200SX... should I buy one?

[fidgits]

I think there are a lot of cars out there that are 'fun', even at the 5k mark.

How about a MR2 turbo? 0-60 in 5.5 secs? Probably get an older Supra? Impreza? The list is endless, and there are certainly more cars than just the SX out there...

But, its a good RWD coupe, and does the job, so if its what your after get it, but if your just looking for a fun car, dont narrow your choices...

[Hates_]

In standard form it can leave a lot to bedesired. It depends if you are willing to do a few mods

[vixpy1]

Do it!

[tuttle]

£5k buys you quite a wide range of decent cars.
If you want, a largish GT,2+2,rwd 2ltr turbo with good potential for modifications then the SX200 is a great choice,loads of fun,I would.

[speedtwelve]

As mentioned,the 200SX has potential, but you'll need to spend money on engine and suspension upgrades. I had an S13, which was fine, but not exactly the last word in chassis dynamics as standard. The S14 is even softer as a standard car.

I've just got hold of a Rev2 MR2 Turbo, fairly standard, and the way it goes, corners and stops is brilliant. The suspension and brakes are standard, but it's a far better car 'out of the box' than a 200SX.

Do the sums. Buying a decent 200SX, then stainless exhaust, induction kit, fuel-cut chip, uprated actuator, some form of boost controller, uprated springs and dampers, uprated brakes, and only then will you have something that performs equally to a good standard MR2T.

On the other hand, before getting the MR2T, my 'other cars considered' list for the amount of money you're considering was: JDM Impreza WRX, ST205 Celica GT4, Corrado VR6, Porsche 944 S2, just out of interest...

[SteA]

If you are going to modify it, then definitely yes
, if not then consider some of the others....

You need to have a go in few really, everyone likes different things, personally there isnt a car out there in the vaguely similar bracket that I would swap my S14 for, but I'm sure owners of other marques would say the same about their car

[jap-car]

pstruck said:

I reckon I know what the answer will be, but I'll ask it anyway! I'll soon be selling my '96 MX-5 as an effort to reduce the 'fleet' and sort out a few other things, but I fear that I will be left wanting a replacement 'fun' car. So how does the SX measure up as an ownership prospect? I am likely to have a budget of £5k. Is this sufficient to find a good, clean, trouble free car (there have been a few nice looking ones in PH classifieds for similar money). What are your opinions on what to look out for? I already have the SXOC link, but wondered what the PH guys had to say.

They are great cars and £5K should get you a nice one. Take the oil filler cap off and feel the cam for wear. The oil-spray bar can block up if oil changes are neglected and the cams will wear (followed bt the big end due to metal in the oil).

Also listen out for exhaust leaks which could actually be the turbo gaskets blowing. Not too serious as new gaskets are cheap but it takes a day to change them.

Other than the above, the S14 is really reliable and it seems more corrosion resistant than the S13.

[Steve_Evil]

I don't get your situation, you have to sell one car to shrink your fleet and want to replace it immediately with another? the MX5 will be just as much fun as a 200sx, or if it's not quick enough a turbo conversion or swap to an earlier car with a turbo would be good, i've owned an MX5 and driven a few 200SX's and the MX5 is the more involving car, don't get me wrong, the 200sx is a great handling car but it just doesn't feel as sharp as the MX5