what to look for while buying a s14?

[phosho510]

im new to the whole 240sx community, im just looking for a 240sx to work on.

what should i basically be looking for? is rust a big problem for the newer models of 240sx's as the older models?

[Conquerer]

Well, for rust, check the rear wheel wells/quarter panels and the rockers as well as the total underbody of the car. I don't think there are any other common rust areas on S14; it's not as bad as the S13 from my knowledge.

[le_ryan]

rear subframe bushing wear .

put the car in reverse, engage the clutch, give the gas peddal a midium push, then push the clutch in real quick, repeat this a few times and listen for a loud clunk from the rear .

Or you can just down **** at higher RPM .

[ThuG LyFe]

rust is definately possible but heavily depended on the area of where the car is from and how much the owner took care of it. mine is spotless, however this parts car i bought, another 95 had rust so bad there was a hole where the pedals were.

definately look out for the SE models, which can give you more "goodies" like fog light, front lip, 5 lug wheels, white face gauges, sunroof, spoiler, and if you're lucky abs and vlsd. a base model can have the spoiler, sunroof, abs, vlsd but it won't have 5 lugs or white face gauge or fogs or lip (unless the owner installed it).

lastly, just drive it and see if it runs well like any other car. if it makes any funny noises (although could be timing chain guide which is common..like slight ticking noise) and see if it burns oil or coolant. overall just see if it was modded (or even modded at one point) or if it was stock all its life. i'd prefer the latter though. good luck, and you should be looking to pay around 4-5k for a 95 in good condition (5 spd) or maybe 6-8k for a 97+.

[Conquerer]

rear subframe bushing wear .

put the car in reverse, engage the clutch, give the gas peddal a midium push, then push the clutch in real quick, repeat this a few times and listen for a loud clunk from the rear .

Or you can just down **** at higher RPM .

I get clunking in my S14 -- are you saying it's cause of the rear subframe bushing? When I first got the car I heard the clunks a lot but I'm attributing that to me driving the car more roughly when I didn't know it as well, but I still get the clunks sometimes, especially when downshifting or shifting quickly and hard in certain situations. I hear a bunch of really loud clunks from the rear when I try to burnout as well...

[maj Andres]

I get the clunking sound every once in a while too, bad bushings huh?

[S13_love]

Imo look for any rust...it would be a shame to buy a 240 and then only to find out the frame is nearly disintegrated.

[Dittoz7]

Making Sure It's A Kouki...

[brizanden]

^agreeded lol, but seriously check the rocker panels i have seen some bad rust on s14s inside the door where the body is seperated.