What does it take to get 18k or more for a swap 240sx!!!

[smelly240]

IMO REDSQUARE's car is bad enough to be worth 18K.

that shits nice and IIRC - Original owner?

[Red Square]

Originally Posted by smelly240

IMO REDSQUARE's car is bad enough to be worth 18K.

that shits nice and IIRC - Original owner?

not too many people know, but you could buy a brand new s14 for dirt cheap, even though they had expensive sticker prices. my base model was listed at $19,900 and an hour later i took her home for $13,900. alot of people are shock i got it for soo cheap, but nobody wanted these things, they just sat on the lot for months taking up space.

ive had 2 different older guys offer more than $20k for my car. and one younger guy wanted to trade his 1 year old 350z. but yah, i would never sell it. even if i put back all my stock parts, i wouldnt sell it for $20k lol. sound pretty stupid, but when i was 16 and poor, i never work so hard in my entire life for some thing. too much sentimental value. and plus since im alittle better off now, money has less meaning.

[Icy13]

The problem with the 2jz red 240 is that anyone who will appreciate the love that went into that car and the glory that it can achieve would not drop 18K on an already modded car; they would have to have enough knowledge to build it themselves and very likely the will to build it to appreciate what that car is. What it is is an excellent example of someone who planned exactly what they wanted and executed it to their desire.

Remember: cars are NOT an investment... you dont make money modifying a car. Therefore, IMO, if you are to modify a car you better be doing it for some reason other than money (in resale, race winnings would be another story ) Otherwise, the money is literally burning up and fuming out the tail pipe. This is also why, IMO, you should NEVER take out a loan to build your car (loans are only to invest in capital, which turns a profit in the future, yay for my highschool macro-econ teacher :-P)

Final opinion: I, myself, really cannot see a reason to buy a car with 10-20K in parts added simply because anyone who can apprecaite the work would rather do the job themselves b/c the joy of a car with more part value than combined value is the work you put into it. However, knowing that people do this, I can see no other reason than because they are trying to proove something (to others, to themself, w/e)... I dont know what, but I cannot think of a legit reason to purchase a 20k modded car worth 2-5k blue book for the reasons above. Comments?

BTW Drew, I quite admire your philosophy on (build it for you and priceless) but personally think that saving money in certain places is a part of that. For example, I refuse to believe that a pipe is not a pipe (in certain positions and applications ). I dont see any problem with a megan manifold for a t25 system, for example, because such a system is not designed for the rigors of racing and a proper megan system for dd (with a flex downpipe) will never crack a megan manifold. However, I do acknowledge that often such parts indicate a poorly designed and executed vehicle however I think it wrong to deprecate a part designed to fill the dd crowd.

Konrad

[usdm180sx]

Ok. Let's set some ground rules here. Cars are a hobby not an investment. Because these cars trade for so cheap they should be considered as a hobby.

As far as investments go, buy what appreciates lease what depreciates. If you are planning to buy a 240sx as an investment, you are not wise at all.

[azndoc]

If you build a car because you think that its an investment.

Your doing it wrong.

Done.

Its not a coin collection kind of hobby.

Yes some people should start buying stamps and magic cards instead of building this whole hobby car.

[aNskY]

the only schassis i would pay 18k for is a low milage, street legal s15.
spending $20k on an s14 build does NOT make it worth anything close to that.

[Erjay1]

I dont think it matters or should matter unless its your car that's for sale. I can have a sh1tty $2k car, but if I want to sell it for $18k, then thats what I'll TRY and do. Doesn't mean I'll be able to sell it but hey that would be my problem right?

[S14DRFTX]

if you save this thread ..... and look at it in like ten years .......I think we will get a laugh out of it.....

I have been offered 14k for my car....98s14........... and like a bunch of people have said I have like 50k plus into my car ....... I wouldnt and couldnt sell it.....one cause i love it..... and another because i ant that generous to anybody...
I rather have it to give to my son then give away 35 grand to some kid that going to put it into the wall anyway

Alex

[RUTH'LESSDET]

Originally Posted by S14DRFTX

if you save this thread ..... and look at it in like ten years .......I think we will get a laugh out of it.....

I have been offered 14k for my car....98s14........... and like a bunch of people have said I have like 50k plus into my car ....... I wouldnt and couldnt sell it.....one cause i love it..... and another because i ant that generous to anybody...
I rather have it to give to my son then give away 35 grand to some kid that going to put it into the wall anyway

Alex

malaka you have one of the best looking original kouki's ive ever seen in person here on the east coast... BAR NONE!!

[C. Anderson]

IMO it's like buying a brand new car, as soon as you drive it off the lot it depreciates %10 or more. Just for instance, I know it's not down to a science like this, as soon as you buy those $1200 coilovers and install them you can get about another $800 for the car. Like said in some of these other posts, 240s are not collectibles and probably never will be compared to mk4 supras, fds, nsx's, etc. which were produced in lower numbers and designed to be "race cars".

[RUTH'LESSDET]

Originally Posted by 95drifto

IMO it's like buying a brand new car, as soon as you drive it off the lot it depreciates %10 or more. Just for instance, I know it's not down to a science like this, as soon as you buy those $1200 coilovers and install them you can get about another $800 for the car. Like said in some of these other posts, 240s are not collectibles and probably never will be compared to mk4 supras, fds, nsx's, etc. which were produced in lower numbers and designed to be "race cars".

I dont agree with you completely. IMO Kouki's are collectibles. Maybe not recognized by everyone but We all know they are hard to come by, and were produced in limited quantities.

[OBEEWON]

Red Square has the best car on this site.

He also has one of the best screen names second to me...

Trying to decide a modified cars worth is like trying to figure out what type of girl is best to marry. You just cant put it in a box. Not possible.

I recently was in a wreck and produced over $13k in reciepts which wasn't even all my modifications (no cosmetic modifications included) and my car was still totaled.

Earlier this year I sold the car for $17k and bought it back like a dummy.

[S13shaka]

what does it take to get 18k or more?

a sucker.

[LA_phantom_240]

IMHO no street legal S13 or S14 is worth $18k or more.

[drift freaq]

Wow, I think Norm said it best. He got 18k for his S14. I got 12,500. for my RB powered S13. Fact is would I get that today for the same car? Hard to say. I build my cars because I want to.
Some would say I am insane for doing my current build. I won't sell it unless someone pays me exactly what I want out of it for my work. Will that be more than it cost me to build? Hell yes! Labor hours equal money as well as money invested.

Anyone who says you can't build a car and turn a profit? Well they are either not pro's or they are hobbyist collectors.
This is not meant as an insult either, its just a fact. People have been building customized cars for profit since the the mid 50's. Not everyone can do this. Not everyone can sell a car for more money than it cost them to build.
If a person is willing to pay whatever a person wants for the car then they(the person selling ) has done his homework. Or the person buying just wants that particular car so bad and see's that it would be harder for him or her to do it their selves.

In the end whether you think its right or wrong worth it or not its done. I can tell you people have said my car was well worth what it sold for. Others have said it was not. Most of you speak out of your own personal opinion having nothing to do with how much the person invested in time and money. You're not that them so your judgement may be complete ass talk. Get over. If you have to complain about the car not being worth that much your probably a broke ass that could not afford it to begin with.

[OBEEWON]

In that case Verts and two tones are too.

[nismo tuned s14]

http://zilvia.net/f/cars-sale/205769...op-secret.html

That car is worth it, for sure.

[Full-Lock]

i just sold my s14 for 45,000

-If you selling a car for 18k for above should you try to include as much things as possible?

yes

-Should a 95-96 converted kouki be worth more than a 97-98 original kouki?

not worth more, but it should add value

-Does having a newer motor help?

not in my case, my rb26 was a 1990 motor, almost 20 yrs old

-Does having a bigger motor help? (i.e RB26, 1JZ, 2JZ, LS1,2,3,6,7)

yes

-Does having an older motor like SR20, RB20 hurt or help you and why?

no, like i said, my motor was almost 20 years old. condition was excellent, but it was still old

-Does swap difficulty increase the value?

yes. this is why the buyer was willing to pay. even after owning his own shop, the new buyer said he has never seen a swap or wiring job like my car had

-Does suspension, and aero play a big factor?

to a certain point.
imo
if you have someone paying big money it is probably not for an aero kit.
peaople that pay big usually are looking for power and reliablility. how a car looks is definatly a huge factor, along with quality of aero kit, but what brand aero you go with isnt all that huge of a deal, as long as its tasteful, authentic, and quality and a perfect fit is there.
susp. is important, coilovers obviously looks better on a for sale ad than cut springs.

just a tip
when selling your car dont listen to other people saying youll never get what your asking
i had people telling me i wouldnt get 25,000, not because of build quality, but because people in the market for these usually dont have money.
finding a buyer is extemely hard, but they are out there.

[RUTH'LESSDET]

Originally Posted by Full-Lock

i just sold my s14 for 45,000

-If you selling a car for 18k for above should you try to include as much things as possible?

yes

-Should a 95-96 converted kouki be worth more than a 97-98 original kouki?

not worth more, but it should add value

-Does having a newer motor help?

not in my case, my rb26 was a 1990 motor, almost 20 yrs old

-Does having a bigger motor help? (i.e RB26, 1JZ, 2JZ, LS1,2,3,6,7)

yes

-Does having an older motor like SR20, RB20 hurt or help you and why?

no, like i said, my motor was almost 20 years old. condition was excellent, but it was still old

-Does swap difficulty increase the value?

yes. this is why the buyer was willing to pay. even after owning his own shop, the new buyer said he has never seen a swap or wiring job like my car had

-Does suspension, and aero play a big factor?

to a certain point.
imo
if you have someone paying big money it is probably not for an aero kit.
peaople that pay big usually are looking for power and reliablility. how a car looks is definatly a huge factor, along with quality of aero kit, but what brand aero you go with isnt all that huge of a deal, as long as its tasteful, authentic, and quality and a perfect fit is there.
susp. is important, coilovers obviously looks better on a for sale ad than cut springs.

just a tip
when selling your car dont listen to other people saying youll never get what your asking
i had people telling me i wouldnt get 25,000, not because of build quality, but because people in the market for these usually dont have money.
finding a buyer is extemely hard, but they are out there.

OMG Full lock your the man... your car as you know was absolutely sick!!! With your post you kinda threw a money wrench I mean monkey wrench into the thread!!! 45k holy shit you really opened my eyes about the possible potential of our beloved 240sx with the right mix. IC an Rb26 old or new can hook a big fish!!!! Hats off you to you my friend i would love to know what was your original asking price for the car? Did you honestly believe you would have gotten that much? im just curious

[MadScientist]

Originally Posted by Full-Lock

i just sold my S14 for $45,000.

^^^^^^
Full-Lock

I was waiting for you to see this!!

I didn't do this the first post so.....

1.) -If you selling a car for 18k for above should you try to include as much things as possible?
Definately... the little parts do count and shows attention to detail which in turn shows quality.
2.)-Should a 95-96 converted kouki be worth more than a 97-98 original kouki?
NO... Kouki are harder to find, however I do argee that a 94 Vert would be more Rare, but less demand when you get the same car from 91-93. If you went off this theory the S15 Stawberry Face would be done to hell and back.... oh wait, it is!!
3.)-Does having a newer motor help?
YES... I hate seeing S13 SR20s in S14s... S13s with S14/S15-SR gets more respect... this gets me... Ex. the S15 engine is the most pointless marked up buy... your going to re-place all those parts that make it the S15 (injectors,turbo, ....thats it... trany? be real, just buy it) Save money and buy the S14 SR... the Black Top S13 is a $500 mark-up and you may actually get a 96+... but who knows... it could be a 91-95
4.)-Does having a bigger motor help? (i.e RB26, 1JZ, 2JZ, LS1,2,3,6,7).
That really depends on the quality of the swap... M.I.C...K.E.Y.... M.O.U.S.E.... says it all!! IMO... I dont like the 1JZ swap on the S-chassis, 2JZ swap is cool but cost is retarded... LS can be done very nice... RB swap is shaddy when its a 20 and even some 25s... if your going RB... Go 26
5.)-Does swap difficulty increase the value?
Yes... but this still goes under Quality... I have done SR20s in AE86s... RB26 in JZA80... SR20 in FD3S... all sort of Honda swaps.... It is all about Quality... now if you did something that decreases HP or way left feild... like a CA18 in a S14, or a NA SR20 in almost anything FR.... I did say almost!!
6.)-Does suspension, and aero play a big factor?
The outside of your car is what everyone sees... If it looks like shit... you bet, I am thinking its going to run like shit and have all sorts of issues. Suspension... see first post!

I have a Evo 9 MR also... there is only 600 of the MRs... most of you dont know that all cars that compete in a GT race must have a production # greater then 500.... the # higher then 500 declairs the Rarety.... however Supercars get to bend the rules.... Maseratti MC12 anyone?

-Drew

[spencer240sx]

Just add a little i know the sick13 car and if i had the money i would buy it in a heart beat love that car seen it as it was built love it...

[Brian]

Full Lock is the absolute KING.

posi rep

[devonkyle77]

45k for an s chassis? i demand pics.
who is the asshat that paid that? for 45k id buy a used 911, not a fucking 240sx. and i love 240's lol

[INeedNewTires]

Very interesting thread....

IMO a car is only worth what someone will pay for it. So without the right buyer, the car isint worth anything. This has to do with your advertizing, effort, and most of all timing. If you were to sell a 'done-up' 240 in 2003-04 then obviously the car would have brought more cash, economy was better, drift craze was insane, the market was churning.

~Now~ that same car is worth probably around 20% less. Its funny i've flipped a few 240's and finally found the one i'm going to keep forever.

1st. S13 hatch 5sp SE. bone stock, rebuilt engine, bought for 1k, owned it for 9mos, blew the motor, sold it for $1800 with a sparco seat installed and a blown motor. this was in 2004-drift tax was in my favor.

2nd. S13 coupe 5sp base. bought it from the origional owner (who was an old guy, didnt know shit) for $750. Literally didnt do A THING to it, didnt transfer title or even put gas in it, sold it 3wks later for $2500. At the time i wish i hadn't but now i'm glad i did, and thats one hell of an investment. This was in 2005. Drift tax helps me again.

3rd. now its 2007, i've been saving for my dream 240 for 2yrs now, finally find the one. It must be kouki, 5sp, no moonroof, and with a swap already. Found just that and more. My goal with this car was to buy someones failed investment, so i could save money, and build the car tastefully but in my way, however I dont have all the tools or the means to do a motor swap and i saved alot of money by going this route.

The car was a stock body, stock suspension origional Kouki but had an S14 SR with a 2871 and a motor built and tuned by a reputable race shop with less than 500 miles on it. The seller had it in 'hock' at the shop, and his wife was threatening that "if you put another dollar into that damn car i'm divorcing your ass" he listed it on craigslist, and 18hrs later it was mine. Now i had a perfect baseline to start with. I get to choose all the suspension, interior, and bodywork, but dont have to mess with the motor for a little while, and best of all it was reliable and fresh. This car i will never sell....ever.


On another note, my older brother bought brand new one of the last USDM Kouki's in existance. He bought it at the end of 98, it had 7 miles on it. It currently sits in his garage, immaculate, with 57k on the clock, its a black/black 5sp SE non-abs with absolutely NOTHING done to it. He has the origionaly brochure, manuals, spare, wheel locks, dash mat, window sticker, EVERYTHING. He's been offered 15k for it, he will probably never sell it, or maybe not until he gets a stupid offer for it, like 30k or something retarted. But what do you guys think something like that is worth?

[aNskY]

Originally Posted by INeedNewTires

On another note, my older brother bought brand new one of the last USDM Kouki's in existance. He bought it at the end of 98, it had 7 miles on it. It currently sits in his garage, immaculate, with 57k on the clock, its a black/black 5sp SE non-abs with absolutely NOTHING done to it. He has the origionaly brochure, manuals, spare, wheel locks, dash mat, window sticker, EVERYTHING. He's been offered 15k for it, he will probably never sell it, or maybe not until he gets a stupid offer for it, like 30k or something retarted. But what do you guys think something like that is worth?

seeing as no one buys these cars to keep stock, low miles, in the garage, i think you would have a hard time getting more than 10k for it, unless you found a real enthusiast / collector. im even willing to bet that if he had accepted the 15k offer, the guy woulda flaked.

[aznpoopy]

5spd 98 is super rare as it is. unmodded and pristine is ridiculous. i don't think anyone could really guess what the market price for that thing would be. 15k doesn't seem overpriced to me at all. if the 240 reaches collector status it could easily be worth more. it could easily be worth more to the right buyer. but if the 240 hype goes away, it might be going for kbb. who knows.

[flip3d]

If you want 18k and you put 18k+ in it, part it out.

Part
It
Out

[forum04pl]

IMO

I agree with Full-Lock, I feel if the work is done properly and the car shows it after modification the value increases. I'm a firm believer that an S chassis can be worth 18K+.... I've had first hand experience with it

[RUTH'LESSDET]

This thread is getting pretty interesting with all the different views

Originally Posted by INeedNewTires

I've been saving for my dream 240 for 2yrs now, finally find the one. It must be kouki, 5sp, no moonroof, and with a swap already. Found just that and more. My goal with this car was to buy someones failed investment, so i could save money, and build the car tastefully but in my way, however I dont have all the tools or the means to do a motor swap and i saved alot of money by going this route.

On another note, my older brother bought brand new one of the last USDM Kouki's in existance. He bought it at the end of 98, it had 7 miles on it. It currently sits in his garage, immaculate, with 57k on the clock, its a black/black 5sp SE non-abs with absolutely NOTHING done to it. He has the origionaly brochure, manuals, spare, wheel locks, dash mat, window sticker, EVERYTHING. He's been offered 15k for it, he will probably never sell it, or maybe not until he gets a stupid offer for it, like 30k or something retarted. But what do you guys think something like that is worth?

Your brother is a luck bastard he should hold on to that car and not do something stupid like drift it. You never know what someone will pay for it as we all know now.

IMO there is nothing wrong with what you did. Alot of people are not mechanics/fabricators (myself included) and can't build or dont have the time to build there cars from the ground up like some people that do this type of thing for a living. "It aint tricking if you got it."
In my case my first 240sx (back in late 2001) was an 1991 s13 sil80 with all the fixing but i paid to have my swap done. I traded the car in 2004 (after 3 sr's, a $500 paint job no rims and countless $$ wasted) for a turbocharged 1993 b13 sentra and $2000. I sold the car to a friend in CT who then sold the car with a rusted out firewall for $8000 (drift tax!!) I got rid of my sentra for $2300 and bought my mint 1997 240sx in 05 for $5800 with 84,000 miles on it. After i bought the 240sx i remembered all the drama i had with my s13 and said i would never touch my S14. 3 years later i was hit with the v8 bug...seven and a half plus for an engine & about 16k later, in misc shit. I would never take less than 18 grand for my hard work and effort put into this car (which was one of the FIRST ls2 s14 swaps done in the US!)

Originally Posted by SimpleS14

Sorry but I would take the FD over your car (or any S14 really). The style, chassis and interior is down right fiyah and I hope this one comes with the blonde lol

The funny thing about this is your right because the rx7 is secretly my dream car(and still is) but just never gotten around to getting one due to the price. and since im not a mechanic ive always feared having to pay for work on rotary motors. So thats how i ended up buying a 240sx

[shinhed]

Originally Posted by RUTH'LESSDET

The funny thing about this is your right because the rx7 is secretly my dream car(and still is) but just never gotten around to getting one due to the price. and since im not a mechanic ive always feared having to pay for work on rotary motors. So thats how i ended up buying a 240sx

That's me too. I even bought the 99+ jdm bumper and lights in preparation of owning one, then I chickened out because of high maintenance and because I have so much s-chassis shit.

Where are the pics your $18K+ s14? I'm ready to tear it apart