Alright, i know everyone is gonna hate this thread, im a frequent poster on 240sx forums and ive seen countless "SEARCH! SEARCH!" replies, but at least hear me out.

My dad is retiring this coming summer, and after pinching pennies for the last 25 years he has decided he wants to have fun. Sunday we are goin to look at a 2001 S2K, 18*** miles, garage kept, woman owned, the works. I'm pretty good with cars, and I dont want to be blind going to look at this one. Basically, im just wondering what i should look for in a 2001, from drivetrain to interior, to make sure im gettin the best car possible.

Your help is appreciated, if this car looks good i will probably frequent these forums a lot more, hoping my first thread is a good one.

 

look for accidents and any sign of body work.

 

The '01 s2k is a plastic rear window model. Check its condition. If it's shot, it ain't cheap to fix. Check the tires. It probably no longer has the OEM Bridgestone S02s-- as they generally don't last that long. Unless they were replaced with the same tire, check to make sure they are 205/55/16 on the front and (if not replaced with S02s) 245/45/16s on the rear. The OEMs were 225/50/16, but they were oversized for the rating, and all the other makes and models ssuitable for replacement tires MUST be bought in this larger size to essentially give you the OEM size. Insure that the tires are "W" rated or higher (such as Z or Y).

Just a few ideas.

Thanks,
Richard

 

okay cool cool, im guessing that there isnt any major mechanical issues that have popped up, especially considering its only got 18000 miles on it....



anything else anyone?

 

Everything he said is good to look for. Personally - I'd highly recommend getting at least an 02-03 because of the plastic rear window. If you/your dad is set on that car, just make sure that rear window is clean, that would be my biggest issue (asside from mechanical and exterior etc). Even if that rear window is clean, more than likely it will go bad soon if not properly maintained.

 

It's a matter of preference and need. Some of us are short and cannot see well through that miniture glass rear window. And we have garages. So for some of us, the larger plastic rear window is best. For some not.

Thanks,
Richard

 

From experience, I'd recommend some type of visual exam of the cylinders to make sure there's no scoring from an over-rev or oil starvation. There have been some problems with #4 cylinder failures in the '00 and '01 model years.

For example, I bought mine from a 70 yr old car nut who rarely drove it (2000 miles in 15 mos) and probably never revved it over 4k. One week later - #4 cylinder out! (at least Honda replaced it on warranty). I don't want to get into reasons, etc as some of the longest threads on this board relate to the infamous #4 cylinder issue.

Having said all that, I've had abolutely no issues since then (40k miles) and I occasionally track the car. I think the car is about as bullet proof a vehicle as you can get.

As for the window, if it's been garaged and will continue to be - that shouldn't be a big issue.

But, don't be surprised if the tires need to be replaced. 18k tends to be on the high side of wear for the rears.

If all checks out, tell you Dad to buy it and have a blast.

 

Look for an MY02+

 

Very good suggestions.

I would also replace the oil/filter, tranny, clutch, diff and brake fluid when you get it home just so you know it's been done.






P.S. You were right, I was going to suggest SEARCH.

 

look for an ap2. its better.