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Should I Purchase? 92 GXE or maybe SE

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Old 08-02-2009, 12:56 PM
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Good Purchase? 92 SE...possible GXE

92 SE(I think). Has white guages so I think it is an SE, 175k.

Issues:

I hear clatter in the engine when running. Timing Chain?
2 windows don't work
Rear spoiler about to come off
Oil pan has silicone around the bolt. Can you say stripped thread?
Guy says car has been shutting off on him. MAF?
Battery needed to be charged to start car.

The good:

Still runs.
All doors open and shut.
Fluids checked out, with no wierd smells.
Power seat belts still work.
Pretty clean on the inside. Cloth
Body paint is in pretty good shape, just needs some TLC.


Guy wanted $700 for it. Once I told him the issues he had with it, he said he'd let it go for $400.


What do you guys think?

Capitone

Last edited by Capitone; 08-02-2009 at 01:41 PM.
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Old 08-02-2009, 05:25 PM
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Get It!
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Old 08-02-2009, 07:28 PM
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open the hood. if you see this:

get it, for sure.

if you see this:

you may want to reconsider (stupid vg autos...)
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Old 08-02-2009, 08:16 PM
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Get that 4 suree!!!!
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Old 08-03-2009, 05:12 AM
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Its the first, cleaner modded version engine in your pick. The one that looks curiously like my 4th gens engine.

Doing some research it would seem that this "clatter" may in fact be the VTC? Need to do some more digging to see what exactly that is and how to fix it.

Also, I assume you guys don't think the oil pan is too big a deal either?

Thanks fellas for your comments though. I feel better about dropping cash on this one now.

Capitone
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Old 08-03-2009, 10:03 AM
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only go with the se, gxe is not worth it
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Old 08-03-2009, 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by austin from texas
only go with the se, gxe is not worth it

Hey what wrong with the GXE? Ive got one? It had 176,000 miles when I bought it. Is a breeze to drive, that is until your injectors and shocks start to go out! Ive got 220,000 miles on it right now, and I was also thinking about buying this 93 SE. The guy wants 2800 for it. Its got 125,000 miles, Its all black, sunroof, new tires inside is clean and its a beauty. I really wanted an SE before I got my GXE, but They were hard to find in good condition, so I needed a car bad and just bought the GXE. I also want to get a 87 or 88 for a project car or something. I did run across an SE that had 207,000 miles for $1200 but it had to many issues for that price, and the guy didnt want to lower the price anymore than $1200.
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Old 08-03-2009, 04:55 PM
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92-94 SE = VE30DE engine

Likely has VTC clacking. This can be dealt with or ignored. It is, or has been, a problem with almost all VEs at this point. It looks like you have done some research.

Window regulators are very common problems. Easy to replace (how to in the stickies) and the parts are fairly cheap through Internetautomart (trusted .org member) or on ebay.

Stalling could be MAF or bad coil packs. Used MAFs are not that expensive and all Maximas from 89-94 use the same MAF. Coil packs are more expensive and getting tough to find good deals on working used ones. New they are maybe $60-$75 each (you need 6) if you shop around.

Dead battery or bad alternator. You can have this tested at StartMart or Autozone for free.

Seatbelts have a lifetime warranty. If they stop working, the dealership will fix them for free.
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Old 08-03-2009, 05:49 PM
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ive got a 92 gxe auto with over 410,000km now and i have never had a single big problem. the previous owner kept all the papers and it was all extremely minor work done and since ive had it the first thing to go wrong is my right wheel boot is gone, thats it. thats only a couple hundred dollar repair tomorrow

transmission still shifts smooth and everything is good, it was for sale for $2000 i think but to pass inspection it needed new struts and little crap so he went $1500. thats about it.

The one good thing about SE i can see is some came stick (if thats your thing, not mine really), but you can always do a swap on a GXE. The VG30DE also had 190hp and the VG30E is 160hp

Last edited by chrome91; 08-03-2009 at 05:51 PM.
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Old 08-03-2009, 06:05 PM
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if its a VE id say go for it no matter if its auto or manual...400 is 400 you wont find a better car for that kind of money...
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Old 08-04-2009, 08:46 AM
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Purchased! I’ll attempt driving it home after work today. Not more than a 15 minute drive. Thanks again fellas for all the info.

Cliff – The details you provided are very much appreciated. I’ve already singled out some really good deals on parts. I’m going to give the car a good once over with an odometer before pulling the trigger on coils and MAF.

Was thinking about placing my 4th Gen battery in the car to get it home. Anyone know if there’d be any issues with this? Don’t get paid till Thursday, so thought this would be a temporary fix for transport home until then.
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Old 08-04-2009, 08:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Capitone
Purchased! I’ll attempt driving it home after work today. Not more than a 15 minute drive. Thanks again fellas for all the info.

Cliff – The details you provided are very much appreciated. I’ve already singled out some really good deals on parts. I’m going to give the car a good once over with an odometer before pulling the trigger on coils and MAF.

Was thinking about placing my 4th Gen battery in the car to get it home. Anyone know if there’d be any issues with this? Don’t get paid till Thursday, so thought this would be a temporary fix for transport home until then.
should not be an issue. pretty sure 4th gens use post terminals, everybody else (aside from gm) does.the tray is pretty large, so if you have an oversized battery it should still fit.

presuming, of course there are no major electrical gremlins that the fuses don't catch (doubtful)
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Old 08-04-2009, 09:55 AM
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Cool. Thanks Ben.

Im excited. Can't wait till the weekend.

- Capitone Out -
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Old 08-04-2009, 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Capitone
Cool. Thanks Ben.

Im excited. Can't wait till the weekend.

- Capitone Out -
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Old 08-04-2009, 11:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Capitone
Cool. Thanks Ben.

Im excited. Can't wait till the weekend.

- Capitone Out -

I would say that it is a great deal for the price. I wish I would have jumped on the one I saw for 1200 bucks!
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