Ok, so here's the deal, I'm seriously considering buying a used '97 Black SE Maxima with 92k on the clock. What are you experiences with buying a used high milage maxima? I know it varies and depends on several factors such as previous owners, maintenance, etc... but I was just wondering how it worked out for any used buyers out there. Thanks in advance.

 

I bought my used 95 SE with 120k on it. I bought it about 6 months ago, and have yet to have a problem with it. The power steering pump went out, but as far as the mileage, its fine. I would say go for it... these cars will go 200k miles if you baby them.

 

My Max has almost 120k miles on it and its still running great. No engine problems whatsoever. The only thing that is faulty are the lights inside the climate control. They burn out. However, they can be replaced with LEDs if you want to do the work.

All in all, you really can't go wrong with a Maxima, especially those 97 and up. In 97 they redesigned the bumpers to take more impact, this has resulted in decreasing the cost of repair after a minor bumper pumper. When a low speed impact might have destroyed the 95-96 bumpers, the 97 will still be intact, minus some paint damage.

I defintiely think you get the most bang for your buck with a Maxima. Just make sure you get a 5-spd, they're much more fun.

 

i just purchased my 97 maxima se auto in november with 87k. i desperately needed a nice beater. a friend used to own one a couple of years back so i knew what i wanted.

bought it for $6300 and there wasn't a dent/ding on the car. so far, just a couple of oil changes, tranny fluid flush, new battery and i've had no problems. the car is a gem and a keeper. now has 96k.

 

Over the years we have purchased 3 used maxima's. Two had mileage in the 60's at time of purchase and one had 28k. All cars have been extremely reliable. The tranny on my 87 Maxima which has 200k just broke down. I'm trying to decide what to do with the car because the exterior/interior are in great shape and the cars burns no oil between changes. Maxima's has such a great engine. I was hoping to get another yr. or 2 out of this car.

 

so this explains why my airbags deployed on a 15 mph impact!! and got all messed up..

i bought my 95 maxima recently myself, just check the doors, engine bay, for any leaks, inside the doors for any welding..etc.. also check under the car.. hire a mechanic if you really dont know what to look for.

 

, wow, that SUCKS, those airbags are expensive to repair and they hurt like hell ifyou get hit by them...i know first hand, got my arms all burned by the powder



eric

 

Maximas have terrible transmissions. Make sure it shifts right. One thing I always do...... is check the fluid in the radiator, if its nice and green its prolly kept well, if its old and rusty we know about its upkeep and IF ITS GOT OIL IN IT DONT BUY IT. I know that seems lame alone but if u combine all the info in this thread, we should touch on many pre-buy issues. Good luck buying!!!!Maxima is an excelent chioce

 

just bought a '97 5spd SE about a month ago runs amazing, just did the plugs and got the oil changed and its pretty much driving perfect the only flaw i have with it is the sun roof not properly (off it's rails) but i plan on fixing that so its a gem got btw got it with 92k

 

i did get hit by it on my face!! it hurt like hell!! yeah the airbag system alone is almost 4k alone.. read my thread, crashed the max!

 

I bought a '97 with about 76K Miles on it, the only thing I replaced was the fuel filter, knock sensor, and nosiy stabilzer links, all normal wear and tear except for the K.sensor I guess. Runs great, no problems what so over just a few minor dings but that's it, plus it was all highway miles as the car was from CA. Great car...