Guys, I am looking for a second car to replace my 323 GT which has been bugging me with electrical gremlins lately. I've seen a lot of high mileage 3rd gens, some selling in the 2-3k range which is about my target budget. I have no doubt the VQ takes high miles really well - but what's everyone's opinions on the 3rd gens and common problems with 120k + miles?

 

Tranny if its an auto on all 3rd gens....VTC's on 92-94 SEs, axles on all 3rd gens, and good 'ol RUST!

I think that covers it...

 

i'll speak on behalf of the vg engine ( 89-94) GXE and 89-91 SE. Other than the auto tranny i don't believe there are many other major issues. the manifold studs may go but thats about it. i think a 5 speed se (89-91) would be a good bet. thats if you're not interested in speed. if you are go with the ve. anything i missed?

 

I would worry about the automagic the most.

Other things would be VTC's ticking (VE), exhaust studs.

Try to find out from the previous owner about records and maintenance.

 

oops...forgot...my latest project...the engine mounts!

 

You can ground the VTC's and they wont bother you. Also the VE trans is the same as the VQ...

 

I wouldn't go so far as to say that. it will stop the ticking, but nobody has proven that it eliminates the problem. My engine still ticks like a bomb even with the rewire. (then again, I know I've got a couple broken exhaust studs)

 

According to the Nissan Tech I talked to (who worked for the local Nissan dealership for 15 years before he started his own garage), grounding the VTC's will eliminate the ticking but the risk of the sprockets breaking and thereby destroying your engine does not really decrease. As with any advice, I took it with a grain of salt but thought I'd share it nonetheless.

 

so what is the solution to making the Auto Tran better?

 

tranny cooler i think...

 

What the heck does "VTC" stand for?

 

I can hear the troops rumbling down in a distance... hear that? That's the "Stickies" troops storming in.... better get moving...

Variable Time... something..
maybe Variable valve Timing Control or something...
I have a '91.. so I wouldn't know... just know that it brings hell with the car.

 

Swap it for a 5-speed.

 

It brings hell to whoever tries to race it.

 

www.levelten.com

and a great big lol to the last couple posts.

 

VTC stands for Variable Timing Cam
and it runs anywhere from $2000-$2500 to get it fixed CORRECTLY
you can make the judgement on whether it is worth it or not
I only had 80k on my Max, so I went through with it