Hey guys, Im a 4th gen guy. A lady I know if offering me her 91 SE, she told me to make her an offer. It's a 91, fully loaded, leather, sunroof bla bla bla. Its got 215ish on it and has a little bit of rust. It's all stock. I have 2 questions for you guys.


1) What are the common problems to look for when I go to check it out?
2) How much should I offer?
I don't want to pay too much, I got my 98 GXE for 2500 with 180 k on it. What do you guys think?

 

maybe 500.

If you actually see rust, there are bigger rust problems inside the wheel wells (TYPICALLY).

 

It all depends on what has been done maintenance wise to the car over the years,like timing belts,axles,regular oil changes,if it's automatic,has the transmission been replaced/rebuilt,the vg30e autos are a serious weak point in the 3rd gens.if it's manual,has the clutch assembly been replaced. Injectors are also an expensive issue(new about $100 each),beware if the car is missing/stumbling.

The rust issue makes the car lose a lot of value imo,maybe $700-$900 range,tops.

Be sure to take your time and throughly check the car out,don't get burned by buying impulsively..

 

I always thought the SE's had the VE, or was it only the 5 speed?

 

VE was only in the 92-94SE. 89-91SE had the same old VG.

 

89-91 se/gxe had the vg30e only.

Only 92-94 se's have the ve30de ,while the gxe model continued on with the vg30e engine.

 

Greeny, although your reply was more detailed.....I beat ya to the punch!

 

Beat me to what?

 

BAWAHAHAHAHAHA

 

Ohhhh..i see it now..

 

post ****** lol

 

For starters:

- Body Damage?
- Engine in good condition?
- Transmission is good shape?

If there's issue to any of the above I would pass.

- Has the timing belt been replaced recently or is it due for one?
- Exhaust Manifold studs OK?
- Injectors

These 3 can cost a lot to fix. If any are not satisfactory, it's a major bargaining point.

- Are the CV joints good?
- Are the struts/control arms OK?
- Tires have good amount of tread?
- Brakes in good shape?

I wouldn't worry too much about these 4 as individual repairs, but can add up if they all need to be done at the same time.

If the car is in really good condition (everything works), maintenance is up to date, and the rust you speak is very limited, then perhaps up to $1000, but no more.