daltongc

Hello everyone, I'm currently driving a 3rd gen 91 as a work car and extra vehicle to keep the miles off of my new Titan. I've had an 02 Altima, an 04 Maxima, and another 04 Titan so I'm already sold on Nissan quality. I have to say that I am utterly respectful of the endurance of the 91 Max. It has 183k and still has the original muffler!

My question to you 4th gen owners is what are the trouble spots to look for when shopping for a car? My 3rd gen is a little mushy on the 1st gear shift, and the struts are pretty hard, the trunk has a leak, and there are some quirks with the fan relays. Nothing terrible, but stuff I'd rather have known about being weak points before I bought. Any checklists of what to look for and what a decent used Max (gle probably) would bring when purchased from a private individual would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Bobo

I would suggest looking for a low mileage 97 or 98. Try and get the maintenance history from the owner/lot and go from there. The price will be dependent on the condition of the vehicle, mileage, tires etc.

Determine whether the vehicle has had the 60,000/90,000 mile service.

Determine if the vehicle has been in an accident of any consequence.

Obviously what to look for is a function of the mileage. Mine is a 95 with low mileage (57,400 mostly highway miles). It's a 5-speed.

The only things that have ever gone wrong are: new O2 sensor on warranty about 6 years ago, new battery, new bulb for front left light, sidewall blown out of OEM tire, and last week replaced the oil pressure sensor near the oil pan (cost peanuts).

From what I can see the cars are virtually trouble free for the first 100,000 miles.

You might want to check the condition of the brakes.

I am also a believer in requiredr fluid changes beyond just oil, eg. transmission, radiator, power steering, brakes.

Mr.Duck

iTrader: (8)

well the 99's have a coilpack problem so i would stay away from those if you dont want to deal with it, the 97 in my opinion is the best option, you have the better body styling, and you are able to get an ecu upgrade. everything else like, o2 sensor, knock sensor, and ect is just gonna happen like any other car. but for modding the 97 is your best bet.