I've been around this site for a while as I had a 97 maxima before I wrecked it
Anyway today i checked out a 95 Maxima se blk on blk leath w/ 88K (on the odometer, will explain) and a bit of a starter problem(needs some gas to start). It also has an oil leak (apparently the valve cover gasket, shes giving me the part for it) and it stalls sometimes, which sounds like fuel delivery, as suggested on here.

When i heard about this, I didn't mind too much, when I carfaxed it, it has a salvage title and it looks like (after seeing inconsistent odometer readings) that the engine was swapped or something because between 6 months from 05 to 06 it went from 146 to 76k miles. two accidents(within a month) were also reported in 1999, but the car passed inspection for the next six years after.


Exterior and interior are in great condition.

Worth buying in your opinion? I need advice by tomorrow

Edit: Finalized the details as far as the timeline of events

if you are willing to fix the issues it sounds good to me. if it looks great in and out and has a low mile engine, it sounds great for 2k.

i would not spend 2k on a car with a salvage title, known issues, and an iffy history. maybe half that if it would make a good parts car.

The mileage is good, but personally I would avoid it unless you have the specific details on the accident... You can get a non salvaged '95 in great shape in the $2000-$3000 area. Also, this car needs work. I don't really think this is a good idea at all.

For example, if the rad support was replaced, they may have used a poor quality one (non OEM) and the lower radiator support will crack & need to be repaired again soon. This has happened to me and a couple other people who had our cars rebuilt after accidents. I just had mine re welded a month ago after the car was rebuilt in the summer of 2006

junk, keep lookin. its just gonna be problem after problem, a 97 or newer maybe. remember this, you get what you pay for.

Thanks for the quick response, if it helps at all I test drove it and it runs smoothly as far as the engine acceleration and transmission (automatic), braking and turning are fine too.

The accident does really worry me but at the same time the car still ran another 6 years after it, passing all its emissions and safety inspections, and receiving service in NY.

any other input? I really appreciate your help guys, as I am in dire need of direction here.

Like the dude up top said.

If you are willing to put time and money in its KNOWN issues, go for it, there is tons and tons of information here to help you with that kinda of situation.

Thanks for the advice, yeah I'm looking at the faqs as far as the valve cover gasket and it sounds like just wrenches and sockets to take care of it. The only reason this car really appeals to me is the price, but i def have the commitment as far as time and work go.

save yourself the fixing job.i wouldnt go for it man.....unless you have those time on your hands, then again with salvage title.....then comes a history behind the car.its up to you.

How do you figure that because the mileage went down the engine was swapped? Sounds to me like the cluster was swapped and the engine is original. These engines don't leak as badly as you explained @88K miles. My old 203K mile engine did leak like what you described, so I'd suspect the engine is much older than 88K in that car.

I wouldn't trust the car. For a bit more money you can get a Max in much better condition.

I just bought a 98 se with 140 k for 2500, carfax showed it as being a one owner car so the point is that for a little more money you can have much more of a car. (I even bought it from a dealer so there are bound to be even better deals out there)

Pass Pass Pass
mileage tamper and bad title doesn't sound like fun.

I offered 1200 at the most (figure the exterior and interior can be parted when it mechanically busts), again I really appreciate all the input and advice from the org.

they sell back salvage cars for like 500-1000. i think your better of finding a car that runs for 2k$ than spending it on a car that needs work off the bat.

also the key is LOOK LOOK LOOK for a few months.. until you find that deal with a car that you wont regret in the future...

Couldn't agree more, I've seen it trust me, you want to steer clear of that thing. $800 tops is what I'd pay for that, it's what someone at some point probably paid for it, you don't want to be on the receiving end of the stick. Sometimes buying a car with a salvage title can be a kick *** idea, like an '04 350Z that I am contemplating buying for $8k, it was a submerged flood that runs and drives, but if I was to beat the **** out of it for 2 years than sell it to you for $14k you would be on the receing end of that **** stick, like paying $2k for this max. Pass, trust me, it's not a good deal AT ALL. I come across better deals on a monthly basis.

sounds like that car is complete and utter trash. i wouldn't touch that thing with a 10 foot pole... maybe for $500...

salvage title
two known accidents
rolled back odometer, probably about 200k on it it sounds like
known problems that will need attention

fck that. you can get a decent early 4th gen without all those problems and less mileage $2500-3000...

yea man i was in the maxima market last may - july. then totalled that one three weeks later and was in the market AGAIN from sept - oct.

i saw lots and lots of fishy BUT CHEAP vehicles; from poorly done and obvious "cover-up" paintjobs, to cut CEL lights to rolled back odometers. generally when the price was too low i would ask a lot of questions (why are you selling it, how long have you owned it, etc.) and then get a carfax....

and after gettin burned on a honda a few months earlier i wasnt going to make a quick decision



anyway the moral of the story is WAIT.
I found a great deal on a 97 GLE that was owned by a senior citizen since day 1. she bought it in April of 1997 (when she was 82) and sold it to me in Oct 2007 (when she was 92). it had 41,800 on the odometer and i paid $4400 for it. it was beatup and filthy, but mechanically perfect.

Don't buy it for more than $1,000. Also, don't engines have VIN numbers? You can call Nissan and they would probably give you the info you need to verify it was swapped or not...if not, ODO roll back...STAY AWAY.

Can't say it better myself. Wait.

I waited 3 months before I found my 99. It had 26,004 miles at time of purchase (I have 54,8xx now). It was MINT inside and out, other than rusted rotors/pads cause it sat for 8 months (the lady who owned it before me died of asbestos cancer - her husband never drove it after she died). I paid with taxes and all fees just about $9,000. A dealer woulda charged me like $11,500.

i would just wait patiently man,trust me, we all know the feeling of wanting a car right away, but its just not worth it 3 weeks after in the mechanic shop.

I would pass on that car. You could find a better car for that amount of cash.

The amount of cash that you eventually spend on the problems that the car has already, will probably double the amount of the car. It's not a good idea to get that car.

Another thing to add-it may seem like a good idea to get it as a parts car, but IMO it is a PITA to get rid of the parts you don't want. You have to store the parts and/or car, and eventually find someone to haul away the leftover bits (maybe even the car body). Just not worth the hassle.

2k isnt expensive but it will probably be nothing but headaches with all the repairs and the condition of the car, but if you don't mind that then buy it.