IanH

I know there are many cars here 200K + miles.
Yes the valves can go out of adjustment.
The older Jaguar DOHC set up specifies adjusting every 60,000 miles but newer Import cars do not recommend an adjustment interval.
So just check them, shouldn't take long, its adjusting them thats a pain.
Oh BTW I think you are right, that buying a low millage engine is the way to go, the parts are too expensive to rebuild these import engines.

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1997 S-ER 5 sp
2003 Pathfinder SE 4WD
1997 Sentra GXE .... SOLD
Ex- 2001 Sunny N16 RHD (N16 Nissan Bluebird Sylphy)