240sx s13 reliability. - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

Mtt22 · 07-01-2002, 09:24 PM

ok, im about to buy a new car(cause mines the devil, and its slow...) and i was going to get a ford probe(2nd gen) or a 96 cavalier z24. I like the probe, but the insurance sucks. So, i was thinking a 92 240sx dohc engine hatchback(s13 right?). And i would like to know how reliable they are, i know nissan knows there shit, so im hoping its good. I already know all the other specs i just need to know the "issues" if there are any.

Please, be honest, and dont bash the other cars, this isnt meant to be a debate, its meant for me to be able to get a reliable fast car.

Thanks in advance.

*EDIT*

Oh, the car i was looking at was a 92 240sx hatchback 5spd super hicas(sp?), will the 4ws present any problem?  Is it at all prone to breaking, should i avoid it?

Goodbar6 · 07-01-2002, 10:17 PM

My personal experience with Nissans has been excelent. My 240SX (S13 Hatch) has 160,000 miles (Hard miles) on it, and it still runs great. My 1990 Maxima has 230,000 miles on it, and it runs like a champ!

The only major repair my 240SX has undergone was a fuel pump. The car had been sitting in a quanset for like 4 months, so something was bound do let loose. Thats it for major repairs!

I love my 240SX, SUPER reliable for me!
Tyler

Mtt22 · 07-01-2002, 10:31 PM

my god thats amazing, any opinions on the super hicas?

*EDIT*

Also if i go and look at one is there anything in particular i should make sure to check?

mrdirty · 07-02-2002, 04:35 AM

Go check out a used car guide; that's what I did before buying. The 240 tests particularly well in crash and reliability (body and mechanical.) I don't remember what book I got this out of but it was one of the major ones. That's where you're going to get the most un-bias view.

Hicas has not been well recieved by everyone; I chose not to go w/ it because of the following:
1)More mechanical parts to break
2)Expensive to fix
3)It just feels weird.
4)I thought it felt unpredictable.

dr2if4ta0sx · 07-02-2002, 05:15 AM

Yea i agree with Goodbar6.  The 240sx is a very reliable car, at least to me.  My 240 has over 150k and still running strong but if you still aint sure id take it to a mechanic and get a complete check... save you the money in the long run.

Sorry i have to bring this up... but a PROBE?  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

uiuc240 · 07-02-2002, 08:27 AM

I'm not going to bash the other cars, but in terms of reliability and overall quality, the Nissan isn't even in the same league as the Cav or the Probe.  I have had friends with both.  And both of them HATED the fact that my 89 piece with nearly 100k on the clock was always in the shop less than they were.  The kid with the Z24 has since sold it and bought a Prelude (much to his Chevy-headed dad's dismay) and the Probe was sold to finance a 1997 Honda CBR600F3.  So there you have it.  Oh, and my 240 is still going strong.  Now it has an SR20DET, though.  And all the suspension parts are new.  Except the front tie rod ends....which I think are toast....blah.

Anyway, you'd do well to buy the 240.

Eric

*sykikchimp* · 07-02-2002, 11:38 AM

things I've found to look for specific to the S13 240:

busted T/C rod Bushings
89-90 Leaky injectors
Valve cover oil leaks (easily fixed w/ new gasket)
Rust under Spoiler (fastback only)
Rust on Strut Towers
Some timing chain noise should be expected. Beware if excessive. normally has to be replaced around 90-110k miles
Excessive Flip up sunroof noise.
cracks in the intake piping
rough idle - fairly common and can be anything from bad MAF to dirty emmisions/intake system
noisy cat. heat shield

Thats about it. I have had a 90 & 92 fastback. Have been very reliable. Just MAKE SURE they don't get low on oil. They are NOT Tolerant of low oil situations.

EDIT - Bonus to Getting HICAS is that the car will also have LSD.  I would've bought a HICAS car over a non-HICAS car for that fact alone.

DarkRaptor42 · 07-02-2002, 12:46 PM

Just to add in. My drive around town car is a 2000 escort zx2. Its a good car, it was cheap and still eats hondas. The car before my 240 that I was racing was an 91 escort gt turbo charged. I love escorts and I USED to like fords. Then I got my 240. Traded the guy straight across for the escort for my 91 gt for the 90 240. The 240 was just better over all. I cant even look at domestics anymore. I drive my escort than jump into my 240 and I curse my daily driver. Go with the 240. Mine had 200,000+ miles on it (coulnt keep track the oddometer broke) and the trany went before the engine. My experince with probes. Very selective for parts and hard to find. Break down Alot. Cavilers dont get me started. All I got to say is that my girl almost got killed drive one and she wasnt even in an accident, everything that could have gone wrong did. Well hope that helps at least its my 2 cents

Mtt22 · 07-02-2002, 04:45 PM

cool, sounds great, i will be getting a 92+ fastback version, and i will most likely get the super hicas just because.

All the super hicas versions have the dohc engine right? i want to make sure i get the dohc version, it says dohc on the top of the engine right so when i go look at one i wont get ripped?

whateverjames · 07-02-2002, 06:40 PM

they are very reliable. i have 191,050 miles and i've only replaced the starter, but what starter doesn't go out <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

the Hicas equipped 240SX will have a DOHC because they didn't have hicas on the 89-90 i don't think.

Mtt22 · 07-02-2002, 07:21 PM

so your saying that only the 90-91 had the sohc version,. and the 92-94 had the dohc?

240Driver39 · 07-02-2002, 07:42 PM

No, 89-90 had sohc motors in them, and then in 91 they put in the dohc motor which is in the years 91 and up.

*sykikchimp* · 07-03-2002, 12:05 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (whateverjames @ July 02 2002,8:40)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">i've only replaced the starter, but what starter doesn't go out <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Yeah..  I was actually gonna mention this b/c I've had to replace the starter on both my 240's but I figured..  it's not really an isolated problem. lol

/etc/shadow · 07-03-2002, 10:27 AM

My 1990 240sx FB (108k miles) is still in great condition. Haven't had an ounce of trouble with it.

Russki · 07-03-2002, 04:49 PM

The car before my 240 was a '93 Probe GT, I loved it and the only reason i don't have it anymore is because i crashed it, and it saved my life!  I just got a broke leg.. from a 40mph head on collision with a tow truck... but anyways, even thoug I really liked the probe, it did brake down a lot and the only things that go wrong with my 240 is that it has car cancer (rust).

07-01-2002, 09:24 PM	#1
Mtt22 Leaky Injector Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 79 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	ok, im about to buy a new car(cause mines the devil, and its slow...) and i was going to get a ford probe(2nd gen) or a 96 cavalier z24. I like the probe, but the insurance sucks. So, i was thinking a 92 240sx dohc engine hatchback(s13 right?). And i would like to know how reliable they are, i know nissan knows there shit, so im hoping its good. I already know all the other specs i just need to know the "issues" if there are any. Please, be honest, and dont bash the other cars, this isnt meant to be a debate, its meant for me to be able to get a reliable fast car. Thanks in advance. EDIT Oh, the car i was looking at was a 92 240sx hatchback 5spd super hicas(sp?), will the 4ws present any problem?  Is it at all prone to breaking, should i avoid it? __________________ Matt "andy offers kevin pudding at 9, if andy is 7 years older then pudding than how many liters of andy does it take to get to detroit?" "There are 3 types of people in this world. People who can count, and people who cant.." ""Save the Whales" (Trade them for valuable prizes)"

07-01-2002, 10:17 PM	#2
Goodbar6 Leaky Injector Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 148 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My personal experience with Nissans has been excelent. My 240SX (S13 Hatch) has 160,000 miles (Hard miles) on it, and it still runs great. My 1990 Maxima has 230,000 miles on it, and it runs like a champ! The only major repair my 240SX has undergone was a fuel pump. The car had been sitting in a quanset for like 4 months, so something was bound do let loose. Thats it for major repairs! I love my 240SX, SUPER reliable for me! Tyler __________________ ___ 1990 Nissan Maxima (Daily Driver) 1989 Nissan 240SX (sold...kicking myself in the butt for it) Soon Another S13 for me to play with :-) --Tyler Loewens

07-01-2002, 10:31 PM	#3
Mtt22 Leaky Injector Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 79 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	my god thats amazing, any opinions on the super hicas? EDIT Also if i go and look at one is there anything in particular i should make sure to check? __________________ Matt "andy offers kevin pudding at 9, if andy is 7 years older then pudding than how many liters of andy does it take to get to detroit?" "There are 3 types of people in this world. People who can count, and people who cant.." ""Save the Whales" (Trade them for valuable prizes)"

07-02-2002, 08:27 AM	#6
uiuc240 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Naperville, IL Age: 45 Posts: 2,093 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'm not going to bash the other cars, but in terms of reliability and overall quality, the Nissan isn't even in the same league as the Cav or the Probe.  I have had friends with both.  And both of them HATED the fact that my 89 piece with nearly 100k on the clock was always in the shop less than they were.  The kid with the Z24 has since sold it and bought a Prelude (much to his Chevy-headed dad's dismay) and the Probe was sold to finance a 1997 Honda CBR600F3.  So there you have it.  Oh, and my 240 is still going strong.  Now it has an SR20DET, though.  And all the suspension parts are new.  Except the front tie rod ends....which I think are toast....blah. Anyway, you'd do well to buy the 240. Eric __________________ 2002 Mazda Protege5 1989 S13 w/SR20DET (sold)

07-02-2002, 11:38 AM	#7
sykikchimp WOW addicted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the moon Age: 43 Posts: 6,525 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	things I've found to look for specific to the S13 240: busted T/C rod Bushings 89-90 Leaky injectors Valve cover oil leaks (easily fixed w/ new gasket) Rust under Spoiler (fastback only) Rust on Strut Towers Some timing chain noise should be expected. Beware if excessive. normally has to be replaced around 90-110k miles Excessive Flip up sunroof noise. cracks in the intake piping rough idle - fairly common and can be anything from bad MAF to dirty emmisions/intake system noisy cat. heat shield Thats about it. I have had a 90 & 92 fastback. Have been very reliable. Just MAKE SURE they don't get low on oil. They are NOT Tolerant of low oil situations. EDIT - Bonus to Getting HICAS is that the car will also have LSD.  I would've bought a HICAS car over a non-HICAS car for that fact alone. __________________

07-02-2002, 04:35 AM	#4
mrdirty Zilvia Addict Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Thunder Bay Ontario Age: 46 Posts: 650 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Go check out a used car guide; that's what I did before buying. The 240 tests particularly well in crash and reliability (body and mechanical.) I don't remember what book I got this out of but it was one of the major ones. That's where you're going to get the most un-bias view. Hicas has not been well recieved by everyone; I chose not to go w/ it because of the following: 1)More mechanical parts to break 2)Expensive to fix 3)It just feels weird. 4)I thought it felt unpredictable.

07-02-2002, 05:15 AM	#5
dr2if4ta0sx Leaky Injector Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: SoCal Age: 44 Posts: 145 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yea i agree with Goodbar6.  The 240sx is a very reliable car, at least to me.  My 240 has over 150k and still running strong but if you still aint sure id take it to a mechanic and get a complete check... save you the money in the long run. Sorry i have to bring this up... but a PROBE?  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

07-02-2002, 12:46 PM	#8
DarkRaptor42 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Lodi CA Age: 40 Posts: 542 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Just to add in. My drive around town car is a 2000 escort zx2. Its a good car, it was cheap and still eats hondas. The car before my 240 that I was racing was an 91 escort gt turbo charged. I love escorts and I USED to like fords. Then I got my 240. Traded the guy straight across for the escort for my 91 gt for the 90 240. The 240 was just better over all. I cant even look at domestics anymore. I drive my escort than jump into my 240 and I curse my daily driver. Go with the 240. Mine had 200,000+ miles on it (coulnt keep track the oddometer broke) and the trany went before the engine. My experince with probes. Very selective for parts and hard to find. Break down Alot. Cavilers dont get me started. All I got to say is that my girl almost got killed drive one and she wasnt even in an accident, everything that could have gone wrong did. Well hope that helps at least its my 2 cents __________________ 04 WRX STi 90 Sil- Camino R.I.P. AE86 20v MS R.I.P. KA-T www.209forums.com

07-02-2002, 04:45 PM	#9
Mtt22 Leaky Injector Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 79 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	cool, sounds great, i will be getting a 92+ fastback version, and i will most likely get the super hicas just because. All the super hicas versions have the dohc engine right? i want to make sure i get the dohc version, it says dohc on the top of the engine right so when i go look at one i wont get ripped? __________________ Matt "andy offers kevin pudding at 9, if andy is 7 years older then pudding than how many liters of andy does it take to get to detroit?" "There are 3 types of people in this world. People who can count, and people who cant.." ""Save the Whales" (Trade them for valuable prizes)"

07-02-2002, 06:40 PM	#10
whateverjames Nissanaholic! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: St. Louis Age: 44 Posts: 2,263 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	they are very reliable. i have 191,050 miles and i've only replaced the starter, but what starter doesn't go out <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> the Hicas equipped 240SX will have a DOHC because they didn't have hicas on the 89-90 i don't think. __________________ 02 Blazer X - 90 240SX w/SR oh noes

07-02-2002, 07:21 PM	#11
Mtt22 Leaky Injector Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 79 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	so your saying that only the 90-91 had the sohc version,. and the 92-94 had the dohc? __________________ Matt "andy offers kevin pudding at 9, if andy is 7 years older then pudding than how many liters of andy does it take to get to detroit?" "There are 3 types of people in this world. People who can count, and people who cant.." ""Save the Whales" (Trade them for valuable prizes)"

07-02-2002, 07:42 PM	#12
240Driver39 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Charleston, SC Age: 39 Posts: 1,090 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: 240Driver39 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	No, 89-90 had sohc motors in them, and then in 91 they put in the dohc motor which is in the years 91 and up. __________________ 1990 240sx 5spd fastback

07-03-2002, 12:05 AM	#13
sykikchimp WOW addicted Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the moon Age: 43 Posts: 6,525 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (whateverjames @ July 02 2002,8:40)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">i've only replaced the starter, but what starter doesn't go out <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> Yeah..  I was actually gonna mention this b/c I've had to replace the starter on both my 240's but I figured..  it's not really an isolated problem. lol __________________

07-03-2002, 10:27 AM	#14
/etc/shadow Zilvia Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 167 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	My 1990 240sx FB (108k miles) is still in great condition. Haven't had an ounce of trouble with it.

07-03-2002, 04:49 PM	#15
Russki Leaky Injector Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 82 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The car before my 240 was a '93 Probe GT, I loved it and the only reason i don't have it anymore is because i crashed it, and it saved my life!  I just got a broke leg.. from a 40mph head on collision with a tow truck... but anyways, even thoug I really liked the probe, it did brake down a lot and the only things that go wrong with my 240 is that it has car cancer (rust).