240SX? For me?

[Vonie]

So, I'll be getting my license in a few months and have started looking around for a car. Not really sure what I want, just some thing fun, cheap and realatively cool (trust me, my definition of cool is vastly different from yours).

Now, I know a guy who is selling his '92 240SX Convertible. The car has 68k miles on it, is in good shape and is stock. He's selling it for $4500. However, it has an automatic, I was hoping for a manual.

Has anybody driven a 240SX Convertible? Is it wobbly? With an automatic? What are your thoughts on it? Is it a decent first car?

It's white, by the way. Thanks.

 

[a6m5]

240SX is a very cool car, but if you were looking for one with a stick, I think you should keep on looking. 240 with automatic and manual are two totally different cars.

Also, I was never big on open top 240SXs. Does it still have the original top? What kind of shape is the top in? Aftermarket top doesn't cost that much in parts(assuming it's available for this car), but it is supposedly very very hard to put on.

 

[Vonie]

240SX is a very cool car, but if you were looking for one with a stick, I think you should keep on looking. 240 with automatic and manual are two totally different cars.

I'm not necessarily set on a 240, it's just an availability.

Also, I was never big on open top 240SXs. Does it still have the original top? What kind of shape is the top in? Aftermarket top doesn't cost that much in parts(assuming it's available for this car), but it is supposedly very very hard to put on.

I think the top is in pretty good condition, the guy just replaced the window. I could ask him more if I had to.

 

[a6m5]

If I was going for a car that was cheap, fun, and cool(IMO), I'd go for Miata. Those things are a blast to drive, and they are supposed to get great gas mileage. Again, I'd inspect the top.

 

[Vonie]

If I was going for a car that was cheap, fun, and cool(IMO), I'd go for Miata. Those things are a blast to drive, and they are supposed to get great gas mileage. Again, I'd inspect the top.

I'd love a Miata. However, they're a bit too fun. As in impractical. And they're still a bit too expensive for a decent one. But if I can find a deal, I'll jump on it.

 

[breakpoint]

As far as the 240 goes i would stay away from that one because of it being an automatic and it being a convertible. Lets say in 4 years you decided, hey im going to stick an SR20 in here and build me a little car. The auto to manual conversion isn't that bad if you have mechanical experience. Whats bad is all the extra weight it being a convertible makes. Since they remove the top and that is what supports the car together they have to put in tons of extra bracing under the car to keep it from flexing. Plus anyone can just walk by and cut open your top to get whatever they like...and not to mention how much worse a roll would be without a top. Miata's handle perfect but, they are just too much of a woman's car....just my opinion. But the KA24DE is a very reliable and torque(y) motor. I have a 94 altima which has the KA24 in it and it will roast the tires all the way till i hit the top of 3rd. Not a car i would want to race people in but that motor will deff put a civic in its place quick. I had a 99 civic and i ate it up with my altima.

 

[Wolfe]

Even though it has only 68,000 miles and is in nice shape, $4500 can get you something more worthwhile, especially with that autotragic. I mean, the 240SX isn't a bad car, but if you parked one in even a slightly bad neighborhood and turned your back to it, it'd be vandalized/stolen before you could say "Fast and the Furious." A canvas roof will only make it more tempting.

If you're into RWD Nissans with pop-up headlights, you could grab a Z31 300ZX and laugh when all of the ricers at your school can't figure out what the heck it is. A friend of mine just picked up one today, and although it's rusted to hell (Surprise! It's a Nissan!), it's an awesome car. Positively exhudes '80s badassness.

 

[///M-Spec]

A friend of mine had a Z31. Watching the LED tach on that car was cooler than solving a Rubix's Cube while doing the Moonwalk.


M

 

[a6m5]

Watching the LED tach on that car was cooler than solving a Rubix's Cube while doing the Moonwalk.

Who told you this was cool?

My first car was a '85 Maxima, and it had the digital instrument panel, too. Cool as hell. How about a Maxima? Not a bad choice. Front wheel drive, but it does offer some sport and luxury, most definitely practical.

 

[///M-Spec]

Who told you this was cool?

Gary Coleman, at a Duran Duran concert. I was bending down to tie up my Converse high tops and there he was.


M

 

[miata13B]

Watching the LED tach on that car was cooler than solving a Rubix's Cube while doing the Moonwalk.


M

This was also in a point of time where unfortuantely, society was in awe with digital watchs too. . . . What do you think M?

 

[Vonie]

As far as the 240 goes i would stay away from that one because of it being an automatic and it being a convertible. Lets say in 4 years you decided, hey im going to stick an SR20 in here and build me a little car. The auto to manual conversion isn't that bad if you have mechanical experience. Whats bad is all the extra weight it being a convertible makes. Since they remove the top and that is what supports the car together they have to put in tons of extra bracing under the car to keep it from flexing. Plus anyone can just walk by and cut open your top to get whatever they like...and not to mention how much worse a roll would be without a top.

Thanks, I probably wont be modifying, just for the record. The slashability of the cloth does worry me, now that you mention it. Thnaks, again.

Even though it has only 68,000 miles and is in nice shape, $4500 can get you something more worthwhile, especially with that autotragic. I mean, the 240SX isn't a bad car, but if you parked one in even a slightly bad neighborhood and turned your back to it, it'd be vandalized/stolen before you could say "Fast and the Furious." A canvas roof will only make it more tempting.

Yeah, you guys have pretty much talked me out of it, I needed some one to do it.

If you're into RWD Nissans with pop-up headlights, you could grab a Z31 300ZX and laugh when all of the ricers at your school can't figure out what the heck it is. A friend of mine just picked up one today, and although it's rusted to hell (Surprise! It's a Nissan!), it's an awesome car. Positively exhudes '80s badassness.

Now there's an idea. How terrible will insurance be on a 16 year old, though?

 

[rotary_freq]

Yeah, I just picked up a 300ZX.

It's not bad friend, I'm the one wolfe was talking about. I looked up my insurance it it's not bad at all (I'm 20), the car's just so old they don't really care...

Let me tell you, for $2500 you can get a turbo stick (205hp) with low miles. The 300ZX is a gem, during the Initial D craze of 2005, somehow the Z31 missed out on the drift inflation. They're faster and more sport oriented than it's more sought after cousin the 240SX, and the damn thing feels like a true sports car the second you sit in it. The 240SX just feels like a boring old car through and through.

Though if you did really have your heart set on a more practical yet still RWD fun to drive Nissan, may I suggest the 240SX's predecessor, the 200SX (S12)?

 

[Jay]

Yeah, I just picked up a 300ZX.

Nice, I always admire the Z31 and S12 especially the Japanese FJ20 S12 (Some friends have had both), I am glad they were overlooked in the 'drifting craze'.

Got some pictures of your Z31?

 

[a6m5]

Wolfe's right. I see it as an cool 80's car too. 👍

I also agree with rotary's suggestion of the older 200SXs. Those were very nice, but would be very hard to find one in a good shape though, I'd imagine. Do not mix them up with the 200SXs from the 90's, which were Sentra/Sunny based.

 

[rotary_freq]

Nice, I always admire the Z31 and S12 especially the Japanese FJ20 S12 (Some friends have had both), I am glad they were overlooked in the 'drifting craze'.

Got some pictures of your Z31?

Aww yeah it's great. No pics as of yet, I'll probably take some tomorow. It was a $700 buy so as you can imagine, this thing is very rusty lol. I love it though.

As for the FJ20 S12 (the 200SX GP as I believe it was called) from what I understand, it was actually a europe only model, I could be wrong. To be honest the models I'm really interested in are the two special edition Z31s, the 200ZR (with the RB20DET) and the 300ZR (VG30DE) I guess they're japan only and extremely rare.

 

[Jay]

As for the FJ20 S12 (the 200SX GP as I believe it was called) from what I understand, it was actually a europe only model, I could be wrong. To be honest the models I'm really interested in are the two special edition Z31s, the 200ZR (with the RB20DET) and the 300ZR (VG30DE) I guess they're japan only and extremely rare.

Europe got a FJ20E S12 (As did Australia as a Gazelle) but in Japan they had a S12 Silvia RS-X which had a FJ20ET.
I would love to see a 200ZR.

 

[Gonz013]

Now, I know a guy who is selling his '92 240SX Convertible. The car has 68k miles on it, is in good shape and is stock. He's selling it for $4500. However, it has an automatic, I was hoping for a manual.

It's white, by the way. Thanks.

DON'T get the Automatic!!
The manual version is MUCH better- with a car like that, you really need the manual transmission to make the most of what the engine can give.
The Auto is just plain sluggish

...and white cars usually look like fridges on wheels

 

[1X83Z]

if you parked one in even a slightly bad neighborhood and turned your back to it, it'd be vandalized/stolen before you could say "Fast and the Furious." A canvas roof will only make it more tempting.

Where do you live?

 

[Pupik]

There's a gal with a red 240SX Convertible a few blocks from me. I always see it in town. The convertible top appears to suffering from "bloat" (the part above the driver looks like it's expanded use of a 10-gallon hat) but many convertible tops here have this problem after many years of use.

It would definitely be a "unique" car, they aren't that common.

 

[stumpydino]

Where do you live?

i thought he was talking about the UK

 

[Vonie]

DON'T get the Automatic!!
The manual version is MUCH better- with a car like that, you really need the manual transmission to make the most of what the engine can give.
The Auto is just plain sluggish

...and white cars usually look like fridges on wheels

Yeah, that was pretty much the deal breaker for me.

Yeah, I just picked up a 300ZX.

It's not bad friend, I'm the one wolfe was talking about. I looked up my insurance it it's not bad at all (I'm 20), the car's just so old they don't really care...

Let me tell you, for $2500 you can get a turbo stick (205hp) with low miles. The 300ZX is a gem, during the Initial D craze of 2005, somehow the Z31 missed out on the drift inflation. They're faster and more sport oriented than it's more sought after cousin the 240SX, and the damn thing feels like a true sports car the second you sit in it. The 240SX just feels like a boring old car through and through.

Though if you did really have your heart set on a more practical yet still RWD fun to drive Nissan, may I suggest the 240SX's predecessor, the 200SX (S12)?

Thanks for the feed back. A nice old Turbo does seem like a good deal. I'll look around for one.

Are the older 280/260/240Z's worth looking at?

 

[Gil]

`First of all, you really need to ask yourself why a 15 year old car has under 70,000 miles on it.
Is it breakdown prone?
Is it un-fun to drive?
Is it just a "toy"? (best possible scenario for you)

I've looked at several Miata's in this area, and they run anywhere from about $6,000 to $10,000 for '95 to '99 models with low to moderate mileage.

As for the early Z's, the good ones are in the hands of restorers and are not cheap. If you find a cheap Z, run! Fast, and far! Unless you have several buckets of money.
A ZX of 280-300 might not be a bad choice if you can find a good one.

For a first car, check insurance rates. (that'll also impress your parents if they are buying or helping buy the car), and look for something mid-sized, 5 or more years old, with 50,000 or less miles on it. You'll be learning on it, so it's possible that it may get a scratch/dent or two. Better it be something you like (rather than are really fond of).
Plus, something mid-size will make the transition to either a bigger car or a smaller car not so difficult.
Consider a 4-door.
Why? Eventually, you will be driving friends places. I grew up in 2-doors.
It truly sucks to have to get out to let someone into the back. Then have to get out again to let them out. Especially in the rain.

You will note that I haven't given any specific recommendation. I don't really have one. Pick something safe, reliable, and somewhat economical as well as "disposable" for your first car.

 

[1X83Z]

i thought he was talking about the UK

Same - I've never heard of a society where people spit on supercars - gotta love Britain.

 

[breakpoint]

Well if your not into modding the car in anyway then i would suggest a Civic really. Ive had so many cars that i can't count them all and the civic required zero maintanance the whole 3 years i had it (besides plugs, wires, oil changes...the usual things). They are very reliable and good on fuel. But if your wanting something that looks a bit better then nothing is popping into my head really that will still be dependable for you. I have a 94 nissan altima now but i wouldn't recomend it as a dependable vehicle. Its not a bad car, ive had it for about 4 years and i have had numerous problems with it. First i had to rebuild the tranny, then my alternator caught on fire then i had a problem with it shuttering really bad and bogging at higher rpm's. I have finally tracked that down to my fuel pump. Oh and also had to replace the dist. All in all if your not a mechanic ( 2 years at a shop, ase's) and you don't have a junkyard close then just stay away from the KA. Hey, that rhymes...don't get me wrong nissan is my favorite import company but those cars are cursed i swear. I am prob going to swap out a Q series motor from a maxima into it sometime within the next 2 years.

 

[rotary_freq]

`First of all, you really need to ask yourself why a 15 year old car has under 70,000 miles on it.
Is it breakdown prone?
Is it un-fun to drive?
Is it just a "toy"? (best possible scenario for you)

I've looked at several Miata's in this area, and they run anywhere from about $6,000 to $10,000 for '95 to '99 models with low to moderate mileage.

As for the early Z's, the good ones are in the hands of restorers and are not cheap. If you find a cheap Z, run! Fast, and far! Unless you have several buckets of money.
A ZX of 280-300 might not be a bad choice if you can find a good one.

For a first car, check insurance rates. (that'll also impress your parents if they are buying or helping buy the car), and look for something mid-sized, 5 or more years old, with 50,000 or less miles on it. You'll be learning on it, so it's possible that it may get a scratch/dent or two. Better it be something you like (rather than are really fond of).
Plus, something mid-size will make the transition to either a bigger car or a smaller car not so difficult.
Consider a 4-door.
Why? Eventually, you will be driving friends places. I grew up in 2-doors.
It truly sucks to have to get out to let someone into the back. Then have to get out again to let them out. Especially in the rain.

You will note that I haven't given any specific recommendation. I don't really have one. Pick something safe, reliable, and somewhat economical as well as "disposable" for your first car.

My response to this is quite simple. Most Zs that are well kept with low miles were only driven for fun and usually not in the winter, it's a common fact that Zs rust like you wouldn't believe. As for getting a 4 door. Whatever. If you want a 2 seater coupe, get one. There's no point in getting a car you don't really want.

What it all comes down to is, if you feel good behind the wheel, you did good.

A four door is nice, but trust me, it's plenty nice when you and your girl are driving around, and that annoying guy no one likes asks you for a ride, and you simply reply "Sorry, two seater."

Vonnie pal, I'd avoid a Datsun Z of any kind, at this point I really doubt you'd know how to take good care of the carburettor, and on a car with that kind of age, it's good to keep it in smooth running order. I should add that as your first car you might want to get a NA (non turbo) just cause the engines are a bit tougher and the maintenance is less frequent.

...Oh yeah, one other thing Gil... How is he going to get in and out of his car to let his friend's in the back seats, if he doesn't have any?

 

[breakpoint]

`First of all, you really need to ask yourself why a 15 year old car has under 70,000 miles on it.
Is it breakdown prone?
Is it un-fun to drive?
Is it just a "toy"? (best possible scenario for you)

Well when i bought my 1970 Nova about 7 years ago it only had 39,000 orig miles on it. Wasn't because it was breakdown prone or un-fun, it was just well maintained. The original owner bought it new and only drove it to church and kept very good care of it. It came with a 230cid straight 6. One of the best engines ever made. I yanked it out a year later for a 355 small block. Best thing to do when buying any car is to get a report on it to see if its even been wrecked or in a flood etc. Also just use common sense when looking at it. If you aren't mechanically inclined just drive it to a local mechanic shop and they should give it a once over for free. If somethig is wrong just take it back and tell em to snuff it! ( just take it there on your test drive) If they have nothing to hide then it shouldn't bother them.

 

[xsquizet-drifte]

My thing is to get a Nissan sentra 1.8L...Good learner car...then once you want more power swap in the 2.5l maxima motor. Trust me you will be putting mustangs in there place.

But serious get a sentra...those things last for ever....and alot of mods for it to make it faster.

 

[rotary_freq]

My thing is to get a Nissan sentra 1.8L...Good learner car...then once you want more power swap in the 2.5l maxima motor. Trust me you will be putting mustangs in there place.

But serious get a sentra...those things last for ever....and alot of mods for it to make it faster.

True friend, a buddy of mine had a Nissan Sentra Coupe, 84, which I believe was the first year they were labled Nissan, not Datsun correct?

Anywho, that car was bullet proof, up until his mom thought she could service the brakes herself and managed to tear up the rear suspension...

 

[Jim Prower]

I have a couple ideas...

late-model RWD Celica? they were missed by the Drift fad, too, as were the Mitsubishi starion...and it's twin, the Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Conquest.

Other fun ones?

Merkur XR4Ti: A.K.A. Ford Sierra. might be fun to get a Cosworth bodykit and engine from GB and really make people scratch their heads.

4-cyl. Fox-body Mustang: DON'T LYNCH ME YET! No, it wont have much power to start with. But It's a versatile platform, can be purchased cheap...and you can go V8, or...I'd go Cossie Sierra mill....

AMC Gremlin X: Had a 5.0L V8. In a hatchback. Also, it's becoming collectible, so you could get one for the same price as a 240 now, and value will appreciate over time...

Porsche 924/944: I've seen a few around here in the $5,000 range. No, they're not 911s, most don't even come with turbos...but they're Porsches.