There's a fairly trustworthy mechanic I know who's selling a 1992 Maxima GXE, full loaded. Everything about the car is in good condition, but the mileage is a little high. He's asking $3,000 Canadian ($2000 US) for it. It's only had one driver, and he says he put a new transmission in it. He's worked on it its entire life.

It has 365,000kms on it (roughly 228,125 miles I believe). Is this a good buy? I've heard of Japanese cars going up to 500,000kms as long as they are well maintained, but I'm still concerned. Has anyone else put this many miles on a Maxima, or knows at what mileage their '92 Maxima started really falling apart?

Any advice in this matter is appreciated.

 

I would get an itemized list of parts that have been replaced on this car. If you do a search, you will see the common problems with this vehicle (GXE). The biggest item I can think of is the tranny. If that goes, your in it more than the car is worth.

I personally wouldnt pay $2000 for a GXE of that mileage.

 

IMO for the amount of mialage thats WAY too much...new tranny or not!

 

that price is too high for the mileage, look for something else.

 

I'm not trying to dis on the mechanic or anything but consider this. Contractors build new homes but can never seem to finish their own home. Most computer repair people fix other people's computers all day yet their own computer never seems to work right. Mechanics work on cars all day but it isn't a gurantee that they put a lot of time into their own car. It's the irony of the situation. Anyway, guess that was a little off the subject, blah, to much studying for Finals week.

 

He replaced the transmission recently so I'm certain that won't be a problem. I don't know much about car parts, but I'm concerned mainly about the engine. I mean, with a car that old one just expects to put some time, money and work into it to fix/replace some areas. How reliable are these engines? Its the SOHC 3.0L V6 I believe. I was in a rush while I was there and couldn't pop the hood because I didn't have the keys, so I'll take a look next time I'm at the place.

How difficult would it be to locate a new engine and how much would it cost to have it replaced? I'm going to take a look at some of the maintenance links on this site. Have you ever had this kind of experience?

I'm just really curious about other '92 GXE's that people might own and what mileage they have on them, and the problems they have had. If there aren't many known engine failures at this mileage I'd feel a little more comfortable.

I guess I'm just trying to find a way to justify purchasing this car, because I'm already in love with it.

 

a used VG motor can be had for under $400, but don't pay $3k for just the body and then swap in another motor...its not worth it, if I were you I'd keep looking!

Maximas tend to last well into the upper 200k miles with good care, but taking the chance, especially for $3k is not worth it!

just my $.02

 

i believe he said $3k Canadian and around $2k u.s. That's still a lot for a car with that kind of miles. Who knows what can start to fall apart next. Here, in wi, every now and then there would be a few 92se's w/average 120,000+mi. for 3 grand or less. The only thing is they are auto. I think you just have to look around and be patient. Shoot, i've been looking for the right 3rd gen(92se+) for over 2 months now and still havent found it yet! Just my thought but do as you like and good luck!
bj