Thinking about a 200SX

[madrob6]

I'm thinking about getting a 200SX as I want to get into doing track days but I don't think my poor little VW Passat is up to the job and I want something RWD.

I could most probably sell the passat for around £3500 so I was wondering what tips you could give me when looking for a car for that budget.
To be honest I know almost nothing about the 200SX other than they look great and don't cost an arm and a leg (unless there's something I'm missing).

[Goochie]

I looked at these a while back but diddnt buy one for other reasons (kitchen)

I assume you're thinking of the last shape ones at that price? I seem to remember that the early ones of this shape had problems with oil (or lack of) getting to the turbo. This was fixed later on with larger pipes etc.

[turbo-tastic]

madrob6 said:

I'm thinking about getting a 200SX as I want to get into doing track days but I don't think my poor little VW Passat is up to the job and I want something RWD.

I could most probably sell the passat for around £3500 so I was wondering what tips you could give me when looking for a car for that budget.
To be honest I know almost nothing about the 200SX other than they look great and don't cost an arm and a leg (unless there's something I'm missing).

Read this

www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=271601

But to be fair thats only S13's (pop up headlight models, like I have )

For £3500, you will get a mid 90's model, the S14. 2.0, 16v turbo, (SR20DET) available with leather, air con, manual or auto (for track I suspect you'd want manual, but some people do track auto's) and if you purchase wisely you could get one with a few track based tweeks already fitted

You could possibly stretch to a higher mileage S14a (facelift S14) but tbh I wouldn't bother.

Things to look out for. Rust. Not a huge problem with the S14, but as with any car over 10 years old, you should check sills & chassis legs for rust and signs of repair.

VVT rattle. Sounds like a diesel on start up, and as far as i can tell doesn't cause any harm, its just annoying.

Smoke. White smoke usually means knackered oil seals on turbo. £160 for 2nd hand T28, plus gaskets & fitting. I dread to think what a new one costs.
Blue smoke can means worn valves/rings. Possible rebuild time
Black smoke on full boost is fairly common, depends if the exhaust is cat back or bypass.

Running costs. MPG you can expect 25 ish. Depending on spec driving style etc.
Servicing, I do all my own, as do alot of the SXOC. They really are extremely easy to get on with. If you prefer to keep up a garage service history, then obviously it will cost more.

Have a read of this thread too, quite useful, even though its a bit old now

www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60132

Any questions, I'll do my best (I'm not too hot on S14's I have to admit) but best thing to do is join up on SXOC and have a good read through the old threads etc.

And if you are new, always use the search before asking questions, cos chances are it will have been asked before.

Hope this helps

Ed

[coupeboy]

I've owned an s14 standard '96 pre face lift and only paid £2000.... If you look around you will get a standard s14 200 for around £2000, which will leave a few quid for mods etc... you will need to stiffen and lower the suspension for the track... best of luck... I may be getting another if not an M3 haven't made up my mind...

[borris-bear]

I'm currently selling mine - they are excellent cars and very easy to get some decent power out of. Never personally been on a track but imagine it would make an excellent track car especially if you stripped it down took out the air con etc to reduce the weight.

[madrob6]

Thanks for the advice guys, when I get the chance I'll take a look at that site.
Luckily there are a few jap car specialists about so I will take a look around and see what they have on offer.

[WeirdNeville]

I got my '98 S14a (the facelifted one with the more aggressive front end) for £4,100. I'm sure you could stretch to that if you want looks as well as go. That's with 2 owners, 80,000 miles fully documented service history and completely standard.

I honestly can't think of a better car for the money if you want pace and a bit of practicality. They're reliable and fun to drive, although they need a bit of money spending on the suspension to make them handle well. There capable as standard though.
Plus tuning parts are cheap, proven and pleniful. As mentioned above, get your fill at SXOC.co.uk where you can find out literally anything you want to know about them.

[KG @ R33 GTR]

an alternative for similar money would be a skyline GTS slightly bigger more powerful, theres plenty around for 3.5k, a number of sites also with loads of info

www.skyline-owners-club.com
www.skylineowners.com
www.gtr.co.uk

[chrisbr68]

KG @ R33 GTR said:

an alternative for similar money would be a skyline GTS slightly bigger more powerful, theres plenty around for 3.5k, a number of sites also with loads of info

www.skyline-owners-club.com
www.skylineowners.com
www.gtr.co.uk

I am in the market for one of these or the S14 at the minute, thanks for the links

[turbo-tastic]

Seeing as this thread has been bumped, I thought I'd add this link

www.sxoc.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=272964

Seriously nice looking motor, and a good spec. Obviously not much help if you're looking for a stock model

Edited by turbo-tastic on Tuesday 13th March 21:54