Nissan Repair: 1993 Nissan Maxima-to buy or not to buy, nissan maxima gxe, nissan maxima

Question
I've decided that winter is coming and a car is going to come in handy (vs riding a bicycle...).  So, I started looking and I've come across a 1993 Nissan Maxima GXE for $1700.  I have not had great luck with cars in the past, even when I try to take care of them.  So, I am trying to find something that is going to be a reliable car for going to school, etc.  The current owner has only had the car for a year, has had no problems, but doesn't know any history on the car.  Relayed through my cousin, my uncle, who used to head the Nissan service at our local dealership seems to recall something about a 93 Maxima having an issue with BTC plugs going bad (and I have no idea if she got the letters right) but that it was only if it was a timing chain rather than a timing belt.  How can I tell?  Everything else /appears/ to be okay.  I just really want to avoid making a mistake by purchasing this car.  Thank you!

Answer
Kristi,

The 1993 has a timing belt.  The VTC is what you were talking about and it should not be a problem on this car.  Variable Valve Timing as it is commonly called is where an oil passage feeds a moving cam to advance the timing.  Basically the cam has a movable end and as oil pressure increases the cam advances and you get better performance and gas mileage.  If the oil is not changed at regulat intervals the passages and mechanism gets plugged up and that causes the cams to stick at one setting and if it is advanced the car will idle badly.  If it sticks at no advance the car will idle fine but not have any top end power.  It would be like driving a low power four cylinder.  So, if the oil has been changed regularly it should be fine.  Make sure the timing belt has been changed every 60,000 miles and other than that look at the exhaust manifold bolts to make sure they are not broken  off.  The only thing on this car that I know of that was a problem is broken exhaust manifold bolts.  So, make sure you get the car put on a lift and have a mechanic verify that the exhaust manifold bolts are good before you purchase.  Also, while it is on a lift make sure that the CV boots are not torn.