Author Topic: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...  (Read 19646 times)

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Offline BuuBox

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So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« on: Jul 21, 2006, 12:12AM »
I've decided it's time to upgrade to a different car, and I think I've decided on a Bluebird U13. So I think I've come to the right forums! romp pointed me this way (from OCAU). The only problem I'm having is actually finding one in reasonable condition. I don't mind if it's slighty rough around the edges (aren't we all?), but it'd be nice to (finally) have a car that's mechanically sound. I'm sick of spending my weekends (and weekday mornings trying to drive to work, this morning on the side of Ferntree Gully road near the Eastlink bit was fun) with my head under the bonnet of my current 91' Falcon and '86 Saab 900.

So I guess this is a quick introduction thread with a bit of a question - where's the best place to find one? I can't seem to access the for sale forum here, so I assume that it's locked out for a while until I get a reasonable amount of posts or time on the fourms.

Ahh! My girlfriend's trying to talk me into a Civic. Looking through the trading post as I type this.

Offline imaspy

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #1 on: Jul 21, 2006, 12:36AM »
u13 bluey is a good car with ka24 engine. i would recommend for many successfulmentness! not sure where you live of course but search the follwing sites:
www.carsales.com.au
www.autotrader.com.au
www.drive.com.au
www.carpoint.com.au

depending on vintage, condition and k's, expect to pay from 5000 upwards.....
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Offline Jono

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #2 on: Jul 21, 2006, 01:23AM »
The U13s are quite a nice car, and they're getting quite cheap too :)

The for sale forums are hidden until you post up 30 quality posts.
« Last Edit: Jul 21, 2006, 01:46AM by Jono »
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Offline Alister

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #3 on: Jul 21, 2006, 01:36AM »
Romp here, welcome to the site mate :)
Don't give up on finding a decent one, I checked out a total of four U13s before I purchased one.
It's a great time to buy them as they are selling for peanuts now. I purchased the base model LX with 179 000km in Feb 05 for $7000 which was a great price at the time!
It's sad to see SSS models going for under $5000...

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=3269954&current_rec=3&used_rec=20&total_rec=32&sort_type=2&total_rec=32&sort_type=2&make_id=5&model_id=8&search_distance=25
93 LX $3500

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=3185660&current_rec=5&used_rec=20&total_rec=32&sort_type=2&total_rec=32&sort_type=2&make_id=5&model_id=8&search_distance=25
95 LX Series 2 $4900

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=2960089&current_rec=7&used_rec=20&total_rec=32&sort_type=2&total_rec=32&sort_type=2&make_id=5&model_id=8&search_distance=25
95 LX Series 2 $4999

http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_vehicle?vehicle_id=2580587&current_rec=9&used_rec=20&total_rec=32&sort_type=2&total_rec=32&sort_type=2&make_id=5&model_id=8&search_distance=25
93 SSS $5000

Tonnes more selling cheap here
http://www.carsales.com.au/pls/carsales/!cs_content.private_results?make_id=5&model_id=8&search_distance=25&search_postcode=&sort_type=2





timstar just sold his 93 Bluebird for a shocking $2300  :o
Send Bluebird SSS a PM, he is selling his U13 SSS for $4500.

for sale: 1994 Bluebird SSS

asking price: $4,500

kilometers: 233,000

transmission type: manual

engine: ka24de

modifications: JVC head deck with 3" screen, pioneer splits, sony 6x9s, muffler and 12" sub and amp not to sure of the brands they are nothing special but just come with the car


road worthy certificate: upon request

registered: yes - until august 06 not too sure of the day will check and let you know if required

accident history: small crack in rear bar nothing major though

other comments about the vehicle: car will come with all stock parts although the stock 6x9s are damaged

and i am located in ACT feel free to call me 0433973643 or email: [email protected]

Jeremy

mark_SSS is selling his SSS for $4990.

FOR SALE:
december 1993 U13 SSS bluebird, burgundy air con, power steering, cruise control, 5sp manual, 6months rego, 17inch wheels, $2400 worth of sound gear, Hi-Tech headers and hi-flo cat, 2.25inch piping, new shocks in the rear, low king springs, brand new brake pads, safety certificate. plenty of power, drives beautifully, must sell at $4990 or nearest offer. car located in brisbane

mobile: 0407 161 520
email: [email protected]


And then Wolf In Sheep's Clothing was selling his LX but I can't find the thread...
« Last Edit: Jul 21, 2006, 01:45AM by Alister »

Offline BuuBox

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #4 on: Jul 21, 2006, 11:06AM »
I'm going to have a look at a few today. I'm going to do my best to find a SSS model with around 150,000kms and it's gotta be a 5 speed :) Going to stick with Melbourne cars for now, don't really want to have to travel to pick one up.

Offline Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #5 on: Jul 21, 2006, 12:29PM »
Yer I sold my good old LX, Buyer was very happy with it. There a good car. You should be able to pick one up around the $5000 mark. Mine was sold for $4000 because I needed it gone. IMO the price is very cheep for a car with what the U13 has. There under rated because of the shape id say.

The 2.4 is a great engine with great torque. I now have the 2.0ltr turbo awd version. I can say after owning the 2.4 previously and now the 2.0 ltr I'm totally in love with bluebirds because there a very good car.

Common things that go wrong is distributer (roughly $300 to fix) goes bad when rocker cover gasket leaks oil into it, if gasket is changed shouldn't be a problem. Only other problem I had with my old bluebird was fuel pump and radiator top. All relatively cheap fixes.

Also If you get one theres plenty of people here you can ask about anything related.
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Offline BuuBox

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #6 on: Jul 21, 2006, 01:26PM »
I went and had a look at a black SSS this morning. Was a very nice car actually, nice and clean, only 2 small dents on the body, drove nicely too. Only thing that's stopping me is that the timing chain seemed slightly noisy, and the gearbox was sorta noisy in 1st and 2nd gear. Are these thigns to be worried about?

Was from a car yard, best I could haggle him down to was 6k with 12 months reg and a 3 year warrenty. Was fairly happy with that. Car also came with a Clarion double din cd/mp3/tape headunit and 17" rims (aren't too bad).

I would have signed on the dotted line if it wasn't for the timing chain noise. Not loud, but defiantly there. 199,000kms on it.

Edit: Oh, it's this car... http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/NISSAN/BLUEBIRD/Victoria/1120473.aspx

Offline Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #7 on: Jul 21, 2006, 02:15PM »
Timing chain is the guide that goes also a common problem. Apparently it can be removed altogether or replaced. I beleve its the top guide. Mine rattled for the whole 3 years I had the car and never caused a problem.

Gearbox whine is quiet common, but you usualy only hear it in 1st gear not 1st and 2nd. My LX started to make a whine about 2 years into owning it but it was only in 1st gear and hardly noticable.

My attesa whines in 1st a bit louder but I'm not to concerned as I will have to eventually replace the gears with stronger gears.

How many Km's does it have?
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Offline phreeky

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #8 on: Jul 21, 2006, 02:48PM »
My attesa whines in 1st a bit louder but I'm not to concerned as I will have to eventually replace the gears with stronger gears.

My stock box did as well, never broke first though and still looks perfect (got the old gears still), it's a more shallow helical cut so I imagine is the cause of a slight whine from new.

BuuBox: $6k sounds ok from a dealer, tbh 199,000km is a bit higher than you should be aiming for but might be the best you'll find. I wouldn't expect much from the dealer warranty if something goes wrong, but either way get an inspection done by a third party.

As for the timing chain I think it's pretty common, I was under the impression it was only a real big issue on the KA24E not KA24DE.

Offline BuuBox

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #9 on: Jul 21, 2006, 03:06PM »
Just below 200k on the clock. I'm not afraid of high mileage cars, owned a 300,000+ falcon and I'm currently driving a 300,000km Saab 900 (scary thought). It seems to have been fairly well maintained, and certinatly went fairly well for what it is. Didn't have any problem's pulling from relatively low revs, didn't mind reving out to the redline either. It's due for a service, but the oil level was just about spot on, so doesn't look like it's using oil etc. No oil leaks, and the engine bay is nice and dry (ie, no oil around the place). The gearbox felt good despite the noise.

The noises aren't really loud, just I'm paranoid as I don't want to be spending more money on this car later down the track.

Think I'll go for it, might organise something tomorrow. I'll be on here complaining in the technical forums if something does go wrong! :) haha

Offline phreeky

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #10 on: Jul 21, 2006, 04:00PM »
if you get it, grab some whiteline springs

it's how the car should have handled stock imo, much much better but still not a harsh ride at all (i.e. easily passable as a factory setup)

Offline imaspy

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #11 on: Jul 21, 2006, 04:12PM »
i saw that one a while ago when i started searching for cars online. i reckon thats about as cheap as you will find a 5 speed sss...... if its mech. ok then i would say go for it.
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Offline wicked

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #12 on: Jul 21, 2006, 05:35PM »
Do make sure that the car idles properly. If it is a problem associated with distributor, a new Nissan one will set you back 1 grand. Other than that U13 is a good bang for buck car, no complains  ;D

Offline Leopard-Man

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #13 on: Jul 21, 2006, 05:48PM »
Hi mate.  U13s are fantastic cars and if i remember correctly there are a few for sale on here which you will be able to see later (when u get enough posts).  One problem ive found with them is that the are worth crap all if you ever decide to sell it, but other than that, they are very good cars. 

And yeah Kms arnt an overly big problem with this engine either as mine has 240K and is still going really well and i have had no real problems with it mechanically. 

ALEX
I am a man More sinn'd against than sinning.

Offline Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #14 on: Jul 21, 2006, 05:48PM »
You can get a reco distrubuter for $300 with trade in of your old one.
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Offline BuuBox

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #15 on: Jul 21, 2006, 06:49PM »
Didn't seem to have any idle issues, and I checked with the A/C on too. Looks like the car's mine, didn't see any others that were better at around the same price. Rims aren't too bad either... Hrm. Only money... :)

Offline greenbird

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #16 on: Jul 22, 2006, 03:02AM »
Like most of the guys have already said, the bluebirds are a great car. I've had mine for 6 years now and i still love it.
As 'Wolf in Sheeps Clothing' has said, don't be worried about the whine in first gear. All of the manual boxes do it, as 1st gear is closer to a 'straight cut' gear to make them stronger. Second gear should be relatively quiet, so it may be worth getting a mechanic or a knowlegable friend that you trust to look at the car before you lay down any cash.
The black SSS that you are talking about, is it a series 1 or 2?
If it is a Series 1, the cam chain rattle can be fixed by removing the upper cam chain guide from under the rocker cover and removing the front cam chain guide from under the timing case. It's a relatively easy job if you have the right tools and are reasonbly mechanically minded. It took me about an hour and a half to do on my car. My car used to rattle a little bit between idle and 1200rpm, but now she is as quiet as a mouse, even with 230000kms on the clock!
I believe that the series 2's never suffered this rattle, as Nissan chose not to install these cam chain guides for the later models??
Besides this and the famous oil in the distributor problem (which really isn't all that common), they are an extremely reliable car.
Dan.
93 U13 Bluebird
5 spd
Finer Filter, Hi-Flow cat & 2.25" exhaust
17X7 Concept 5 wheels
2 inch lowered King Springs

Offline BuuBox

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #17 on: Jul 22, 2006, 09:40AM »
Yeah, it's a Series 1. So it's a relatively easy fix? Sounds good... :) The gear whine in 2nd isn't anything loud, just me being paraniod and looking for noises. Sounds the same as basically every other (smallish) manual car I've driven.

Offline imaspy

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #18 on: Jul 22, 2006, 04:37PM »
im jealous and you havent even bought it yet. you skank! 8)
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Offline Ka-Bluey

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #19 on: Jul 22, 2006, 04:37PM »
Yea,  i wouldnt worry about the whinning, mine does the same thing, but havent had a problem with it, and car is still going strong at 220k's. But like someone on here has said, first thing i would do is get some king springs and a whiteline handling kit. Unfortunately whiteline dont sell any spring/shock combo for the U13's. But if you have spare money and want a really good handling car i would go for the D2 coilovers, but they will set you back about $1800.

If you search on here quiet a few members have done some sort of work to their U13's especially me. Mine has completely been changed from what it used to look like when i first bought it.

If you look after the car, the car will keep going for a long long time.
 

Offline Alister

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #20 on: Jul 22, 2006, 07:01PM »
You can get a reco distrubuter for $300 with trade in of your old one.

Or $425 brand new.

Offline tedman

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #21 on: Jul 22, 2006, 10:39PM »
My '95 SSS is for sale - Please xcuse me if it is not appropriate to post an "add" in this thread however i don't have access to the for sales yet and this way everyone gets to tell me I'm dreaming when i tell you the price. 200000ks 5spd man KA24DE with extractors, airfilter and exhaust - about 135hp ATW. King Springs make it a bit lower and nicer to drive. All the standard stereo with upgraded 6x9's in the back. Has the same timing chain noise youve been talking about - however only when cold. I had the whole timing system re-done at 120000 including guide repositioning to get rid of the noise once the engine warms up.
Anyhoo I'm asking $9900 ono. Rego till Mar 07 and new tyres. My first car very regretful sale however I want to go turbo so am looking at the attessa or (please don't hit me) a soarer/chaser.

Let the firing begin...

Tedman out

PS I'm in Townsville however am looking at heading down south in the next month so could bring it down if you are keen.

Offline bungs

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #22 on: Jul 23, 2006, 03:50AM »
Let the firing begin...

"tell him he's dreaming".

/end The Castle

Offline tedman

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #23 on: Jul 23, 2006, 10:23AM »
Like I said - make an offer. Perhaps everyone could make a suggestion as to what i should be trying to sell it for - - - Comes with all the extras (Car Bra, bonnet/light protectors), Have receipts for all work done up to 150000ks with dyno graphs etc. Will throw in original brochures for the car!!! (according to posts on these forums worth $10.50 plus postage) Has aftermarket immobiliser/remote central locking. Obvioulsy I love this car too much so some objective opinions on what it is worth would be nice.

PS Don't say "It's worth what someone will pay you for it."

Offline greenbird

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #24 on: Jul 23, 2006, 11:25AM »
Tedman,
IF your car is in immaculate condition, in my opinion, somewhere between 7 and 8 thoushand would probably be realistic. The used car market has taken a huge nose dive in the last couple of years.
About 12 months ago, my brother paid just over 5 grand for his 95 model SSS. Mind you, that car needed some a fair bit of TLC. I've decided that it's not worth selling my 93 model LX. Even though it is in really good condition, has lots of extras and is super reliable, the money that I could get for it just isn't worth it. I think i'm going to just drive it until it will go no further.
Just remember that any mods that have been done to the car (exhaust etc.) are worth diddly squat come sale time. People will pay for the car as if it was stock standard.
Dan.
93 U13 Bluebird
5 spd
Finer Filter, Hi-Flow cat & 2.25" exhaust
17X7 Concept 5 wheels
2 inch lowered King Springs

Offline phreeky

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #25 on: Jul 23, 2006, 11:27PM »
PS I'm in Townsville however am looking at heading down south in the next month so could bring it down if you are keen.

another townsville person, wow, i thought i was the only (unfortunate) one :D

got a pic of your car? i've seen a few u13s getting around with rims and/or exhaust etc so was surprised i hadn't seen other townsville folk on here

Offline Jono

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #26 on: Jul 29, 2006, 04:07AM »
Last time I was in Townsville there were heaps of U12s cruising around, half of them with rims.

I'm surprised there aren't more of you guys on antrx.
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Offline phreeky

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #27 on: Jul 30, 2006, 01:31AM »
i've had five mates up here with a pintara trx, none of them own them anymore though (funny enough they now all own either an r32, s15, gtir, or z32)

see all those cars getting around still, guess they're just not either enthusiasts or the internet type

Offline BuuBox

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #28 on: Aug 5, 2006, 05:39PM »
Picked up my SSS yesterday. Very happy with it! I'll throw some pictures up when I find the cable for my camera. Got a few plans for it, but first it needs a gearbox service with some decent gear oil (suggestions?), and the timing chain noise (only at idle) makes it sound like a Astron equipped Magna... :(

Offline Alister

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Re: So, I've decided on a Bluebird U13...
« Reply #29 on: Aug 5, 2006, 06:11PM »
Excellent, did you go auto or manual?
Any ATF 3 fluid is fine. Yeah, they can sound like death on startup but it goes away pretty quick.