Should i buy a s13 200sx??????
Discussion
Errm reliable no! not the 1.8 engines!!!, they are made with special chocolate bearings.
Go for the 180sx with the much better 2.0i SR20DET red top version, only available as an import and comes with the SR20 lump which is more or less bomproof. As in demand by the drifters who want/need reliable & tuneable engines. 202 bhp as standard too
Think you'll find one in the classifieds that might fit the bill
Go for the 180sx with the much better 2.0i SR20DET red top version, only available as an import and comes with the SR20 lump which is more or less bomproof. As in demand by the drifters who want/need reliable & tuneable engines. 202 bhp as standard too
Think you'll find one in the classifieds that might fit the bill
Edited by cptsideways on Sunday 23 September 22:28
You need to talk to the guys on www.sxoc.com
For 4K you will easilly get an S13. The main problem is that they are now relatively old and finding one that doesn't have terminal tin worm is going to be your biggest challenge.
The 1.8 lump isn't particularly unreliable if its been well looked after and you don't start pushing the boost, thats when the big ends go, which isn't a particularly big job especially from the savings you would make on the purchase.
There are plenty of people running 300bhp & 400bhp with full supporting mods. The 200sx community is also very friendly that goes out of its way to help.
Also for 4k will definitely find an S14 and even the slightly more agressive looking S14a's. Personally I would go this route, unless you really really wanted an S13. You may even find an S13 with and SR20DET transplant (some with RB25DET(T) as well)
The SR20DET engine is reasonably reliable with no major issues unless again you start pushing the boost beyoond 15psi, or its been badly looked after.
The next question is are you planning on leaving it standard? If you are then regular servicing (NOT AT NISSAN) and it should do you a long time. There are plenty of 100k miles + cars that still run sweet. I know of one 180k example thats been running stage 1 (270ish bhp) for about 100k miles.
If you are planning on modding, then you could save money and buy one that has already been modded, or buy an unmolested one and mod it yourself. N.B. many unmolested ones are not what they seem, as people have returned them to standard.
I have an S14 - just to declare an interest.
For 4K you will easilly get an S13. The main problem is that they are now relatively old and finding one that doesn't have terminal tin worm is going to be your biggest challenge.
The 1.8 lump isn't particularly unreliable if its been well looked after and you don't start pushing the boost, thats when the big ends go, which isn't a particularly big job especially from the savings you would make on the purchase.
There are plenty of people running 300bhp & 400bhp with full supporting mods. The 200sx community is also very friendly that goes out of its way to help.
Also for 4k will definitely find an S14 and even the slightly more agressive looking S14a's. Personally I would go this route, unless you really really wanted an S13. You may even find an S13 with and SR20DET transplant (some with RB25DET(T) as well)
The SR20DET engine is reasonably reliable with no major issues unless again you start pushing the boost beyoond 15psi, or its been badly looked after.
The next question is are you planning on leaving it standard? If you are then regular servicing (NOT AT NISSAN) and it should do you a long time. There are plenty of 100k miles + cars that still run sweet. I know of one 180k example thats been running stage 1 (270ish bhp) for about 100k miles.
If you are planning on modding, then you could save money and buy one that has already been modded, or buy an unmolested one and mod it yourself. N.B. many unmolested ones are not what they seem, as people have returned them to standard.
I have an S14 - just to declare an interest.
Edited by sparkyhx on Tuesday 25th September 20:14
If you are keeping the car standard and don't care about practicalities, a 1995 (Rev 3) MR2 (turbo, jap import) will be quicker than either 200SX. Handling is more sporty and not as deadly as the press make out. Personally, I would go with a newer S14a and tune it. Out of the possible options discussed above, they look the nicest and most meaty.
shadowninja said:
If you are keeping the car standard and don't care about practicalities, a 1995 (Rev 3) MR2 (turbo, jap import) will be quicker than either 200SX. Handling is more sporty and not as deadly as the press make out. Personally, I would go with a newer S14a and tune it. Out of the possible options discussed above, they look the nicest and most meaty.
Practicality wise the S13 is the best cos 4 seats (just) and that hooge hatchback. S14/a still has 4 seats (just) the boot is reasonable and you can drop the back seats for 'longer' (but not very thick) items. You should definiyely buy an S14A. They are practical, economical if driven sensibly and cheap as you like. I'm a member of the SXOC and have been running my S14 for about a year now. It's just as fast and fun as my previous Sierra Saphire Cosworth ( 2wd of course ). And in all that time it's not tried to kill me once or broken. It's on 120,000 miles and is as sweet as a nut. Buy the newest you can and make sure it's been well serviced. The SR20 engine needs it's oil changed regularly to last. For god's sake don't buy an MR2, ( just think why they didn't seel in France and you'll get the point ), I've driven plenty, they're pants and they cost a fortune to run and if you DIY they are a pig to work on. Hope I've helped. P.s if you want an S14/a drop me a line I usually know of a few nice ones for sale.
sparkyhx said:
For 4K you will easilly get an S13. The main problem is that they are now relatively old and finding one that doesn't have terminal tin worm is going to be your biggest challenge.
In which case a Jap import 180sx (same shape at the 200sx) but with the 2.0 engine is the way to go. No rust & minty new'ness underneath. chris7676 said:
I would also consider the BMW 328 (Sports). As far as the MR2 Turbo goes - a good example will be a great focused sportscar, while the 200sx more of a cruiser (a fast one though). Try all of them.
I would have thought the 200 and the MR2 would both be faster than the BM but of cousre it would be beutifully made. Difficult choice.Yes the 200 was originally a tourer and therefore set up to be on the sqidgy side, but that doesn't mean it goes round corners like a super tanker, Don't underestimate the capabilities of the standard 200 and even more so with a bit of money spent on it.
You can upgrade the handling quite dramatically with just locking subframe collars and uprated ARB's for about £200. Beyond that you are looking at Coilovers at around £500 + other alignment bits. All this spend stuff sounds scary but cos the 200 is relatively unknown it means they are cheap to buy, so will get far more car for your money and you can put savings towards some mods.
coilovers are not the only option on a 200, and the ones a lot of people fit are way overkill and spoil the handling, speaking from experience.
If you want a focussed road car, there's no reason why a set of springs, and something cheap and cheerful like a set of KYB or KYB AGX shocks shouldn't be used, in many cases they're a better solution depending on the roads you choose.
The S13 has a bit of a bad rep in the engine department with big end issues, but there's no definates, and a well maintained example that's been regularly serviced or at least had regular oil changes should be pretty reliable. As for SR20's they're a good engine, but give me a CA anyday ( the subject of years worth of arguments and debates on sxoc so a can of worms I'd rather leave closed here). SR20's aren't guarenteed trouble free motoring, pleanty of dead ones floating around.
Personally I'd take an S13 over any of them having spent a fair bit of time in both (6 years total with SX's) but it really is a personal preferance. The S14's definately have a more modern look, but I'd say they're cracking on to being as bad as S13's for rust, certainly showing their age, somewhat prematurely in some cases, and most S13 owners will tell you their cars feel much more like a sports car than the S14, something I'm inclined to agree with if I'm honest. RWD, no traction control, turbocharged 4 pot with great balance and with some minor upgrades good handling. Interiors are a bit drab but you get used to that with jap crap. S14's are brilliant fun though, so I'd try both as they're surprisingly different, and yet similar at the same time.
If you want the best of both worlds, try and get your hands on a 180sx, basically an imported S13 with the pre VVT SR20DET engine in an S13 shell. Works very well and the kouki (later) cars have some lovely aero upgrades. Import means no rust, but a higher price tag. Worth it though for peace of mind in my opinion.
Modifying them is very cheap on account of a somewhat flooded market these days in aftermarket bits, so you can really make them what you want them to be. 300bhp is really quite cheap and with the correct choices in the handling and braking department you'll see off some more exotic competition pretty easily bearing in mind they're comparitively lightweights by modern standards.
If you can find a clean example for your money go for it, they're brilliant fun and as far as bang for your buck goes there's very little competition in that price bracket.
as mentioned check out www.sxoc.com/vbb
MR2 turbo's are also a great car, but somewhat less practical, blinding fun though.
If you want a focussed road car, there's no reason why a set of springs, and something cheap and cheerful like a set of KYB or KYB AGX shocks shouldn't be used, in many cases they're a better solution depending on the roads you choose.
The S13 has a bit of a bad rep in the engine department with big end issues, but there's no definates, and a well maintained example that's been regularly serviced or at least had regular oil changes should be pretty reliable. As for SR20's they're a good engine, but give me a CA anyday ( the subject of years worth of arguments and debates on sxoc so a can of worms I'd rather leave closed here). SR20's aren't guarenteed trouble free motoring, pleanty of dead ones floating around.
Personally I'd take an S13 over any of them having spent a fair bit of time in both (6 years total with SX's) but it really is a personal preferance. The S14's definately have a more modern look, but I'd say they're cracking on to being as bad as S13's for rust, certainly showing their age, somewhat prematurely in some cases, and most S13 owners will tell you their cars feel much more like a sports car than the S14, something I'm inclined to agree with if I'm honest. RWD, no traction control, turbocharged 4 pot with great balance and with some minor upgrades good handling. Interiors are a bit drab but you get used to that with jap crap. S14's are brilliant fun though, so I'd try both as they're surprisingly different, and yet similar at the same time.
If you want the best of both worlds, try and get your hands on a 180sx, basically an imported S13 with the pre VVT SR20DET engine in an S13 shell. Works very well and the kouki (later) cars have some lovely aero upgrades. Import means no rust, but a higher price tag. Worth it though for peace of mind in my opinion.
Modifying them is very cheap on account of a somewhat flooded market these days in aftermarket bits, so you can really make them what you want them to be. 300bhp is really quite cheap and with the correct choices in the handling and braking department you'll see off some more exotic competition pretty easily bearing in mind they're comparitively lightweights by modern standards.
If you can find a clean example for your money go for it, they're brilliant fun and as far as bang for your buck goes there's very little competition in that price bracket.
as mentioned check out www.sxoc.com/vbb
MR2 turbo's are also a great car, but somewhat less practical, blinding fun though.
Edited by Stu R on Wednesday 26th September 13:20
odyssey2200 said:
these cars MUST have oil changes on time or else !!!
I worked in a Nissan dealership and was amazed at how many we had to rebuild.
I beleive there may have been a modified oil feed pipe to the turbo IIRC but make sure the oil and filter are done every 6K
Your right about the oil I worked in a Nissan dealership and was amazed at how many we had to rebuild.
I beleive there may have been a modified oil feed pipe to the turbo IIRC but make sure the oil and filter are done every 6K
You work a a dealership and you've actually seen a 200. That must be something of a rarety.
I'm afraid most dealerships have a very bad rep when it comes to the 200 - understandably cos you never see em -basic inability to diagnose problems, changing bits in a random fashion, new turbo's at 1500 a pop when the problem is a boost pipe loose, mangled engines cos don't know how to fit the CAS and set the timing, the list is almost endless. there is far more knowledge on SXOC than there is in any dealership.
The pipes to the turbo are hard pipes and have a tendancy to crack once disturbed 'eg tubby gaskets replacement' so the usual recommendation is to replace oil and water feeds/returns with braided flexible hoses whenever you do anything with tyhe turbo. Flexibles are also a whole lot easier to refit as well.
Edited by sparkyhx on Wednesday 26th September 15:55
Stu R said:
coilovers are not the only option on a 200, and the ones a lot of people fit are way overkill and spoil the handling, speaking from experience.
If you want a focussed road car, there's no reason why a set of springs, and something cheap and cheerful like a set of KYB or KYB AGX shocks shouldn't be used, in many cases they're a better solution depending on the roads you choose.
Your right of course but I rarely mention these cos the end point cost appears to be virtually the same as buying coilovers. If you want a focussed road car, there's no reason why a set of springs, and something cheap and cheerful like a set of KYB or KYB AGX shocks shouldn't be used, in many cases they're a better solution depending on the roads you choose.
There are too many stories of shocks going awol after just a spring change, that the two almost go hand in hand and by the time you've bought both you could be looking at coilovers. Dunno how much difference there is between the soft coilovers and uprates springs and shocks.
But in general yes the springs and dampers option are supposed to be a better package for the road - but don't forget that both screw up camber so alignment bits and an alignment are needed.
For £4k I'd rather have an S14(a) Much more reliable and cheap to insure (If its a uk car!) MR2 Turbo is a better bet and 4k should get you a good con, lightly modified one (There are a couple of 300+bhp monsters for sale on imoc.net for £4500 ish) Worth investigating as an alternative.
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