How good are early 90s Nissan 240SX?

[YSSMAN]

We all may have an opinion as to what car we think he or she should get...but there's no question that you can find a reliable used car for little money.

Here here!

To give a generalized statement here, this isn't the first time that we have been completely split over how to handle the 240SX before. It would seem that in the previous threads we have all said much of the same things; There are better choises out there, but if thats what you want, get it.

In his case, I think many of us who have suggested other models are looking for something that would fit his needs, given that he is in school and is looking for a cheap RWD model. Good? Certainly, as we are all trying to help-out our fellow GTPlanet members. But when he asks for an opinion of his fellow users, and then people outside of himself are upset over our advice, what gives?

My problems with the 240 are pretty clear: It's been done before, and a car like that is going to get you in trouble. This whole "drift" thing, in my opinion, has gotten out of hand. I mean sure, they are great cars for doing things other than drifting, but be serious for a second... Thats what most people who have been buying them think they are going to do. The popularity of the car, driven upwards by "The Fast and the Furious" and the "Need for Speed: Underground," has driven up the costs of the car as well (not to mention those of classic RWD Corollas as well). This isn't a dime-a-dozen model like the Civic in which prices really didn't have much room to flex based uppon popularity, the Integra falling in the same boat as well.

So my question is, why be like everyone else? Why is there such as need to fit in with a car like this? Sure, it may be cool for the moment, but what about a year from now? Five years from now? If you are going to be investing time and money into a car I would assume that you would still want it to be cool after you have spent so much on it...

Now this isn't any kind of attack on the 240. I can appreciate what it has done, what it is currently doing, and what it will be doing in the future. But I think my point is indeed valid in questioning the car as of right now. There are plenty of other choises out there, not only pointed out by myself, but by others as well. But as noted before, this is a choise for the buyer, not the advisor.

...If it were me, I'd be looking to spend money on a fourth-gen Camaro or early-Miata, but thats just me. They suit my tastes, be damned if they are against what the other folks would like. I can appreciate the BMW 318 and MR2 suggestions, but I like what I like, and thus you should decide the same when looking for your next car...

 

[Biggamehit]

^^ 240s were hot to the real tuners way befor the whole fnf thing and also drifting has only gotten out of hand as far as commercial sponsors. drifting has been hot since 97 belive it or not, but its nothing wrong with people getting the car if they want a good project. and there are ways to be different. just look at my engine bay, no SR right no jdm headlights and tails right, im keeping it simple with my own style of things. and if he doesnt want to be llike anyone he can just ride the. bus every one has done everything that you can possibly do with every car so thats a kinda broad statement. I have been seeing miata's alot at events and growing the last 2 years. the popular thing with them now on the auto x circuit are LS1 swaps making them lil 500hp plus monstors with minor bolt ons, they also have a great wheel base body legnth and is FR one of the greatest packages and pretty much only second to the 89 MR2 from my experience . people follow trends thats where the worlds economy gets its fuel from ,except it.

also when it comes down to the platforms are what sells
would u my friend take an hyundai elantra or honda Crx if you were into tunning and auto x??

im not bashing u and your points are all well taken by me, but when you talk about 240s like that and im a person who builds them and know them inside out i get kinda offended becuase the cars a great along with anything eles that comes from japan.

ps
domestics are cool too i just dont want any of them

good day

 

[YSSMAN]

...I didn't mean to be offensive, but that is how I see the car in the market right now. Of course there are people who are further to the right and left of where I stand, and that is a good thing.

I completely respect the car, I really do, but if I was spending my money, it would probably be one of the last things on my list...

I know I often come off as Anti-Japan when it comes to automobiles, and generally I don't mean to. But, it isn't a big deal.

- Oh, CRX versus Elantra? I'd go for the Hyundai! Actually to be completely honest if I had a real choise in a small FWD car for Autocross, it certainly would be a late-model GTI, preferably an MKII.

 

[Perfect Balance]

So my question is, why be like everyone else? Why is there such as need to fit in with a car like this? Sure, it may be cool for the moment, but what about a year from now? Five years from now? If you are going to be investing time and money into a car I would assume that you would still want it to be cool after you have spent so much on it...

My question is, why do you just assume people are getting the car for the "cool" factor? I say assume because you made this same assumption in 2 of my other threads that had to do with buying a 240sx. People buy cars for themselves to enjoy. A 240sx isn't a car that will make you "cool" all of a sudden. Maybe later on, when you acually get enough money to fix the body and get a decent paintjob, then it will be "cool," but something that is going to take a year or 2 to become cool isn't worth the time or money.

Sorry if I sound like I'm arguing with you, but it's sort of irritating. I've never heard anyone buying a car just to be cool.

 

[Biggamehit]

not a bad choice, very light but parts for any german car areexpensive.


and also i know what you mean about the market. 4 years ago i bought my 240 for 1000 and now these kids are selling stock sohc 240s for 3500 dollars thats crazy, but thats how it works.

and man u cant be serious about the elantra lol. i worked at an importing dock not to long back. those car come off the ship with about a tbs of oil in them and the workers drive the hell out of them. the reason is if oil sits in the brand new motor to long with out being run, it will damage the seals.

also they have no aftermarket and their parts are made out of play dough lol. hyundai that is lol KDM tyte.

 

[Wolfe]

I've never heard anyone buying a car just to be cool.

Do you think all successful adults buy BMWs, Lexii, Cadillacs, Mercedes-Benzes, Audis, Porsches and the like because they want a decent luxury car or sportscar?

Do you think all teenagers buy compact Japanese cars because they need reliable, fuel-efficient transport?

Do you think all celebrities buy supercars and halo sportscars because they want to participate in track days and want a fast car?

Do you think manufacturers put spoilers, more aggressive bodykits, and unique trim on the top-of-the-line trim levels of their cars because they always serve an aerodynamic function or some other functional purpose?


I'm sorry, PERFECT BALANCE, but there are many, many kids who want nothing more than to own a 240SX, not because it's a good car (and it is a good car), but because it's a "drift car."

 

[Perfect Balance]

Do you think all successful adults buy BMWs, Lexii, Cadillacs, Mercedes-Benzes, Audis, Porsches and the like because they want a decent luxury car or sportscar?

Do you think all teenagers buy compact Japanese cars because they need reliable, fuel-efficient transport?

Do you think all celebrities buy supercars and halo sportscars because they want to participate in track days and want a fast car?

Do you think manufacturers put spoilers, more aggressive bodykits, and unique trim on the top-of-the-line trim levels of their cars because they always serve an aerodynamic function or some other functional purpose?


I'm sorry, PERFECT BALANCE, but there are many, many kids who want nothing more than to own a 240SX, not because it's a good car (and it is a good car), but because it's a "drift car."

But even if it IS because it will make them cool, they still LIKE the car. If they don't like the car whatsoever, they won't think it's going to make them "cool" YSSMAN makes it sound like the person buying to car has absolutely no want for the car, and doesn't like it at all, but wants it because they will be "cool"

 

[exigeracer]

So my question is, why be like everyone else? Why is there such as need to fit in with a car like this? Sure, it may be cool for the moment, but what about a year from now? Five years from now? If you are going to be investing time and money into a car I would assume that you would still want it to be cool after you have spent so much on it...

This is rediculous. If the car is good, you wouldn't buy it because it's popular? That's just as bad as the kids who bought the car as a trend in the first place!

If it's a good car, buy it. I don't see why you should be worried by what people think about you.

 

[a6m5]

Kids from high school to older might look at 240SX as some sort of drift-mobile, but the car's always been popular amongst older guys as well(myself included). Drifter and tuners did skyrocket the market price for the car, but the car was popular before the demand for it went over the roof IMO.

I'm not saying this in regards to any paticular members here, but I really don't understand the judgemental attitude some people takes with other people's cars. If someone wants to buy 240SX for it's sleek looks or drifting image, it's their money, it's their car to drive. Similar example is Scion xB. Some people get downright p*ssed off about the car. "Oh, that car is two boxes put together!", "Ugliest car I've ever seen!", etc., etc. They say this in the faces of xB owners, sometimes rasing their voices. I usually come in the defense and make fun of them or their car in turn, but still.

Unless the car is something really ridiculous, like H1 Hummer for Soccer Mom or something(you know she won't be able to park it ), we should just give our advice(s) and let them buy the car they like. That's what I think.

Edit: Maybe the problem is the thread title, "How good are early 90s Nissan 240SX?". When the critics of 240SX sees this, they can't help it, but go in the attack mode.

 

[Wolfe]

But even if it IS because it will make them cool, they still LIKE the car. If they don't like the car whatsoever, they won't think it's going to make them "cool" YSSMAN makes it sound like the person buying to car has absolutely no want for the car, and does't like it at all, but wants it because they will be "cool"

No offense, but how could you even interpret YSSMAN's words that way? If someone wants to buy a car for no other reason than to be "cool," then they'll probably like the car, too. Why? Because it's going to make them "cool." If they really didn't like the car for some reason, they'd buy one of the other cars that would make them "cool" -- one that they do like.

I won't argue against the idea that people should be allowed to buy whatever cars they want*, but to say that no one buys cars just to be "cool," and that everyone chooses their cars based on tangible factors such as performance and practicality, is terribly naive.


*I will, however, argue over the concept of "want" vs. "need." A celebrity may want a supercar, but doesn't need one. A hick or american V8 buff may want a big pickup truck, but doesn't necessarily need one.

 

[Perfect Balance]

No offense, but how could you even interpret YSSMAN's words that way? If someone wants to buy a car for no other reason than to be "cool," then they'll probably like the car, too. Why? Because it's going to make them "cool." If they really didn't like the car for some reason, they'd buy one of the other cars that would make them "cool" -- one that they do like.

I won't argue against the idea that people should be allowed to buy whatever cars they want*, but to say that no one buys cars just to be "cool," and that everyone chooses their cars based on tangible factors such as performance and practicality, is terribly naive.


*I will, however, argue over the concept of "want" vs. "need." A celebrity may want a supercar, but doesn't need one. A hick or american V8 buff may want a big pickup truck, but doesn't necessarily need one.

I see what you are saying, but then you also have to look at where the comment is posted. Since when is gtp full of ricers and gangsta wanna-be's? First off, we have a questionable modifications thread, but no "cool show car" thread. This whole forum is based on a game where drag racing, street racing, and exterior modifications to cars are almost non-existent, if at all. We have no "Car Audio" forum, but we have separate ones for F1 and Drifting and Rally. I wouldn't have given the comment another thought if it was on Honda-Tech.com or something. (No offense, I've just seen a lot of ricers on there.)

I have to agree with you now that some people do buy cars to be cool, but these people arn't on GTP.

 

[YSSMAN]

To those that have a problem with my origional statement, I suggest you read the next paragraph beneath the one that you have quoted over, and over again.

Now this isn't any kind of attack on the 240. I can appreciate what it has done, what it is currently doing, and what it will be doing in the future. But I think my point is indeed valid in questioning the car as of right now. There are plenty of other choises out there, not only pointed out by myself, but by others as well. But as noted before, this is a choise for the buyer, not the advisor.

Note that I say that I don't hate the car, but I do indeed question that of the "popularity" of the model in question. Also, take note that I wrote this all from MY perspective, as a general commentary on the car. I recomended that the buyer do as he or she pleases, as that is the most important factor in buying a car.

...Now Perfect, you have had your problems with the 240SX threads before. I seem to recall one in particular in which you asked us all for an opinion, and while we all commented, you chose to debate those who were "skeptical" of the choise. Thus I must ask, why? Why would anyone ask for help when they allready appear to be so dead-set on a car?

...You ask for an opinion and I'll give one, it is as simple as that. If you cannot recognise that people may think differently about a different model based on their views of what is popular, cool, trendy, etc you need to grow-up. People are different, and they are going to have different views, period.

---

My question is, why do you just assume people are getting the car for the "cool" factor? I say assume because you made this same assumption in 2 of my other threads that had to do with buying a 240sx. People buy cars for themselves to enjoy. A 240sx isn't a car that will make you "cool" all of a sudden. Maybe later on, when you acually get enough money to fix the body and get a decent paintjob, then it will be "cool," but something that is going to take a year or 2 to become cool isn't worth the time or money.

This is the problem I have here, as everyone assumes that because there is this "possibility" of making a 240 cool that they themselves are going to be viewed as so because they themselves are working twards it.

...I'm all for people working on their own cars and modifying them as they see fit, but to be completely honest, it shouldn't matter what car it is to begin with. You can make some pretty silly models "cool" with modification, but just because it is a 240SX doesn't make you a "God amongst Men" right way.

Sorry if I sound like I'm arguing with you, but it's sort of irritating. I've never heard anyone buying a car just to be cool.

No probelms with arguements, it is quite fun... But anyways:

I'm with Wolfe here, as far too many people buy a particular car just to be "cool." You know what an Escalade is right? How about Lincoln Navigator? Any Mercedes-Benz models? What about Lexus?

Image is something that many people wish to project by driving certain cars, everyone knows that. I went to a pretty well-off school full of pretentious little kids who with the backing of Daddy's checkbook would try to outdo eachother in various ways to be "cool." One girl gets a Mercedes CL500 with 20" DUBs, another gets a GMC Denali with 7 Televisions, PS2, XBOX, and 22" wheels... Someone gets jelous and gets a Lexus SC430 with 24" spinners...

I knew a kid who thought he was really cool with his Subaru WRX that he had no idea how to drive. I wouldn't have trusted him withing 10 feet of my Volkswagen when it comes to driving stick, as he is easily one of the worst people I've seen drive. Same can be said for my other friend who went out and bought the Acura RSX Type-S A-Spec... Totalled it last summer.

People buy cars to look cool, there isn't any way around it. I drive a Volkswagen... Why? Because they are "cooler" than Civics and Corollas in my opinion, thus I went with the German.

---

This is rediculous. If the car is good, you wouldn't buy it because it's popular? That's just as bad as the kids who bought the car as a trend in the first place!

If a car is good, it is good, there isn't any way around that. But with the 240 SX as such a "trendy" car these days, I think I am vaild in my concerns against the model. They perform well, and people buy them, drive them like idiots, and raise everyone's insurance rates on them. Added to that, they are in high demand, so the resale values go up (which will eventually burst I might add), and prices for parts will rise as well as people realise that there is money to be made.

...This is why I've steered clear of cars like the WRX and Civic, "too popular" for my tastes. Sure, the Jetta has had it's glory, but not nearly as much as the others. "Sleeper" is the term I like to use. Certainly as well my love for all things Corvette and Camaro would also fall into this "trap," but those are well-established models that are "respectable" in a way that makes them popular with people of all ages, races, and sex.

 

[Tornado]

Meh. I can't give YSSMAN + Rep for his awesome post. 👎
Edit: 3000 posts!

 

[Perfect Balance]

...Now Perfect, you have had your problems with the 240SX threads before. I seem to recall one in particular in which you asked us all for an opinion, and while we all commented, you chose to debate those who were "skeptical" of the choise. Thus I must ask, why? Why would anyone ask for help when they allready appear to be so dead-set on a car?

I made that thread to see if anyone could point out something I could have missed, and people started giving me suggestions that didn''t even come close to what I was looking for, and only met my "guidelines" in one or 2 aspects. Also, I stuck with the 240sx because it gave me most of the things I was looking for, for a price less than the other choices. You could say that a Miata fit better, but they are too small for me, I can't move my feet around a lot in them, and my elbow hits the armrest when I shift.

...You ask for an opinion and I'll give one, it is as simple as that. If you cannot recognise that people may think differently about a different model based on their views of what is popular, cool, trendy, etc you need to grow-up. People are different, and they are going to have different views, period.

I recognise that you may think differently, but it's one thing to say "I would rather get ____ car, because of ____, than to just say "Do you think this car will still be 'cool' in 5 years?" without even asking if that's the reason they are buying the car in the first place. You specifically said, "I would assume that you would still want it to be cool after you have spent so much on it." Why would you assume that?

it shouldn't matter what car it is to begin with. You can make some pretty silly models "cool" with modification,

But what if they are buying the car for performance? Is a Volvo 240GL going to make a great autocross car? Even if you are going to make a drag car and put a huge engine in it, so handling isn't a factor, a good base car will end up being better in the end.

No probelms with arguements, it is quite fun... But anyways:

I have to agree here, I like arguing. Except when they are something like "No It's blue"......"No, it's green, retard"........"No it isn't, it's blue!"


And I can't think of anything else.

+rep YSSMAN, good post.
EDIT: Acually I can't, it won't let me.

 

[blargonator]

nice to see you guys get riled up <8- P
but anywho, i say he gets whatever floats his boat.
i don't know about you guys but i could care less what people think about my cars. i traded a perfect 1989 325i for a 1982 toyota starlet with less than 1/3 the ponies.
i can't stand people buying cars to keep up with the automotive jonses or whatever the hell the correct saying is.

find a car you love and buy it. best way to do that is to test drive some. don't be a bench racer reading a bunch of numbers. try a few different cars, try the wierd ones that people posted, who knows you might love 'em.

 

[JCE]

nice to see you guys get riled up <8- P
but anywho, i say he gets whatever floats his boat.
i don't know about you guys but i could care less what people think about my cars. i traded a perfect 1989 325i for a 1982 toyota starlet with less than 1/3 the ponies.
i can't stand people buying cars to keep up with the automotive jonses or whatever the hell the correct saying is.

find a car you love and buy it. best way to do that is to test drive some. don't be a bench racer reading a bunch of numbers. try a few different cars, try the wierd ones that people posted, who knows you might love 'em.

+rep Nice post, especially the part in bold. I never thought I'd ever like a "grampa-like" car like the Crown Victoria, but after buying a retired Police cruiser and driving it around for a few months I fell in love with it. It did pretty much everything I wanted it to do; comfy, it wasn't slow, it could seat 5 adults comfortably, it was RWD, a good solid V8 noise, and it was cheap to buy. I so say yes to trying cars you never thought you'd like just like blargonator said. 👍

 

[exigeracer]

If a car is good, it is good, there isn't any way around that. But with the 240 SX as such a "trendy" car these days, I think I am vaild in my concerns against the model. They perform well, and people buy them, drive them like idiots, and raise everyone's insurance rates on them. Added to that, they are in high demand, so the resale values go up (which will eventually burst I might add), and prices for parts will rise as well as people realise that there is money to be made.

...This is why I've steered clear of cars like the WRX and Civic, "too popular" for my tastes. Sure, the Jetta has had it's glory, but not nearly as much as the others. "Sleeper" is the term I like to use. Certainly as well my love for all things Corvette and Camaro would also fall into this "trap," but those are well-established models that are "respectable" in a way that makes them popular with people of all ages, races, and sex.

So you're not going to buy a car that is good because too many people own it? The shallow people buy the car for popularity and trend, and you'd buy another car the stand out from the rest. Both are achieving the same thing. Do you not see what I mean?

The WRX and Civic are great cars, but you don't want people to think you're a trendy guy, you want them to think you're a unique standout. That's pretty sad...

It's a car. If it is good, buy it. Not doing so and caring about what people think of you is a worse financial, logical and moral decision.

Is a Volvo 240GL going to make a great autocross car? Even if you are going to make a drag car and put a huge engine in it, so handling isn't a factor, a good base car will end up being better in the end.

 

[JCE]

I'd drive that Volvo at an autocross event. 👍

 

[Perfect Balance]

And did it win? Or even come close to winning?

I know people use them as autocross cars, but they arn't very good ones.(I also see that it is sliding alot. All 4 wheels are smoking...not good.)

You know, I don't think a person would look more "cool" for not choosing the car that everyone gets. Civics and Integras arn't "cool" But if you have a VW Bug with a nice engine that can stick with any of those cars, you are a lot "cooler" than they are. We have a dude with a riced (purposly to make fun of ricers) Tercel at my school. For some reason he is cooler that all the people with CRXs and Integras.

 

[Tornado]

I'm positive that a Volvo 240 GLT would make a great autocross car, as it is RWD, stupidly reliable and (relatively) light. And it also works well with modifications and has a huge amount of practicality.

 

[exigeracer]

Actually the one in the picture is in the middle of losing all of its coolant, which closed the event for an hour while they cleaner mess up...

I posted it as a joke, though.

 

[JCE]

I posted it as a joke, though.

I'd still drive it in an autocross event.

 

[daggoth]

Actually the one in the picture is in the middle of losing all of its coolant, which closed the event for an hour while they cleaner mess up...

I posted it as a joke, though.

 

[TopHat]

I would imagine that 240's are reliable, seeing as that they are pretty much sentra coupes in its first incarnation. My dad, as some of you know, by looking at the changing tastes thread, had a Sentra Coupe, and he didn't have any problems with it, and he sold it when I was 3, or when my sister was born, I'm not sure which.

Take the 240, and do what you must. If it is a junker, just get used Civic.

 

[Ghost C]

240's tend to rust, just like every other Nissan in North America (I know this from first hand experience). Stock KA's could be dropped from a cliff or relatively tall building and still work, same with the transmission in them - Same transmission that's in my 25 year old Z that's still buttery smooth.

Other than minor problems which I'm sure have been covered in this thread already, they're fairly good cars if you can find someone who's not aware of the fact that they can be sold for two to three times what they're actually worth.

 

[TopHat]

@ Ghost C: This rule escpeciallyy applies to the Northeast, on Long Island, where salt is a plenty.

 

[Biggamehit]

And did it win? Or even come close to winning?

I know people use them as autocross cars, but they arn't very good ones.(I also see that it is sliding alot. All 4 wheels are smoking...not good.)

You know, I don't think a person would look more "cool" for not choosing the car that everyone gets. Civics and Integras arn't "cool" But if you have a VW Bug with a nice engine that can stick with any of those cars, you are a lot "cooler" than they are. We have a dude with a riced (purposly to make fun of ricers) Tercel at my school. For some reason he is cooler that all the people with CRXs and Integras.

there are a ton of them on the circuit and drift events belive me they win its the driver not the car

 

[Perfect Balance]

there are a ton of them on the circuit and drift events belive me they win its the driver not the car

You can only take a car to it's limit, and a little past it's limit if that's what you consider drifting. If a car has higher limits, then you can push the car harder. For example, a Volvo 240GLT's limits will never exeed a Miata's with the same level of tuning. The driver is the most important thing, but you can't compare a brick to a sports car.