Low Mileage VE, whats it worth?
Thread Starter
Donating Maxima.org Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 240
Low Mileage VE, whats it worth?
Well I sold my last max about a month back, and yesterday stumbled upon this locally.
Its a white with tan cloth 92 VE A/T. No ABS, No Airbag, No Sunroof. It has 86K miles on it. It does make a VTC clack, but nothing too bad. It looks like most VEs around here (a little rust by bottom of rear door, and a little rust behind passenger rear wheel. Paint was very shiny however. The dealer was asking $3000, and when I explaind the VTC problem to him, I got him to $2000, an could probably negotiate a little further.
What is this car worth, I know the miles are actual. I would hate not having a sunroof, but would love to own a VE with low miles.
So what do you guys think is a fair price?
Its a white with tan cloth 92 VE A/T. No ABS, No Airbag, No Sunroof. It has 86K miles on it. It does make a VTC clack, but nothing too bad. It looks like most VEs around here (a little rust by bottom of rear door, and a little rust behind passenger rear wheel. Paint was very shiny however. The dealer was asking $3000, and when I explaind the VTC problem to him, I got him to $2000, an could probably negotiate a little further.
What is this car worth, I know the miles are actual. I would hate not having a sunroof, but would love to own a VE with low miles.
So what do you guys think is a fair price?
Originally Posted by 89badmaxse
i havent ever seen a 3rd gen se that didnt come with a sunroof was this car one tha someone prdered that way at a dealer brand new without those options? i think 1200-1500 is fair
Originally Posted by 89badmaxse
i havent ever seen a 3rd gen se that didnt come with a sunroof was this car one tha someone prdered that way at a dealer brand new without those options? i think 1200-1500 is fair
I would go to a Nissan dealer and get an estimate on replacing the VTCs -- get it on a dealer printout that shows the entire amount, labor and parts (should be about $1,500-1,800, maybe more).
Then take that estimate to the dealer where the car is and tell them that you like the car, but it needs $1,xxx in work done to it and you will offer up say $1,000 for the car or whatever you feel is a good lowball price.
That might help you out some, anyway. Not to mention rust.
Then take that estimate to the dealer where the car is and tell them that you like the car, but it needs $1,xxx in work done to it and you will offer up say $1,000 for the car or whatever you feel is a good lowball price.
That might help you out some, anyway. Not to mention rust.
Originally Posted by 89badmaxse
i havent ever seen a 3rd gen se that didnt come with a sunroof was this car one tha someone prdered that way at a dealer brand new without those options? i think 1200-1500 is fair
in 89-91 the sunroof was standard on SE models. In 92-94 they were an option. I have a 93 SE auto with no sunroof. It of course had an air bag though since that was standard on all Maximas beginning in 93.
Originally Posted by CaRo
Don't you prefer 5speed than auto? That A/T gearbox is a total 
The VE A/T is considerably stronger, nissan still uses it in the maxima IIRC
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 56
From: Argentina
Originally Posted by internetautomar
no it's not, the VG A/T is on the weak side.
The VE A/T is considerably stronger, nissan still uses it in the maxima IIRC
The VE A/T is considerably stronger, nissan still uses it in the maxima IIRC
The one you say is the one with the VG30DE?
I think I don't understand what you mean by VE
Originally Posted by CaRo
I got confused. The a/t that comes with the VG30E sucks (I have it...)
The one you say is the one with the VG30DE?
I think I don't understand what you mean by VE
The one you say is the one with the VG30DE?
I think I don't understand what you mean by VE
1.All 89-94 gxe have the vg30e single overhead cam engine..
2.All 89-91 se have the vg30e also..
3.all 92-94 se have the VE30DE dual overhead cam engine...
4.The VG30DE engine was put in the 300z...
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 56
From: Argentina
Originally Posted by MyGreenMax94
There were 2 different engines put in the 3rd gen maximas...
1.All 89-94 gxe have the vg30e single overhead cam engine..
2.All 89-91 se have the vg30e also..
3.all 92-94 se have the VE30DE dual overhead cam engine...
4.The VG30DE engine was put in the 300z...
1.All 89-94 gxe have the vg30e single overhead cam engine..
2.All 89-91 se have the vg30e also..
3.all 92-94 se have the VE30DE dual overhead cam engine...
4.The VG30DE engine was put in the 300z...
Originally Posted by CaRo
Yes yes, thanks! (mine is option 1) But what do you call VE and VG? That's where I got mixed up.
Earlier you called the dohc motor that came in the 3rd gen Maxima a VG30DE but its not. The Maxima had the VE30DE installed in the 92-94 SEs. that is a different motor from the VG30DE which came in the 300Z. The only car the VE was ever put in (in the US at least) was the 92-94 Maxima. The VQ took its place in 95. Thats what he was explaining.
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 56
From: Argentina
Originally Posted by Michael
Earlier you called the dohc motor that came in the 3rd gen Maxima a VG30DE but its not. The Maxima had the VE30DE installed in the 92-94 SEs. that is a different motor from the VG30DE which came in the 300Z. The only car the VE was ever put in (in the US at least) was the 92-94 Maxima. The VQ took its place in 95. Thats what he was explaining.
I work better with pics than with words
It would be like that?
VG30E
VE30DE
VG30DE
Donating Maxima.org Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15
Hectic:
It isn't bragging to tell the truth. The 92 5 speed you are referring to now has 33K on it, is a daily driver and never fails to put a smile on my face.
Worth every penny! Only problem in the last year was a dead fuel injector (naturally on the rear bank). With a little research here, a new injector and gaskets and the nasty miss at idle is gone.
As for the subject of this thread, as the owner of two 92's (one with 170K before the daughter tottalled it) $2K is a good price for a car which will give you easily another 100K miles.
Try that with a Chevy!
Fred
It isn't bragging to tell the truth. The 92 5 speed you are referring to now has 33K on it, is a daily driver and never fails to put a smile on my face.
Worth every penny! Only problem in the last year was a dead fuel injector (naturally on the rear bank). With a little research here, a new injector and gaskets and the nasty miss at idle is gone.
As for the subject of this thread, as the owner of two 92's (one with 170K before the daughter tottalled it) $2K is a good price for a car which will give you easily another 100K miles.
Try that with a Chevy!
Fred
Originally Posted by dadster
Try that with a Chevy!
Fred
Fred
My dad had a Chevy Astro van that had well over 350K on it still running strong (was an airborne express van) before he traded it in.
I have a Jeep Cherokee (I used to hate Chrysler products but this is a company car) that has almost 280K on it and the only problems I have had out of it is the water pump and air compressor. Thats it period...no electrical gremlins, no injectors, no transmissions, no window regulators etc. Now tell me how many Maximas with that many miles on it hasnt had a few problems. I also owned a blazer that had 0 problems aside from the standard wear items (plugs etc) and I think it had around 200K on it when I gave it to my brother...he drove it for several years and was fine but got a newer nicer vehicle.
Dont get me wrong I love Maximas (and have owned several) and think they are great cars but they have their problems just like a lot of cars. That doesnt mean that other cars cant be long lasting good vehicles. I just get tired of the domestic (especially Chevy) bashing.
There are junk cars and lemons for all vehicles. I have a friend that swore off Maximas because he had so many little problems and then his tbelt broke (I bought it for cheap...bent every valve) so its all a matter of opinion. Sure it was his fault that the belt broke because he didnt change it when he should have (car had 112K on it with no change) but his reasoning is that his belt broke on his Toyota (also over 100K) and it didnt tear anything up...just needed the belt changed and everythign was good.
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 56
From: Argentina
Originally Posted by VEvolution
I think thats the only car they put it in anywhere in the world, no?
I read in the UK it's the same, there are but few, it is very difficult (and expensive) to get replacement parts
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 484
Originally Posted by 89badmaxse
i havent ever seen a 3rd gen se that didnt come with a sunroof was this car one tha someone prdered that way at a dealer brand new without those options? i think 1200-1500 is fair
Edit: If the rust isn't that bad then $1500 to $2000 wouldnt be too bad of a deal.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 186
Originally Posted by Michael
why do you or any one else have to put down domestics to get your point across.
For them, it is fun and something to do.
My dad had a Chevy Astro van that had well over 350K on it still running strong (was an airborne express van) before he traded it in.
I have a Jeep Cherokee (I used to hate Chrysler products but this is a company car) that has almost 280K on it and the only problems I have had out of it is the water pump and air compressor. Thats it period...no electrical gremlins, no injectors, no transmissions, no window regulators etc. Now tell me how many Maximas with that many miles on it hasnt had a few problems. I also owned a blazer that had 0 problems aside from the standard wear items (plugs etc) and I think it had around 200K on it when I gave it to my brother...he drove it for several years and was fine but got a newer nicer vehicle.
So true, there are many American cars running just fine with over 100,000 miles. Besides, there are still many domestics that use a timing chain, instead of a timing belt.
Dont get me wrong I love Maximas (and have owned several) and think they are great cars but they have their problems just like a lot of cars. That doesnt mean that other cars cant be long lasting good vehicles. I just get tired of the domestic (especially Chevy) bashing.
I'd also add, parts for many domestic models are easy to find, they can be repaired, practically anywhere, (especially RWD models), and many, for example. Besides, many domestic models (ie 1969 Dodge Charger, Chevy Corvette, etc) are still highly coveted, that can't be said for the Maxima, nice car that it is.
There are junk cars and lemons for all vehicles. I have a friend that swore off Maximas because he had so many little problems and then his tbelt broke (I bought it for cheap...bent every valve) so its all a matter of opinion. Sure it was his fault that the belt broke because he didnt change it when he should have (car had 112K on it with no change) but his reasoning is that his belt broke on his Toyota (also over 100K) and it didnt tear anything up...just needed the belt changed and everythign was good.
For them, it is fun and something to do.
My dad had a Chevy Astro van that had well over 350K on it still running strong (was an airborne express van) before he traded it in.
I have a Jeep Cherokee (I used to hate Chrysler products but this is a company car) that has almost 280K on it and the only problems I have had out of it is the water pump and air compressor. Thats it period...no electrical gremlins, no injectors, no transmissions, no window regulators etc. Now tell me how many Maximas with that many miles on it hasnt had a few problems. I also owned a blazer that had 0 problems aside from the standard wear items (plugs etc) and I think it had around 200K on it when I gave it to my brother...he drove it for several years and was fine but got a newer nicer vehicle.
So true, there are many American cars running just fine with over 100,000 miles. Besides, there are still many domestics that use a timing chain, instead of a timing belt.
Dont get me wrong I love Maximas (and have owned several) and think they are great cars but they have their problems just like a lot of cars. That doesnt mean that other cars cant be long lasting good vehicles. I just get tired of the domestic (especially Chevy) bashing.
I'd also add, parts for many domestic models are easy to find, they can be repaired, practically anywhere, (especially RWD models), and many, for example. Besides, many domestic models (ie 1969 Dodge Charger, Chevy Corvette, etc) are still highly coveted, that can't be said for the Maxima, nice car that it is.
There are junk cars and lemons for all vehicles. I have a friend that swore off Maximas because he had so many little problems and then his tbelt broke (I bought it for cheap...bent every valve) so its all a matter of opinion. Sure it was his fault that the belt broke because he didnt change it when he should have (car had 112K on it with no change) but his reasoning is that his belt broke on his Toyota (also over 100K) and it didnt tear anything up...just needed the belt changed and everythign was good.
Originally Posted by belakithom
That did not make sense. I can't understand why Nissan would make the engine so susceptible to the belt breaking, causing damage.
huh...what doesnt make sense to you?
The belt needs to be changed at 60K (I think...cant remember the exact number) because its a belt for goodness sake not a chain and it will stretch and eventually break. I actually think the car did pretty good to get the mileage it did on an original belt (around 112K). The fact remains if you dont change your belt it will break.
All Nissan motors are interference motors afaik (not including the VG made for Ford) meaning if the belt breaks (or chain on a VE) then it bends valves...no way around it. Some manufacturers such as Toyota make non interference motors but I am not sure how many actually do.
My post was not meant to put down the Maxima or Nissan. I love Maximas as I have had more than most and am building another one...I just hate how people down domestics all the time when they make very good reliable cars as well.
Originally Posted by CaRo
I live in Argentina and there are some maximas. Not many, but I saw several 3rd and 4th gen. Most 3rd gen SE
I read in the UK it's the same, there are but few, it is very difficult (and expensive) to get replacement parts
I read in the UK it's the same, there are but few, it is very difficult (and expensive) to get replacement parts
Anyway as for the price question its all a matter of opinion personally 2k is a little out of my budget but its a good car plus the mileage is still decent. Dont forget too, that it is near the 100k mark and thats when a lot of normal wear and tear parts need to be replaced. so if you get this car, not only will you be spending money on VTCs but also general maintenance such as tbelt, wp, trans fluid, ect ect..
Originally Posted by ColombianMax
<snip>
not only will you be spending money on VTCs but also general maintenance such as tbelt, wp, trans fluid, ect ect..
not only will you be spending money on VTCs but also general maintenance such as tbelt, wp, trans fluid, ect ect..
VTC= no T-belt
You got it..
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 186
Originally Posted by Michael
huh...what doesnt make sense to you?
The belt needs to be changed at 60K (I think...cant remember the exact number) because its a belt for goodness sake not a chain and it will stretch and eventually break. I actually think the car did pretty good to get the mileage it did on an original belt (around 112K). The fact remains if you dont change your belt it will break.
All Nissan motors are interference motors afaik (not including the VG made for Ford) meaning if the belt breaks (or chain on a VE) then it bends valves...no way around it. Some manufacturers such as Toyota make non interference motors but I am not sure how many actually do.
My post was not meant to put down the Maxima or Nissan. I love Maximas as I have had more than most and am building another one...I just hate how people down domestics all the time when they make very good reliable cars as well.
The belt needs to be changed at 60K (I think...cant remember the exact number) because its a belt for goodness sake not a chain and it will stretch and eventually break. I actually think the car did pretty good to get the mileage it did on an original belt (around 112K). The fact remains if you dont change your belt it will break.
All Nissan motors are interference motors afaik (not including the VG made for Ford) meaning if the belt breaks (or chain on a VE) then it bends valves...no way around it. Some manufacturers such as Toyota make non interference motors but I am not sure how many actually do.
My post was not meant to put down the Maxima or Nissan. I love Maximas as I have had more than most and am building another one...I just hate how people down domestics all the time when they make very good reliable cars as well.
I miss my VE
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,553
From: NY
Originally Posted by ColombianMax
Should I correct myself and say T-chain? or is there something I'm missing here?
Originally Posted by belakithom
What I meant was, I don't understand why Nissan would make an engine that could be seriously damaged if the T belt broke.
