Hi, I'm considering getting a '90 or '95 240sx, the 1990 being the most likely.

My biggest concern is how much work will I have to face to fix problems it may have. In other words, in 2004, how reliable is the motor and the transmission going to be (for 5 speed or automatic), if we estimate that it has around 100,000 miles on it?

What issues should I be aware of? I figure it would be a good project car to make look good, but I don't want to pour any money into the mechanicals if not need be. Perhaps I should consider a 1995 240sx (I did find a '95 that I like, but it's a rebuild...not sure what to do there)?

Any advice you can give is appreciated!

 

http://www.club240.com/forums/forumd...?s=&forumid=39 that forum should answer a lot of ur answers. If you search, They will come (The answers)

 

My 91 SE coupe:

Vehicle w/KA24DE w/111K miles: $1200
Eibach Sportlines($189)
KYB GR2's(~$240 shipped with new strut boots)
17x7 Excel TZ-5's w/215/40/17 Hankook Ventus ($660 shipped)
Paint/body work: $1000

I bought this vehicle 5 months ago. did a tune up once i got it. and there is absolutely no problems. you can't beat it, no car note and a car that you can really drive and not pamper like a trailer queen.

it's a matter of preference for the body style that you prefer S13 vs S14...you may be able to get a good deal on 95-96 between 4k-6k, but w/that same amount of money, you could have an S13 with a few mods of your choice....possibly a turbo.

here's a pic:

http://www.club240.com/forums/showth...&threadid=6589

 

If you can afford it, grab the never s14, being 5 years newer as long as it was taken care of then it'll last longer than a s13. However, 100K miles on a KA isn't that much, properly taken care of your s13 should last 175-200K, and then you can easily upgrade to a lower mileage DE, and with the money you saved from buying a 90 instead of a 95 you could upgrade her a bit, do a complete tune-up (although I argue it should be done either way)
Both routes are done, people have no worried picking up a 90 and knowing it should last a couple years no sweat.

Dr.

 

If your going to go with the S13, i would suggest a 91-93, b/c of the KA24DE instead of the KA24E, also you'll have less work to do if you decide to drop the SR20DET. These cars can be had for $1000-$4000. I'd try to stay on the low side so you can have money for mods.....and do yourself a favor by planning your mods out AND getting a 5-speed.

 

95 here, bought it for $4100... 160k miles on the odometer but I tell you this girl is stil running strong. If you've got 100k miles, it should be fine well past 2004. The actual mileage count isn't as important as how those miles were driven. I've seen 250k mile cars pur like they came from the factory floor... and 50k mile cars that sounded like a blender!

I agree with the "plan ahead, get a 5-speed" idea.

In choosing between a 90 and 95, other than cost, consider:

- 95 is a newer model
- 95 should have less wear and tear
- 95 aftermarket parts are slightly higher
- 95 SE has 5-lugs standard
- 95 is heavier but wider (stability)
- 95 only comes in coupe
- 95 is a larger car inside / out
- 95 doesn't have motorized belts
- 95 has cup holders

Alright so the first 2 are common sense. The next 3 are performance-oriented. The last 4 are more important than anything else if it's going to be a daily driver.