Hey wassup guys, I just need an outside opinion on this s14 I came arcoss at a local dealer-

It's a '96 s14, with a recently new KA installed(60k) w/ a VERY new-looking interior. However, the ar needs a paint job, and it's an AUTO.

The dealer doesn't seem to be very knowledgeable on this car, and it's been sitting at this dealer for almost a YEAR now. He didn't know how much it would go for in all, but he quoted about 6k for it, and that includes him getting the paintjob replaced.

I told him that I'd consider buying the car AS-IS and he said it would probably be a good 1k or so cheaper. also, I dont have the 5k to spend on a car, im on a 1200 or so budget, so im looking at maybe putting a 1k downpayment on the ride and have like 200-300 dollar monthly payments.

The reason im considering this, is because i'd like to finally have a newer-type car, and even though it's an auto, i'll eventually do an engine swap so it's an non-issue(sorta)

I just need some feedback on what i should do since i really dont have much people out here that i know that i can talk to about this kind of thing- thanks

 

as much as i'd like to suggest searching, i'm not sure how u would look that up in the first place (even though we've covered this question several times here; i have no clue what terms to search by). so, here's my recommendation:

1st, go to www.edmunds.com and put in the condition, mileage, options, etc and see what it suggests for a dealer price based on what u've entered.
2nd, if it appears that the dealer is trying to screw ya, see if u can talk him down.
3rd, if all else fails, take ur time and scour autotrader.com, carbuyer.com, cars.com, and the for sale/classifieds section of every Nissan/240 site u can find.


hope that helps!

 

5 speed swap is more than possible. I bought mine auto because it's the only one I found in 6 months that was in decent shape.
Ask why the motor was replaced, and how many miles are on the chasis, this is could be good or bad. Carfax it for sure, find a friend who has it and get it done. Check the FAQ's for common S14 problems, and make sure she's good to go. I'd personally let him redo the paint job for 1K because a good paint job is over 1500, but if you wanna save $$ then don't get it done. My honest advice to you would be to find a s13 for half the price and drive that for a couple years, but thats me.

Dr.

 

if ur on a tight budget, As dr said the S13 is the way to go.

 

I must put in my 2 cents worth here. I am a manager at a used car dealership. i can't tell you what kind of a deal you are getting, but i can tell you what to look out for so you don't get scammed! The first red flag that went up was the financing. if the car doesn't have a clean title(salvaged title) no BANK will finance the car. If the dealer is considering internal financing meaning a "buy here pay here" or "rent t' own" Tie your shoes tight and run away as fast as possible. they don't necesarily need to give you the title after you finish your payments and they can reposess the car at any time for any reason!!! If the car needs a full paint job, Maaco doesn't count. GOOD QUALITY paint work can cost in the $2000 range(or more!!) so take that in to consideration. Another thing; as much as we all love these things, on the wholesale end of things these cars loose value fast! (depending on where you live) When i buy cars for my lot i don't buy 240s usually because i can't sell them. Now im not some old fogie trying to teach you a fatherly lesson(im 22 years old), but just some friendly warnings. Last thing was that if he is willing to sell the car for $1000 less as-is, there is probably a reason. Just because he said that, i wouldn't touch that car. anyway, let me know what you decide.

 

Not to sound like a commercial, but CARFAX it. Spend $20 for the report and it may save you thousands in repairs if you end up getting a junker

 

lol, thanks for agreeing with me buddy about the carfax. It could reveal if it is too good to be true. Could easily have odometer fraud.


Dr.

 

Thanks for the replys guys, I've taken alot of thought about whether or not i should go through with this car.

However chriswgsx I' very curious about how a dealer could NOT choose to give you the car title after you make your payments, isn't that against the law?

also, I really, really need a car in the next 2 weeks or so MAX. I have to drive out for work daily, and I'd finally like to have a 'newer' car since my beater died out on me. I have about $1200 in dough to mess with and I REALLY want an s13, but I swear to god these things sell out quick as hell out here in sacramento, like as soon as someone posts info about selling it, it's gone in a matter of 2-3 days tops.

I was looking at this s14, because it looks failry new, has a straight chassis, and if I did put a down payment on it, i'd be paying somewhere around mid $200's a month which I can afford on a 'college student salary' lol. The engine is a recently installed ka which has low miles which would be great for me since I need to drive around long distances back & forth alot.

I really would like to have a s14 finally, even if it's a dreded automatic, but I just want to take all the necessary precautions to help make sure I dont get screwed over.

I love the s13 however just as a little more that it's sucessor, but right now, I just need to get a car, and I'd like to make that a 240 of some sort.

BTW I'm really appreciating the input, it does help e out alot, cause i really dont have anyone in person here to talk about this kins of stuff with, so thanks again

 

Technically if you're making payments, it's not all yours yet until you pay it off... and I think Chriswgsx was referring to the idea that if you choose to finance with a shady car dealer, they might screw you in the end.

 

Thanks for the input guys- I've taken some long and hard thought into this all, and I've decided that I'm going to hold off for now on that S14, and opt for an s13 somewhere, since I def. have a better chance of purchasing it all in one fell swoop. Which leaves pocket change for suspension upgrades first, then the other goodies.

But yes, it just HURTS so damn much, I know some of you guys can feel me on this- like when you feel so damn close to getting the car u want, only to find some fatal flaw, and become forced to look on elsewhere. Damn! But yeah, I've decided to wait till my next check arrives, this next friday, then I'm going to go and look for a s13 somewhere.

However, I HAVE been looking for s13s in my area for awhile now, and the only ones that haven't been snated up, are the AUTOS . I have a chance to get this blue s13 for around 1400 which could prob' be talked down to like 1200 or so, but damn, it's an auto. I'm really thinking about just counting my losses, and just getting that car, and try to find somewhere nearby where I could get a 5spd swap.

So if anyone in the sacramento/nor-cal area could give me some info on places I could go get this done(yes, I've searched, and no, I don't have the resources to do this myself) I would be very grateful.

So whadddya think people?

~Rek916

 

If you REALLY need a car right now, go ahead and see if you can buy it. If you can hold of for awhile wait and see if there is a better one..

 

"...compromise is a selection, but patience is a virtue."

I don't exactly understand that, but my GF told me to tell you LOL

 

If you e-mail me, ill be glad to look it up for you free of charge. I'll just forward the carfax report that goes to my email accoun t to you and you shouldnt have to pay the 20 bucks. If you DO want to BUY your own subscription, EMAIL me anyways. Theres a way to get it for $17 dollars. Anyways, my email is.. 240@pnoise.com Just holler.

Peace.