This was my get out of debt car....

A very green, very used 95 Max GLE. Previous owner, teenage girl. Previous maintenance...wait...what?

Purchased in 2014 for $740, leaking water pump and a dead miss...oh and dry rotted tires, and a huge lump where the spare tire goes in the trunk (I'm thinking something big rolled under the whole car). 190K on the clock.

First thing, removed the flower print seat covers and steering wheel cover...then fix the car...
So I fixed the WP - which went from a couple hour job to a 2 day job. It had so much corrosion I had to lift the motor up a bit and remove the timing covers...then a torch and a hammer to get it out. Yeah! Went ahead and did the timing tensioner while I was at it. Then 4 new tires, new plugs, new fuel filter, new knock sensor, 1 new injector (of course, under the plenum...where else?) and a couple other minor things and it was up and running.

Been driving since, we are at 240K today. Still runs ok but here is the list of problems:

Transmission gets stuck in 3rd sometimes. Have to manually drop to 1 to "remind it"...then it's ok for awhile.
Front crank seal oil leak
Rear main seal oil leak
Valve cover gasket oil leaks
Radiator leaking at top tank
Coolant bypass pipes seeping at connections
A/C Compressor bearing gone (has been bypassed)
Heat stuck on - electronic blend door control is stuck in heat mode (I just bypass the core in summer).
PS pump starting to grind when cold / PS leak from somewhere "in the middle"
Random misfire that comes and goes (suspect another injector but hasn't set a code yet)
Cat busted up inside (rattles when you shake the exhaust)
Driver's axle tore the boot a long time ago, beginning to click on turns
Passenger front wheel just took a curb (needs wheel and tire now...yay)
All struts are long gone
Front end has some wander in it - bushings are all dried and long gone
Leather back seat has a huge rip...thinking it was a dog
Bose amplifiers in the speakers add "seasoning" to the music
Windshield washer tank busted, no washy-washy
Battery is going south...lots of seepage out of the top plus it's old
Smell of raw gas when running in cold weather...this is new, still haven't had time to check this one.


So what does work? It drives pretty good - well did until the tire thing.... Still gets me to work. All 4 windows roll down. Gets about 22MPG...not complaining. Cruise control all good! Power seats still move. Leaks aren't really bad, just gotta keep an eye on fluids, have to top up occasionally. Powerful car if you really put your foot into it. And so far, it hasn't left me anywhere...but it does take a while to start if it's warm already.

So...is it time to move on folks? I'm at a point where I can afford an upgrade, this car has served its intended purpose. I've been riding the gravy train while this thing kept running. It does get hot down here in Texas tho....

 

The car is not worth much, and has been badly neglected.

If you like the 4th gen maximas, buy one in better condition, then sell yours.

 

Find a Lower mileage, less problems, body in good condition. Sell the current one.

 

time for a truck.

 

So, here is what I'm thinking


Sure go ahead and get you another car.

That car is somewhat unique to people who want to tune the car because of what year it is and that it is a mt. But it needs...everything... so prolly not gonna get much for it when you sell it...


But if the itch hits you to modify it, you (in theory) have a good starting platform to play with.

 

It's not thaaaat unique. It's an automatic.
Remember it's a GLE.