Sohc's are great engines IF you replace the headgasket with a metal one before you start modding, the DOHC has a much larger aftermarket, and will probably last longer. I've seen 240sx's with 200,xxx+ miles. Check fluids, rust areas (hatch, skirts, etc.), and make sure there's no "custom wiring" people love doing that, and end up fucking every electronic thing on the car up. Any car with age like S13's are gonna have faults...but seeing as how they're readily available for parts...repair is typically cheap.

 

^ he's right, check fluids, check under that shitty foam wing (if it has one) for rust, make sure the headlight motors work...repair is relatively cheap for sure... but most 240's are pretty ragged out by now, sux cause I still want one (s13).

 

Thanks a ton so far guys

what are some common problems with 240s?

 

loose chain gaurd, its nuthing really just makes a little ticking noise

 

im assuming thats easy to fix? How much $$?

 

hmm if u dont get it fixed you'll end up like me> blown up> naw i removed mine but i didnt get any timing chain maintance and it led to failure..ust take care of it and it will be fine..keep oil in it...i had mine since october 03 and didnt have one engine problem except for last weekends mishap

 

KA are very nice....like previously mentioned by everybody else OIL even though i went 12k w/out changing it and she is still running strong. for a 120k mile motor my ka is very nice and still pulls hard. They wont let ya down as long as u take some kind of care of it.

 

ok so the engine is reliable... how about the rest of the car? lol (but seriously)

In terms of overall reliability, how does it compare to a honda?

 

Well I think you're on a biased forum here. There's been many discussions on Honda vs. Nissan vs. Toyota in terms of reliability.

To me, it's hard to determine reliability, there's so many factors that can come into play. It all depends on how well of a maintained car you buy. A well maintained Nissan is going to reliable, and a well maintained Honda is going to reliable.

I was lucky to get one that wasn't in THAT bad of condition (i.e. I have seen much worse), but I knew what I was getting into since I have a 14 year old car, it's the price you pay to own a car you really want and some people just can't see that.

The only MAJOR things I replaced are radiator + water pump. I don't know who previous owner(s) were so who knows when/if those were ever replaced. Since I've done that, I've done a few other minor things and modifications and it runs great as a daily driver for short commutes as well as far.

 

alright well thanks a ton guys! Now i gotta sell my accord so i can buy a 240