tman

On the subject of beaters - what do you guys think of this one?

1990 SE, 150K, 5 sp. Do you think it would be possible to put a new grill on there? I'm going to check it out soon and if it looks decent otherwise I'll probably pick it up - I need a city car and I've been looking for a 5-SP Maxima (I like the 5 sp, even though in the city that basically makes me a masochist ). Hood dented, no grill, needs exhaust, brakes, rear tires, CD player. Has new muffler and recent tune-up. How much do you think I should offer? I'm thinking not more than a few hundred. To check the filler tube - do I just get down and look under the quarter panel? Can I take it to a dealer for the recall, or is there a time limit on that? Anything else I should check in particular, other than the manifold bolts (would it be obvious if they were broken)?

Lotta questions I know - thanks in advance for any help. Here's the ad and an email response:


"THIS CAR SARTS RIGHT UP AND RUNS FINE! The damage was caused by a friend of mine while the car was parked on my street. The car needs new brakes and exaust (not muffler) as well. This car is loaded with power everything, moonroof, leather, and is black on black with a 5sp manual transmission and a V6 engine. I've been driving this car for 3 yrs and it has done me well. I replaced the belts at 100k."

more: "the car was backed into by my friends truck
while it was parked. the front head light is broken.
the grill is gone and the hood is dented but still
closes. everthing else about the car is fine. the
transmission, engine, etc. i replaced the bose audio
with a rockford fosgate sound system because the radio
didn't work when i got it. now the cd player head
doesnt work either. but the speakers are sweet. the
car is probably due for a new battery and a new set of
rear tires. it just had a tune up last month. belts
are fine. brand new muffler."

VEvolution

I wouldn't pay more than $500 for it. Who knows what else lurks about after you make sure the engine and tranny are okay...

Those bellts are due for change and that isn't cheap.

tman

oh yeah - he's asking less than $500 and I'm thinking I could talk him down from there. trying to figure out if it's even worth THAT. I like the 3rd gen and want a 5 speed (plus it's black) - trying to decide whether this could be a nice bargain or a complete headache. once i see it and drive it hopefully the decision will be easier.

VEvolution

Well in my opinion, if you aren't really all that hands on when it comes to cars, then forget it. Get something for a bit more, but that will save you the headache in the long run and be in much better shape. Make it jap. though

tman

Thanks for the responses. The problem is that it is not easy finding a 3rd gen SE 5-sp, so I'm thinking if the rest of the car seems decent I can put in a new grill, headlight, have a new exhaust put in (and eventually have the hood fixed/replaced) and have a decent 3rd Gen SE 5-SP for about $1000 (about how much would the new exhaust be, installed?). Hoping I can get the car for around $300.

Good point about the belts though - how much are they to have replaced?

vizslak7

I have a 3rd, 4th & a 5th (not JD) here at home and I would recommend highly a 3rd as a beater. It is damn near as fast ad the others ( mine will beat the 4th with it's WS Ypipe and my Wife won't race me with her 01) and they will run a long time.

JS

tman

..especially a VG, I'm thinking. no VTCs to worry about. when you're talking 'beater', racing isn't a factor - still a relatively fun car though. is there anything other than exhaust man studs and fuel fill that should be looked at extra closely?

confused1096

Tman, when looking at this car, check the exhaust to see exactly what you're gonna have to fix. Does DC have emissions? When checking the exhaust be sure to check where it mates to the manifold. I had to fix this on mine and it was kind of a pain in the tail feathers.

tman

Thanks - will do.

oh yeah - DC has emissions requirements (are there states that don't?).

nismology

iTrader: (8)

Florida doesn't....

VEvolution

Must have alot of Skylines