Hey 3rd genners...Recently, some things have happened in my family so that I need to let my father drive the '95 SE for a while, putting me out of a car. I have somewhere around 5000 bucks to spend on a new one, and I was really thinking about a 3rd generation Maxima, just to stay in the family. I have a few questions - - -

What kind of things should I look out for in the 89-94 years?

Which cars have which engines? I know there are several engines throughout the 3rd generation, I want to make sure I know what I'm buying.

Do the 3rd gen Maximas have timing chains as opposed to timing belts like the 4th gens? I only ask because one of the listings in the paper lists a '92 with a new timing belt, just wanted to know if the guy was an idiot.

What is the best quality 3rd gen you guys think I could pick up for around 5000?


I really appreciate in advance all the help I know I'll get if this forum is half as helpful as the 4th gen forum!

Austin

 

92-94 ses are the better buy, VE engine, they have timing chains, more power and they are newer, the 89-91 ses and the 89-94 gxes have the VG engine, timing belts low power

 

Thanks...oh, and how much power do the different engines produce? I may be looking for a cheap replacement to my '95, but hopefully it will be able to hold its own, ya know?

 

VE 190hp, 190tq you want this one
Vg 160hp, 182tq

 

Thanks! I have one more question, though...if the VE has 190 hp, and the VQ has 190 hp, what's the major difference between the two? Reliability?

 

VQ is lighter and it has like 15 ft/tq more than the VE, but it can hold its own with some mods

 

has the VG engine proved to be more reliable than the VE? This car will be given to my sister when I'm done with it, so it needs to be able to last.

 

they are both very reliable engines. Use the search you will find more info, the vg has exaust studs that fail, and the ve has vtc's that fail, both are pretty expensive from the dealer to fix, those are the only real MAJOR problems with these two motors.

 

Thanks!

 

i can testafy that the VGs are made to last..i had 260k on my first one,and theres a guy floatin around on the org with just under 400,000 miles believe it or not..VG has good low end if that counts for anything

 

if you want proven reliability and just a semi non-performance everyday driver, go with the VG...exhaust studs will cost less than a VTC repair and the engine have proven to last well into the 200-300k milage range uner good care! so it depends on what you want....

 

I'm still trying to decide between VE and VG, but I do think I'll begin the look around the KC area for a 5spd. VE or VG, I won't drive another automatic!

 

The exhaust studs on all 1989-1994 Maximas are prone to break. The VG engine is more reliable than the VE, but it doesn't have as much power as already mentioned. It's good that you're already set on getting a 5-speed I would never in my life buy another automatic Nissan, within the first 2 months of owning my car I had to put 2,000 into the transmission. With the VG you do have a timing belt, but that's really not that big of a deal to even do yourself. Oh and in case you didn't know this already: 1989-1994 GXE, and 1989-1991 SE = VG, 1992-1994 SE = VE. If you're looking for reliability get a VG 5 speed.

 

That's what you want. However, if you plan on giving this car to your sister after you're done, perhaps you may want to consider an Altima or something along that line. 3rd gen Maximas with low miles are harder and harder to find, My 92 has 137K miles and it's still in great shape, but I would be hesitant to pass a car on to a younger sibling with 140-150K miles.

You can get a decent 94-96 Altima for about $5000 plus or minus a few bucks. They're good cars and probably would have less miles with the newer model years.

 

I'm not looking for a car that will last through my sister's ownership...we don't exactly get along. It would work out perfect if I could get a car that will run perfectly for me, last about two months with her, then blow up! Oh well...let the searching begin! I think I'd rather go with the VE engine, just because I have a heavy foot, and if that foot doesn't have much power underneath it, I get frustrated. '92 to '94 VE 5spd with low miles...shouldn't be that hard, eh?

Thanks for all the help...I'll post if I find anything.

 

if you want a 5-speed then the se's are the only ones that come with the 5-speed and most of thoes are ve's

 

tic tic tic tic...well i wouldnt have a preference if i was you...just 5spd...THE VE 5spds aint easy to come by and are expensive...just look and buy a good 5spd dont you mind set on the VG or VE,just take what comes along

 

its a 93 black SE 5sp with 118,ooo miles! for around 4500!

 

Where are you located? What options does it have?

 

spoiler moonroof cd/cassette its got the works.
like i said everything but leather! in in Pennsylvannia!

 

Damn...penn's a little far from Kansas City. Oh well, hope somebody buys your car and treats it right, sounds like a good deal!