Reliability of 1991 3000gt VR4? Help! - 3000GT/Stealth International Message Center

nipz · 02-07-2010, 01:50 AM

Hi, I am new to 3si.org but I plan to spend time on this forum alot. Since you guys have 3kgt vr4s i was wondering if you could help me on some questions?

I am planning to get this 1991 3000gt vr4 with 120000 miles on it for $2800.

I have read that 3kgt vr4 are have nightmare maintenance... will it cost alot too maintain this car? and based on your experiences should i get this car? i really like it but i dont want to spend tons on fixing it.

THANKS!

O_ROD · 02-07-2010, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nipz

i really like it but i dont want to spend tons on fixing it.

THANKS!

They are fun cars and well worth the effort, but they are ageing. Your final statement tells me your not ready for a VR4

x2xtreme360 · 02-07-2010, 02:02 AM

This depends on a lot. First off, that's a good price on a VR4. You do however need to ask the current owner if the 120K maintenance has been done. If it has not, then it needs to be done now. 120K will run anywhere between $800-$1200 and probably closer to the $1200 price. Other than that, I would have a leak down test done to the car to make sure your valves and pistons are sealing properly and also to eliminate the chance of head gasket issues. Check the oil pan for a dent. It should look like a beer belly. If the oil pan looks like a flat tire then you may have issues. I would just make sure all fluids are new in the car and that it doesn't have any obvious issues. Take it for a drive if you haven't already and listen for any odd noises. Check to see that the gearbox shifts smoothly and that there are no CEL's. If possible, have the car looked over by a certified mechanic AT YOUR OWN COST. It may cost near $100 but for a VR4 priced this low it's going to be worth it. At least ask the seller if he would allow you to do that... because if he says no, that should be a red flag indicator right there.

But to answer your question, yes. VR4's can cost gobs of money on upkeep. Keep in mind, this car is 19 years old... things are probably going to go wrong with the car. Should this scare you away? Not at all.

nipz · 02-07-2010, 03:14 AM

he said " he doesnt follow dumb factory rules " and he says he changes oil every 3k miles instead of 7.5k !?!

kelvinTurbo · 02-07-2010, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nipz

he said " he doesnt follow dumb factory rules " and he says he changes oil every 3k miles instead of 7.5k !?!

he sounds like an enthusiast, if you were planning on changing your oild every 7.5k miles don't buy this car, if you expect it to be as low maintenance/abuse surivior like a run of the mill scion or toyota... don't buy it

the vr4 is certainly aging and maintenance is necessary, but it will reward you for the things you do to it

Colt45 GTO · 02-07-2010, 12:42 PM

keep it stock, give it a 120k service (if its not already been done) and use it.

abuse it and it will abuse your bank balance. drive it hard but nice it will look after your bank probably better than most cars.

mywetdream · 02-07-2010, 04:49 PM

here is the scoop...the car can be a few years old.and if its not taken care of with care..then the reliability goes out the door...same thing for any car....if the proper maintance is done and its take care of..the reliability of car is pretty high

tomwatson · 02-08-2010, 10:52 AM

Most any high performance car purchased for 2800 will be a maintenance nightmare.

Dark-Hawk · 02-08-2010, 11:37 AM

If you're looking for a reliable VR4, find one that is a one owner, lower mileage preferably someone with a good job who was able to do all the proper maintenance and isn't selling the car for bottom dollar to unload it ASAP.

Ultimately sounds like you should look for a different car though; I'd say most of our newer member base on this forum currently shouldn't even own their cars with the way they mod them and then bitch about them not running and being unable to afford fixing them lol. They can be very expensive to fix... And very fickle.