What do you guys think?

[Driice]

Hi,

I'm not sure if this is the right place to do this. I'm trying to find a 240sx to buy. I might be checking out this car...

"1996 nissan 240sx one of the cleanest around 198k on chassis
but engine has been rebuilt have most of the reciepts for everything
z32 twin turbo front brakes
stainless braided front brake lines
lowered
godspeed front and rear sway bars
godspeed c pillar bar
short throw with greddy counter weight knob
HKS HI power exhaust
G35 18" wheels
immaculant interior

the bad: need two tires
has a little sun fade on the paint

will throw in 300zx wheels with sale or trade"

I spoke with the owner and got some more information on the car as follwed:

-50k miles on rebuilt engine with most of paperwork
-Clean title
-Mismatching springs on suspension
-Paint is fading on roof and hood with minor scuffs on car
-Power steering leaks a dime sized spot in about two days
-Passes smog

The car looks clean. He is willing to sell the car for $4,000. I was wondering if this is a good price for what he's been telling me or what?

What do you think?

[Future240]

I think we need pictures of the car to make a better determination. However personally he godspeed parts, the mismatching of the springs, fading paint, and power steering leak are bad downsides for me. With the Z brakes, exhaust and wheels, I would say 3,500 TOPS and the rest of the card better look damn good.

Look at it this way, look how much money you are willing to spend. Look at what other S-chassis are going for, look at all the down sides you will have to fix and how much that is going to cost. Look into it as a future scope as well. What are your plans for the car? How much skill do you have in fixing this stuff yourself?

Are you prepared to walk away from it?

Think about all that then make your decision.

[Driice]

Originally Posted by future240

I think we need pictures of the car to make a better determination. However personally he godspeed parts, the mismatching of the springs, fading paint, and power steering leak are bad downsides for me. With the Z brakes, exhaust and wheels, I would say 3,500 TOPS and the rest of the card better look damn good.

Look at it this way, look how much money you are willing to spend. Look at what other S-chassis are going for, look at all the down sides you will have to fix and how much that is going to cost. Look into it as a future scope as well. What are your plans for the car? How much skill do you have in fixing this stuff yourself?

Are you prepared to walk away from it?

Think about all that then make your decision.

Yeah I know what you mean.

-I would sell the godspeed parts
-The mismatching springs do bother me and I would want to eventually install coilovers
-The fading paint does bother me, but not that bad. I would eventually down the road re-spray the car
-How much does it cost to fix the power steering leak? I'm pretty clueless about that issue...
-I would trade the exhaust for a stock exhaust plus cash
-I would sell the G35 wheels and put on the 300zx rims and save up for aftermarket rims

The rest of the car does look solid. The owner says there's about 50k miles on the rebuilt engine and that's one thing that shines about this deal. He says he does have paperwork and receipts and most of it is for the engine. Is there a way where a mechanic can tell exactly/roughly how many miles is on the rebuilt engine?

[ManoNegra]

Originally Posted by Driice

-How much does it cost to fix the power steering leak? I'm pretty clueless about that issue...

depends what's leaking
high pressure line? return hoses?

high pressure line is expensive if you replace it with an oem one
~$100 plus if you replace it with a stainless setup
I recently changed all the soft hoses on my daily with oem ones and that was ~$70

[Driice]

Originally Posted by ManoNegra

depends what's leaking
high pressure line? return hoses?

high pressure line is expensive if you replace it with an oem one
~$100 plus if you replace it with a stainless setup
I recently changed all the soft hoses on my daily with oem ones and that was ~$70

Owner said it's the front seal and if I want a brand new pump it's $25

[Future240]

Originally Posted by Driice

Yeah I know what you mean.

-I would sell the godspeed parts
-The mismatching springs do bother me and I would want to eventually install coilovers

Good coils are at least 1000 or more.

-

The fading paint does bother me, but not that bad. I would eventually down the road re-spray the car

Easily 2K for a good paint job, though one can be somewhat lenient as it is a nearly 15 year old car.

-

How much does it cost to fix the power steering leak? I'm pretty clueless about that issue...

Depends on what is leaking and whether you pay a shop to do it or DIY. This is a big no no for me.

-I would trade the exhaust for a stock exhaust plus cash
-I would sell the G35 wheels and put on the 300zx rims and save up for aftermarket rims

Good plan on this.

The rest of the car does look solid. The owner says there's about 50k miles on the rebuilt engine and that's one thing that shines about this deal. He says he does have paperwork and receipts and most of it is for the engine. Is there a way where a mechanic can tell exactly/roughly how many miles is on the rebuilt engine?

Not 100 on this but I would say they could look at an engine and see whether it is in good condition or not, but only externally unless they pulled it and broke it down.

Another thing, 198K on the chassis. I am thinking LCA's, other arms joints, bushings, etc.

[Driice]

I offered him $3,500. Do you guys think this is a good deal for $3,500?

[gzer750]

why dont u and the seller go to a mechanic of your choice, and have him answer your questions.

[Driice]

Originally Posted by gzer750

why dont u and the seller go to a mechanic of your choice, and have him answer your questions.

Because he's 2 hours away and I have an extremely busy schedule. I would prefer that however. How much does it cost to do a bumper to bumper inspection?

[Driice]

So he rejected my offer of $3,500 and is staying firm with $4,000. Original post was for $5,500 and I brought it down to $4,200 to $4,000.

What do you think? I don't mind in putting some work to remove and sell parts and fix up the suspension and whatnot. I just want a good deal. I really like how this car has 50k miles on the rebuilt engine.