Buying s14a 200sx - what to look out for?

[stumartin]

Hi chaps, first time in this bit - looks nice although I notice the interior's a bit plasticky

Hoping I can probe the wisdom here for any tips on what to check on such a car, I'll be looking to spend c.£4k or a touch more and want a 1997/8 spec touring manual with a decent history and fully standard (or should I say touring). Essentially from what I've read it looks like these are pretty bomb proof so long as nothing's obviously hanging off or screwed - I can't find any well-known issues such as the cam belt on a Fiat coupe. So, anyone suggest any particular bits to check?

I know this sounds like it should have been covered a million times before, but it hasn't (far as I can see). Also, I've searched on SXOC but there doesn't seem to be a list of what to look for when viewing a potential purchase - seems more to concentrate on how to mod it once you've bought!

Much thanks

[DJFish]

Cracked intercooler pipework on early cars and turbo gasket failure are common, other than that, very reliable. Electric aerials tend to go t1ts up and mine developed a fualt whereby the wipers would switch themselves on at will. Timing chain rattle on startup is normal.

Regular servicing is very important, and pull the carpet away in the boot and check for accident damage, it should all be a nice grey primer colour.

After you've bought one, fit an air filter and big rorty exhaust to free up the engine nicely and smile smugly as you congratulate yourself on buying a superb car!

Failing that, ask here: www.sxoc.com

Dave

>> Edited by DJFish on Wednesday 8th December 20:59

[tuttle]

Not a direct link to a buying guide,but plenty info at this place.
All the best Matt.
www.automotivehelper.com/topic319279.htm

www.automotivehelper.com/cat561

[NikB]

On top of what has already been mentioned it's worth doing the normal stuff such as checking for gunk on the oil filler, look down the body work as they are quite prone to dinks and dents from car doors. The fronts tend to stone chip a bit as well.

The start up rattle can be a bit annoying, but is normal. It's worth checking the tyres as well as sh!te quality tyres at this time of year can be lethal.

Also the drivers seat wears on the side bolster where you brush it as you get in and out. And check all the electrics, air con, etc.

They really are performance bargains these motors and can be modded up to ~280 happy power very easily.



Nik

[stumartin]

Excellent, thanks. I've heard about the timing chain rattle, and think I spotted a possible cure on www.200sx.org . DJFish, how would one check for turbo gasket problems? Would it be fairly obvious on a test drive?

Tuttle, thanks for that link I shall peruse whilst practising my smug looks. And NikB, I've always thought that the quality and condition of a car's tyres can be a good indication as to how it's kept generally.

[Batwick]

Paid £4k for my 1996 car nearly two years ago - manual, touring. Been brilliant, and is stupidly fast with £500/worth of mods - definitely much quicker than a stock Scoobie.

Watch out for gearboxes though. Mine needed a new one (got one from a breaker), but is still as notchy as hell, even with a new clutch.

And yes, they do rattle at start-up!

[stumartin]

Wow batwick, I feel privileged to have been the subject of your twelfth post in nearly 4years as a member! Thanks for the tip, and hear from you in another four months

>> Edited by stumartin on Thursday 9th December 17:25

[DJFish]

Signs of gasket problems or cracked intercooler pipework will be a feeling of power loss and a bloody great blowing noise from the engine bay on boost.
Bloody good cars IMHO.