REDLINE ALLEYNissan Silvia S14 buying guide
1993 to 1998. An S14 suits a buyer who wants a well balanced turbo coupe and will pay more for a standard, well serviced example.
Big jobs
- Camshaft wear from missed oil changes. Accelerated camshaft wear is reported, especially where oil changes have been skipped. Nissan specifies oil every 10,000 km, and an owner quoted by carsales says 5,000 km should be the maximum.
- Turbo failure. Excessive blue smoke and oil leaking from the turbo manifold can mean the turbo itself has failed.
- Clutch, synchros and auto shudder. Crunching when engaging gear points to worn synchros. Manual clutch shudder is common, and shudder on automatic upshifts is more serious and costly.
- Arches, struts, sills and floor rust. Rust is reported in the front and rear wheel arches, inside the wheel wells and suspension struts, the sills and the floor pan. Damp under the boot carpet is another sign.
Workshop jobs
- VVT rattle on start up. A rattle on start up can point to a worn variable valve timing system.
- Turbo gaskets and exhaust manifold. Blown turbo gaskets make the car very noisy at idle, and the exhaust manifold is a weak point that can leak. A constant whistle from the turbo area usually means a manifold leak from stretched bolts.
- Accident repairs and sagging doors. Poor repairs show in bonnet and boot lid fit, paint match and bumper alignment. The doors drop with age and use.
Questions for the seller
- How often has the oil been changed, and are there receipts?
- Does it rattle on a cold start?
- Has the exhaust manifold or turbo been replaced?
- Is it standard, and if not, who did the modifications?
- Has it had any accident repairs?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-03. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.