Welcome to the SR20 Community Forum - The Dash.
Register
SR20 forum logo

Thread: What to look for when S14 shopping

+ Reply To Thread
Posts: 1-10 of 12
2011-03-07 01:37:11
#1
What to look for when S14 shopping
Hello everyone. I'm going to go look at a 96 SE five speed tomorrow.
I just have some questions regarding what to look for. The car has 170k miles. Which is higher than I wanted to get into but its not a super deal killer since I plan on making it turbo'd eventually.

So from what I've dug up on the 240 forums. There are some common quirks.
Synchro problems, worn suspension bushings, HVAC lights out, timing chain rattle, front main seal leakage, irratic fuel level gauge, power window problems, body rattles.

I 'm looking to have a reliable daily for the next two years. WHere do these things like to rust? Where should I look for fluid leaks? Does water leak into the cabin or trunk in common areas? What situations make the suspension bushing problems show up? What situations make the synchro problems show up? At what height should the clutch pedal engage?


The guy did say it has a check engine light on. Code po1445. Purge volume control valve. Last question. I have used ecutalk and conzult on my b13s with a consult adapter cable and an old PC. Will this still work on a 96 240? I know the 96s have OBD-II.

Last thing he brought up was a shimmy when putting the brakes on at anything higher than 45mph. I take this to be a possible brake pad or rotor issue. Is this symptom a sign of something more serious?

I appreciate any advice or tips you guys may have. Thanks.
2011-03-07 13:24:53
#2
Gas tank, The S14 have plastic gas tanks so make sure it's not leaking. Water will get into the truck if the seals around the tail lights are not there. I haven't had too many problems with mine. Well it has rod knock lol but it's been like that for the last 2 years. I live in SoCal so I can't help you with the rust question.
2011-03-07 13:53:23
#3
^^^THanks for the heads up.

According to what I've read I should still be able to use my consult diagnostic software on this car. Hopefully what I've read its true. It would be great to get a peak into any possible trouble codes. Also to see some engine parameters.
2011-03-07 19:55:02
#4
The latest version of nissan data scan worked on mine. The older version wouldn't really read it.
2011-03-07 20:03:59
#5
Of all the s chassis cars i've owned... I didn't have any worries of rust with the s14's... they have all been sound. Nissan put a lot more thought into the s chassis variant. And they are stupid easy to work on.
2011-03-08 01:42:28
#6
Went to look at it. Not what I was looking for in the car. The prices people want for these cars is ridiculous. I'm thinking that getting a car that is not beat to death and not super expensive you probably need to find an automatic.
2011-03-08 01:43:49
#7
Drifto tax!
2011-03-08 03:52:06
#8
A few hours later I find an automatic that is in much better shape exterior wise, and has 30k less miles for like $400 over what the other guy wanted for the manual. Oh and the auto is retail priced.

On a side note. I showed up with a laptop and the consult cable to check out that SE. Dude was like oh wow nobody has ever done that before.
2011-03-08 03:56:55
#9
lol
2011-03-08 14:00:26
#10
floor pan behind the front seats, i've owned 2 and both had rust there. one rusted all the way trough and I've looked at 4 other S14 and they all had the same rust.
+ Reply To Thread
  • [Type to search users.]
  • Quick Reply
    Thread Information
    There are currently ? users browsing this thread. (? members & ? guests)
    StubUserName

    Back to top