I’m plannin on purchasing a S14 as my first car since I have been a big fan of that body style. I actually went down to Niagara Falls with my mechanic to check out a 95 S14. The car is an automatic and has 170k on it. It is in average shape for its year, in that there are a few rust spots in the quarter panels, under the door and little bit in the pillars. The front bumper and the right headlight have been replaced by the Nissan dealership as someone backed into him. The whole car has been repainted after that incident. My mechanic lifted the car up, and we found out that the fuel line is leaking a little bit and that the brake line have to be replaced since it has been rusted. There is some rust underneath the car as well since it has been winter driven. While taking it for a test drive, a slight humming noise from the rear right wheel can be heard. My mechanic told me that I might have to replace the wheel well soon.
Apart from the bad stuff, the seller has replaced the strut bars, brake pads, rotors, calipers, control arms in the front and has redone the rims. He has done a maintenance package at Speedy every 3 months as well. He is asking $5300 including safety and e-test and I’m just wondering whether this is a good deal or whether I am going to be digging myself into a rut.
Sounds like the deal is DECENT…but those are considerable things to think about…also consider:
– Do you want auto for sure?
– The humming would 90% be a bad wheel bearing - not a very big job
– Are you willing to deal with the rust it has (it only spreads…)?
– You could probably find a cleaner one (if you’re willing to up the price a bit likely)
I would pass on it from what I can tell, but you’ve both seen it and I haven’t so…make the best choice you can and good luck either way!
seems a bit expensive for what you are describing. Replacing the entire brake and fuel lines won’t be cheap either…unless you are willing to do some splicing.
Thanks for your feedback guys. I really appreciate it. I actually found 2 other S14s in auto trader located in the GTA. One is a 95, 5spd, 165k, custom intake and exhaust and he’s asking $7500. THe other is a 95, auto, 145k and the dealer is asking $6995. In my opinion, these cars are a little bit overpriced for being stock. What do you guys think?
Overall, the choice is still yours to make. It all depends on what you are willing to live with and how much you are willing to pay for it. As the saying goes “You get what you pay for!”. Personally, I spent 19 months looking for my 95 S14 LE, but I admit I’m a very picky person. I didn’t get an incredible deal on mine but it was a price that I thought was very fair and I do not regret it at all. A car is a very important purchase and you don’t want to do it half-assed. Hope this helps and best of luck in your search.
When you look at S14 after S14 after S14 etc…then you’ll get a better idea of a “good deal” and you’ll be laughing at some of the things some sellers charge and lie about. Basically weigh things out and resist the “I could have this car TODAY!” urge.
just to give you an idea of s14 prices here is what mine was when I bought it.
1995
Auto
163,000KM
LE (with every option)
E-Tested and Cert
When I test drove it I heard it hum from the front passenger side so they replaced the wheel bearing before I bought it.
$5000
Since then I have done a 5spd swap and a bunch of other stuff. S14’s from what I can see usualy go for about 6000+ depending on the year and options. Remember that a 1995 LE when new cost about $28,540 so these were not cheap cars so they wont be super cheap today.
When you bought the car, was there any rust buildup or any scratches on the body? Plus, were there any other problems with the car that had to be fixed?
I am also thinking of buying a S14 from the states as I found a SE in NJ. But after paying duty, taxes, custom fees and installing DRTLs, I am thinking that I will end up spending more than a car in Canada.
