Couldn't find this in the FAQs - What to look for when buying an S13?

[dylandddd]

I'm looking at a 1991 LE hatch and I want to know all of the things to check when I go to see it, all I know of thats 240 specific is the hatch problem.

[Dousan_PG]

hatch problem?
huh?

its a car
check it like you would ANY car.

[s13gold]

if its a hatch with a spoiler, check for rust..

pretty much check for rust everywhere...

hose down the car to make sure there are no leaks in and seals.

[dylandddd]

Originally Posted by Dousan_PG

hatch problem?
huh?

its a car
check it like you would ANY car.

Cars are different, and they often have unique problems. Like the problem with the hatch, holding water and rusting. Same thing happens with EGs, except its by the rear wheel arches. Most make-specific car forums have "What to look for when buying <insert car>" threads, I just was wondering if someone could tell me about any other common problems with 240s.

Thanks for the help though...

[Farzam]

Check fluids.
Look for rust.
Drive it for a while.
Look under the carpeting inside for rust and shit.
Take it to a mechanic you trust to look over it.
Search next time, cause many people ask this.
Maybe we should make a thread and sticky it?

[Farzam]

You're in Canada, so most likely you'll be looking at a rusty car...

Try and get a car with a spoilerless hatch.

[dylandddd]

Heres the car







Looks decent to me for the mileage. Can't see the hatch in these but its faded.

What would you guys price this at? (if you live around here, 'cause prices here are different than in the states)

BTW, 1991 LE with 280k km (=170k miles)

[Farzam]

We can't price a car purely on looks.

Mileage, condition, problems, etc....

[SimpleSexy180]

2k if its washed.

1.5k not washed.

[misterfrog]

no rust on the rockers...that's an area where a lot of s13s start rusting...

check the inner wheel arches since you are in canada
make sure the car shifts alright...is it auto or 5spd? if it's auto try to bargain down the price...same as if it doesn't have A/C or something inside is broken or seriously worn so it doesn't work well (radio, switches, etc etc)

looks like there is some rust on the drivers side by the rear bumper and on the passenger rear wheel arch...check it out and see if it's surface or serious...

either way it looks pretty good so long as the interior and engine/trans are in decent shape. test it out...

[MAGILLA]

just make sure to check the frame for damage. I know a few people that have bought 240's and like a month down the road found out that the car was twisted. you would be suprised how many folks drift crash and repair the outside damage and leave the body behind the panels jacked up. carfax it.

[KA-T_240]

I see rust on the rear fender.

[s13speeddrft]

^^that's what i was just about to say, right by the splash guard

[aznpoopy]

in toronto, i doubt you will find a 240sx that doesn't have rust on it already.

even extreme rust is fixable.
that one looks 'mildly' rusty. nothing some sandpaper and por-15 won't fix.

the real question is how much work do you plan on putting into it? they are ALL going to have issues.

[dylandddd]

I can put tons of time into it but not very much $ ATM.

Eventually I'd get an SR, coilovers, etc.

[aznpoopy]

Originally Posted by dylandddd

I can put tons of time into it but not very much $ ATM.

Eventually I'd get an SR, coilovers, etc.

i'm not talking about mods. that's the fun part.

i'm talking about troubleshooting.
in this case, that means fixing rust and any other problems it may have. it doesn't necessarily cost alot of money. just research and time.