Things to look for?

[Freeze]

I was wondering if ya'll could give me some suggestions on things to look for when buying a S14? I'm looking for one right now, and I'm just curious if there's anything I should be aware of.

[420sx]

same as any other used car. look for SE models tho.

[rainier]

yeah basically look for anything that u would look for in any used car. make sure you check the VIN # though. even if you have to pay for it its worth it.

[idlafie]

I was wondering if ya'll could give me some suggestions on things to look for when buying a S14? I'm looking for one right now, and I'm just curious if there's anything I should be aware of.

Common problems found with S14s are:
1). Blown front Tension Control Rod bushings..easily repaired. just requires parts replacement.
2). Worn Rear Subframe bushings - not so easily repaired if the bushing are replaced. However, a cheaper & easier fix is available. Just buy some subframe spacers..about $60-80 bucks... fixes the problem.

If you can hook the ECU up to an OBD II code reader, check the ECU for any Diagnostic Trouble Codes. If you get a code 34 or DTC code P0325, that's nothing to worry about. It's a common problem with S14s. All it is is a bad wire at either the subharness or at the ground point. All other codes you'll have to figure out how major or minor the problem is and can use as a bargaining chip to lower the price of the car.

If you can do a cylinder compression test, do so. Minimum compression readings is 151, maximum 179...maximum difference between each cylinder reading should be 14 pounds per inch. A cylinder compression test closer to 151 psi means your engine may be on it's last legs and will probably need replacement soon.

As usual, any time you purchase a vehicle used, you'll have to check everything on the vehicle. Make a written checklist of all the things you can think of & go thru that checklist item per item.
This website has a pretty good list....you might want to check it out:
http://www.cyber-north.com/autotipnet/checklist.html

Anyhow, I hope I've been able to answer your question. Hope this helps...
Good luck!!
ID

[Brian]

i have seen that the driver window tends to go bad in many people's s14.

[TokyoNights]

Look for jizz stains cause s14's get alot of pussy :rofl:

[Phlip]

When looking for an S14, make sure the manufacture date was between summer '94 and some time in '98... Any earlier and you are looking at an S13, anything beyond and you aren't shopping in the United States

[Freeze]

Thanks for all the suggestions. The hardest part is gonna be finding one. I've been looking and I can find a lot of S13's but the 14's are a harder find where I live.

[Phlip]

Where in NC are you?

[Freeze]

I'm in Winston Salem, NC. I'm lookin for one for around 3k or less. My celica just got totaled and I don't know the exact insurance total I'm going to get for it, but that my guess.

[XxJaPxOxNeEs23xX]

if u get a s14 for 3k or less you wont really get a good one, unless u get reaal lucky. but u can get a really clean s13

[Phlip]

Damn kid, good luck finding an S14 in Winston for that price dude, that's about unheard of

[loser101]

you cant even get a horrible one, iv seen really screwed up ones go for 5k. i got mine for 8.5k

[Phlip]

Hell, I paid 6100 for a base model in 2k1, in HIS city, about 30 minutes from my own... Wrecked it last year and got my S13 this year for 500 bucks, I feel like a dummy now that I like... KNOW shit

[Freeze]

Yeh, I looked it up for this area on edmunds.com and they list 'em for about 3400 though...hmm...

[idlafie]

i have seen that the driver window tends to go bad in many people's s14.

Yeah...I've noticed that too....usually either the 1). power window motor, 2) power window switch, or 3). window regulator. #2 is usually an easy fix, #1  are a MAJOR friggin pain in the ass - pulling the damn window glass out of the rails is a beyotch!!!
ID

[stevebsvs]

how about those shitty stock RUCA's with the camber problem...if u plan on lowering the car, you'll have to have a tire budget unless you invest in some aftermarket RUCA's...

[Freeze]

Yeh, that's a problem with a lot of cars though. I consider that standard stuff when lowering a car.

Also, do you think I could get a cheaper S14 if I was willing to drive up north or maybe midwest? Most of the prices I've noticed in those areas are cheaper than the ones around NC. I'm just wondering if that makes a difference.

[Phlip]

Going up north would subject you to cars that have lived their live in salt and will begin to decay if the owner was not an enthusiast who would garage their cars during this time... Midwest may not be a bad idea, but damn, a drive that far to buy a car? Would the trip and lodging and all that shit really make it worth it?

[Freeze]

Lodging? That's what having two drivers is for :-). My other option is to hold off on getting another car for a while. How much do you think I'd have to save up (not just for NC, but for a 240 in the midwest or something) to get a decent S14?

[Drunk Bastard]

Look for jizz stains cause s14's get alot of pussy :rofl:

hahahahahahahah