I found this on MySpace, of all places. I think this one is a little more to my liking than the Accord (which got sold, anyways)...

1992 Nissan Sentra SE-R

Car has 139,xxx on it and its a 5 spd.

Heres some pics

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/doofus_wow...s_wow/my_photos

ABS, gray interior

im trying to get rid of this ASAP!!!

$1500/bo

Of course, the biggest problem you can see is the rust. He says the rest of the car is fine except it might need a new belt. The LSD is probably old, too, but that isn't essential for day-to-day driving. I know the tranny can be a weak spot, but the owner says it's OK. Any other major mechanical problems I should know about?

I'm going talk to my dad and see if I can take a look at it. Who knows, in the future I might be able to get some replacement panels from a Sentra/Tsuru or transfer the parts into another B13. Recently, GRM had a bunch of Classic SE-R feature cars and is working on an SE-R autocrosser, so there's some inspiration already.

The hunt continues...  

winters are harsh up there... or is the car on the cape?  

I say do the mechanic checkout thing and go make an offer if it's what you are looking for. How are the tires? if they suck you may be able to offer less for it, maybe not.  

It's actually near Boston, but wherever you are in New England, winter is harsh on cars.

And the Accord? Turns out its not sold (the guy had used it while his other car was in the shop. He hadn't called back when I called him, so I thought it was sold). It even belongs to a Sears coworker of mine. It's cheaper and close by, so the Accord is my top priority. If it's in really bad shape, doesn't have a title, or won't pass Mass. inspection for any other reason, then the Sentra is my second pick. The 240SX is still in town and that would be my third pick because it's the most expensive ($1500 non-negotiable), needs another windshield, and I'd need another week or two to get the money. I like the Nissans better, but my money has to go towards tuition first and I need a car soon.  

I got to test drive the Accord today. Other than some obvious problems from a car it's age (fiddily switchgear, that REALLY rough idle [I had to shift it in neutral whenever I came to a stop]) it's in good condition. It's due for a tune-up and needs 1 new tire, but that's all the owner says it needs. He also says the front wheels shimmy around 65mph but goes away if you slow down or speed up. Our main concern is that it will not pass Mass. inspection because it's more rigorous than NH inspection. Because my dad has to take a business trip and I have to drive everyone around in the MPV, I won't be able to get it looked at by a Mass. shop until next week. If it can pass MA. inspection with minimum work, then I will buy it. If it's gonna cost me more than $1000 total to buy the car and fix it for Mass. inspection, I will look at other cars.

I also need advice about the Sentra's owner. He's pushing the car on me, even offering to drive it up to where I live. I'm not sure that car will pass Mass inspection either because of the rust and it's more expensive. What is a good way for me to say "I'm still interested, but I'm not going to buy it just yet?"  

There's no need to respond to the Sentra question. The seller is being too pushy about it, so I told him I've withdrawn my interest. My mom actually spotted a 187K '91 BMW 318 sedan in the want-ads for $700. It needs an E-brake. I will call the owner tomorrow.