9maxima5

iTrader: (7)

Guy's i need your input on this car.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=194309098

What do u guys think. I just got into an accident with my 4thgen and need a ride. I have him down to 2700 without the system. Looks like high milage.

Let me hear your opinions.

rick's 92

if i was you go get the car . it is a nice 3 gen.

Josh

iTrader: (5)

I think it looks like a pretty good car, 159 doesn't seem like too many miles but then again it all depends alot on maintenance, does the seller have a detailed history on it? i would also ask about whether the vtc's click or not. i was noticing that he has e36's and his tails rewired so there is a good chance hes on the org, has he mentioned it?

9maxima5

iTrader: (7)

what is the vtc? I sent him an email askin if he is on the org but no answer yet. He said that the check engine light has been on twice, once after he resealed the rear valve cover the middle injector underneath the plenum went bad and he had to take off the plenum again and replace it, and the second time was when a wire broke on the thermostat.. He also states that the timing chain, water pump and cam seals were done by previous owner.

Josh

iTrader: (5)

VTCs are the variable timing control which is are 2 solenoid that works with the cam shafts to.... here this should explain http://www.mattblehm.com/faq/VTC_tsb.pdf that should tell you all you need to know basically it will sound like a diesel if they have gone bad. did he say why the timing chain was replaced? i'm no expert but i thought those were bullet proof and hardly ever replaced.

9maxima5

iTrader: (7)

ya he said the timing chain was replace. I will ask him about the vtc. Thanks for the help.

Anyone else have any input?

Michael

iTrader: (21)

That would throw up a red flag to me that he is not telling the whole truth. you dont need to and dont know why you would replace the timing chain (at least with that low mileage) on the motor. You replace the timing belt on the VG motors but there is really no need to replace the chain on the VE. My guess is that its just a misunderstanding and what he actually meant is that he did the VTCs (timing gear) and not the chain itself. WHo knows though some mechanic may have talked him into changing the chains...there are 3 chains btw not just one.

Cliff Clavin

iTrader: (11)

did you test drive it?

the ATs on all of the 3rd gens are kind of weak. That is the biggest expense you can have to fix.

Make sure it isn't slipping at all or you will be paying probably another $1500 for a rebuild.

One the whole, it seems like a pretty decent deal for $2700, however, any used car is a gamble, even one that has been well maintained.

He almost definitely has been to .org before (at least looked). E36 lights, rewired fogs, lowered with 5th gen wheels and GReddy exhaust.

It costs more to replace the timing chains (book labor is like 18 hours) than it does to buy a JDM engine. AWSM66 is right that it is likely just the VTCs were rebuilt and/or replaced.

Hectic

iTrader: (20)

that silver is a rare color, $2,700 is a little high, i paid that for my 91 5 speed with 87k miles on the clock and in great condition. but yeah, silver's nice.

internetautomar

iTrader: (30)

I'd ask for daytime pics.
night time pics can easily hide cosmetic problems.

9maxima5

iTrader: (7)

yes i have a couple pics here they are: Sorry there so big Photobucket wont let me resize them right now. The body seams nice a couple of marks here and there I have a price of 2300 without the rims ( i have a set of 17") and system ( have my own as well). Does that sound like a better price if it rides good. I have had 2 4th gens so i sort of know what to look for but no idea on a 3rd gen . Any imput would be great.

bhunter

iTrader: (3)

I see a little rust on the rear door and maybe a little on the front door. Overall I would buy it if the VTCs aren't ticking. It looks pretty good. Keep negotiating him down.