Hey everyone,

I'm a 3rd gener and don't make it to this side of the org too much but here goes. I was getting a cut the other day and my barber, who's also a used car dealer, told me he had a max for sale. Its a black '96 5spd with leather in good condition. The miles are high (150k) but the engine is in good shape. The engine bay wasn't steamed yet and as far as I could tell it had no seal leaks. One tail light needs to be replaced but other than that the body is in great shape. No prior wrecks noticeable. Anyways, He's asking $4500. However, I talked him down to $4000 cash.

What do you guys think? Any reoccuring issues with this model? If I decide not to get it, does someone else want the contact information? Might as well keep the max in the org...

Thanks,

Matt

P.S. I did the 5spd swap on my 3rd gen. I know the value placed on a 5spd max and I would'nt have posted this otherwise.

 

That is an excellent deal especially with a 5 speed, black, with leather. I say go for it

 

Go for it! Get the tail light at an autowrecker. They're expensive at the stealership.

 

Or just pick up an aftermarket red/clears tails and call it a day.

 

um, guys? Differential bearing failure anyone?

The early 4G's have been known to have problematic trannies. I would check for cv axle play, or diffential leakage at the driverside axle seal. If there is noise, etc, either talk him down MORE in price accounting for a future tranny replacement, or pass. Look at dgeesaman's thread in the 4G forums about "how to make your 5MT last" or something like that. Also, check the stickies for the detailed description of the differential bearing failures found in our 5MT transmissions.

I was bored, so I'll link you to dgeesaman's thread: Tips for making your 5-speed tranny last

 

I agree although my 95 SE 5-speed with over 150k miles hasn't shown any signs of diff bearing failure...yet (knock on wood).

Here are other things to look for:

1) leaks around the oil pressure switch area or passenger side axle = replace valve cover gasket.

2) check the cv boots and steering belows for splits or cracks

3) pull codes from ecu even if the CEL light is not on, you could have an 0304 code = bad knock sensor

4) check tranny oil, unplug the fluid filler hole and stick your finger in there, smell the fluid, if burnt smell = you could have a dying tranny.

5) ask the owner if the clutch has been replaced, at 150k the clutch should be just about ready to go out on you.

6) check the suspension, again at that many miles those struts are probably blown or getting close to it

7) pull one spark plug out and check it, it will tell you pretty much what is going on with the engine.

8) listen for a high pitch, grinding like noise = bad ac compressor bearings or alternator or idler pulley

Have I missed anything ??

Keep in mind, a car that old will have many worn and torn out parts. Although the price seems very attractive, expect to drop a few grand on repairs especially if its major parts needing replacement. With my max, I have roughly spent about 3 grand just to keep the car running. I am keeping this car til the wheels fall off so that is why I invested on that kind of money.

 

Nice list DR-MAX - I didn't feel like going through everything, so I hit the main point.

 

Thanks BigLou93SE & Dr. Max... I'll look into all that as much as I can. I might even convince the guy to let me tinker w/the car (to check the tranny fluid & pull codes). I head over Tuesday on my day off to make a final decision. I'll get word around if I pick it up.

Thanks again everyone,

Matt