Just bought a 99 SE with 125Kmiles for $6.5K. I know that sounds a lot but the car is loaded with every option. Also it was under warranty till 100K and every record is available at the local dealer.

The car seemed to be in a good shape. Transmission flush was done at 90K. Oil changed regularly.

Is there anything I should expect to break-down and take pre-emptive actions?

 

the warranty is good till 100k? but you have 125k... umm.. yea...

 

get spark plugs changed fuel filter get a hanes manual and save some money you need to search the form a little bit dude.

 

he said it was under warranty till 100k not the warranty is good till 100k

 

check to see if the dealer ever replaced the coil packs ...

if they haven't already, expect to

 

125K is nothing... there are people here with 200+K running on original tranny and motor. Do a compression leak down test. Clean out your TB. Check the ECU for codes. Switch to Mobil 1. Use seafoam. Get a fuel injector cleaner. Get the suspension checked out. Check the filters. Replace them if needed. Etc...

 

wtf? at 125k ????????????

 

I switched to Mobil 1 at a 123K no problems what so ever. I've heard and read from many reputable mechanics that if the engine is strong without any visible leaks then it is OKAY to switch to Mobil 1. My compression was fine and consistent, and I have no leaks, the only sweat spot is the rear main seal which I've read and heard is normal and have seen it sweaty on my friends' Maximas. Yes it is a thinner oil but it will protect your engine longer and may even improve your MPG.

 

will that stuff make a difference in performance?

 

Yep, asked 'em - no such records. So I guess I should expect a coil pack problem any day now. I was told that dealer only wants to replace all of them at $70/pop + $200 labor. Anyway I can get it done cheaper?


How easy is it to change the spark plug? DIY kind of job?

Dealer checked the compression ratio and it was all good. No leaks of any kind.
By the way - is it ok to use regular gas in this car? I don't really need any performance out of it (already have a Z06 vette), just a cheap and comfortable transportation.

 

probably not, seeing how most of them don't even work, supposedly seafoam does dissolve the carbon deposits when added to your fuel tank and brake booster hose. giv ethat one a shot. the car will last a long time, coil packs are someting to watch out for in 99's, and knock sensors generally do go bad, it causes a pretty large drop in gas mileage due to change in the timing.

you should expect enjoyment from the car

 

Sure will, if your injectors are clogged, that is

 

you can do your coilpacks yourself as well as the sparkplugs, just set an afternoon aside and you'll want to do both at the same time

 

as was said 125k is not really to bad i plan to hit 200 someday and noone thinks thats unreasonable. i would seafoam the brake booster at sometime. but i would not go to mobil 1 or any synthetic unless its already on it. get some castrol GTX and your set its the best conventinal oil i believe plus its got good additives and should help clean out any sludge in your oil.

 

That sounds like a good advice!

 

spark plugs are real easy and since you have to remove the coil packs to do the job replace them at the same time. when you see how simple it is $200 dollars is outrageous. as far as what type of gas to use i would say use mid grade or better. no 87 or (aaack) 86 octane.

 

What should you expect?

a ton of fun. Maxima's are so much fun to drive.

 

If you can wipe your own A$$ than you should be able to change your own spark plugs and coil packs Get a Haynes like someone else said and you will learn as you go.

 

Is there a nissan dealer that offers the forum discount? How much can you get these $70 packs for?