I currently have my Wrangler for sale and am looking for a comfy car that gets good gas mileage (better than the 18 that my Jeep gets...).
I came across a 90SE with 134K miles. 5speed, leather, Bose, etc...
Exterior needs some work., The spoiler is cracked in several places and there are a couple minor bumps/bruises. Overall it doesn't look too bad for being 15 yrs. old.

The interior is nice, both pass windows are propped up. I couldn't probably take them apart and fix it myself -until then I'd Gaff-tape them up for the winter hahah

I took it for a SHORT test drive (they didn't have a plate for it today) and it started up right away. It made some FUNKY noises at startup. Best described as a fairly loud Hissing maybe? I don't know.. it was a bit hard to tell since it was also missing its muffler which obsiously made a lot of noise. The steering felt weird when the car first started up, and it made some noise as I swung the wheel back and fourth. I let it warm up for a minute or two and took off. WOW this car has amazing power. The clutch felt like New and the tranny shifted perfectly.
The steering also felt fine once it warmed up.
brakes felt good and the interior was quiet. The engine quieted down quickly and the off "Hissing" disappeared as it warmed up.
I think the Bose amps are blown -I can fix it for 35 cents I read that article already.

After my short test drive I parked it where it was previously and turned it on/off a time or two to see how it started. It did GREAT.

I looked for any leaks under the car and found a nickel sized puddle of oil...looked like fresh oil, but I don't believe it was warm. The color was the color of new oil, and the cars current oil is much darker. I couldn't conclude that the leak was from this car...I could see no "Drip spots" under the car.
Carfax says it is a 1-owner vehicle
It now resides on a used car lot.. The price is 1300 and they apprear to be non-negotiable.

Would you buy it? Does this sound like a good deal? Does the VTC problem affect 90 model engines? Maybe that was the startup noice?

Any insight/ideas you have on the matter, bring it on! Thanks !

 

I believe the VTC is only in the VE30DE engine which is only in the 92-94 SE, so that isnt it. (90SE has a VG30E)

134K miles isnt a lot for a Maxima. They should be able to do 250k + miles. The windows probably need new regulators (one of mine does), it is a problem with a lot of maximas. It isnt an expensive fix. I'm not sure what causes the steering problem or the hissing but they probably arent major problems if they go away after a driving for a few minutes.

Yeah, the maximas do have a bit of power. the first time I drove mine i was surpised by the power. Mines an auto though.

For $1300 I would buy it. I paid $2800 for mine with 125K miles and some suspension problems.

 

don't buy it, if the dealer wants that much, then expect it to need $1k worth of work minimum.
and no the VTCs don't apply to you.

BTW 18 mpg is what these cars are supposed to get, though in good running condition some people get into the 20s
I get 13

 

really? only 18? I thought there was something wrong with my car, thats about what I've been getting. I thought they should get higher mileage than that. And I get that with a heavy foot. Maybe I should drive like a normal person and see how high it gets.

 

Well the BB value for "Fair cond" private party seller (which I consider the same as a used car lot) is $1,630.

minus a muffler and some non functional windows and 1300 sounds like it's in the ballpark to me.

other opinions?

 

do you have any clue on when or if the timing belt was done?
not from a dealer.
from a private party at least you have a chance of knowing that.

if the timing belt breaks 2 seconds after you pull out of the lot you are fuuked

If it were a new car dealer selling it, then I personally wouldn't worry so much.
But a strictly used car dealer is out to screw you plain and simple.

 

No.. I have't a clue. Timing belt and muffler would be the two things I changed when I drove it off the lot.

how much do most local mechanics charge for a TB replacement?

 

do it yourself and save $$$
I sell timing belts

and while you are in there do the 2 cam seals, 1 front crank seal (timing cover seal) and the water pump.
You may also need a timing belt tensioner

 

Well I'm going to get some pics of the car later. I'll post up and get y'alls opinions. hehe

 

I just bought myself a 92 GXE for 1350. Has 174,000. Needed a new wheel bearing, new tires, and a front end alignment. Otherwise great car and I like it a lot.

 

you'll appreciate it even more when the snow falls.

 

why's that?

 

you'll find out

 

Well here are the pics of the beast.. I took them this afternoon.

I think I found the DRIP...seems to be power steering fluid (the pic with my finger with the fluid is whats dripping. I pushed in the clutch and moved the car back 6 or so inches, and this appeared after a while, although I could not see it drip.
The power steering fluid resevior is low on fluid (but not empty) so I guess that could be part of the noise also. Would a PS pump make noise at startup if it were low on fluid?
The accessory belt ( I guess that's what you call it on a max) is ratty and shot all to hell...gotta replace that sucker ASAP too, if I buy it.

Here are the pics.. again, the price is 1300 bucks. Post up your opinions.

http://www.schwagoo.com/maxima/

 

UPDATE:
Well the Odometer seems to be frozen at 138K...
the last carfax report was in 2000 with 113K...
broken odometer = BAD news for a used car. I offered them 800 for it, and even in spite of the questionable mileage they said 1300 is the lowest they will go.
The car runs and drives Great...only needs a few things like new exhaust, couple belts and a tire or two and it would be a good machine. I guess I'll pass though..

 

ouch i ran into the same problem when i was looking for a max i found i nice VE 5spd for 4500 with 104k but the odo didnt work either so we passed

id say 1000$ max for it with unknown milage and the minor problems it has

 

how far are you willing to drive schwagoo?
I run across one's every know and then, and when they're real cheap I post em up on max-world

 

For a good deal I'm willing to drive a good ways. I could probably talk my Fiance into dropping me off up to 5 hours away in a car that might not make it home Zip= 47710

Let me know if you find a deal. I am scouring all the local papers, and Ebay...


I want a 5 speed...and I really would like leather!

 

try cars.com drivechicago.com
those 2 are pretty good.

 

i paid 2800 for mine with 87k and just stereo problems. this is strange. i saw a 90 se 5speed in the oregonian the other day for 1300 with the same milage. this guy is from indiana though...hmm

 

I looked at an 85 300Z last night for $300

 

i see them in the price range of $1000-3000.
The guy who I traded cars with paid $4000 (including interest actually 3000 for car). I actually got have only $800 in mine (price i paid for a 94 civic hatchback), but i know u not wanting to drive to south carolina to get a car.

 

I have a 90se and i traded my cherokee for it! It is honestly the best car i have ever owned. i like it so much i also bought a 94se ve that misses on a cylinder (injector). i love both these cars and i would not trade them for anything!

 

funny I sold my cherokee and replaced it with my VE

 

funny because I"m probably flying to Rhode Island to get a car this weekend

 

I paid 300 for mine and gladly put 4500 into her including motor and eibach/konis.......
I would do it again in a heartbeat. Shes reliable and good on gas.

 

Damn :| That thing looks crappy even by used car standards. And yeah, that's PS fluid. My Pulsar used to do the same thing.

I got my 91 Max SE for 2 grand fully expecting to put about a grand into it right away (brakes, TB+WP, proper tuneup, a couple small things) otherwise its in nice mechanical shape (paint could use a buffing though, and my wheels look crappy) What I wasn't expecting was a leaky headgasket :| Its not burning or getting into the oil, just dribbling a tiny bit on the outside of the engine. Mine had some new parts on it. That's what I'd expect to pay anywhere for a solid Max that needs a little work.

Check the craigslist in your area too.