What to look/ask for when buying a used 240sx

[Driice]

Hi All,

I'm new to this site and looking to pick up a 1995 240sx SE in MT. I tried using the search function because I know there have been numerous threads on this already, but I cannot seem to find them.

Anyway, I was wondering what should I look/ask for when buying/checking out a 1995 240sx. Here is the persons ad...

"I have a 95 240sx
clean title
5 speed
power everything

megan coilovers
6k hid
kouki rear bumper
5 lug with 300zx rims
brand new clutch with paper work and everything from sierra transmissions
comes with 2 year warranty :)

body and paint is still in good condition.."

Not that descriptive. We've been talking via phone and I've asked him some basic questions. I'm checking out the car this weekend, so I want to be prepared on what to ask/look for when I see the car.

Here is some information I found out about the car while talking with the owner...

-180k on chassis - 140k on motor (no paperwork available)
-5k on clutch, flywheel and pressure plate with 2 year warrenty
-No grinds
-Passes smog
-Tire thread is around 65% all around
-Car was repainted
-Crack on the windshield

Now I know you obviously shouldn't trust what the seller says 100%. He's also asking $5,000. Is that a fair price or should it be lower? I was thinking if I pick it up I'd put up the Kouki rear bumper for sale and make some money back. What do you guys think?

Any information/guidance is appreciated.

Thanks :D

[Banana_Cute]

seems legit.

Check under oil cap/dip stick for milky ish mixture = overheating
Check rad support welds, paint and under body frame = for recent accidents, repairs.
Check under trunk carpet and interior quarter panels = Same as above ^^^
Drive the car over 60-65 mph maybe 70 in safe surface = alignment/ suspension damages
Check all Vins on dash, firewall (plate and embedded), driver side door = Identification
Check all power options(if stated) that they work.
Let the car idle WITH A/C(if stated) while you chit-chat = Over heating issues may occur


Thats about sums it up...Thats how i check all the cars i purchase and at the same time, i open it up freely when i do sell to potential buyers.

But ofcourse, you have to know what you're looking for. GL.

[Driice]

Thanks BC.

I'll make sure to check those out!

[jacobs13]

180k is up there, check the bushings and the tie rod boots. My 95 has 200k and all my bushings are done

[Driice]

180k is up there, check the bushings and the tie rod boots. My 95 has 200k and all my bushings are done

How much do bushings cost to replace?

[Driice]

Updated with his asking price.

[jacobs13]

Bushing are about 150 or something but putting them in is a pain. I think 5000 is a little high considering its mostly stock and has high miles. Id pay like 3k

[Driice]

Yeah I tried negotiating, but he's sticking with 5k. I'm not sure if I really want to pay that though...

[Michael Nolan]

Yeah I tried negotiating, but he's sticking with 5k. I'm not sure if I really want to pay that though...

Don't pay that much then. Keep searching, or wait a couple weeks, something should pop up.

I'm in the same boat. Everybody wants 5k for an s14 zenki up here, but finally a dealership has a 95 se for under 3k, but it's auto.

[Driice]

Yeah, 5k is a bit too much for the car. If he could bump it down a bit then I'd pick it up.

[Zero-Offset]

one more obvious thing you could ask if timing chain has been replaced recently, and if the timing chain guides are still intact.
since its a california car you probs wont have to deal with rust. but check the floor pans, and its a good idea to visually get under the car. never know what you can find by just taking a peek.

[kalypso123]

damn... 5k is crazy... get an sc300/400


I sold a clean hb with low mileage and a single cam, for 500!
but i was trying hard to get rid of it, so it was worth it.

[redline240sx]

I think the most important thing to look at when buying a car is the title. Make sure it's clean. Old cars you have to expected dings, dents and a lot other problems...

[Cali KiD 240]

x2^. Also 5k is asking a bit too much, I wouldn't pay him over 4500 for his vehicle, but that's just me. Keep searching and searching for the right one, try not to get caught up in the first few 240's u get a glance at, because eventually when it's all said and done, you'll find yourself the right find. Patience..

[drift freaq]

180k is up there, check the bushings and the tie rod boots. My 95 has 200k and all my bushings are done

Really now, 180k is up there?
Think about this you live in Los Angele's now average daily driver in Los Angeles logs around 15k min. per year sometimes even 20k.
15k is considered the standard average mileage per year for most daily driven cars.
Now multiply that by 16 years since its 2011 and the car he is talking about is a 95 and you get 240k. So it basically means at 180k the car has averaged a little over 11k a year.

That's low mileage at this point in time. Seriously you kids need to start understanding this.
These cars are 13-22 year old cars(depending on s14 or s13). It is going to be very rare to find one with under 180-190k. Those days are over and its time you guys started realizing it.

[ZilviaKid]

Really now, 180k is up there?
Think about this you live in Los Angele's now average daily driver in Los Angeles logs around 15k min. per year sometimes even 20k.
15k is considered the standard average mileage per year for most daily driven cars.
Now multiply that by 16 years since its 2011 and the car he is talking about is a 95 and you get 240k. So it basically means at 180k the car has averaged a little over 11k a year.

That's low mileage at this point in time. Seriously you kids need to start understanding this.
These cars are 13-22 year old cars(depending on s14 or s13). It is going to be very rare to find one with under 180-190k. Those days are over and its time you guys started realizing it.
yeah this guy knows what up.

i do between 20-25k a year, and thats just commuting from school and work and shit.


that being said, 5k is too much

[Driice]

Thanks all!

Well, the dude isn't even responding to my messages anymore, so not sure if I'll be pickin up an S14 anytime soon.

[thatdrifterguy]

dunno if this will help

RxuWt28Dcfw

[Q.Smooth127]

tell him you will think about it and go and look for more options (other cars).
5k too much.