... an old school like you guys. What do I look for? I've driven em a couple of times, but I don't know the differences between 1st & 2nd Gens or what to look for as far as problems, etc. Did a SEARCH and got a little info. Also, anyone know of one for sale? I can't find a decent one. I have had a 4th gen and still own a 3rd gen, always wanted one of the older boxes...

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Well, considering you own a 3rd gen, you already know most of the engine stuff concerning the 2nd generation Maximas. There aren't any major differences between the VG30E in the 2nd gens and the one used in the 3rd gens, just a lot of minor ones. You'd look for the same things that you'd look for in any car, checking the oil, listening for any odd sounds, checking for body work and so on and so forth. There are a lot of sites on the Internet that provide info for general car buying. As far as any specific problems, there really isn't too much to list. The automatic trannies on the 2nd gens aren't particularly strong, so make sure it doesn't slip and make sure it shifts smoothly. The other thing that I would check is how the car starts up when the engine is cold and how it idles. If it's rough, you might want to have them check the Air Regulator. My car only has 107K on it and the Air Regulator is bad, so I guess it's not too reliable of a part. The car runs fine even though the Air Regulator doesn't function properly, it's just a little rough starting up in the morning. The part usually runs around $100-$200, so if you can get them to replace it, that would definitely be a plus. Also, I've had to replace the MAF sensor, due to the Air Injection Valve leaking water into the airbox. I'm not sure why the AIV went bad, but if it does, you can just disconnect it from the airbox, it doesn't affect the operation of the vehicle. Other than that, the car has been very strong and very reliable, I've already put 40000 miles on it and haven't had any other problems. If you are really interested in 2nd Gen Maximas, join the Second Generation Nissan Maxima Club at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/second...onnissanmaxima

You don't have to own a 2nd gen Maxima, we more than welcome people who appreciate them and are interested in them, I'm sure the nearly 100 members that we have would be more than happy to give you plenty of advice and you can browse through the many pictures that we have. Also, we post any 2nd gen Maximas that are for sale, so you may even be able to get a 2nd gen Max.

As far as the 1'st generation Maximas, I don't know too much about them to give qualified advice. The 2nd gens are kind of hard to find in good condition, so it'll definitely be a lot harder to find a good 1'st gen. Also, the 2nd gens are just about as fast as the 3rd gens, and a 2nd gen with a 5 spd should be faster than a 3rd gen with an auto. The first gens aren't quite that fast, so if you're used to the power that your 3rd gen puts out, you might want to look for a 2nd gen, unless of course you've got access to 280ZX parts that you can drop in a 1st gen. Of course, there is a guy that is dropping a monster turbo in his 2nd gen along with plenty of engine work in order to get 600HP out of his car, so there are plenty of possibilities if you get a 2nd gen.

-C-

 

Thanks alot C
I appreciate your help...
I'll check that site out!

 

To add about the 1st gens, for basics, it's rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel disc brakes, fully independent suspension (semi-trailing arm at rear) and typically powered by an L24E 2.4L straight 6. Manual transmissions were standard but most people upped for the auto. A diesel version was available from (I believe) '82-'83 with the LD28 motor--a 2.8L straight 6. From what I've read, the L-series engines are very durable (don't know about the diesel though) and if you check out www.autotrader.com and do searches for a 1st. gen, you see many with 150k-250K+ miles. L-series engines also have a timing chain instead of the belt, but do require periodic valve adjustments due to the solid lifters. As far as typical problems one might encounter (like window regulators and clocks on 3rd gens) I don't know them well enough yet to say and it's difficult to find information on them since they are getting harder to find.

 

If I were you, I'd look for the first year 1981 in mint condition. Good luck.

Then I'd drop an L28 in, do some custom work on the auto tranny, maybe paint it and get a re-upholstery job, and then take her to the shows.

Damn, 1st gens were RWD! What was Nissan smoking when they decided to make it FWD?