are high on that one, so assuming it's nice otherwise, just under $3K is a fair price.

Make sure you drive it, ensure the A/C works, all lights, blinkers, etc are functional...

Welcome aboard, hope you wind up staying!

[onosqv]

things you should look for in any car... oil leaks, compression check, rust, frame... might be a good idea to bring it to a trusted (or at least aaa certified) shop and have them check it out. If you have AAA insurance, I think they will do an inspection for you too - I remember it was them or someone like that...

carfax the car.

as for the top, you can check it by asking to be allowed to just use a hose on the top - soak it and keep at it for around 5 minutes (to simulate rain conditions), and see if it leaks inside.

[onosqv]

Next, bodywork. If there are dents behind the doors, skip it.

BAH! I bought my vert w/ dings/dents behind the door, drives FFIIINNNEEEEE... that's why I got it a few hundred cheaper than normal going rate tho, hahaha.

Nothing a lil fiberglass filler or wide fenders won't fix .

[Firewind]

Well I saw the 240SX Convertible today, and I was really dissappointed. The motoswap I don't think was done very well. The roof was badly faided, and was falling appart. The interior was half there, and ripped appart. It was rather... well.. just bad. all around bad. So I am not getting a 240SX Convertible.. atleast not that one.

So right now, I am just looking for a 240SX of any kind. :P And near and or in Minnesota.

Thanks though for the input on what to look for. Over all the car was just terrible, and it's worth about $1000 tops I think anyway. (The guy would only go as low as $2300)

Thanks again. I'll keep you guys posted on what I end up getting, Convertible or not.- Adam