What determines price?

[JRas]

I am new to cars and buying cars in general. I am looking at cars ( 240SX's ) but I don't really know what they are worth and I am sure my friends are sick of asking for price checks. I am just wondering how can I tell how much a car is worth?

I'd use kbb or nada but since most of these cars aren't stock they are either lightly or highly modified and some say they don't take the increasing popularity of these cars in hand.

Yes, I did a few searches..I don't want to make anyone mad for posting this but I don't want to get ripped off.

Thanks

[Pank]

take a thousand dollars off the KBB if its modified in any way.

[DDSR240]

A used car is only worth what a buyer will give 4 it, without a buyer its worthless.

[illvialuver]

its always about supply and demand.

[JRas]

take a thousand dollars off the KBB if its modified in any way.

seems to go the other way around except for each modification it's an extra thousand dollars :P

A used car is only worth what a buyer will give 4 it, without a buyer its worthless.

well I don't know how much to give them

[JRas]

whoops

msg length

[Full-Lock]

throw kbb in the garbage when it comes to 240sx

[JRas]

throw kbb in the garbage when it comes to 240sx

so what do you use to determine it than? I need to know how you guys do it

[SimpleS14]

location and overall condition of the car

[s13silvia123]

its by

market price

market price value

also supply and demend as stated above.

they determine the value for you car and the condition its in.

[98koukile]

Well this is how I would look at it as far as 240's go
rust brings the price down
suspension and wheels brings the price up
auto trans=less money, 5 spd=more money
jdm aero brings price up
sr doesn't change the price too much in stock form
buying from someone thats not into the scene brings the price way down
old people specifically just give them away from kbb or less in mint shape
too much done to the motor brings the price down, a decent amount and people seem to think they're selling a 20k car

On a side note I've been offered $9500 for my stock 98 le fully loaded, not even running since my 5 spd swap... this is an offer that comes from the outrageous drift tax and the only reason I didn't entertain it is because I'll never find another 98 with 60k on the tach and looking this good

[bigOdom1]

just use nada. its the value most banks use. granted 240's are more expensive in Cali than here in Alabama, does that mean that they are worth more? hell no its just what people are willing to take for them

[JRas]

location and overall condition of the car

so what would be a fair price for a 95-95 240SX in stock form for fair, good, and excellent condition in Arizona if you know.

Well this is how I would look at it as far as 240's go
rust brings the price down
suspension and wheels brings the price up
auto trans=less money, 5 spd=more money
jdm aero brings price up
sr doesn't change the price too much in stock form
buying from someone thats not into the scene brings the price way down
old people specifically just give them away from kbb or less in mint shape
too much done to the motor brings the price down, a decent amount and people seem to think they're selling a 20k car

thanks for the input getting keep it coming guys

[PhilthyS13]

It's easier to find a clean 240 if it's auto. 5 speed is more likely to be beaten on. It just depends if you're willing to go through with the 5 speed conversion.

[SimpleS14]

so what would be a fair price for a 95-95 240SX in stock form for fair, good, and excellent condition in Arizona if you know.

No clue, as I don't know the popularity of the car in that state.


Now...if your asking me how much I would pay (max) for a decent 95 S14.....$4K

[steve shadows]

supply and demand



I dont think everyone has totaled their 240sx yet so supply is ok.

demand is through the roof, because people who could barely afford to see FF3 can barely afford to buy a 240sx, and ruin it.

ruin everything

all of it

totally ruined

like the taryaki boys

[HalveBlue]

Supply and Demand is the easy answer.

The price you pay for a car is what it's worth to you.

You should set a limit for yourself.

For example, write down how much you're willing to pay for a car in a certain condition, then when you go out to actually look at cars subtract from your preset limit depending on the actual condition of the vehicle.

It's not an exact science since it's largely subjective.

Here are some of the questions you should be asking yourself:

Do I plan on keeping this car for a substantial amount of time?

If the car is not in an acceptable condition to you are you willing to spend the time and money to bring it up to expectations?

What do I want to use this car for? I.e. Daily Driver, project car, fun car, track car, etc.

Obviously your decision is going to be dictated by how much money you have and the selection that is available to you.

Would you shell out $3,000 for a 240 with rusted frame rails and mechanical problems?

That's a question that only you can answer.

FWIW, I spent ~$3,000 for my 240 (incl. delivery from Pennsylvania to Utah) that had some minor cosmetic damage, some minor rust spots and an engine that lost its will to live 18 months later.

Too much?

To some people that may have been too much. Not to me however, as the selection of 240s in Utah was severely limited and with the options I was looking for (manual, sun roof, hatchback) it was actually impossible. So in the end it was the best option available to me at the time.

I made a commitment early on that I was going to keep this car for a very long time. I've hit a lot of snags along the way, yet the 240 remains.

Two shit engines later I'm at it again, hopefully with better results. In the process of working on my car I've taught myself and learned a lot of things.

In the end it comes down to a) what you're able to spend and b) what you're willing to spend.

Good Luck on your search!

[GabeS14]

I am new to cars and buying cars in general. I am looking at cars ( 240SX's ) but I don't really know what they are worth and I am sure my friends are sick of asking for price checks. I am just wondering how can I tell how much a car is worth?

I'd use kbb or nada but since most of these cars aren't stock they are either lightly or highly modified and some say they don't take the increasing popularity of these cars in hand.

Yes, I did a few searches..I don't want to make anyone mad for posting this but I don't want to get ripped off.

Thanks
you could just take a pic of the car you want apost it here with info and price, and we can tell you if its worth it or not,
anyways, a 95 could be anywhere from 3000-5500 depending on condition.

[90KAcoupe]

yea like everybody has said.... its all on what u feel like the car is worth. I paid $2,500 for a 90 pignose coupe. with 197k miles. I'm very happy with my purchase and eventhough to some i over paid, i felt like it was worth giving the extra money to have clean weather stripping and a clean interior and uncraked dash. i am the 2nd owner of the car. the lady that had it before me, parking in a garage at home, and worked at a hospital (so she parked in a parking garage at work). so i paid more to have a fairly clean s13 coupe.

[Bubba]

I wouldn't pay more than $4,000 for a base model 95-96 and no more than $5,000 for an SE model. They sell for way less if you find an older person wanting to upgrade to a newer car. Friend of mine just payed less than $5,000 for a 97 base model here in the MS area. Look hard and you will find a good deal.

[JRas]

you could just take a pic of the car you want apost it here with info and price, and we can tell you if its worth it or not,
anyways, a 95 could be anywhere from 3000-5500 depending on condition.

Tein Basic coilovers with Pillowball Mounts all around
Tein adjustable Tension Rods
Sportmax 18in wheels staggered fitment <---- :keke:
Bfgoodrich Tire (only have 350 miles on them)
Subframe spacers
Nismo Motor mounts and transmission mount
Pioneer cd/mp3 player
Sparco Steering wheel with Sparco hub
Greddy shift Knob
HKS cat back exhaust system.

His ASKING PRICE $7,500 spoke with him a little said he can do $5,700 with stock wheels

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/4320/01010401031001041120070wi7.jpg http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5285/01010501020701030520070fm6.jpghttp://img407.imageshack.us/img407/5066/01010401020401030720070rr8.jpghttp://img117.imageshack.us/img117/9799/01020601040501030020070ym8.jpg

little info noticed from seeing it:
base model NON-SE although he tries to make it seem like it's an SE it's 4 lug has black cluster no rear sway bar but qouting him "a sway bar wont make a noticeable difference"
4 lug
It's the cleanest 240SX I've seen inside and out
ran well
power steering has a hose leak
minor things

[CoasTek240]

for 1) get it without the wheels! They suck, plus hes almost knocking $2K for the wheels and tires...lol.
If its as clean as you say it is, with the coilovers and exhaust I put the car right around $5K, but with the other parts its a toss up. You can use them to your advantage. shift knob, steering wheel, and cd player should be a given. the spacers and tension rods add no value.
the mods done are all super easy bolt on. Not too much the previous owner could have screwed up with installing it, so thats a plus.
I would offer him $5k if everything checks out and you feel good about the buy. He may hesitate a bit, but offer $5200 cash next. If he offered you $5700, he should take it. good luck.

[JRas]

for 1) get it without the wheels! They suck, plus hes almost knocking $2K for the wheels and tires...lol.
If its as clean as you say it is, with the coilovers and exhaust I put the car right around $5K, but with the other parts its a toss up. You can use them to your advantage. shift knob, steering wheel, and cd player should be a given. the spacers and tension rods add no value.
the mods done are all super easy bolt on. Not too much the previous owner could have screwed up with installing it, so thats a plus.
I would offer him $5k if everything checks out and you feel good about the buy. He may hesitate a bit, but offer $5200 cash next. If he offered you $5700, he should take it. good luck.

would $5,500 be bad? I kinda offered him that thought that would be fair

"no thank you. im sure you can come up with 200 dollars some how. your asking me to pretty much give you money, and thats not cool with me. if you can find a car like mine cheaper, let me know and i will buy it."

"or i can sell it to you without wheels and with stock exhaust for 5500"

There is also this:

95 240sx 5spd
158k miles on chassis
40k miles on s13 SR20DET Blacktop engine
XTD 6 puck clutch
Greddy 1off FMIC system
Blitz BOV
4pt Rollcage
Welded differential
4pt harnesses
Matt black paintjob
SE wheels (5lug) with brand new tires 205/45/17(f) 215/45/17(r)
front 300zx Brakes w/ Gold calipers

Asking Price $6,500

http://images.craigslist.org/010206010301010407200709120eaa0b77b7aefa48c30006e3 .jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/0101050102090104002007100185f7e638223dfa67de0005c7 .jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/010200010309010411200709064120e77fa91127eed4002efe .jpghttp://images.craigslist.org/0101090102110104122007100106de250137ace0f2390043c2 .jpg

from what I've seen:
needs body work trunk needs to be replaced front fender has a crack down by the intercooler needs to be replaced/fixed
paintjob isn't very good inner door still has the original paint
wheels are pretty scratched up
little dents and scratches
it's gutted there is basically two seats inner door interior and a dash which is blue ( no interior really at all ) this car is dd/track
not a true 4pt rollcage
harness is attacked to the back seats
no spare tire trunk is completed gutted
battery relocated to the trunk
driver side interior door needs to be replaced has a hole
headlight switch is broken
radio bezel is broken

[CoasTek240]

first one seems better. Tell him your stretched too thin. You took out a small personal loan, youve borrowed some money from the parents and the money you set aside, $5500 was your budget. You didnt want a highly modified car, but you also have had a hard time finding a car untouched and this REALLY doesnt have much done. $5500 without the wheels and its a deal. oh btw tell him bout this badass KA-t s13 coupe that youre looking at buying for $4800. He'll get back to ya.
btw, i hope this guy isnt on the forum. I dont wanna seem like a lowballer pain in the ass. its just negotiations is half the fun of buying a car.

[Pank]

I wouldn't pay more than $4,000 for a base model 95-96 and no more than $5,000 for an SE model. They sell for way less if you find an older person wanting to upgrade to a newer car. Friend of mine just payed less than $5,000 for a 97 base model here in the MS area. Look hard and you will find a good deal.

This is the damn truth, I snagged a SPOTLESS 5spd 95 base for 2,500 from a couple of older lesbians upgrading to a vette. My room mate got a 95 5spd base W/ VLSD and Konis for 1800 without a front end. It's all about shopping around. You WILL find a better deal

[LA_phantom_240]

The market for 240s is fucking gay as hell.

People want top dollar for bone stock, base model, high mileage cars that have slight body damage... and I can't even give my 'vert away.

240s are the new Civic.

[S13Leprechaun]

dont pay more than 5500... its stock.

[Tops*]

It's just like looking for a girl. How long are you planning on keeping her? Is she that special? Has she been around the block? How reliable is she? Has she been worked on? Will she make you happy? Most importantly, how much is she worth to you?

[Bubba]

The white 4lugger without the weaksauce wheels seems like a good deal to me. Ditch those tension rods though, just my opinion there. Only product Tein ever made that I would trust was my HE's.

The difference in price without the wheels will give you more than enough room to improve and make this car very nice in a weeks time.

[nanner47]

PLEAASE O GOD do a carfax!!! > < i got screwed so bad over the summer and bought a car i couldn't register because the name of the front of the title didn't match the one on the back!!.. (dealership taht doesnt exhist anymore, so i couldn't even forge a bill of sale) im looking for a shell now to swap everythign ove,

but anyway pm your vin and e-mail adress i got an account right now...

[nanner47]

As far as buying a 240sx, buy a car thats unmolested and has had a few owners... check the car for rust on the frame rails, hatch, side engine bay, battery tray, floor panels, a-pillar, and around the sunroof if its an SE. For godsake drive the car before you buy it, make sure it doesn't hesitate or smoke under heavy throttle, take it on the highway and see if it shakes liek crazy or pulls to the side of the road. basically look for as many imperfections as possible so that you can get it for $4500 or $4800..

[axiomatik]

What determines price? The market.

If you want to get a feel for how to price cars. Spend some time perusing the For Sale section. Observe what kind of prices people are asking, what condition/spec/mods they have. Observe what people are offering for the cars. After a while, you'll start to get a feel for the value of the cars. That first S14 is certainly not worth $7500. Low-end coilovers, cheap wheels, all the other items you could buy used for like $500 total. I wouldn't offer more than $5k.

[JRas]

What determines price? The market.

If you want to get a feel for how to price cars. Spend some time perusing the For Sale section. Observe what kind of prices people are asking, what condition/spec/mods they have. Observe what people are offering for the cars. After a while, you'll start to get a feel for the value of the cars. That first S14 is certainly not worth $7500. Low-end coilovers, cheap wheels, all the other items you could buy used for like $500 total. I wouldn't offer more than $5k.

so your saying 5k with the sportmax wheels or without? He seems to think that $5,500 is "giving away money".

[axiomatik]

the wheels are like $400 new, and not exactly a whole lot when used. I'd say $5000-5500 including wheels. If he doesn't take the offer, walk away. It's not like it's the only zenki for sale.

[JRas]

the wheels are like $400 new, and not exactly a whole lot when used. I'd say $5000-5500 including wheels. If he doesn't take the offer, walk away. It's not like it's the only zenki for sale.

he won't even take the $5,500 with stock wheels I think I'll keep looking

[SixSpeedSleuth]

I know you are a long way away, but look in the South for your 240. I've bought two, one owner 240's so far. One in Raleigh NC, and another in Stafford VA. Both had the average dent's and dings, but the interior on both were damn near perfect. Dash was perfect, the stock seat had not even tore at the infamous bolster spot. Both were Champagne 5 speed hatches. 1989 and 1990. One guy actually gave me the original window sticker. I paid $2200 for one that had 170K, and $2100 for the other one with 180K. Both ran like a champ with Ice cold AC. Both cars had clean titles and VERY little rust. Both were listed in Autotrader. I'm not sure how much shipping a car is, but I would imagine around $500 to $700. So, you could find a damn near mint 240 with no rust shipped to you for around $3000.

[JRas]

I know you are a long way away, but look in the South for your 240. I've bought two, one owner 240's so far. One in Raleigh NC, and another in Stafford VA. Both had the average dent's and dings, but the interior on both were damn near perfect. Dash was perfect, the stock seat had not even tore at the infamous bolster spot. Both were Champagne 5 speed hatches. 1989 and 1990. One guy actually gave me the original window sticker. I paid $2200 for one that had 170K, and $2100 for the other one with 180K. Both ran like a champ with Ice cold AC. Both cars had clean titles and VERY little rust. Both were listed in Autotrader. I'm not sure how much shipping a car is, but I would imagine around $500 to $700. So, you could find a damn near mint 240 with no rust shipped to you for around $3000.

ya, I've noticed there way cheaper in the south but I'd like to see a car before purchasing it call me old fashion but I'd feel better about it.

[cronux]

i bought my zenki for 2500, and i wasnt there for the purchase. it was autostick, and 225k miles, ran funny, and the windows dont work, and is missing the radio trim. and the paint was wack. but i knew that i would be keeping it for a long time, so it was a good deal for me, and i only had 2500, and i live in wisconsin. whatever you are willing to pay to get what you want.

[Angel]

I paid 700 for my coupe and sold it for just under 13k. Weird market :)

[JRas]

should of stated I ended up buying the white one without the wheels

[CoasTek240]

should of stated I ended up buying the white one without the wheels

like i originally suggested. good for you.

[max2damax]

if you ask me, I think prices keeps going up..

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=226877225&dealer_id=100012844&car_year=1997&model=240SX&num_records=&make2=&start_year=1997&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=NISSAN&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=92630&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=60 (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=226877225&dealer_id=100012844&car_year=1997&model=240SX&num_records=&make2=&start_year=1997&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=NISSAN&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=92630&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=60)

[exitspeed]

^
That car is a freak. Not quit worth THAT much, but it should still go for a pretty penny.

[axiomatik]

wow, that car belongs in a museum or something.

[exitspeed]

^
A friend of mine has a MINT 95, white, 5 speed,...29,XXX OG miles.

Probably a one of a kind car right now.

He was asking $8k for it, but decided not to sell. I wanted to buy it from him so bad.

[Sir]

Collin won't sell it because its just going to end up crashed at Rockford like his S13 and he knows it.

[JesusFreakDrifter]

there was a 97 kouki a couple of weeks ago in west palm beach florida for 2500 dollars sold in a couple of hours of course, you just gotta keep a lookout.

i got my zenki14 for 1200 with upgrades that i would consider worth it

[image12]

If you multiply those prices x2 in california it's still a crazy deal here! :bash:

[jskateborders]

The market for 240s is fucking gay as hell.

People want top dollar for bone stock, base model, high mileage cars that have slight body damage... and I can't even give my 'vert away.

240s are the new Civic.
I had a thread about this a little bit back lol, but in all honestly, I would pay more for bone stock than exhaust and rims and intake if the bodies were in the same condition and same miles. why? Because IMO, if they put that stuff on, they have pushed the car. If its bone stock, chances are its just been daily driven. when i get an s14 for a project, im going to get an automatic. Swap the motors out anyways, so theres really not that much of a difference between that and getting an manny, aside from a few minor deatails. That is well worth it though cause youll get it cheaper, and it has less of a chance of being fucked up

[EJ253]

theres always a better car out there, so dont get raped.
pay what your willing to pay. but if he thinks he can fuck you on the price
then go to a different one.

if i had bought the first S14 i looked at i would be kicking myself when i found the next deal (my current car)

[hitman]

labor theory of value because everyone else said supply/demand