Hey guys, first off, this message really should be in a newbies (1st post here!) but I notice there's nobody there...so I think I would get more help here. Mods feel free to move it.

Anyways, I've always been a subaru impreza fan. But I am a student on a budget so finding an older impreza hasn't been fun. It is easier to find a 240 around here, and i absolutely love these cars.

What should I know about purchasing a used 240? are there certain model years to stay away from? Any problems associated with these cars?

Should I be looking for the 95+ models or the older style? Both are beauties IMHO.

BTW: only preference I have right now is Standard transmission. powerlocks and sunroof would be nice too, but all those come second.

Thanks guys! See you around on the forums soon hopefully!

 

You sound just like me, I originally got into the 2.5RS Impreza, and then when I realized that I couldn't afford it, this is the next car that came to mind. IMO, I like the looks of the S14 better, but thats just my preference, not sure on which ones to avoid.

 

Sorry, I don't really know much about these cars! i learned a lot from i-club.com about imprezas, now i gotta start all over again with these cars! haha

Is S14 the newer models (withOUT popup lights)?

 

yes the s14 is the 95-97

95-96 s14 have rounder headlights
96-97 s14...slant eye headlights (projector)

the 96-97 se look really good especially if they have the lower front lip and side skirts

89-93 are the s13, pop up lights, fast back coupe
94 was a limited edition convertible

if you plan on doing the sr swap and have around 10 grand
i would get a 92-93 s13 for 2-4 grand, buy a cwest, bomex kit (1500-2000) and get a red top sr20det swap.

i like the look of the s14 but it might take a little bit of savings to build it up

 

Well, guess what, I'm from i-club too ; under the same name.

 

wow thanks for the replies!

I like the looks of the S14 better then, but I think my $$ available will limit me to the S13. What different trim lines are available for this? i don't really care about options or stuff, but how about engines? HP ratings? What are key things to look at when shopping for a used one?

Thanks again!

 

if your from i-club do you know the guy with the white rs 2.5 with the 22b engine...well ne ways he work at my work...thats all

 

f your on a budget look for an s13 with a dohc ka24det. i belive they started in 93. then save your money and swap in an sr20det. also the s13 is lighter than the s14 thus a better power/wieght ratio.

 

USDM
240sx
89-90 SOHC engine 140 hp 160lbs torque
91-98 DOHC engine 155hp 160lbs torque

As far as I know, the 240 is a very relaible car, with basic maintenance it will last a long time. The only recall I definitely know of involves the automatic seat belt restraints. Those were available on the 89-94 240's. Also, I've heard of some quarter panels rusting, but those were very rare cases. As always, when looking at a prospective car, have it checked out by a mechanic you know or trust. Don't worry if you hear a tapping sound like a bad lifter when you start her up. All 240's, mine included make that noise. Its a timing chain issue. That may also be servicable under some recall as well.

The S13(89-94) is considered by most to be the sportier of the 2. While the (95-98) S14 has a more upscale feel to it(especially the SE trim level). With that upscale feel, the car became heavier, if only slightly. I believe the curb weight for an S14 is around 2800lbs. With the 89-90 S13's being the lightest at around 2650. The 91-94's fall somewhere in between. I personally love the S14. I prefer its looks over the S13, but everyone has their own tastes. Hope that helped.

 

Thanks for the info Silvia, but I heard there were some suspension differences between the S13s and the S14s.

 

Yes there are a lot of differnce bewteen the S13 and S14 ... duh

 

someone flame this guy

 

I love the smell of your burned flesh, better yet I love the sight of your burned flesh !

 

I've learned a lot ever since I first got my car back about 2 years ago, but I don't know everything. Sorry if I left that out. Maybe someone else here can fill in the blanks..........lata.

 

95-96(round lights)
97-98(slanted lights)