Just bought my first Nissan from a neighbour. 1992 GXE with 180 km
Not sure if it was a good idea or not, cuz when you trade down from an Audi, even an old one, you have big boots to fill.

Questions:
What kind of success will I have when I hang my 2000 pound tent trailer on the back? anybody tried trailering with these Japo-cruisers?

Because of keyless entry, previous owner never used the key locks in 12 years, and they are seized(left, right and trunk) WD-40 didn't help. What happens if the battery dies? Can I fix 'em? Any suggestions.?

Finally, I need new front struts, most of my driving is fairly tame, but I do like to hammer it through the exit ramps. Should I go O.E., cheap aftermarket, or drop some real bucks for performance versions?

 

As far as towing goes, i have a 93 se, and i pull an 8x10 trailer at about 700 lbs. with my 600 lb 4 wheeler on it. It does pretty well, if you have the power option on your tranny, i would suggest pulling with that in the power position on the switch. It helps alot. As fas as the struts go, go with some tokico's or something, spend a little extra, it really makes a difference. i dunno about the locks, sorry!

 

the Max is rated to tow up to 2000lb. I wouldn't pull it through mountains or anything, but you'll be okay. be VERY careful with the tranny though- they're pretty weak. if you're going to be towing in the summer, I highly suggest an aftermarket tranyn cooler. only about $40 and easy to install.

Keys... the one on my trunk siezes every few months because I use the button on my alarm all the time- same deal. what I do is use a penetrating fluid on it- NOT wd-40. the one I recommend most is called Aero-Kroil, but it's pretty hard to find. Grainger sells it by the case, but some of your local tool or parts stores may have it.
just spray some in there and work the key back and forth.. eventually, it'll break loose. don't use too much force- especially if it's your only key! (get one made first and test it on the ignition. keys for this car are extremely hard to duplicate! I had one made at a dealer, and after 5 tries, all we could get was one that will open the driver's door only. won't start the car or open the trunk/passenger door.).
anyway, work the key back and forth and eventually it'll pop loose. then just use the key every now and then and you'll be okay.


Struts.. You can get Tokico struts for around $100 each. the best out there currently is Koni, and they're $135 per strut, and you have to chop apart the factory strut and reuse the housing for the Konis. Tokico are bolt-in replacements. (Tokico actually made the OE struts, but the ones you can buy are substantially stiffer for a better ride).

 

I don't think I'd use a Max to tow anything. It just doesn't seem right!

Get a truck or an SUV.

 

Belated thanks for the tips

 

dont use it to tow.

 

I use my 94 GXE to tow a small trailer with my Quad on it... no prob... but it's small and light.

 

Note on the Koni Struts:

The Rears drop right in. The front is where you have to "customize"

 

One thing to consider if your towing, you might want to get a brake controller. We have a Durango and the stuff we've towed doesnt require a brake controller, yet I still bought one. It was $80, but one of the best investments. When I'm not using it I just tuck it underneith the dash area, if that makes sense. Its great piece of mind, and easier on the brakes for the truck.