What to look for when buying a 240sx

I'm buying an S13 240 in early September. The plan is to buy a high mileage model to restore/modify while using it as a daily driver. What should I look for considering that the car will have a lot of miles on both the engine and car? How many miles do the KA and its tranny last before they need to be replaced? The engine will have to last for at least a year while I upgrade the suspension and everything else on the car.

look for the usual stuff. the ka will last 250k if maintained, but 240s have a better than average chance of being abused. timing chain rattle, if too loud, may be an issue later on. the DOHC engines had shitty chain guides and tensioners, which should have been replaced with a better part that nissan released later on. the transmission and diff should last forever, but again if the guy abused it then it will shorten the life. otherwise, the only real issues ive ever come upon was bent valves, again because of abuse. KA24s have good pistons, forged rods, forged cranks, and big main bearings, so the bottom end is very stout. ive also heard from time to time of head gaskets going out, but that holds true for pretty much any iron block aluminum head engine. otherwise, just look for normal signs of abuse and wear.

look for rust. these cars are over 10 years old, so you may need to spend a little more to get a rust free car.

look underneath at the frame rails and floor.. and if you're restoring it, don't bother with the engine cause i'd assume you'd be putting something else in it.. basically if i were you i'd just make sure the body and frame was ok, and redo everything else

Rust
-sunroof
-hatch hinges
-hatch spoiler
-trunk spoiler
-door saging
-radiator support
-tension rod bracket
-frame/under carrage
-engine bay/strut towers

etc..
good luck, have fun

also pop open the radiator cap and check for rust inside

Thanks bros,


It's good to see that the KA drivetrain lasts for a good while. That's actually a no-brainer considering its origins, lol. I have no idea what engine to use (that's another convo), but I'm going to need the KA to last until I can afford a swap. Should I bother with changing the head gasket or having the engine rebuilt?

It looks like rusting is the main thing to look for. Hopefully, I'll be able to find a model with minimal rust. Thanks for the help...

yea just look for straightness. Look for bent suspension pieces etc that will give you a good idea of previous wrecks and what not. When doing my suspension, i learned a little bit about the previous owner and what happened to the car. Its been hit a few times.

I wouldnt rebuild the ka unless your going to make it a KA-T. If not though, then just drive it as is. Only replace what goes out along the way. Injectors, plugs, people have starter issues on high mileage etc. Just the normal wear down items will start to fail. But they may not at the same time. Just fix it as it goes bad thats all i would do until you make up your mind on engine issues.