I'm bout to buy a Maxima and I have a ???
 

I have a question. I currently own a 1992 maxima and I am about to buy a 1998 SE. I'm buying it from the original owner and he says that the engine uses a quart of oil b/w every oil change and says that it has done this since day one. My 1992 has 143k and leaks NO fluids and this 98 has 91k. Is this normal or is this the sign of a problem? My mechanic says that it's ok as long as the car has always done this, but I want to check with you guys first. I'm having my mech look at it on friday. I'm pretty good with cars, but I always get my mech to check out cars before I buy them.

The car drives wonderfully and it's a 5 speed. I have looked for a while to find a car like this, and I just want to see if this is a real problem that would cause me to pass this baby over. Thanks a lot.

That doesn't sound right. I have a 99 with 94k on it and it doesn't use any measureable amount of oil between changes. I think you might have a leak somewhere. Have your mechanic look for leaks. :wall:

Mine never did this, personally I would stay away from it, and I doubt it was from day one. who's to say it won't get worse.

you need some Rain-X window washer fluid!

Ha ha, I had a friend who had a serious oil leak in his car. He was leaking a quart+ of oil every day. It wasn't just a leaky pan or anything either, it was a serious engine problem(I guess he had a mech look at it). Anyways, it was hilarious to see him put a pan underneath his car in the morning, come out in the afternoon and pour it back into the engine. He was spending more on oil than gas.

The guy must be crazy. No car leaks oil from day one.

If it leaked that much from day one and you had it since it was new wouldn't you bring it to the dealership and tell them to fix it? I mean you do get warranties when you buy new cars. I wouldn't buy it.

Well if you're dealing with a p.o.s. ford escort that probably wasn't worth $500, I don't think I would've hesitated to pour the oil back in either.

What he said.......

I wouldnt buy it

Thanks a lot guys. I got a lucky and another max (SE 5spd) appeared for sale. I'm not gonna get this one even though it's a nice car, but "using" oil is a PROBLEM.