Newbie Question on Buying a 1993 J30

[gig30]

Hi all. I've found a 1993 J30 with 90K miles (but a new transmission). Are there anything to look out for or any specific problems with the 1993 model (or any models)?

I know that the 1992-1994 Maxima SE 24V engine has inherent problems with their VVT units (they tick and finally quit). Do the j30 engines have the same problems?

Thanks for your advice!!

[jpalm]

The J30 does not share the same engine as the Maxima. It is based on the 300Z platform and has the stock 300Z engine, the only difference is the exhaust set-up on the Z.

Make sure that the transmission has been flushed and refilled with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF and install a tranny cooler right from the get-go to keep the new tranny in good order. On the 93 the timing belt was desgined to be changed at 60K, make sure that it was done! After 93 they went to a new Kevlar belt that was good until 105K.

I have a 94 J30t with 143K mile on original tranny and the ONLY problems I've had with the car (bought at 87K) is a new fan clutch ($210) and thats about it! I sink about $1500-$2000 a year in preventive maintenance so my car runs pretty damn good for a nearly 10 year old car.

Just make sure you flush all fluids and replace, have good maintenance habits, and use OEM Nissan parts (especially brake pads!)

Best of luck!
Jeff

[gig30]

Thanks for the detailed reply, Jeff Regarding the engines, the 92-94 Maxima SE had a derived version of the 300zx engine, too (and apparently, not a very good one for reliability), downrated to 190hp and 190lb-ft.

[kuyadabs]

j30/300zx=VG30DE

maxima=VQ30DE, also have seen VG30E