1994 - 2001 NISSAN 200SX S14/S15
BODY & CHASSIS
Crash damage is always an issue with performance cars and these Nissans aren’t immune. Panels need to be inspected for correct alignment, then from above and below look for kinks or repairs to the chassis rails and suspension The boot floor can collect water due to a damaged seal. Long doors will inevitably droop with age and use. Used panels including doors and boot lids are still easy to find and prices asked recently have ranged from $150300 per item. Stone damaged headlamps and fog lights are costly to replace; new halogen headlamp units usually around $600 per pair.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The 2.0-litre Nissan engine is durable and cars that have been properly serviced will exceed 200,000 kilometres without needing any internals replaced. Oil changes every 5000 kilometres or six months are recommended to prevent upper-engine sludge and turbo problems. Any hint of exhaust smoke – blue for engine wear, white signifying a turbo seal leak – is cause to find another car. Upper engine clatter can indicate problems with the Variable Cam Timing actuator. Misfiring is most likely a coil pack which are best replaced in sets at $600. Clutch shudder is a symptom of abuse but uprated clutch components are freely available. Slow upshifts or noise from the auto 'box are more serious and costly to rectify.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
Brakes in S14 and S15 cars were found wanting and a lot in the used market will be running different pads and rotors. Look for disc scoring but don’t dismiss a car with brake problems as replacement costs aren’t too scary. Rear wheel camber needs to be correctly set to maximize cornering balance and delay tyre wear. Worn rear bushes can cause mid-bend lurching. Standard shock absorbers would all have been replaced by now and perhaps be ready to go again. Cars showing more than 100,000km should come with receipts for some front-end maintenance including new strut inserts.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
Seat bolsters wear and high-kilometre cars may need some retrimming. Ensure that the sunroof (where fitted) operates smoothly and shows no signs of water entry through damaged seals. Check air-conditioner efficiency to ensure air is cold and not just cool. Imported cars seem to suffer more from plastic deterioration than locals, so look for dash cracking, discolored consoles and controls that are beginning to disintegrate. Power windows will quite likely suffer from sticky or nonfunctioning switches but replacements are available. The airconditioning needs careful checking and even if it’s working be prepared for $1500 in maintenance.