[Laneco]

The 240sx is divided into two generations - the early cars are S13 and the later ones are S14 (with a facelift late in the S14). The 89/90 cars have a KA24E engine. It's a 2.4 liter that makes decent torque but only about 140 hp. After that, they went to the double overhead came KA24DE. Minor power increases. Nothing to get excited about, they're all pretty slow. Body style wise, the S14's are the prettiest in my opinion, and the S13 coupe is my next favorite (S13 available as coupe or hatch).

If you can find one that has been a drift pig, you'll find they are fantastic driving little cars. Great road feel and shifting.

The worst issue with these is that every single one of them has been a kid's drift pig. It's been punted and shunted into assorted objects and foolishly modified on teenager's budget. If it is a MANUAL transmission unmolested car, you would be extremely lucky to pick it up for under $3,500. The automatics are such a good deal that some people buy them and go through all the effort to retrofit a manual transmission.

$5 to $6,000 is more the typical range for a nice manual transmission car. Not a show car, a nice driver. These get snapped up FAST. I've seen really nice, nearly pristine models go for $8,000 plus.

Don't even get me started on the modified ones... Our son's car started out as a completely reliable KA24E, then a Japanese spec turbo engine (which crapped out), and now has a Chevrolet 5.3 LS engine...

angela