Looking to purchase this s13, advice

[dalers08]

Ok so I'm looking into buying a 240sx, s13 to be specific. I can't afford one with an sr20. I found one that I like but I don't know much yet about 240's. What I'm looking for in the car is just a nice fun daily driver, nothing putting down 400whp but still has a little pep to it, something that gets good mileage and is realiable and from a performance stand point I want it to handle very well (obv after some modifications).
So I'm looking at this 1990 Nissan 240sx se hatchback. Its cherry red pearl with 108k on the clock (the odometer is broken and the owner has one he is planning on switching out with 116k when he thinks the car is closer, he says its probably around 110k right now). Its 100% stock with a flip out touch screen headunit and 2 subs in a ported box. It also has some z series wheels. It has a small rust hole in the frame, owner said he would try to have it fixed before it is sold. The hatch is a primer color due to the other one rusting out and this one needs a little bit of sanding and some paint. The struts need replacing and the alternator could be on its way out, also it is missing the sunroof latch to close it all the way. The paint looks good and it has all the options, sunroof etc. It is a 5 speed. The only thing thats bothering me a little bit is the SOHC engine, it puts out 140hp as opposed to the DOHC that puts out 155hp, is that going to be a major differance and should I wait to find a 240 with the DOHC? Also I'm not that mechanicly inclinded and I think this motor would be easy to learn on and work on some. I only plan on doing intake exhaust and suspension mods then eventually maybe an sr20 swap.
He is asking $2500 with the headunit and subs, $2200 without. Do you guys think this is a fair price? I already checked the carfax and the car comes back clean with no accident history or anything funky. When I go to check out the car I will do a compression test to test the engine and make sure it is in good condition, anything else I should do? I will probably be bring a friend of mine who is a mechanic and if he can not come I will bring it to a nearby shop to have it checked out. Is their anything I should look for with these cars, I just started reading about them so I'm still learning.
I will post up pictures he gave me, they arent very good but it will give you and idea.
Thanks in advance guys this help is greatly appreciated.

[dalers08]

I know some pictures might be doubles but I'm just showing everything he gave me.
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu205/dalers08/l_19581456458844a389d465a1279e30d7.jpg
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http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu205/dalers08/l_da09e4425c184413b5cae78a32158e11.jpghttp://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu205/dalers08/l_db515fdd3cd44087b1f1fe62e69ebcd3.jpg
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu205/dalers08/l_dbdc979cfd6d4dc8ad6517b969f31a09.jpg
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[hotlavaflow]

He's asking too much for it. I paid $1500 for my DOHC SE coupe with HUD (Heads Up Display). Be patient something better will come along. I'm in NY too and I've seen SR swapped S13's go for $2500.

KA24DE-T>SR20DET SR's are overrated.

[dalers08]

Any other 240 I've looked at has been beat on like crazy or the panels don't line up because of accidents and things.

[sterlinge]

looks like a super clean car on the outside. but for a 1990 with rust, primer, and a sohc , 90 model might have cracks in the dash or tears in the seats, should be more around the 1500-1800
i would wait and look for a clean dohc. make sure the car has no rust and never been in a wreck...

[ahryell26]

well for me, buy it for 2 grand no sound systems or watever. since ur planning to swap it to sr, sohc is not bad though..good for gas while saving money for turbo... i know theres a lot sohc 240's out there less than 2 grand mind as well wait when ur in doubt...goodluck:hs:

[dalers08]

The rust will be fixed if I buy it, the owner gaurenteed its the only spot of rust on the car. I will check to make sure their is no other spots on the car. The primer doesnt bother me that much cause I can have it painted for cheap, its not that expensive. The interior is absolutely MINT, I had a few pictures of it but I deleted the email they were in before I saved them. The only thing I ask is what are the major differences between the SOHC and the DOHC. I understand 1 cam vs 2 cams. But what about ease to work on, gas mileage, I get the DOHC has 15 extra hp but is that worth passing up a clean car for? What about price of parts and things like that?
Thanks again guys.

[hotlavaflow]

Since your planning on swapping I guess the single jingle doesn't matter

89 240sx s13 (http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/cto/1615664238.html)

offer $1400 get it for that or $1500 still have $1000 left towards swap

[dalers08]

89 240sx s13 (http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/cto/1615664238.html)

Thanks I'll ask the seller about the car. How much would a rust spot on the quarter panel cost to fix and paint though?

[sterlinge]

the deal is it is not really a "clean" car with rust it will most likely have more .... you can turbo either motor but if you are going to do a swap it is not a big deal you just want something that will be reliable till you pull the motor. its better to start with a car that has no rust so it does not fall apart on you while you try to upgrade it and when you eventually finish putting it together it will be worth something if you ever have to get rid of it.

hotlavaflow i had to sig the ka24det>sr20det haha


STAY AWAY FROM THE RUST!! HAHA

[dalers08]

lol both cars have rust.

[hotlavaflow]

the deal is it is not really a "clean" car with rust it will most likely have more .... you can turbo either motor but if you are going to do a swap it is not a big deal you just want something that will be reliable till you pull the motor. its better to start with a car that has no rust so it does not fall apart on you while you try to upgrade it and when you eventually finish putting it together it will be worth something if you ever have to get rid of it.

hotlavaflow i had to sig the ka24det>sr20det haha


STAY AWAY FROM THE RUST!! HAHA

That's what's up I love my KA-T.

Gotta remember it's NY so finding a 240 with no rust isn't gonna happen, you have to look for the car with the least rust lol.

[dalers08]

Yeah exactly haha. The seller for the one I was talking about sounded very confident it was the only spot on the car and he said he would even have it fixed. When I check out the car I will definatly look for more rust. Anything I should do besides rust check and compression test?

[sterlinge]

exactly what i was going to say about rust in that area. if you only have rusted cars to choose from look at them underneath/ spare tire area and suspension wise. :bash: try to stay away from rust if possible

[dalers08]

Thank you I was looking for specific things to look for, rust underneath/spare tire and suspension area got it.

[sterlinge]

under the car in general like the frame rails ect... check for leaks ,if you test drive it i would make sure clutch is stiff and the all the gears work on the transmission and doesnt grind when you shift at higher rpms like 4k rpms or pop out of gear,drive it atleast 20 min to make sure it doesnt overheat check the oil make sure it just oil :) haha

[dalers08]

All that sounds good. I have a very good feeling about this car, I'm going to go look at it once I get some money together I will let you guys know how it goes.

[sterlinge]

is this going to be your first car?

[dalers08]

No I've been driving for 2 years. A 1994 Chevy Blazer, full size 2 door. My parents bought me that though and this will be the first car I buy with my own money.

[wh0aitznic0]

I just got my decently running DOHC SE hatch with an uncracked dash and no rust for $900. Just wait, somebody will come along with a GREAT condition car for what that guy is asking.

[sterlinge]

thats cool. good luck with picking up your first 240 hope you find a nice one!

[sLOW14]

the deal is it is not really a "clean" car with rust it will most likely have more .... you can turbo either motor but if you are going to do a swap it is not a big deal you just want something that will be reliable till you pull the motor. its better to start with a car that has no rust so it does not fall apart on you while you try to upgrade it and when you eventually finish putting it together it will be worth something if you ever have to get rid of it.

hotlavaflow i had to sig the ka24det>sr20det haha


STAY AWAY FROM THE RUST!! HAHA


240's are like girl during spring break in Cancun- you will never find one 100% clean. Unfortunately our cars will always have a little rust here and there :2c:

[zbeast45]

Ive seen a 240 with rims 5lug conversion z32 brakes and a silvia front end for 2200
i would pass big time

[SWAT Team S14]

240's are like girl during spring break in Cancun- you will never find one 100% clean. Unfortunately our cars will always have a little rust here and there :2c:

True, but when there's a HOLE in the frame rail, that's not a good sign. Panel rust on the qp or in the wheel wells is ok, but frame rust is the death of these cars....I'd probably stay away from this car, there's too many problems & it sounds like you're young & don't have a lot of money for all those repairs. Trust me, you'll find something decent, just keep looking around, there's always a lot of 240s in the NY/NJ area. Oh, & don't listen to these guys who say they've seen nice 240s with sr20s or a lot of mods for cheap....those cars probably have a laundry list of problems wrong with them & aren't worth the headache. So, just be patient & find a nice car, don't settle for something like this.

[Bmadd]

best advice yet. I know being strapped is no fun, but if you look in the South, there are plenty of rust free cars for cheap. check GA, TN, AL FL, I know its far. Find a good friend, sleep in the car, and make a road trip out of it.

[j00ni3]

yea like everyone else said, if there is a HOLE from rust that is definitely not good. unless you know someone who can weld a new piece of metal on it for you, but thats too much work and extra money that you really don't have to spend. also don't go for modified cars, get em as un-modified as possible as then you know it wasn't beat on as much. also if you can't find one in 5 speed, find a clean one in auto and then just do the tranny swap when you do the motor upgrade. i think that is a much better route then getting this one for 2200? check on craigslist alot i've seen many 240s that were pretty decent in the past 2 months. all in all just keep your eyes peeled and be patient.

[blackoutt]

Patients is key. As one of my friends old man always says "Don't get in a hurry, It'll cost ya."