Just found this forum the other day...pretty neato. Question for all you Maxima pros. Have a 91 SE (white) and 94 GXE (black). I've been pretty faithful about changing timing belts at 60k mile intervals. We're selling the black one, and it's 10k miles overdue for timing belt change (simply forgot it was due...yikes). Rather not spend $350-$500 if it's going to be gone soon, and probably won't be able to get any more cash out of the car if it's fixed, so....

What do you guys think? The car is garaged when not in use, live in Kansas, where it does get pretty hot in summer (but not like Texas) and pretty cold in winter (but not like Montana). Am I really in serious danger of ruining the engine if I drive it for a couple weeks more without changing it? How many belts really look like they were about to break at 60k, does Nissan pad that recommendation a little just so people get it changed in time, people like me who let it go too long?

Thanks!

Randy

 

do you feel lucky?

they snap w/o warning..so it's not like something is going to happen before it breaks.

pay $350-500 now or pay $1500 for a rebuilt engine later.
your call.

Cliff notes - change the belt ASAP.

 

My friend who now drives a Maxima used to drive an A4. Or as I used to call it, an A$. Anyway, the timing belt breaks one day while he is out on the highway. buh-bai motor. The pistons have 3 dents the size of quarters nearly an 1/8 inch deep. The side of the cylinder wall is scored from the bent valves. The garage he took his car too told him not to worry about the belt, that it was non-interfaced. heh... If it was my car, I'd change/have it changed.

 

For what its worth...my friends Nissan truck t/b broke at 23k. The dealer (that he worked for) replaced all parts under warranty. The Nissan mechanic who did the work said he had seen many Nissan go over 100k without incident but had never seen one fail under 60k. And your right, it's 5 bills you won't recover.

 

if it's changed...which it should be... the car may be a little bit more attractive to the future owner knowing it was properly maintained and that they wouldn't have to worry about it

 

I would probably put it up for sale as is but disclose the belt info. to the would-be buyer. Worst case you'll have to drop the price by $500.00 to cover the belt change. Chances are, the buyer won't expect a $500.00 reduction in final price as some level of maintenance is expected on used cars.

Its not a good idea to be $500 in the hole to start with.

SG

 

Where-a-bouts are you located in Kansas and how much are you
going to ask for the car?

Course, now I know your little secret!

I'm in Omaha NE, I might be interested in buying your car...

Any pics?

Thanks!
Scott

 

Hey, Scott. Located in Kansas City. Trying to get $4000 out of it. It's got 162k, Bose CD/cassette, sunroof (has had a crack for 5 years since we bought it, never fixed it, doesn't leak), black, spoiler, grey cloth interior in good shape (no tears or major stains), keyless entry, custom wood paneling on front of dash (not sure how to explain, looks nice, though). Just had new struts all the way around, brake work done recently, fairly new tires all the way around, alloy wheels in great shape. Having the timing belt done today, actually...just got too nervous.

 

right but he's still driving the car. if it's just sitting there then yes..i would let the new owner handle it. but the fact that he's still driving around in it makes the situation difficult NOT to do the t-belt.

 

$4000 with 162K? Does sound like it has had good care though...

Has it been garaged most if not all of it's life?

162K... must do a lot of commuting huh?

Any pics? Picture's worth a 1K words!

Thanks!
Scott

 

Don't have a picture yet...sorry. Will try to have one available tomorrow. Seems like prices I see out there (including Kelley Blue Book) range from $3700-$4200. It's a very nice looking and running car, been garaged, yes. It had 84,000 when we bought it in May 98, guy drove from KC to Wichita a ton (sales guy), so a good part of it is highway, yes. Forgot to mention it does have a rust spot about the size of a quarter, right by the driver's side outside mirror. Paint is still covering it, but it's brittle. That's really the only visual issue with the car, besides minor little nicks and scratches, just being a 9-yr. old car. If I can't get $4000 out of it (especially with the timing belt change), I probably won't sell it. I also have a 91 SE white, stick, leather, that's in great shape that I could sell if we can't get what we want for the black one. That one's a blast to drive (it's my car, black was driven by wife) and also in great shape.

Is this the way I am to reply to your questions, or can I reply separately so the thread doesn't have specific questions about the car aside from the timing belt?

Thanks!

Randy

 

THe reply is just fine... let me know if you can get a pic
posted of sent to me via email... I'd like to see the rust
spot that you mentioned...

Thanks!
Scott

 

I just changed my belt on a 93. It took about 6 hours. The belt cost $22. It wasn't too tough. It just took a long time.