How Much Are Nissan 240SX Sports Coupes Worth Today?
The Nissan 240SX is one of the most highly coveted drift cars ever made. It was already popular in the drifting community before the Fast & Furious franchise put some models on the big screen. Many versions are classic cars today, but what are Nissan 240SX sports coupes worth on the open market?
Let’s take an in-depth look at the history of this classic sports car and what Nissan 240SX prices look like. Is this a car you’ll want for drifting or daily driving? Maybe both.
The Nissan 240SX has a longer history than many realize
The earliest versions of the Nissan 240SX were called Silvia. The Silvia first appeared in 1975 in the S10 generation, with a version heading to North America and another for the Japanese market. The North American version of the S10 Silvia had a larger and more potent engine, but that would be the only generation to boast a power advantage.
The most popular Silvia generations in North America were the S13 and S14. Those are the generations we’ll cover in this article. Nissan produced the S13 from 1989 through the 1994 model year, while the S14 showed up in 1995 and stuck around until 1998.
These two generations have been touted for their impressive weight balance (45/55 front-rear), aggressive driving manners, and rear-wheel-drive setup, making them wildly popular in the drifting community.
How much does a Nissan 240SX cost?
The average used Nissan 240SX price isn’t anything to brag about. Edmunds estimates a 1991 model in outstanding condition is worth $2,140 in a private party sale. That doesn’t prevent some enthusiasts from paying much more for heavily modified versions.
Bring a Trailer shows that an LS7-powered 240SX sold for $54,000 in January 2022, marking a record for this sports coupe. That 1989 Nissan 240SX was heavily modified with significant upgrades. But most versions of this car exchange hands from private seller to private buyer in the $10,00 to $20,000 price range. Of course, any car’s value depends on mileage, overall condition, modifications, and location.
Why do so many driving enthusiasts love this Nissan sports car?
In its original form, the S13 version is a lightweight drifting dynamo. This Nissan 240SX generation tips the scales at only 2,700 pounds and uses an RWD layout to make it an incredible drift car. Couple that with some of the changes from the S12, and you’ll see why the S13 is a coveted driving machine.
Upgrades from the S12 to the S13 include the following:
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- First Nissan with a multi-link rear suspension
- Four-wheel disc brakes
- Optional ABS and limited-slip differential
The S14 version provided more for the drifting community. By the time this car came along, Nissan had embraced the idea that the 240SX was a sought-after drifting machine. The S14 model featured the following:
- Lower stance
- Wider track
- Longer wheelbase
- Shorter body length
The S14 lost the pop-up headlights of the S13, but the fuel tank moved from under the trunk to in front of the rear suspension, adding better balance to this Nissan sports car.
You found a Nissan 240SX — what now?
Whether you want to buy a Nissan 240SX for its affordable price or turn it into a drift machine, the first step is to have a trusted mechanic perform a complete inspection. These cars are usually heavily modified, which could mean unforeseen mechanical problems. Additionally, the S13 models are prone to rust, which can create headaches down the line.
Once a mechanic gives this car the seal of approval, it can be fantastic to drive every day or take to the local drift track for weekend fun.
