what's the scheduled maintenance at the 200000 mile mark? just got my first ever nissan max, '97, and i'm hooked. i got it from my friend and i know it has a lot of miles but it's definitely a keeper. i don't have the owner's manual... where can i get it from? i also need an antenna and floor mats. any suggestions on where to get them will be greatly appreciated.

 

Ive got black/grey floor mats - PM me if interested.

200k is a lot, but if taken care of...it's nothing for the VQ. I recommend getting new belts, plugs, fuel filter, clean your TB, run some seafoam thru, air filter, oil change, tranny fluid flush, (if auto)...

there's a lot of things you can do...

 

Ask your friend what he did to maintain it last and when. Other than than it's just regular maintenence.

oil change 3000 mi
tranny oil 30,000 mi
spark plugs 60,000 mi (Platinum)
Fuel filter 15,000 mi
Air Filter every 10,000 mi
Throttle body cleaning every 30,000 mi

If you check the sticky's you'll find close to everything you need.

 

thanx a bunch for the input

i asked him but all he could tell me was that he took it to the mechanic regularly for routine maintenance. i was just making sure it didn't need anything else at 200k.

what about timing belt, water pump, etc?

 

There is no timing belt, the VQ has a timing chain, have the car inspected by an honest mechanic and you should find out what needs replacing / attention.

 

just curious, how much did you get this car for?

 

Sounds like a nice beater

Like said above, take it to a mechanic to make sure everything is in tact... what I would do is..

Change oil, antifreeze, spark plugs, air, fuel and oil filters...

CHECK ball joints and axles for broken boots, any leaks from engine fluids... struts, brakes and rotors

THe only thing I would be scared of is touching the transmission if its an auto... if its shifting right, dont touch it!

 

i paid $3k for it.
i know it has new rotors and calipers, one new axle, and new tires. i will check everything else this weekend. it is automatic and since i don't know when the fluid was last changed maybe i shouldn't change it. i've heard some people filter out the metal shavings but use the same old oil (and it's viscosity) to keep the transmission from sliping. they do use a new filter, however. has anyone heard of this?

 

I wouldnt touch the transmission if its fine. At that high of a mileage the shavings in the fluid might be the only thing keeping the transmission from slipping. if it aint broke, dont fix it

 

good buy man

 

well... so the theory goes....

Basically yes, that is true, but if you do service it with a BG machine or whatever and it craps out, it means it was on its way out. That wont be the cause of it, it will just speed the process up a little quicker, but it meant sooner or later you would have been getting an overhaul.

The new atf has detergents in it that clean, if that is the original atf (hope not) then all the detergents are used up and dont clean.

Check to see if its brownish (almost like oil) that means its all burnt up and would be if changed.
Also, check the dipstick and smell the oil, if it smells bad, like burnt clutch.... that means that the tranny is on its way out.

So all in all if you smell clutch, dont do the service, you might be able to get 1 year out of it.... or do the service and get her overhauled(if you have the money) or just do a 5spd swap

 

i thought $3k was a good buy too. besides the high miles, it's in B+ condition. 5 spd swap would be nice... but almost all of my previous cars have been 5spd. i just wanna seat back, relax and enjoy the ride ...for now anyways! i might end up swaping it out later on if i feel the need for more speed.

thanx for the info oblong!

 

That mileage is no problem when it comes to these cars, especially if it has been well maintained. I have 249,900miles on my 97se and it is still going strong. I would recommed getting a tune-up if possible, oil change and radiator flush. Other than that, you are good to go.