I have owned 6 different 3rd gens, but today I came across an interesting max I like. Its a 1986 Maxima Wagon, and its $150. It has 197K miles on it, but the engine and tranny are suppose to run good.

Needs both rear calipers, probably a flex pipe (sounds like there is NO exauast!!!!), and a good cleaning. It was running poor, but it did start up after sitting for over a year. Guy just wants it gone, he never got payed for fixing it, and the person who owed him money finally just gave him the car.

Body isn't too bad, except lots of circle shaped rust on the doors. Is this a common problem with these cars?

Also, what are some other important things to check when buying one of these vehicles. Any frame rust areas? Other mechanical/drivetrain issues? I may only be paying $150, but part of the deal is I have to knock off $100 of my friends debt (he works where the car is located and is in charge of selling it, so its actually like $250.

Thanks in advance!

 

I'd get it....

 

if any car that will move under its own power and runs well costs $150 its a no brainer to buy it.

as for circle shaped rust, never seen it on any car, seen alot of 2nd gens in junk yards some had rust but nothing semitrical like a circle....usually rusted because the pannel that was hit had the paint cracked

 

You'd buy a Yugo with a fart can if you saw it.


Anyway, for $150 and transportation...it might be something. But to mod or fix up...well....uh...I wouldn't recommend it, but it IS your money.

S

 

Sounds like a good price for a car that runs. If you don't get it let us know, maybe someone here is looking for a wagon. I think the last year they made wagons was 88.

 

yep, i'd get it..you could part it out and make a profit lol

 

id get if it runs and moves...cant find many cars at that price these days

 

Agreed! Went to look at a 1st gen that ran and drove well for $200 - drove it home!

I have seen several east coast cars around with the circle-shaped rust areas around here - mostly coming up from around the doors. I saw one 1st gen wagon where the lower halves of all the doors and rear quarters were GONE due to rust.

 

Buy it. It would make a great daily driver to and from work or school. If you get it running reliably enough you might even be able to take it on 200 mile trips down and back.

 

I agree, if it runs Ok, I'd buy it

 

Lol , GRAVE DIGGER! , just trying to get your post count up!!!

 

id do it, i just got a free 85 that runs and drives but the tranny needs work

 

But he has an excuse. This is one of the slowest forums I've seen as far as new topics are concerned.

 

I think the circle shape rust is when a car gets old, the rust proof peals back, water and salt then gets trapped underneath the rustproofing and voila. The rust blotch is born.

Used to see this a lot only on rust proofed cars... I dunno, correct me if Im wrong.

 

How could you lose?