Damn! I just turned 182K on my 95 SE and nothing! I bought this car expecting to put some money into it to keep it maintained, but it hasn't failed me yet, nor does it seem to be anytime soon (Knock on wood) I want to buy a 93-95 Supra, but that would put me about 8 grand into debt, which is not good in college, and the bigger problem, I don't know if I could part with the Maxima. After owning this for about a year, I think I have began to get bored. Maybe I'll put some rims on it...or it could use an aftermarket head unit I have owned a 93 Dodge Stealth, 95 Trans Am, and this. Hands down, the Maxima is my favorite...Although I have wanted a Supra since I first knew what a MKIV was.... All I could afford is a non turbo, and I don't think that is worth giving up the Max, plus an extra 8 grand Maybe if I get this new job, I'll keep the Max and get the Supra...Wouldn't life be nice then...But back to the topic, WHY are these motors so dependable? Anything done different in these motors as compared to others, or does Nissan just know what they are doing?
Later,
Rob

 

little bit of both

 

Keep the max. The NA supra is not all that fast. I am not sure, but I think the NA supra might be the same speed as the max. But if you opt for the 320hp turbo supra, that is different.

 

The VQ, while certainly not invincible, is well known for its reliability. Its staying power in 10 best engine lists is an
indication of that.

But IMHO, it nearly cost Nissan dearly.
The VQ was made during the Nissan era (pre-Ghosn)
where engineering was supreme. They spent tons of $$
on R&D and engineering but not watching their pocket books
nor focusing enough on marketing and sales.

It nearly made them bankcrupt.
Deeply in debt, they actually turned to a non-Japanese
for a CEO (which really showed their desperation).
Fortunately it seems to have worked in their favor
and Ghosn has turned things around at Nissan.

 

Well first of all there 108lb lighter than the previous VE in 94 and later because of the aluminum block and heads...thats why when you get on the highway it revs soo nice and smooth I want to be stock again

-matt

All they need is a bit of synthetic oil and they run like gems

 

The 4th gen is very reliable because:
1) It was engineered very well. A lot of time spent engineering materials and reducing vibrations/optimizing balancing. Vibration means stress which means wear. The VQ exhibits little of this.
2) Simple motor. Simple valve train (no variable cam timing, etc), timing chain (no belts to replace), no variable intake manifold (usually even variable ones are reliable, but there are more components to fail). Basically, there aren't a whole lot of components in the VQ, so the motor is simple. Simple = reliable.
3) Well-designed self-tuning system (sensors, ECU, etc). The engine maintains itself and assures it won't kill itself.

Well-engineered and simple.

 

Pushin 200k ...nice

 

My friend use to own 97 Toyota Supura Twin Turbo..
He only had the car for about one year.
Why? Car is very nice and quick but maintenance => Expansive..

 

I think the engine itself is really strong and reliable too. but other part of the car (starter etc.) sucks. hope nissan have those toyota quality parts.

 

Those old slow VG autos seem to be very reliable too. At least mine is.