Hey all, this is my first post on this place, but i've been 'observing' for quite some time, so howdy to everyone.

I've been looking at getting a 3rd gen maxima and its taken a while to fully understand all the issues surrounding the different models from year to year and i think i finally have it relatively under my belt.

However, I've found what looks to be a pretty good deal on a '92 SE 5spd with 100k - $2400. What concerns me is the whole VTC issue that's so prevalent on those VE30DE engines. As of yet, the owner has not heard any ticking or rattling or any other symptoms. I'm a little hesitant to get myself into a '92 when there is a strong chance this will happen soon.

So...my question to you all is...is this a reasonable concern to have? Is the VTC problem more important than the overall condition and everything else? I haven't seen the car but sounds like its in good shape. Has it ever discouraged anyone from the 92-94 years?

Thanks for the help!

 

I wouldn't let it prevent you from buying the car. They'll inevitably clack, and then you can either ground the VTCs, or live with the ticking. By the time the VTCs clack constantly, you'll hopefully have saved enough money for a rebuild or driven the car into the ground. Using the Toyota oil filter helps, as well as being strict with oil change intervals. Good luck.

 

I think probably 75 percent of the VE30DE owners on this board have some level of VTC "clacking" and are still driving our cars.

If you found a car that doesn't do it at all, scoop it up. If you change the oil and use the Toyota filter recommended, then you probably will be in very good shape for quite some time.

 

Thats a good price IMHO especially for those miles. I just got mine about a month ago and enjoy every minute of it. I was also worried about VTC issue's but had decided to go for it anyways because its a quick car, priced really cheap ($2,350), and what I felt was a good investment. One issue that I have with clacking is cold startup, It clacks for a second as oil is pumped then quits. It only happens when I approach 5,000miles after an oil change though.

 

Do you have a part number on the specific Toyota oil filter? I want to give that a try on my next oil change.

 

Sorry...found it in the sticky's

 

SOMEBODY READ THE STICKES!!!!AAAAAHHHHHHHHH