I've got this thread going

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....threadid=92704

but wanted to get some input on this car specifically.

It's a 93 Maxima SE automatic. I assumed it was going to be a GXE since it was an auto, but I was pleasantly surprised to see the dual tips and white gauges, etc. 87k miles, 1 owner, all power, sunroof, nice cloth interior, engine is VERY clean (owner may have cleaned it up just for the sell of course). Paint looked good, pin stripses were coming off in spots (or faded, didn't inspect too closely). It was dark when I looked at it, but I'll go back in the day for a better look. I took pics, but they're pretty dark...

Problems:
Busted foglights...this is common right? Do people wack them on curbs or what??
Buzzing sound coming from behind gauges after I started the car...didn't notice it still doing it when I shut it off 10 minutes later.
Dent behind left front wheel-well.
RF bumper was scuffed on something.
Clicking noise from motor at idle...is this the infamous broken studs issue?

Questions:
How much do the foglights cost? One had a busted bulb and I think the other was completely trashed (didn't look too close)
Buzzing sound? I'll have to check it out again...
Does this car have a timing chain instead of a belt? I asked him about the belt (I thought it had one) and he said it hadn't been done. I can use that to get him to come down if it does actually have a chain and he isn't aware

He's asking $4300 I believe, but I'll get him down (at least $500). The car is just sitting in his driveway. I punched it from a 15 mph roll and it pulled pretty damn hard (relatively speaking ). There was no hesitation from the tranny when it downshifted...sounded/felt good.

In my other thread someone said that the automatics suck. Are they unreliable, or just "suck" from a performance standpoint? I'm not worried about performance from this car (see sig), but would like to be able to make a pass or get on the hwy without getting killed I see tons of Maximas with 160k+ miles...have those trannies likely been rebuilt? I can't see that they would be (assuming maintanance on the filter/fluid).

Any other thoughts? I can post the pics that I've got tonight, but they're not the greatest....

Thanks guys!
Hank

 

the clicking was the vtc's also very expensive, it is common to the ve engine, a memeber on here has a cheap rewire to get ride of it and save u a ton of money, foglights are 30 bucks i think from the dealer i had to replace on not to long ago, the car also has a chain instead of a belt(vg's)

 

What he said

 

Cool...so it does have a timing chain...that's a big +

From carpoint:
The cost to repair the VTC Intake Camshaft Sprockets is estimated at $30.80 each for parts (total of 2) and $390.00 (one bank) or $552.50 (both banks) for labor

Yikes...I'm curious to see what this re-wire fix is. Got a link? I'll do a search too...

Is the clicking actually a problem or just an annoyance? What can happen as a result?

Thanks again guys,
Hank

 

Before you go ahead and do a rewire you should first run a good motor flush. Also it is important to use a better than average oil filter. You need one with an anti-drain back valve. If you dont know what that is I'll explain breifly. when you look at the filter (the side with the holes) the outer ring of holes should have a rubber gasket inside, this gasket prevents oil from draining out of the upper part of the engine back into the oil pan. Doing the motor flush is very important b/c it can clean out the oil gallies that get baked on oil or sludge deposits that cause the VTC problem. I think STP makes a good oil flush (follow the instructions). I have 83k miles on mine and have no VTC problems.

 

http://www.geocities.com/maximamike/nvcs-bible.html

I demand a sacrifice!

 

Thanks Jeff (printed that one)...you guys have got me a little concerned now.

I'm going to listen to the car more closely, assuming I take a look at it again...

How can you tell the difference between the VTC ticking noise and broken exhaust manifold studs?

 

I did a motor flush this past summer and my VTC's started clicking AFTERWARD Fortunately, they calmed down after a week and now only click quietly during warm-up - as soon as I drive the car they go away. Just thought I'd mention that.

 

the vtc problem is a click or tick. the exaust stud problem sounds like a big exaust leak when you are driving

 

Hey Hank!

is that possible?

i believe the parts estimate (no contest) but your source for labor is at least a grand lower than anything i'd seen before.

how many hours labor is this, guys?

 

Thanks..that helps...

That quote was straight from Carpoint's reliabilty feature...if that's LOW, then DAYUM!!

 

Glad that you've started your look for a Maxima. Like everyone else said the ticking was more than likely the VTC's. It sounds like a nice car especially with 87,000 miles and one owner. When I bought mine it was a one owner, the engine was dirty and there were no noises or anything, the transmission fluid had just been changed. The tranny felt a little weak when I drove it, but little did I know I would be dumping thousands of dollars into a new transmission a month later. Unless it is in super great shape I would hold out for a 5-speed. If you get a 5 speed VG you don't have to worry about any of the VTC issues but have a timing belt to change so it's a toss up. Find yourslef a nice 5-speed VE that has been well taken care of and buy it. I know they are hard to find but the reason why is because they are the best of the 3rd gens.

 

5 spd VG? I thought GXE's only came in auto form???

How many miles on your auto when it took a dump? How much was the rebuild??

 

The 1991 and older have VG's in them doesn't matter if it's SE or GXE. It had 143,000 on it when it died and since I did the work myslef it was 950 for the transmission with shipping plus I did the timing belt and now the new tranny is acting up again and it has become a huge crisis. Age has a ton to due with the transmissions also, it seems like almost all of them have been rebuilt, but they vary it all depends on how hard the previous owner was on the car when it was cold, etc., but these transmission don't just go forever, they are bound to go out sometime.

 

 

I have a 93' SE and i did the vtc rewire and it sounds alot better. I was going to get them replaced but that still isnt guarenteed some say it comes back. I definately recomend the rewire. it saved me about $2600 dollars. I havent had problems since then and i did it back in July.

 

Cool...I'm gonna go check out the 93 SE again tomorrow during the day (assuming he's got it). Listen to the engine a little closer, make sure everything works, check the undercarriage, etc...

I'd probably buy it if I can get him down to $3500 from $4300. He thinks it's got a timing belt, so that will help. Also the foglights and a couple rough spots...we'll see...