caseymaxima

iTrader: (1)

I need some advice on what car I should keep. My current daily driver is 1996 Nissan Maxima, perhaps the best car I have ever owned. I truly enjoy every minute of driving it! I can't think of a vehicle I enjoy more.
I have recently been presented with the opportunity to have a 2002 4WD Highlander (3.0 V6 - sludge motor) with 57,000 miles on it. I have driven the Highlander all summer and have put almost 8,000 miles on it (lots of road trips), and it has not burned any oil, so perhaps this one has been well maintained so as not to have a sludge issue.

My uncle purchased the Highlander from a friend of his in November 2011 (the friend drove it infrequently), and he assumed that it would replace his 99 Ford Explorer that is falling apart. Well it turns out that he does not like driving the Highlander at all and wants to buy a new Explorer. So he said if I want the Highlander it is mine, and he will trade in the 99 Explorer and either the Highlander or my Maxima.
The downside to my Maxima is a good amount of rust (rockers, wheel well, and a spot in the trunk. The Maxi also has over 160,000 miles. This summer I just replaced both CV joints and an EGR valve, almost $500 worth of work.
What do you think? Is the sludge motor a huge issue? The last two oil changes in the Highlander I have used full synthetic oil, I assume that will help?
So what would you do?


Zack

grksoccerkid91

iTrader: (4)

we've had 2 of those motors in the past, my 1997 avalon had about 160k miles on it before i pulled the motor, which i honestly didn't have to, but at the time i had it supercharged with a trd s/c and had a better 3.3 block going in, my dad had a 99 sienna with 190k miles and everything still worked perfect but he wanted to get something smaller and more luxury so he got a volvo v70, my cousin also had a 99 solara with the same 1mz and shes around 110k miles and doesn't take care of the car at all, only problem it has is a small valve cover leak. those motors are extremely reliable. the vq is more fun, but the 1mz is bulletproof. i still drive my avalon when my maxima is down (turbo 2k2 6speed) and i can rely on that thing running everday and it has a stock 2mz (japanese version of the motor, 2.5 liter)

the sludge isn't a huge issue at all. if you're getting it for free and you like the drive of it i'd say go for it. the maxima is a bit more fun but the highlander will be easier and less worry and possibly more comfortable.

01bluemax

i'd go w/ the highlander. you'd be getting a much newer vehicle w/ lower miles. just do all the routine maintenance and it'll run forever.

DCZC

I really love the A32/33 platforms but given the condition and value of the car, compounded with the fact that 4th gens keep getting more affordable and plentiful. Take the highlander and run. Much longer life left most likely and much nicer DD, IMHO

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, the maxima is only a bit more fun than an SUV lol


Given that the A32 has rust you should cut it loose and sell it. 4th gens are cheap now and you may be able to find a clean one later. I picked my I30 from LA in august last year. 150K miles and NO RUST.