Opinions on a Car... - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

*sykikchimp* · 12-28-2001, 08:23 AM

I found a 240 here in charlotte (at a used car lot) and they are asking 3995 for it.

specs:
1993 240sx SE
Cloth, all power, manual sunroof, ABS, LSD, and SuperHicas.

problems I found when I looked at it:
There is a metallic rattling from under the valve cover (never good.. not sure exactly what it is though)  and the passenger door appeared to be bent a little at the bottom. (indicating the car had been wrecked)
so I went home and ran a carfax on it and low and behold it had a Salvage/Junk title in 1996.

The car was real clean with a fresh coat of paint, but personally I don't trust a really clean car at a used car dealership.

I offered him $2000 on the spot and he said no.  

Any opinions about this car??

*sykikchimp* · 12-28-2001, 09:11 AM

this should probably be in the Chat forum..  sorry

whateverjames · 12-28-2001, 10:03 AM

you can probably get one cheaper than that, one that didn't have a salvage title, and maybe even one that doesn't rattle.

*ca18guy* · 12-28-2001, 10:06 AM

#Moderation Mode

Off to the chat section it go's then <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> I would'nt touch the car. You can find one with out a salvage, i f he accepts 1,500 I would think about it.

<a href="http://www.zilvia.net/forums/cgi-bin/topic.cgi?forum=1&topic=1741" target="_self">Moved here</a>

chickenmanq · 12-28-2001, 10:16 AM

I'd get him down to 1000 before I'd even accept a salvage title.  It's one thing to buy if from the auctions and fix it yourself.  It' another to trust somebody else' job and pay up the nose for something that may break down soon.

Rattling in valve cover would seem to indicate valves, indicating further a lack of oil.

*DSC* · 12-28-2001, 10:25 AM

Isn't there a known problem with some shield under the valve cover that breaks off and rattles around?  If I remember right, its not a problem since the shield doesn't do anything usefull.  I'd definately not pay over 2k for a salvage title.  I say keep looking.

drift freaq · 12-28-2001, 11:03 AM

Now , I would say because the door is bent at the bottom I would not touch it. Of course you guys keep on downing Salvages . Fact is some Salvages are worth every dime. If I should you my 91 with 22,000 miles on it you would not even be able to tell it was a salvage. I paid $3900 for it and it was worth every penny . All the shops tripped out when they saw and said I got a good deal so did a lot of my fellow Socal 240sx.org members. Mine had been hit in the front i.e. core support ,bumper and fender. You can't even tell the core support was replaced. No strut tower or frame rail damage. So I basically got a brand new 91 hatch . Now i will tell that here in SoCal finding low mileage S13's is not easy . Which is why I decided to go for it . On top of that I had a expert Porsche Mechanic and builder on Sunset boulevard look it over.
All I can say about salvages is some are good deals some are crap. You need to know what your doing as far as mechanical and body work knowledge if you are looking at one.
Not for the untrained eye.
I just felt i had to speak up about this. Keep looking for the clean title car . Don't take the salvage unless its super clean and incredible buy mileage and condition wise . Or it is reasonable and cheap .
The main problem with the salvage scene is there are a lot of crap builders out there that cut corners and cheap out.  this is where the danger comes in.

*transient* · 12-28-2001, 11:53 AM

Yeah, depending on the kind of damage, you can get a really good car by buying a salvage. A friend of mine got a 91 stealth that was a salvage, 20k on the engine, and paid about 4,500 for it.

If you think about it, it doesn't take much to total an older car. A 90 240sx is worth about 3k blue book in perfect condition. Now think about it for a second, how hard is it to cause 3,000 dollars worth of damage to it without actually hurting it much? Not very.

HippoSleek · 12-28-2001, 12:32 PM

For that price, I would run, not walk, in the other direction.  There are plenty of s13s that are in decent shape that haven't been wrecked for that money.

I agree that some salvage cars are great buys, but I agree that I would never buy one that was already fixed... you never know if it was a little ding that happen to cost a lot in labor or a frame mangling horror story.

*sykikchimp* · 12-28-2001, 01:57 PM

yeah... thats what I figured too.  I just wanted a confirmation from you guys.

I'll probably be asking about some others and getting opinions as I look.  Also if anybody in NC/SC knows of a 240 for sale with a good body, and low miles let me know.  I'm gonna make it a project car, but daily drive it for a while.

Thanks!

IWannaSil80 · 12-28-2001, 02:17 PM

I'll keep my eyes open for you sykikchimp. Are you looking for an S13 or a S14. If it's a S13 which body style?

*sykikchimp* · 12-28-2001, 02:28 PM

Fastback S13..  I really appreciate it! preferably 91-93

My perfect car would be a 91 LE FB 5-speed with ABS/LSD and about 90,000 miles <or less>.. and no dents. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

I am flexible though.  and willing to drive for a Really good speciman.

IWannaSil80 · 12-28-2001, 07:34 PM

Ok. I'll be in Raleigh tomorrow so I'll check around.

IWannaSil80 · 12-29-2001, 01:25 PM

Hey, my friend has found you couple kouki 240s around here. 2 are AT though, and there are 2 or 3 in Raleigh, there's a black one and a red one that are MT that're really clean. I'll go check them out myself and give you the #s to the places.

*sykikchimp* · 01-02-2002, 11:19 AM

sorry about the delay...  Was in DC for the weekend.. (got completely ripped everyday.. drunkeness from 1pm-3am., hehe)  I'm VERY interested..

also..  what is a "kouki" 240?

BlankFlip · 01-02-2002, 11:21 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from sykikchimp on 1:19 pm on Jan. 2, 2002
sorry about the delay... Was in DC for the weekend.. (got completely ripped everyday.. drunkeness from 1pm-3am., hehe) I'm VERY interested..

also.. what is a "kouki" 240?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

zenki - 95-96 240
kouki - 97-98 240

*sykikchimp* · 01-02-2002, 11:34 AM

oh, well in that case I'm not interested.  sorry.  I want the Fastback version. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

IWannaSil80 · 01-02-2002, 01:53 PM

Zenki means early model lika 89-90 S13 and Kouki means later model like 91-94.

HippoSleek · 01-02-2002, 01:55 PM

Actually, Zenki and Kouki can also refer to 1989-1991 and 1991-1994 as there were also changes to the s13 that warranted a "before" and "after."

*sykikchimp* · 01-02-2002, 03:24 PM

OK..  Then I take it back ..  I am interested.  (interesting stuff!!)

idunit · 01-02-2002, 03:39 PM

This car belongs to a freind of mine in shalotte NC, about 15 minutes south of wilmington.  Price is negotiable.

It's a white 93' 240sx.
2.4L 4 cylinder with 5 speed transmission
81,000 miles
Tilt, cruise, AC, CD player, and fog lights.
Has JVC El Kameleon, kicker 5 1/4's in front and infinity in rear.
Had new valve cover gasket, head gasket, front seal, and all gaskets on front covers.  Had timing chain and gears, new clutch, clutch master and slave cylinders changed about 1500 miles ago.
New fuel injectors and the fuel rails were cleaned.
New tie rod ends were put on and then goodyear eagles were put on.  Tires have 600 miles on them.
We clipped the tach and top gear wires so there is no longer a top end limiter.  EVERYTHING STILL WORKS, THE CAR JUST DOESN't CUT OFF AT 115 MPH like all the others.
Asking price is $6,800.

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12-28-2001, 08:23 AM	#1
sykikchimp WOW addicted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the moon Age: 44 Posts: 6,525 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I found a 240 here in charlotte (at a used car lot) and they are asking 3995 for it. specs: 1993 240sx SE Cloth, all power, manual sunroof, ABS, LSD, and SuperHicas. problems I found when I looked at it: There is a metallic rattling from under the valve cover (never good.. not sure exactly what it is though)  and the passenger door appeared to be bent a little at the bottom. (indicating the car had been wrecked) so I went home and ran a carfax on it and low and behold it had a Salvage/Junk title in 1996. The car was real clean with a fresh coat of paint, but personally I don't trust a really clean car at a used car dealership. I offered him $2000 on the spot and he said no.   Any opinions about this car??

12-28-2001, 09:11 AM	#2
sykikchimp WOW addicted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the moon Age: 44 Posts: 6,525 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	this should probably be in the Chat forum..  sorry

12-28-2001, 10:03 AM	#3
whateverjames Nissanaholic! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: St. Louis Age: 45 Posts: 2,263 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	you can probably get one cheaper than that, one that didn't have a salvage title, and maybe even one that doesn't rattle.

12-28-2001, 10:06 AM	#4
ca18guy Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Clearwater FL Age: 42 Posts: 3,226 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: ca18guy Feedback Score: 0 reviews	#Moderation Mode Off to the chat section it go's then <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> I would'nt touch the car. You can find one with out a salvage, i f he accepts 1,500 I would think about it. <a href="http://www.zilvia.net/forums/cgi-bin/topic.cgi?forum=1&topic=1741" target="_self">Moved here</a>

12-28-2001, 10:16 AM	#5
chickenmanq Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,000 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'd get him down to 1000 before I'd even accept a salvage title.  It's one thing to buy if from the auctions and fix it yourself.  It' another to trust somebody else' job and pay up the nose for something that may break down soon. Rattling in valve cover would seem to indicate valves, indicating further a lack of oil.

12-28-2001, 10:25 AM	#6
DSC New Title Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: VA Posts: 3,454 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Isn't there a known problem with some shield under the valve cover that breaks off and rattles around?  If I remember right, its not a problem since the shield doesn't do anything usefull.  I'd definately not pay over 2k for a salvage title.  I say keep looking.

12-28-2001, 11:03 AM	#7
drift freaq R.I.P. Aya, always love Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Los Feliz/Hollywood Posts: 18,564 Trader Rating: (215) Rides Gallery: drift freaq Feedback Score: 215 reviews	Now , I would say because the door is bent at the bottom I would not touch it. Of course you guys keep on downing Salvages . Fact is some Salvages are worth every dime. If I should you my 91 with 22,000 miles on it you would not even be able to tell it was a salvage. I paid $3900 for it and it was worth every penny . All the shops tripped out when they saw and said I got a good deal so did a lot of my fellow Socal 240sx.org members. Mine had been hit in the front i.e. core support ,bumper and fender. You can't even tell the core support was replaced. No strut tower or frame rail damage. So I basically got a brand new 91 hatch . Now i will tell that here in SoCal finding low mileage S13's is not easy . Which is why I decided to go for it . On top of that I had a expert Porsche Mechanic and builder on Sunset boulevard look it over. All I can say about salvages is some are good deals some are crap. You need to know what your doing as far as mechanical and body work knowledge if you are looking at one. Not for the untrained eye. I just felt i had to speak up about this. Keep looking for the clean title car . Don't take the salvage unless its super clean and incredible buy mileage and condition wise . Or it is reasonable and cheap . The main problem with the salvage scene is there are a lot of crap builders out there that cut corners and cheap out.  this is where the danger comes in.

12-28-2001, 11:53 AM	#8
transient Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Los Angeles, California Age: 41 Posts: 2,947 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yeah, depending on the kind of damage, you can get a really good car by buying a salvage. A friend of mine got a 91 stealth that was a salvage, 20k on the engine, and paid about 4,500 for it. If you think about it, it doesn't take much to total an older car. A 90 240sx is worth about 3k blue book in perfect condition. Now think about it for a second, how hard is it to cause 3,000 dollars worth of damage to it without actually hurting it much? Not very.

12-28-2001, 12:32 PM	#9
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	For that price, I would run, not walk, in the other direction.  There are plenty of s13s that are in decent shape that haven't been wrecked for that money. I agree that some salvage cars are great buys, but I agree that I would never buy one that was already fixed... you never know if it was a little ding that happen to cost a lot in labor or a frame mangling horror story.

12-28-2001, 01:57 PM	#10
sykikchimp WOW addicted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the moon Age: 44 Posts: 6,525 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yeah... thats what I figured too.  I just wanted a confirmation from you guys. I'll probably be asking about some others and getting opinions as I look.  Also if anybody in NC/SC knows of a 240 for sale with a good body, and low miles let me know.  I'm gonna make it a project car, but daily drive it for a while. Thanks!

12-28-2001, 02:17 PM	#11
IWannaSil80 Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 18 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'll keep my eyes open for you sykikchimp. Are you looking for an S13 or a S14. If it's a S13 which body style?

12-28-2001, 02:28 PM	#12
sykikchimp WOW addicted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the moon Age: 44 Posts: 6,525 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Fastback S13..  I really appreciate it! preferably 91-93 My perfect car would be a 91 LE FB 5-speed with ABS/LSD and about 90,000 miles <or less>.. and no dents. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> I am flexible though.  and willing to drive for a Really good speciman.

12-28-2001, 07:34 PM	#13
IWannaSil80 Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 18 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Ok. I'll be in Raleigh tomorrow so I'll check around.

12-29-2001, 01:25 PM	#14
IWannaSil80 Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 18 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Hey, my friend has found you couple kouki 240s around here. 2 are AT though, and there are 2 or 3 in Raleigh, there's a black one and a red one that are MT that're really clean. I'll go check them out myself and give you the #s to the places.

01-02-2002, 11:19 AM	#15
sykikchimp WOW addicted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the moon Age: 44 Posts: 6,525 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	sorry about the delay...  Was in DC for the weekend.. (got completely ripped everyday.. drunkeness from 1pm-3am., hehe)  I'm VERY interested.. also..  what is a "kouki" 240?

01-02-2002, 11:21 AM	#16
BlankFlip Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: The Future Posts: 1,627 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from sykikchimp on 1:19 pm on Jan. 2, 2002 sorry about the delay... Was in DC for the weekend.. (got completely ripped everyday.. drunkeness from 1pm-3am., hehe) I'm VERY interested.. also.. what is a "kouki" 240?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> zenki - 95-96 240 kouki - 97-98 240

01-02-2002, 11:34 AM	#17
sykikchimp WOW addicted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the moon Age: 44 Posts: 6,525 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	oh, well in that case I'm not interested.  sorry.  I want the Fastback version. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

01-02-2002, 01:53 PM	#18
IWannaSil80 Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 18 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Zenki means early model lika 89-90 S13 and Kouki means later model like 91-94.

01-02-2002, 01:55 PM	#19
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Actually, Zenki and Kouki can also refer to 1989-1991 and 1991-1994 as there were also changes to the s13 that warranted a "before" and "after."

01-02-2002, 03:24 PM	#20
sykikchimp WOW addicted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the moon Age: 44 Posts: 6,525 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	OK..  Then I take it back ..  I am interested.  (interesting stuff!!)

01-02-2002, 03:39 PM	#21
idunit Zilvia Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 164 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	This car belongs to a freind of mine in shalotte NC, about 15 minutes south of wilmington.  Price is negotiable. It's a white 93' 240sx. 2.4L 4 cylinder with 5 speed transmission 81,000 miles Tilt, cruise, AC, CD player, and fog lights. Has JVC El Kameleon, kicker 5 1/4's in front and infinity in rear. Had new valve cover gasket, head gasket, front seal, and all gaskets on front covers.  Had timing chain and gears, new clutch, clutch master and slave cylinders changed about 1500 miles ago. New fuel injectors and the fuel rails were cleaned. New tie rod ends were put on and then goodyear eagles were put on.  Tires have 600 miles on them. We clipped the tach and top gear wires so there is no longer a top end limiter.  EVERYTHING STILL WORKS, THE CAR JUST DOESN't CUT OFF AT 115 MPH like all the others. Asking price is $6,800.