It's been a long time since I have posted on this board. I used to own a 98 Maxima and loved that car to death. I modded it thanks to the help of the nice folks on this fourm. Since then, I have sold my Maxima and drive a 04 350Z. Anywho, a buddy of mine has a 96 Nissan Maxima that has been sitting in his backyard for over 2 years. The car has not been driven at all during this time. It might have been started a couple of times. I know that this car is in some serious trouble but how serious is it?? How much do you think it will cost him to get it in good running condition? What do you think needs to be done to the car? I appreciate all inputs and opinions.

Thanks,

Kaveh

 

Just crank it up, then change the oil. Shouldn't cost anything to get it running if the car was maintained correctly back when it was running. Make sure the fuel hasn't gone bad, smell the gas tank and make sure it smells like GAS, not varnish.

The brakes may have some rust on them, but a few good stops will wipe that off.

 

I think what you are asking is how to get it running again. Without knowing the work history on the vehicle, its mileage etc. what you are asking is almost impossible to answer.

 

My friend did not take care of the car at all before he let it sit. I know for the fact that the CEL was on and the car was running a little funny. He tried to start the car the other day and it wouldn't turn over. I'm thinking the battery is dead. The car has over 110K miles. If the gas has gone bad which I think is the case, how serious of an issue is that?


Boy, it brings back some memories to talk to you guys again and see my old car in my sig.

 

Last year I left my car sitting for 10 months while away at school and started up perfectly last summer with no issues until I took it off the road again in September 04. I just uncovered and started up my car again the other day after sitting for 8 months. Again no trouble (thus far!). Mind you I took a number of precautions before putting it away and was not in my backyard, though sat under a cover, took battery out, full tank of gas, oil change...etc. If he took precautions I don't see serious problems, but it sounds neglected in the backyard therefore might be better to suggest getting rid of it then spend the $ on getting it in running condition.

 

I know that he left the car sitting with almost no gas in the car and the oil needed to be changed before the fact. I have a bad feeling that this Maxima is a goner.

 

Your friend deserves a good tongue lashing for abusing a Maxima in such a manner. 110K miles on a Max is nothing if maintained properly. Unfortunately your friend doesn't have the sense he was born with. If he didn't want to maintain the car in the first place, he should have sold it rather than have it sitting for 2 years. Stupid is as stupid does, lol!

 

You're absolutely right. He has no sense what so ever.
Believe it or not, this is the third car that he has junked. He is 26 years old and lives like a 18 year-old college freshman. He is convinced that he can get the car running with little or no cash coming out of his pockets.

 

Just had the same situation with my car. You will need to absolutely tune it up, change the fuel filter, all the fluids, plugs, change the belt, crank it up and look at the ecu for codes. Suspension could also be an issue. You will know more once the car is fired up.

 

Time to get a new friend. This one sounds like a loser.