1997 Nissan 240SX SE 2.4 from North America

Summary:

If this car was a woman, I'd marry her

Faults:

Right rear subframe bushing went bad (fairly common).

Outer tie rods replaced at 160,000 miles.

IACV needed adjusting at 140,000 miles.

General Comments:

I bought this car with 104,000 miles on it from a friend who is super anal about his car maintenance. He was the second owner of the car, and purchased it from a dealer with 40,000 miles on it. He never drove it in the rain, waxed it once a week, and always had it serviced by Nissan. Needless to say it was in pretty good shape when I purchased it from him.

I've put about 70,000 miles on it in the five years I've owned it, and I love this car. Yes, I've driven it in the rain since, and treated it like a daily driver, but I've had no drive train problems.

The subframe bushing was the biggest issue I've had out of the car. Cost $150 for the set and I replaced them... major pain in the butt.

The car's handling is excellent, it has a comfortable ride, it's reliable, I get about 30mpg on the highway, and the styling is beautiful in my opinion. Sometimes I have to turn around and look at it as I'm walking away.

The only things I wish were different about the car are the fact that it doesn't have a cup holder, and it could use a little more power. The 2.4 KA24DE can be a little lacking at times. As it stands though, I'll gladly live with it the way it is, and plan on keeping it until I'm too old to get in and out of it, or it gets totaled (which isn't hard to do with a little front end damage to these cars).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2010

1997 Nissan 240SX Standard 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder from North America

Summary:

The handling of the car is superb, but the stock engine is very weak

Faults:

There was a little bit of interior damage from the car sitting out in the sun (this was from the previous owner).

Also, the brakes wore out soon after I started driving the car, and I have since had these replaced.

Otherwise, I have had no problems besides regular maintenance things.

General Comments:

I purchased this car as a base for a fast project car. Due to its relative light weight and even weight distribution, it has great handling characteristics. I was not disappointed when I finally got the car. Even with stock suspension components and liquid-filled bushings, the handling and steering were amazing. I have added aftermarket suspension components from HKS, Cusco, and SPL, which have made the handling even better.

Unfortunately, the stock power is quite low, although the KA24DE engine in this car can handle massive power on stock internals. I would say that the power is the only down side of this car.

I have made a website concerning this car and my buildup on the project (http://www.240edge.com). You can find more info there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 2006

1997 Nissan 240SX SE Coupe from North America

Faults:

Brakes completely shot at 80,000 miles.

Camber completely shot at 85,000 miles.

Crank case leak at 100,000 miles.

Coolant system completely shot at 130,000 miles.

General Comments:

I'm at ten years, 145,000 miles and have never had this car serviced or even changed the oil. I'm getting ready to buy a new car now, but think this one has been very reliable considering the nonexistant care it's received.

I'm a little torn about what to do with this car. My dad tells me it's rare and that I should hang on to it. My mechanically-inclined friend says I should soop it up. I love the way this car looks and it's been like an old friend, it just seems so much has gone wrong with it though lately.

In the ten years I've owned it, I've seen maybe five other people with one similar, and none with the SE coupe like mine. It accelerates pretty quickly, and I've gotten much better gas mileage than the EPA estimates.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2006

2nd Mar 2006, 20:53

Haha, you never changed the oil what do you expect?

8th Mar 2006, 03:08

Too true.

I'm looking for a 240 for my "college car"...if it only does THAT 5 missed oil changes later, its should be a good choice :D.