Hey all, I am plannin on buyin a 92 Max SE 5spd (although I am not really pro at drivin stick yet.) It seems like it is takin forever to get the money up from working my @$$ off therefore I want the car to be pretty damn perfect. I am kind of thinking about the mileage though, whether I should just wait to find one with around 100k or take one with about 150k on it? I am not really sure what to do about this so I would appreciate it if any of you got any info on buyin a car in general. Thanks all.

 

I'd take either one really. If you actually have the patience, wait for the 100k. If your like me, take the first one you can find. But if you can find another like on da Ebay, with less mileage, take that. As long as it's an SE 5spd. If you get a 92-94, be prepared for some VTC problems. I'd however recommend a 92-94 3rd gen.

Right now I got a 92 SE Auto (Why did i hafta get an Auto????) BTW, i had no choice.

 

You work hard for your money it seems. You wouldn't want to put that money into a pile of sh*t on wheels, right?
When you buy a car with high miles like 150k, you're taking a serious risk. If you buy a car with so many miles, you could end up having to pay for alot of repairs, repairs are pretty expensive. I would definitely advise you to search around for a car in the 80k range, the price will be a little more stiff, but worth it.

Here are a couple of things to check out when buying a used car:
1) Axles, check and make sure the boots aren't ripped.
2) Fluids, check the transmission fluid for proper color and smell, test drive to insure good shifting.
3) Tires, you might have to buy 4 new tires, so compensate for that, good tires aren't cheap. $400 for 4 tires is pretty usual, plus installation.
4) struts, check for worn struts.
5) motor and transmission mounts, make sure the mounts are good.
6) exhaust, check for smoke, sut and such.
7) When you test drive a car, make sure the engine oil is up to the proper level, some people drain some oil out to disguise leaks.
8) Check under the hood on the frame for any signs of welding, which would indicate a previous accident. Also, always do a carfax check. If you are on the market for a car, it would be a good idea to purchase carfax's unlimited account.
9) Cracked glass, sooner or later have to be fixed.
10) Check and make sure the air conditioner is cold, and the heat is hot.
11) Battery, if there's a date on it, check it out you might have to buy a new one soon.
12) check for leaking fuids, of any kind.
13) Drive the car hard during the test drive,

Thats about it, after buying a used car, it's always reccomended that you do a complete tune up.

Don't be in a rush to own a car, taking your time and buying a good car will save you alot of money in the end. ALWAYS try and get a car with as least miles as possible.

Good luck!

 

I got my car w/ about 130,000 miles. But then again, I know it was taken care of (if you look beyond the dents and cracks)

 

Same here, but I checked it over with a fine-toothed comb and he had all the service receipts... Also VE 5-speeds are so freaking rare here I was willing to compromise. However I am very very happy now!

 

Yeah call me dumb, but what is the difference between an SE and a VE if there is any? Also I am not that much of a car buff so what specifically should someone as innept as me look for when buying used?

 

se is a model
ve is an engine
92-94 se's have the ve engine in them

 

Awwwww... it all becomes clear now. Man I really wish I could actually get the 92 SE I have been wanting for sooooo long. This weekend I finally made it about the three grand mark for money, plus I got some bonds I am gonna cash as well as some checks on the way which should put me to about $4k. Seems like it is taking forever though. When I get it, I am plannin on first putting in an alarm as well as CD-player, sub, etc. I was thinkin basically all alpine stuff. Any thoughts???

 

stereo stuff is pricey as hell
i went with all pioneer, but its all an easy way to drop $500
if ya got the bose system and it still works, id stick with that
intake and some exhaust work could be done for around that price
but your car, your call

 

dont buy a maxima get a 240sx

 

Yea, You might wanna check around to see if there are any other cars that'll fit your budget that you could mod more than our Maxes (No offense to our Maxes of course ) Surely there are more products for cars like a 240 than there would be for a Max. I'm still pretty ****ed that there aren't many things to do w/ a Max once you've got most of the stuff.

 

seriously...if there was more..can u afford it?
take a look at the sig...you're broke because you just bought the car.

honda parts are out there...but the hardcore stuff are not cheap. the turbos/sc and etc are a few thousands of dollars. what else do you want for a car that's close to 10 yrs old?

if you want to follow the band wagon and fly to the honda camp then go for it. but whatever you do you'll be just following someone else that already done it. just another "me too" car.

 

Yea but Dan listen sometimes people cant afford to do their own projects, since everything is already made for hondas. you can get a T4 greddy for $2,000. Engine swap another $3000-5000 depending on the engine u want, Our max the stinky 200hp VG30DET would run anywhere from 3000-?????. no one really knows, plus u never how it will last and how it will work. But you get the point. Like me for example i like the import scene, love to hook up cars, love the custom interior exterior all the gauges pods, JDM look the whole nine. and for maxis, they just dont make crappp. except for few bolt ons. and carbon dash kits. So to some its just a matter of taste

 

Yeah, I am basically pretty much set on buyin a Maxima. I have looked at some others, but they are too expensive. Not only do I like the speed of it but the luxury as well. I am not really plannin on puttin so many mods on it that it isn't even a Maxima anymore, but maybe a few slight ones like exhaust and some wheels and what not. All and all on mods I am probably only gonna spend at the MOST around 2 grand.

 

It really sucks cause I would really like to get this car but can't find the one I want for how much I got.

 

IM selling mine