So I currently own a 95 maxima GLE that has 220K miles (mostly highway) and I'm replacing it with a "newer" 95 maxima that only has 115K miles. (basically I needed a new car b/c the one with 220K miles needs a lot of work, entire new exhaust, timing chain, 2 smashed in doors (hit and runs ), smashed in bumper, torn leather seats - just from over time). So I bought the same car - b/c I REALLY like the one I have I just wanted one in MUCH better condition, which I now have.

So after the above disjointed background - I'm wondering what everyone's advice is for the first car. I'm thinking I'd like to learn + work on it - so I was planning on working on it w/my dad and potentially adding new things to it etc.. What is everyone's take on this? Would I be able to get the tools/learn how to make the above repairs? I understand the exhaust is probably out of my league as I haven't had a crap ton of experience in repairing cars except simple things like changing oil/brakes/tire rotation etc... nothing too extensive... also about torn about the entire dashboard etc..). My dad has experience in repairing cars - but mainly from ~15 years ago.

Just wanted some realistic perspective I think it would be a LOT of fun and I've enjoyed reading these forums and I <3 maximas

Thx in advance!
Josh

 

Josh,

Are you asking whether you should repair and keep the old one or get the new one?

Anyhow, replacing the exhaust is not hard. Picking up a Ypipe, cat(if needed) and a nice catback isnt too expensive and can be replaced(with ramps or jacks) in an afternoon.

Bumper is harder, more tedious work. Just takes time and can be difficult to get off. I think there is a sticky on this. If you find directions, step by step, then it wont be too hard.

Seats are decently easy to replace, a few bolts and connectors.

Timing chain...take it to a shop. Doors...Shop...If you got new ones, you could install them yourself, but the wiring, mechanisms and aligning wont be fun.

Good luck man, hope that helped.

 

Was asking what repairs were feasible I'm keeping both, but the 2nd (lower miles) car will be the one I drive mainly. The 2nd will just be one to work on.

Thanks for the advice!

 

Since you already have a nicer one as the one you will be driving, there is no reason to fix up the old one. It would really be a waste of money to fix up the old one, instead spend that money on the new one to keep her maintained and fixed up.
As with the old car, I would keep it around for parts. You could sell a few parts online here and make quite a bit of spare change from it (I made about $1500 when i parted out my old max) and then you would also have free parts at your disposal if your newer car ever needs them.
Either that or I would sell it as is for maybe $1000ish?

 

Really and TRUTHFULLY Josh it sounds like you want a TRIAL and ERROR Maxima as well as a DAILY which is koo but i'd just part out whats still good of tha OLD one and get rid of tha REST..... You never know what you may need???

 

I'd personally keep it, as you can monkey with it without worrying about killing the new Max. If you got in a pinch, you could also cannibalize parts from it temporarily or permanently, and if the main one got put in the shop for some reason, you'd have a secondary car to drive until the daily driver was fixed.

If you don't have a secondary car except for the old Maxima, the question to ask, I think, is whether whatever little cash you'll pick up from selling it outweighs the versatility of having a second car.

 

I agree with him. If you were talking about getting rid of the max and going to a altima or something thats a different story. I would say keep it because I cant speak for everyone, but I'm in love with the maxima body. Having the same exact year tho, with 220 miles (engine almost done) it just seems like you want something to work on and get ya skills on...If this is the case yea keep it, but i wouldnt waste my time and put alot of money in it SIMPLY to get it into driving form...with the amount of miles it will be a waste of money. So if you intend to have it as your lab car then ok, but if not I'd get rid of it.

 

get ridof the troubled one.

 

i think u should either learn from the old one or part it out if u dont want it anymore

 

i say part it out keep parts that you think u would need in the futre i say learn with the new one you can learn anything u need to from this website alone not to mention all the other ones floating around the internet