Is the 240sx right for me?

[tianh]

Hey guys,

In a few months after I get some more money I plan on buying a 240sx off craigslist. I was going to get a s2000, but I changed my mind.

After browsing through these forums a little bit, I am kind of scared to get a 240sx, you guys just seem to put SO much work into your cars and honestly, I can't even change the spare on any car let alone work on the 240sx. I plan on taking everything to either a local mechanic or body shop if I ever needed to be modded.

With that said, is it still a safe buy for me to get a 240sx and get a couple of parts for it? (s14 conversion) some wheels and coilovers and still have it be a reliable DD without much work on my end? Also if anyone could point me out to some good forum threads with helpful information that would be great as well. How long can I expect the stock engine to last me? Swapping engines sounds like such a task...

I plan on getting a ver. 2 1995-1998 240sx.

[joshchewuhh]

no.....


if you can barely change a spare tire keep it stock if anything.

[KiLLeR2001]

Go for the S2000. You gotta have a passion to own these cars as they are starting to age, and more work will be required from YOU the owner to fix and maintain it on a regular basis. If you want something right, you do it yourself. Otherwise in the end, you won't be happy.

[tianh]

Originally Posted by joshchewuhh

no.....


if you can barely change a spare tire keep it stock if anything.

Thanks for a honest answer, I can change the spare but you know what I mean.. I am nowhere near the level of all you guys on the forum!

Originally Posted by KiLLeR2001

Go for the S2000. You gotta have a passion to own these cars as they are starting to age, and more work will be required from YOU the owner to fix and maintain it on a regular basis. If you want something right, you do it yourself. Otherwise in the end, you won't be happy.

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it

[rat240]

get the s2000 you will never want to buy a 240

[chiboy002]

Originally Posted by tianh

Hey guys,

In a few months after I get some more money I plan on buying a 240sx off craigslist. I was going to get a s2000, but I changed my mind.

After browsing through these forums a little bit, I am kind of scared to get a 240sx, you guys just seem to put SO much work into your cars and honestly, I can't even change the spare on any car let alone work on the 240sx. I plan on taking everything to either a local mechanic or body shop if I ever needed to be modded.

With that said, is it still a safe buy for me to get a 240sx and get a couple of parts for it? (s14 conversion) some wheels and coilovers and still have it be a reliable DD without much work on my end? Also if anyone could point me out to some good forum threads with helpful information that would be great as well. How long can I expect the stock engine to last me? Swapping engines sounds like such a task...

I plan on getting a ver. 2 1995-1998 240sx.

no. a 240sx is a very "diy" type of car. Parts are cheap, but often crap. If you want reliable, you gotta keep it stock and expenses will be pricey for parts that will last. Keep in mind, even an s14 is fairly old, and probably beat on. Shit happens, parts break, and shops charge a lot sometimes for relatively easy work.

If budget is you're issue, save up for a car that won't require work. 240sx's are great cars, but not if you are broke.

Oh and dude, we all start somewhere. When i first got my 240sx, the rotor was rusted so hard that i thought i needed some tools to remove it... little did i know i just needed a nice kick.

We've all been stupid at some point in life, its experience and not being afraid to make mistakes that makes us all the way we are.

[tianh]

Originally Posted by chiboy002

no. a 240sx is a very "diy" type of car. Parts are cheap, but often crap. If you want reliable, you gotta keep it stock and expenses will be pricey for parts that will last. Keep in mind, even an s14 is fairly old, and probably beat on. Shit happens, parts break, and shops charge a lot sometimes for relatively easy work.

If budget is you're issue, save up for a car that won't require work. 240sx's are great cars, but not if you are broke.

Thanks for the reply, I will probably be looking back to a s2000, but if I were to get this car of course I am planning to learn the things on it. Also I don;t think budget is an issue since I am not doing anything crazy like an engine swap or anything.

Just buy the car stock, get some aero parts, lower it and wheels which doesn;t seem to bad right?


Maybe I worded my opening post wrong, but I am not buying this car to drift or anything, just want a reliable DD car, but at the same time modding the exterior and not really doing anything engine wise. Would I be safe buying this car with over 100k miles?

[Kwonza Says]

It's a learning process that requires a lot of time and money~ if you don't have both 240's is not the road for you mang

[tianh]

Originally Posted by chiboy002

Oh and dude, we all start somewhere. When i first got my 240sx, the rotor was rusted so hard that i thought i needed some tools to remove it... little did i know i just needed a nice kick.

We've all been stupid at some point in life, its experience and not being afraid to make mistakes that makes us all the way we are.

That is exactly how I see it, I am willing to learn! Haha, but this car does seem more work than most though that is for sure hehe



So even if I were just to buy this car stock and put a few harmless mods like coilovers and wheels on it, it still wouldn;t be the right choice for me? Is it because if a part break then I am out of luck unless I am car mechanic orientated?

[chiboy002]

Originally Posted by tianh

Thanks for the reply, I will probably be looking back to a s2000, but if I were to get this car of course I am planning to learn the things on it. Also I don;t think budget is an issue since I am not doing anything crazy like an engine swap or anything.

Just buy the car stock, get some aero parts, lower it and wheels which doesn;t seem to bad right?


Maybe I worded my opening post wrong, but I am not buying this car to drift or anything, just want a reliable DD car, but at the same time modding the exterior and not really doing anything engine wise. Would I be safe buying this car with over 100k miles?

If you find a car that is healthy then it shouldn't be that much of an issue keeping it healthy. However, like i said, keep in mind these cars are old and have seen better days. 240sx's were not the best cars, reliability wise. There are a lot of things you sometimes have to fix before you can get it in a stable condition, imho. Power steering tends to leak, wiring sucks, being old, rust. All that are determining factors on how a car is and will live.

Originally Posted by tianh

That is exactly how I see it, I am willing to learn! Haha, but this car does seem more work than most though that is for sure hehe



So even if I were just to buy this car stock and put a few harmless mods like coilovers and wheels on it, it still wouldn;t be the right choice for me? Is it because if a part break then I am out of luck unless I am car mechanic orientated?

Putting coilovers, lowering them, torque specs... all those aren't hard. Especially on a s13/14. However, if shit breaks you do need to be somewhat inclined to find out what it is, so you don't go fixing what doesn't need to be fixed. Coilovers are fine, usually they will last if only daily driven on. If you slam your car, you will need to look into more work/stuff such as wire tucks, banging fenders, all that. Don't let it discourage you, but you have to be in it all the way or else you won't be happy. Don't let the work discourage you, but don't expect it to be easy.

and trust me, once you start with parts you wont stop.

[rweezly_s13]

man if you're not car smart dont even bother with a s-chassis
b/c if you plan on goin to shops for work plan on gettin ripped off for parts
that you could find anywhere else for cheap...and like they said these cars do require some maintenace and well keeping!! get the s2k and save yourself a headache!
go to superhonda.com if you want some info man! but good luck on your ventures

[tianh]

Originally Posted by rweezly_s13

man if you're not car smart dont even bother with a s-chassis
b/c if you plan on goin to shops for work plan on gettin ripped off for parts
that you could find anywhere else for cheap...and like they said these cars do require some maintenace and well keeping!! get the s2k and save yourself a headache!
go to superhonda.com if you want some info man! but good luck on your ventures

Thanks guys!

After reading some of the comments and some more threads, this car does not seem like it is for beginners like me. It is such a shame because I do like the look of a 240sx modded out wayy better than an s2k

[Okinawandrifter87]

I wouldn't bother from what your saying. It's gonna require work and time and money. No car is perfect. Especially s chassis. And if you think about it even if you just get your brakes done, your going to be spending alot on labor and parts together since you will have a mechanicc to do it. If you maintain it well you can keep it running good but it usually helps if you get a chilton and do it your self with a buddy and learn.

[rob22]

s2000....
im tired of my s14..

[Driftnut69]

Originally Posted by chiboy002

and trust me, once you start with parts you wont stop.

Agreed!!!!

[keeeban]

If you're not a DIY type of person, then you'll be spending a lot of money taking it to mechanics and body shops. But if you have the money to take it to shops to install everything, by all means, go for it. But if you want reliability, and have the cash, why go for a car that's a decade and a half old?

[caspa]

what are your goals/plans for the car?

[chiboy002]

Originally Posted by caspa

what are your goals/plans for the car?

he clearly said "coilovers, wheels, aero" and he just wants to daily the car.

[caspa]

Id go with a s2k.
oh and by the way, is this gonna be you first car?

[Schassis707]

me and everyone..I mean EVERYONE didnt know anything bout 240's at one point in their lives. But if you really like them and would prefer them over a s2k than i say before you go and buy either car, test drive them both, do HEAVY research on both cars.

Like everyone has said.. they need work, and are definatly not bullet proof. I didnt know what i was getting into when i went from my civic to my 240. They are much more complicated, and need more work for sure. But if you can get one that has been unmolested and taken good care of i say go for it, And learn as you go on.

[Weedm]

the easy answer would be, "if you have to ask, then no". the s2k would be a better option for you as it is fairly new and should not have problems like a 240 would.

I think most of us s-chassis owners can say that there is never a time where our cars are working perfectly with no problems.

With that said, modding is a learning process. everyone has to start somewhere, and all of us here surely were just like you at one point and didnt know much at all. however, with time and effort, you will surely learn more than you think you would.

[tianh]

Originally Posted by caspa

Id go with a s2k.
oh and by the way, is this gonna be you first car?

it will be my first car, my uncle doesn own a shop though if that helps, but the damn guy still charges me! hahaha

yeah im thinking about getting a prelude right now sorry if the prelude is a taboo car on these forums, but it seems a bit easier for me to handle

but then again i am really considering just getting a stock 240sx and just progress and learn on it.. will have to think about it a bit more

[brndck]

Originally Posted by tianh

With that said, is it still a safe buy for me to get a 240sx and get a couple of parts for it? (s14 conversion)..............
I plan on getting a ver. 2 1995-1998 240sx.

s14 conversion on an s14?

[negrosx13]

you must love the 240sx to keep it,even with all the bs that goes wrong it..same thing with car in its age range..rx7,supras,etc

[travisty_]

My first car was my S13, and I pretty much learned how to work on cars because of it. If you really like the car more than a s2k and are willing to learn about it, then go ahead and get one.

There's information for these cars all over the place, you just have to look for it. Its a good learning experience.


No matter what car you choose, if you plan on modding it you should learn how to work on your car yourself. It'll save you a ton of mechanics fees. If your uncle owns a shop maybe he can give you tips and whatnot.

[ESmorz]

Avoid it like zombie dicks.

Stay the fuck away.

[s13 @ fullboost]

get one that is already modded with the stuff you want on it. then just take it in for maintenance every three months. or less lolz

[Corbic]

If you have to ask, then no.

[ThatGuy]

Troll Thread is closed.