New Guy Here

MattR · Dec 2nd, 2003, 03:48 PM

Hey guys. I'm a sophomore at UConn and have a 94 Toyota Tercel. Some specs: 1.5L, 82hp, 4spd manual, 2000 lbs, 30-34 mpg. Its got about 140K on it, still very reliable, but both the engine and the body have seen their better days. I'm thinking about getting a 95-98 200sx SE-R. It's a faily small 2-door like my tercel, except with a bit more power and nicer. I know the car is only as reliable as it is maintained, but in general, how do these cars compare to the Hondas and Toyotas, as far as reliability and mileage? Is there anything i should look for when shopping for these cars? Whats a decent price to pay for one?

Thanks for all your help guys.

max200 · Dec 2nd, 2003, 07:12 PM

i wouldn't say it's small like a tercel. i can sit in the back without my knees in my chest haha. good choice with the se-r. it doesn't have a bit more power, it has a lot more. for price, look to pay 5-7G. check out the classifieds and see if anyone in or around CT is selling and you might strike a good deal. there seems to be a lot of peeps in NY with nissans.

ReVerm · Dec 2nd, 2003, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattR

I know the car is only as reliable as it is maintained, but in general, how do these cars compare to the Hondas and Toyotas, as far as reliability and mileage? Is there anything i should look for when shopping for these cars? Whats a decent price to pay for one?

If you're looking for something reliable, practical, and with a decent amount of usable power, consider a GA16 powered Sentra or 200sx. They don't have the same amount of useable power or the rear disc brakes you get from the SE-R, but they are excellent all-round vehicles with plenty of room (and a 30/39 rating from the EPA). Engine life at least matches that of Toyota and Honda small cars, and repair costs for collision and most mechanical parts are less than a comparable Corolla or Civic. Trunk space is comperable to that of your Tercel, and rear seat legroom and headroom exceed that of the Tercel. Expect to pay a fair bit less than you would for an SE-R. That means anywhere from 2500 to 6000 for a decently maintained one.

MattR · Dec 14th, 2003, 11:09 PM

Thanks for your input guys. I've been wanting a turbo awd dsm for about a year and a half now. But i know that thats a lot more car, and real lot more of a project, as far as maintenance and so on. That led me to consider the 200sx as a tercel replacement. But with 2 big snowstorms in the past week, the awd on the dsm is kinda tempting. I was alsothinking of s subaru too for the awd. Anyone else have any input? thanks guys

rafman · Dec 14th, 2003, 11:22 PM

Good luck dude. It is so hard to find an SE-R version. The SE's are easy though and like they say, it is still Turbo Kit ready. GA16DET all the way is my goal for my 200sx. Woo hooo!!!

200SushiX · Dec 15th, 2003, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattR

Hey guys. I'm a sophomore at UConn and have a 94 Toyota Tercel. Some specs: 1.5L, 82hp, 4spd manual, 2000 lbs, 30-34 mpg. Its got about 140K on it, still very reliable, but both the engine and the body have seen their better days. I'm thinking about getting a 95-98 200sx SE-R. It's a faily small 2-door like my tercel, except with a bit more power and nicer. I know the car is only as reliable as it is maintained, but in general, how do these cars compare to the Hondas and Toyotas, as far as reliability and mileage? Is there anything i should look for when shopping for these cars? Whats a decent price to pay for one?

Thanks for all your help guys.

Reliability:
#1) Toyota
#2) Honda
#3) Nissan
Expense:
#1) Toyota
#2) Honda
#3) Nissan

Gas milage is relatively equal, depending on what
you buy, but reliability's pretty close on all three,
I think. However, a Civic for the same year/milage
as my Nissan, ('98/27,000+) was like $5000.00
more, which is ludicrous

! Didn't even look
at any Toyotas. Good car for a student, (get a
GA16DE, though, not a SE-R).

green se-r · Dec 15th, 2003, 02:40 AM

se-r's are tougher to find, but definiley worth it!

200SushiX · Dec 15th, 2003, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by green se-r

se-r's are tougher to find, but definiley worth it!

Don't they cost more, as far as insurance goes? Not to
mention "initial cost". Unless the thread starter's got
Mom&Dad "in his pocket", getting a Sentra with a GA16
is perfect for a poor student, or a student that's on a
budget. I like the 200SX, but Sentras are easier to find/cheaper.
Besides, you'll have money to burn on Porches, BMW's,
etc...later; I say: just get a 10 speed, if you live on campus

.

green se-r · Dec 15th, 2003, 12:22 PM

initial cost wasn't too bad i paid 4k for a 95 se-r with 95k miles and have never had a problem with it. there really not that hard to find, there is a 95 se-r sittin down the road from me w/ 84k on and there asking like 5500 for it

wickedsr20 · Dec 15th, 2003, 09:09 PM

I'd say go for the SE-R if at all possible. They're not that expensive at all on the open market, but it is tricky to find one in certain areas. The SE would also be a fine choice and with me coming from a Tercel to my first 200, I can say that it's pretty much a night and day difference in almost every way except gas mileage.

Either way, you can't go wrong.

(Get the SE-R)

ReVerm · Dec 15th, 2003, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 200SushiX

just get a 10 speed, if you live on campus

.

What's a 10 speed?

Greg200SE-R · Dec 19th, 2003, 11:30 AM

I think he meant a 10-speed bike...

I don;t know if this applies to only the 200SX or all B14s but only 1 in 20, or about 5% of them were SE-Rs. All 200SXs have great potential but the SE-R is worth it if you can find one.

When I was looking for a car, I actually passed up on my current 200SX SE-R the first time I saw and test drove it at a dealership. After realizing how rare they were and considering it was everything I was looking for in a car except rear-wheel drive, I went right back the next day and bought it!