Spider-Man

Hello everybody.

I'm thinking about coming back to the world of Maximas.
I had a 1996 GLE that cost me about $2000 in repairs over 3 months, but it was a blast to drive. I got rid of it because I couldn't get the headlights lined up after the previous owner crashed it.

Anyway, I'm looking at this 1997 GLE (based on the chrome door handles?). Is there anything I should look for specifically?

From my last Maxima, I replaced the entire exhaust system from the y-pipe and back, all 4 struts and shocks, and I replaced the lower radiator support (which was even worse than normal because of the accident damage.).

I remember that my auto trans had a little kick going from 1st to 2nd, and I read on this forum that that was normal. Dose the 1997 have the same issue?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/da...316294862.html

I'm guessing the grill was removed for looks. If there is even a hint of a prior accident, I won't even consider it.

Thanks

Fakie J Farkerton

iTrader: (51)

Lower radiator support rusts out.
That's my main concern.
Fair price for sure though.

Maxima_Joe

iTrader: (384)

Well that Maxima on CL isn't a 97. It's a 95-96 but based on the wheels it's a GLE. I would be leary on the mileage actually being 130k as well.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Yea, run from that listing. It's misrepresented, HUGE red flag!

Spider-Man

Yeah. I don't know how I missed the year differences. The guy says it doesn't have leather, but in the picture, it looks like it has chrome door handles. I'm trying to run a carfax, but the vin I got isn't any good. I guess I'll just wait for the carfax to see what's really up.

Spider-Man

Figured it out. Had a major front-end collision in 2005 and another in 2011 with a traffic light. Carfax says its a 1997, so they must have replaced the bumper with 1996 parts. Definitely looking elsewhere. Thanks for the help, guys.

clive

saved by Carfax! Say, will Carfax work with the VIN or does it need a plate number?

Spider-Man

What about this one?

http://stcloud.craigslist.org/cto/4312213243.html

I don't know how much of the parts replaced on the list are common problems, but if I can pay a little more for a car that's not going to cost me $1000 in work, it seems like a good deal.

This one has a spotless Carfax. I'm guessing it's a GLE based on the options, but I don't know.

Spider-Man

You get 5 VIN searches and unlimited license plate searches for $55 for 30 days. Definitely worth it if you're shopping cars.

Amerikaner83

iTrader: (17)

you are correct it's a GLE. GLE had the trunk badge, which you can just make out in the first pic

Not a bad price, but I question a few things...is this a dealer of some sort? I ask because XLE is a trim level of a Toyota Camry, not a Maxima. Also, we don't have "transmission filters" in our cars, and dude is claiming the tranny filter was replaced.

I'd probably offer 1750 and settle at 2k.

Maxima_Joe

iTrader: (384)

This car actually looks like a real good deal. If it were one of my cars I would be asking more for it then there asking. Was it an out of state car? Mileage all checks out on the Carfax?

Spider-Man

It's a dealer. He didn't seem to bright when I called him. Carfax says the mileage is 160,000, but I'll have to look at the odometer myself, because he might just been a clerical error. Everything looked good on the carfax, so i'm hoping it's a good car. I called today, and he said it was getting a fuel pump done and would be ready by Saturday. Do fuel pumps usually go out on these cars (like in GMs) or is that a red flag?

Spider-Man

As far as the transmission filter goes, i'm guessing that this guy has a very general knowledge about cars, and his garage just have the car "the usual." It just seems like a typical dealer litany of positive phrases to me. I'll know myself when I take a look at the undercarriage, the oil, the tranny fluid, and the shocks if it's actually a good car.

Maxima_Joe

iTrader: (384)

No fuel pumps are not a common problem for the Maxima. It probably won't fix the problem with the car but that means you can get it cheaper if you want to do some work yourself. What date does Carfax show the mileage at 160k?

I also sent you a PM.

Spider-Man

Not sure about the mileage. But what's funny is, I was going to look at it yesterday but I got sick. Checked the posting to see if it was still up, and they put the price up $100. ???. It's been up for 10 days. I guess they don't understand business.