Need advice from s14 expert(s)

[astroboy000]

ill keep it simple: my closest chance to owning a 240sx just popped up this afternoon-

a damaged 95 240sx (manual) with supposedly 96k mi. + good condition. from what i understand, front end is completely damaged including the radiator, fan, fanbelt and water pump.


-asking price ~$2500
-ill be checking it out tomorrow (will post more info tomorrow too)

-does this sound like a worthy investment?

-what are key spots i should look for?

i know there are NOT definite answers to my questions but i would GREATLY appreciate ANY advice for someone in my position.  i would much rather prefer to get a 97/98 but the prices for those s14s (manual) around southern california are just TOO RIDICULOUS.

[SR20Fastback]

From what I've heard, if you buy a totaled car. its never going to run right again. But hey I could be wrong. And 2500 is still a damn good deal.

[tnord]

that's because in totaled cars the frame is typically not straight, if you can take it somewhere to check for structural integrity i advise it. if it comes back crooked, you have more bargaining power.

[Jeff240sx]

Thats the major problem with a totaled car.  Not straight frame.  Even if the best shop in the world fixes it, it won't be straight like factory, and you will never have perfect alignment... and will eat tires like crazy.
Also, if it was a front end collision, if the airbags blew, you are in for much more trouble... because it will rip the one piece dash and cost another $2000 at least.
Finally, if it is just light damage... cosmetic mostly and bent bumper support, you could take that chance to make it a s14a or s15 front end, because they need their own bumper support anyway.
$5k for a s14 with front end swap most people would kill to have a chance like that.  With a straight frame, anyway...
-Jeff

[BEISSEN]

If say the frame is in good condition well take it and do the 97-98 conversion on it.You will only need  the hood,fenders,fender retaining clips,headlights,bumper,corner lamps,and the turn signals at most.talk to s14vaxlr8 and ask him he has done the conversion on his 96.just pm/private message him and ask him all the details.

[astroboy000]

thnx to all who replied. imma check it out tomorrow and if there is frame damage, ive decided im not gonna even bother. my back up plan is a se-r spec v soooo we'll see.

[HippoSleek]

Is it a salvage title?  If so, the value of the car at resale is going to be just as low as when you buy it... no matter how much you do to it.  They are also a PITA to insure.