4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999) Visit the 4th Generation forum to ask specific questions or find out more about the 4th Generation Maxima.

another one bites the dust

Old May 13, 2011 | 11:35 AM
  #1  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
another one bites the dust

It was a good night last night....all except the last 20 seconds of it!


The car still runs and drives like a champ and didnt leak a drop even after sitting over night. Hell, i jus drove it around the block and it stlll powerful. CEL is on, but that may be bcuz airbags deployed.

Im guessin $5k to fix it. Includes parts and labor. I prolly get 3500 from insurance or thats the number im shooting for .

Now the question is can i fix it or shd i get rid of it???

Last edited by cashoit; May 13, 2011 at 11:41 AM.
Old May 13, 2011 | 11:37 AM
  #2  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA







Old May 13, 2011 | 11:45 AM
  #3  
asand1's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,942
From: Reedsport, OR
OMG HOW?
Old May 13, 2011 | 11:52 AM
  #4  
mdliber's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 385
From: athens, ga
sorry to see a pearl white one go, I saw its time for a new one, looks like a little to much damage to fix especially with airbags deployed
Old May 13, 2011 | 12:03 PM
  #5  
Leo_Koneval's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,803
From: Everett, Washington
Good God, what happened!?
Old May 13, 2011 | 12:23 PM
  #6  
Phromethius's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 366
From: San Antonio, TX
man + 5 interwebz for fully functional hood struts!!! (i've replaced mine TWICE! :[ )

Sorry to see this happen. Hopefully you're ok. Front end work can be VERY expensive. I've redone my front end a few times both times nearly totaling it in terms of insurance. 3500 can get a decent runnning 4th gen, probably a really nice one since our cars are now anywhere from 12-16 years old now.

Typical Kelly Blue Book values are not very high.
Old May 13, 2011 | 12:56 PM
  #7  
Br0nz's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 625
From: Connecticut
yeah man you gotta let her go. you dont want to end up chasing down shakes and issues or spend more than shes worth . use the insurance check to buy a new max then part her out and put any extra cash into your next max
Old May 13, 2011 | 09:48 PM
  #8  
DennisMik's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,644
From: Plano, TX
I hate to see a thread like this. I hope you are OK though.

Insurance companies will low-ball you on value. An insurance company will pay up to 75% of the car's value for repairs. Any more and they consider it totalled. That 75% is also the amount that they will give you. You don't want to know how I know this.

If you want to keep the car and have it fixed or to part it out, the insurance company will subtract "scrap value" from that 75%. For me scrap value was about $1600.
Old May 13, 2011 | 10:04 PM
  #9  
ChrisMan287's Avatar
Got Retrofit?
iTrader: (34)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,761
From: NY
Definitely totaled. It's a sad day and I'm sorry for the loss but at least you're okay.
Old May 13, 2011 | 10:18 PM
  #10  
VisciousMo's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 803
From: SATX-HTX
Pick up another 4th or 5th gen imo. Sorry for the loss
Old May 13, 2011 | 10:44 PM
  #11  
max_dreamer's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 987
From: Dallas, Texas

no bueno man! hopefully the insurance doesnt completely rape you on pay out. my buddy "totaled" my old 96 last year... they gave him 3500 and let him keep the car... id shoot for that.

*looks for "dislikes" button*
Old May 13, 2011 | 11:52 PM
  #12  
mnml10387's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 30
Dam, that sux.
Old May 14, 2011 | 12:31 AM
  #13  
VQ'rInWLA's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (83)
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 12,655
From: West Los Doin Tha Most
what happened?
Old May 14, 2011 | 08:50 AM
  #14  
jholley's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,319
From: TN
She's definitely gone. It's not worth fixing. If your insurance doesn't offer too much then keep it for your next 4th gen or part it out. Sorry for the loss.
Old May 15, 2011 | 01:48 PM
  #15  
asand1's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,942
From: Reedsport, OR
Originally Posted by asand1
OMG HOW?
Originally Posted by Leo_Koneval
Good God, what happened!?
Originally Posted by VQ'rInWLA
what happened?
inquiring minds want to know.

Was it something like this?
Old May 16, 2011 | 04:45 AM
  #16  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
So heres the official story...

My boy took the keys off of my dresser. Drove the car and crashed it. Brought it back to my place. I woke up the next day to find it wrecked. I never gave him permission to drive and was asleep at my house the entire time.

He already reported it to his insurance and admitted his fault. they gonna cut me a check sometime this wk.

I got the car at my mech now. Yo man the car still drive like a champ. I cant really see gettin rid of it cuz it drives.

If he says $3k to fix it, then ima fix it. If he say anymore then ima get rid of it. Ima get as much from insurance as i can lol.

I think 2k for parts and another 1000 for labor. Most of the parts can be had from the junkyard. The bottom radiator support isnt even warped, jus the top. I think it can be fixed.

If not, my bro jus told me about another 4th gen MT for sale. Stay tuned
Old May 16, 2011 | 07:23 AM
  #17  
Goomz's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 708
From: new jersey
Originally Posted by cashoit
So heres the official story...

My boy took the keys off of my dresser. Drove the car and crashed it. Brought it back to my place. I woke up the next day to find it wrecked. I never gave him permission to drive and was asleep at my house the entire time.

He already reported it to his insurance and admitted his fault. they gonna cut me a check sometime this wk.

I got the car at my mech now. Yo man the car still drive like a champ. I cant really see gettin rid of it cuz it drives.

If he says $3k to fix it, then ima fix it. If he say anymore then ima get rid of it. Ima get as much from insurance as i can lol.

I think 2k for parts and another 1000 for labor. Most of the parts can be had from the junkyard. The bottom radiator support isnt even warped, jus the top. I think it can be fixed.

If not, my bro jus told me about another 4th gen MT for sale. Stay tuned

damn at least your ok, your boy is ****ed up for jackin your ride!



Originally Posted by asand1
inquiring minds want to know.

Was it something like this?
lmao i remember that vid!
Old May 16, 2011 | 09:07 AM
  #18  
turbospec's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 24
From: Tacoma, wa
Find a 4th gen with a blown motor or rod knock or something then swap it over if its that good of a runner. then part out shell and scrap the rest.
Old May 16, 2011 | 09:18 AM
  #19  
[s3]'s Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 539
Easy fix, done 2 with similar damage

bumper, fender, radiator support and paint
https://picasaweb.google.com/s3trios/MaxAndI30#

parts about $800, labor is DIY
Old May 16, 2011 | 09:52 AM
  #20  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
Originally Posted by [s3]
Easy fix, done 2 with similar damage

bumper, fender, radiator support and paint
https://picasaweb.google.com/s3trios/MaxAndI30#

parts about $800, labor is DIY
THats what im sayin man...I might do it all myself. It jus i dont have the time nor the location to do the work. Plus i kno ALOT of those bolts gonna be rusted.

I jus got back from my mech and its defintiely fixable. Sd he gonna get a list of parts and quote for labor. I told him, ima have a few goodies to reinstall:

The bumper:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1995-...Q5fAccessories

And Aftermarket headlight. And some badazz front grill.

Gotta turn this neg into a positive!!!
Old May 18, 2011 | 07:51 PM
  #21  
easttennessee's Avatar
Newbie - Just Registered
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2
good luck on getting all the parts
Old May 19, 2011 | 10:51 AM
  #22  
98nismomax's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 632
From: minnesota
Good to hear that the car is going to be fixed.
Old May 19, 2011 | 12:18 PM
  #23  
Goomz's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 708
From: new jersey
Originally Posted by cashoit
Gotta turn this neg into a positive!!!
clicks invisible "Like" tab
Old May 20, 2011 | 07:48 PM
  #24  
Boothers96's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 240
From: Sioux City, Ia
Originally Posted by goomzthegeneral
clicks invisible "Like" tab
like tab found at the bottom next to post reply lol jk

and its good to see ur not giving up on her!
Old May 23, 2011 | 11:07 AM
  #25  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
Update:

Jus settled with the insurance company. Im getting $2800 and i keep the car.

My mech quoted me 1200 for all labor, includes a paint job too. Currently in the process of putting a parts list together.
Old May 23, 2011 | 11:22 AM
  #26  
[s3]'s Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 539
Originally Posted by cashoit
Update:

Jus settled with the insurance company. Im getting $2800 and i keep the car.

My mech quoted me 1200 for all labor, includes a paint job too. Currently in the process of putting a parts list together.
Do not get NON OEM radiator supports from ebay
Old May 23, 2011 | 11:25 AM
  #27  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
Originally Posted by [s3]
Do not get NON OEM radiator supports from ebay
damn son why not??? I was about to order one. Are they crap?
Old May 23, 2011 | 11:27 AM
  #28  
[s3]'s Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 539
Originally Posted by cashoit
damn son why not??? I was about to order one. Are they crap?
I had aluminum foil on my hotdogs that lasted longer than that crap sheet metal they stapled together for those supports.

I repeat do NOT get one, they will fall apart in 6 months or less.

Spend the $100 bucks and get an OEM piece, once you get it have it painted and rust proofed inside and out.
Old May 23, 2011 | 11:30 AM
  #29  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-B...Q5fAccessories

This what i was thinkin\...it says that its made from steel??? and it has an 18 month warranty
Old May 23, 2011 | 11:34 AM
  #30  
[s3]'s Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 539
Originally Posted by cashoit
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-B...Q5fAccessories

This what i was thinkin\...it says that its made from steel??? and it has an 18 month warranty
It's made of cheap thin gauge sheet metal. You can actually bend the entire support in half if you are strong enough.

The OEM piece uses a much thicker gauge metal, however I suspect the problem with the OEM piece and why it rots is that there is no corrosion protection on the raw steel, once it gets pitted moisture sets in and the corrosion process starts.
Old May 23, 2011 | 11:47 AM
  #31  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
damn i see what u mean. But then the OEM is wicked more expensive and i didnt want to go new with the part. Suggestions?
Old May 23, 2011 | 11:50 AM
  #32  
[s3]'s Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 539
Originally Posted by cashoit
damn i see what u mean. But then the OEM is wicked more expensive and i didnt want to go new with the part. Suggestions?
It's only $50 or so more than the ebay one.

You can cheap out on all the other parts

Fender, hood, bumper, radiator, etc

I will be doing an I30 radiator support in a few weeks, can't wait. hahahaha
Old May 23, 2011 | 11:53 AM
  #33  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
what u mean is 50 bucks more? The entire support from courtesy is 400 lol.

only the top support is bent on my car. But i noticed the bottom support was starting to rust thats why i wanted the entire part.

I have never seen the support. Will the upper and lower bolt on??
Old May 23, 2011 | 11:58 AM
  #34  
[s3]'s Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 539
Originally Posted by cashoit
what u mean is 50 bucks more? The entire support from courtesy is 400 lol.

only the top support is bent on my car. But i noticed the bottom support was starting to rust thats why i wanted the entire part.

I have never seen the support. Will the upper and lower bolt on??
http://www.courtesyparts.com/62530m-...-p-126547.html

This is the only important part you want, the rest of it you can junkyard/ebay whatever.

And YES you can weld the ebay top portions onto the OEM bottom piece

Last edited by [s3]; May 23, 2011 at 12:00 PM.
Old May 23, 2011 | 12:04 PM
  #35  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
i see what u mean man. Get the bottom support.

Alright man i hear u: there is a reason why it cost 80 bucks for the ENTIRE support. Lemme jus ask these last two questions...how many of these have u used before? And lookin at my pic above of damage...do i need the side supports for the radiator as well?
Old May 23, 2011 | 12:11 PM
  #36  
[s3]'s Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 539
Originally Posted by cashoit
i see what u mean man. Get the bottom support.

Alright man i hear u: there is a reason why it cost 80 bucks for the ENTIRE support. Lemme jus ask these last two questions...how many of these have u used before? And lookin at my pic above of damage...do i need the side supports for the radiator as well?
I have done 3 maximas with the Ebay ones, they have all come back one reason or another, some are because.

1) the welded nuts where the center support bolts in with the 2 17mm bolts (fell apart, welds broke) car makes irritating noise

2) the bottom support rusted apart, the sheet metal actually peeled which is pretty impressive ( i should have taken pics)

3) rust and corrosion issues mainly

For $80 its a cheap fix, if you don't mind doing radiator supports yearly. My stock one lasted like 8 years before it crumbled.

The I30 that I will be doing is also on the stock support from 1997, finally fell apart.

You can salvage your side supports, the funny thing is I've taken apart so many gen 4s, all the problems start at the same places.
Old May 23, 2011 | 12:18 PM
  #37  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
cheap chinese junk from ebay.... i hear u man and thank you.

Ima spend da money and do it right!
Old May 23, 2011 | 12:27 PM
  #38  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
used radiator support $125 from the junkyard. Boo yah!
Old Jul 1, 2011 | 05:13 AM
  #39  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA
Ok Boys..... One month and 2800 bucks of insurance money later....IM BACK ON THE ROAD!!!!

Car still driving good and riding good. No major issues. But there are some minor issues i gots to take care of.

Im getting CEL for P0443, Evap canister purge valve. I replaced the valve with one from the junkyard and still getting the code. I checked both the old and replacement per FSM and they both check out to spec. I checked the harnesses and tubes and everything looks good. IDK why this code keeps coming up. thoughts?


My AC isnt working. Looks like the Mech didnt replace the drier and AC line from the condensor to the drier. Ima take care of this no problem.

My fuel economy seems a lil worse. But the car has been sitting for awhile so ima do an oil change, clean the grounds, MAF, and TB. Check my plugs. Its not terrible but def cd be better.

Lastly, my damn horn doesnt work. im hoping that when the mech replaced the driver airbag, he jus forgot to connect the harness. I checked the horn relay and it checks out good. I put 12 volts to the horn and they work.

All in all, its cool man. Got my maxi back and some work to do.


Now the pics!
Old Jul 1, 2011 | 05:17 AM
  #40  
cashoit's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,005
From: Worcester, MA

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:45 AM.