1989-1998 Nissan 240SX (S13/S14) - Complete Buyer's Guide

Quick Specs

S13 (1989-1994):

• Engine: KA24E (SOHC, 1989-1990) or KA24DE (DOHC, from 1991)
• Power: 140 hp (KA24E) / 155 hp (KA24DE)
• Drivetrain: RWD
• Weight: About 1,224 kg (2,700 lbs)

S14 (1995-1998):

• Engine: KA24DE (DOHC)
• Power: 155 hp
• Drivetrain: RWD
• Weight: About 1,253 kg (2,760 lbs)

Overview

The Nissan 240SX (S13/S14) is a cornerstone of American drift culture. The USDM car came with the KA24 engine, but these chassis are legendary platforms for SR20DET and other engine swaps, and one of the most popular entries into JDM-style performance. Wikipedia notes that the S-chassis' popularity in drifting has pushed up prices for cars and parts, a markup known as "drift tax."

Why the 240SX is Special:

• Balanced front-engine, rear-drive layout (Wikipedia cites a 55/45 front/rear balance for its Japanese S13 siblings, the Silvia and 180SX)
• RWD layout, long wheelbase
• A popular entry to drift/track
• Engine swap heaven (SR20DET, 1JZ, 2JZ, LS)
• Strong aftermarket support
• Pop-up headlights (S13 only)

Body Styles:

• S13 Coupe (1989-1994): Notchback, pop-up headlights
• S13 Hatchback (1989-1994): Pop-up headlights, practical hatch
• S13 Convertible (1993-1994): Built by ASC on the coupe; heavier, less rigid, avoid for performance
• S14 (1995-1998): Coupe only, fixed headlights; Zenki (95-96) vs Kouki (97-98) front ends

Performance & Specifications

Stock KA24DE:

• 2.4L inline-4 DOHC
• 155 hp @ 5,600 RPM
• 160 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM
• Cast iron block, aluminum head
• Durable and torquey, but the automotive press of the day considered the car underpowered

Chassis:

• MacPherson strut front
• Multi-link rear suspension (S13 and S14)
• Front engine, RWD
• 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto (avoid auto)

Performance (Stock KA24DE):

• Wikipedia cites Car and Driver's DOHC S13 test at 7.9 seconds 0-60 mph, and a MotorWeek S14 test at 7.3 seconds
• Handling: Journalists praised the sharp steering and handling

Buying Guide

What to Look For

Good Signs:

• Clean title, no accidents
• Rust-free (check rockers, rear quarters, hatch area)
• Stock or tastefully modified
• Service records
• Garage kept
• All gauges working

Red Flags:

• Rust (major issue in northern states)
• Drift car history (hard life, abuse)
• Poor quality mods (zip ties, duct tape, sketchy wiring)
• Accident damage (common - check frame rails)
• KA24E SOHC (1989-1990, less desirable)
• Automatic transmission

Common Issues

Known Problems:

1. Rust - Biggest enemy

   • Rockers, rear quarters, hatch area (S13)
   • Inspect thoroughly, budget for repair

2. Pop-up Headlights - S13 only

   • Motors fail, pop slowly
   • Replacement motors are an inexpensive fix

3. Limited-Slip Differential - Only on cars with the optional package (a sports package on S13 hatchbacks; a viscous LSD package on S14s)

   • Symptoms: One-wheel peel as the unit wears
   • Common fix: A 2-way clutch-type LSD (such as Kaaz)

4. Worn Bushings - All suspension bushings

   • Symptoms: Clunking, poor handling
   • Refresh: Polyurethane bushings are a common upgrade

5. Interior Plastics - Brittle, cracked dash

   • Hard to find OEM replacements
   • Budget for dash cover

Need parts? Find 240SX (S13/S14) parts on eBay — Used OEM and aftermarket parts vary; confirm the part number and fitment for your chassis before buying — sellers set condition. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission from eBay, at no cost to you.

Average Prices (US Market 2026)

We no longer print our own price bands for this car. We couldn't find the 240SX in Hagerty's valuation tool, so here are recent Bring a Trailer results from its Nissan 240SX results page, checked September 28, 2026. These are BaT "Sold for" prices for individual cars, not a price range, and BaT's buyer fee is charged on top.

• Original-owner 1989 240SX XE Coupe 5-Speed: $15,000 (September 8, 2026)
• 1992 240SX SE Hatchback 5-Speed, 65,000 km: $25,000 (August 18, 2026)
• 1998 240SX SE 5-Speed: $19,249 (April 20, 2026)
• Modified 1990 240SX SE Hatchback 5-Speed project: $11,500 (June 16, 2026)

What moves a specific car up or down:

• Originality and mileage: unmodified, low-mileage cars have become hard to find
• Engine: the DOHC KA24DE over the SOHC KA24E; the quality of any swap
• Rust, accident history and drift use pull prices down
• S14 Kouki styling is popular with buyers

These are values, not forecasts. We don't publish price predictions.

Looking for one? Browse matching vehicles on eBay — Listings change constantly; condition, mileage and title status are each seller's claims — verify papers and import eligibility (25-year rule) before you bid. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission from eBay, at no cost to you.

Best Year/Model

For Drift/Track:

• S13 Coupe (1991-1994) - Lightweight, pop-ups, DOHC KA24DE

For Street:

• S14 Kouki (1997-1998) - Refined, best looks, modern amenities

For Collectors:

• A clean, unmodified, documented car of either generation

Modifications & Engine Swaps

Popular Engine Swaps:

1. SR20DET (Most Common)

   • 2.0L turbo I4 from the JDM Silvia/180SX
   • The classic swap: the turbocharged engine the Japanese-market cars got
   • Best balance of power/cost

2. CA18DET

   • 1.8L turbo I4 (the Japanese and European S13's engine)
   • Budget option

3. 1JZ-GTE / 2JZ-GTE

   • 2.5L / 3.0L turbo I6 from Toyota
   • Big power potential

4. LS Swap (LS1/LS3)

   • American V8
   • Torque monster

Suspension & Handling:

• Coilovers: Tein Street Basis, BC Racing, Fortune Auto
• Sway bars: Whiteline, Cusco
• LSD: Kaaz 2-way, OS Giken
• Control arms: SPL Parts, Wisefab
• Bushings: Energy Suspension poly

FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links may earn commission at no cost to you.

Ownership Experience

Running Costs:

• Insurance: Depends heavily on mods and use; get quotes before you buy
• Maintenance: Plan for age-related parts (bushings, seals, cooling) on top of routine service
• Fuel: Wikipedia notes mediocre fuel economy for the KA24 cars
• Mods: A quality build adds up quickly, so budget before you start

Parts Availability:

• OEM parts: Limited for older S13
• Aftermarket: Excellent (ISR, Megan Racing, Greddy, HKS)
• JDM parts: Available via importers

Reliability:

• KA24DE: Durable, torquey iron-block engine
• SR20DET: Reliable with proper tune
• Swaps: Depends on install quality

Build Path Recommendations

Beginner Build:

1. Coilovers (Tein, BC Racing)
2. Welded diff or 2-way LSD
3. Wheels + sticky tires
4. Bolt-ons (intake, exhaust)

Intermediate Build:

1. SR20DET swap
2. Quality coilovers (Fortune Auto, Ohlins)
3. 2-way LSD
4. Wheels + semi-slicks
5. Chassis bracing

Advanced Build:

1. Built SR20DET or 1JZ swap
2. Coilovers (Ohlins, KW)
3. Wisefab angle kit
4. Hydro e-brake
5. Full aero kit
6. Cage, seats, harnesses

Sources

• Bring a Trailer, "Nissan 240SX" results page (bringatrailer.com/nissan/240sx), completed auction results checked September 28, 2026.
• Bring a Trailer, "Original-Owner 1989 Nissan 240SX XE Coupe 5-Speed" (Lot #262,018), sold September 8, 2026.
• Bring a Trailer, "How BaT Works" (buyer fee), bringatrailer.com, checked September 28, 2026.
• Wikipedia, "Nissan 240SX" (S13 and S14 engines, outputs, body styles, weights, options, road tests, drifting), accessed September 2026.

FAQ

Q: S13 vs S14 - which is better? A: S13 is lighter, pop-ups, more drift-focused. S14 is refined, better daily. Both excellent.

Q: Should I swap or build the KA? A: An SR20DET swap is the most common route. Turbo KA builds can be unreliable. Budget properly for a quality swap, because the install quality decides how reliable it is.

Q: Can I daily a 240SX? A: Stock or mild builds, yes. Drift cars are not daily-friendly.

Q: How much rust is too much? A: Surface rust OK. Holes in frame rails, rockers = walk away.

Q: Is the 240SX good for beginners? A: Yes! RWD, affordable, easy to work on, huge community support.

Created for enthusiasts. Get pre-purchase inspection before buying any used 240SX.