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THRICEdude
05-08-2004, 01:15 AM
Hey guys,
I've loved 240s for a while now and I've decided its time to ditch my Integra and go for one, but I need some help judging the value of a particular car I'm looking at right now...Here's the specs:

1992 240sx LE hatchback, White
109k miles
5 speed

The Good:
-Supposedly near-new clutch
-Decent tires, but one is a different type due to a flat.
-ABSOLUTELY SPOTLESS gray leather interior. Looks absolutely brand new. No joke.
-Nice Clifford alarm with keyless entry, window rolldown, backup battery.
-6 cd changer in trunk

The Bad:
-The owner seemed proud that he changed the oil every 3k miles (or so he says) but he never topped it off between changes. When I checked it out, the oil level only just reached the first bend on the dipstick. He said it had been about 3-4k since the last oil change. How bad is this?
-There's a dent in the rear left quarterpanel, about the size of a golf ball. It's right on the furthest rear part of the quarter panel, just under the taillight. The impact also messed up the back bumper: It'll need new paint and its tilted down towards the ground a bit. The bottom of the bumper where it meets the quarter panel is slightly bent.
-Cracked windshield, needs to be replaced
-One headlight out
-SLIGHT ticking from under valve cover
-Finish on wheels is totally salt-eaten away.

The Ugly:
RUST!!! It's been sitting out near the ocean for a long time it seems, and has what seems like a somewhat bad case of rust. I could see rust just starting to creep out from under the spoiler, which leads me to believe that it's probably rusted through under there. The worst part, though, is that there is rust right along the top of the windshield seal on the roof. It's kindof continuous small spots, with one pencil sized hole in one place. Not good. Also, the hood latch area was rather surface-rusty. Also some surface rust around the hatch hinges. He has some funky chrome fender flares on it, and I'm hoping there's no rust trapped under those. I'll also check the wheel wells and frame rails when I see it again.

I'll try to get pictures of all of this stuff, maybe this weekend when I check it out again. Basically the dent in the back, under the spoiler, and along the windshield really need some attention. He is asking $2500. With all the body work that it needs, I think I might get it if he'll drop closer to $1800. Blue book is $2650. Comments, suggestions, anyone? What do you guys think it's worth, based on the description? I'm really drawn to the spotless interior and alarm, and low mileage engine. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
-Max

F3600
05-08-2004, 06:42 AM
I would not touch it ... i bought my first 240sx and it was rusted like yours.. and the frame was affected badly .. did you look at it by standing under the car !? it was a nightmare ... i drove it maybe 1 years and took it to scrapyard...

if i were you i would wait .. the better 240sx always show up when you are patient, trust me.. :)


good luck

shoes59
05-08-2004, 07:26 AM
The Ugly:
RUST!!! It's been sitting out near the ocean for a long time He is asking $2500. With all the body work that it needs, I think I might get it if he'll drop closer to $1800. Blue book is $2650. Comments, suggestions, anyone? What do you guys think it's worth, based on the description? I'm really drawn to the spotless interior and alarm, and low mileage engine.
It's not worth anywhere near the $1800 you're thinking of offering. You'll be chasing the rust as long as you own the car. It's like an iceberg. What you see is only 10% of what's really there. $500 tops regardless of the engine and interior. Even then I'd walk, no, run away.

THRICEdude
05-08-2004, 08:22 AM
Great, thanks for the advice! I'll pass this one up and continue my search...
-Max

MakotoS13
05-08-2004, 08:23 AM
well, the interior and drivetrain could be good for something. if you got another car with a sucky interior and blown motor you could swap the parts and come up with a nice ride, then make some money ditching the rest in a junk yard. don't pay more than 500 though, no matter what.

THRICEdude
05-08-2004, 12:23 PM
Yeah, I guess I didn't know how much rust devalues a car. Just so I know, how much value would, say, a rusty spoiler area take off an otherwise good 240 selling for 2500? Thanks!
-Max

s13dan
05-08-2004, 02:48 PM
personally sound like a great deal for like 1000$ but rust is evil and theres always another 240. you will be much happier in the long run with a rustless car.

240Driver39
05-08-2004, 04:39 PM
i wouldnt touch it...

Zemus
05-09-2004, 08:37 AM
run run as fast as you can