Ok, I posted on here a while back about my 95 (said it was 97, somethings elude to a 95 -- not much of a difference) maxima that potentially had a blown HG.
It does have a blown HG. It also has a problem with a fuel valve somewhere... It starts rough if it sits... Not a massive problem.

My choices are as follows:
A. Drop a new engine in (cheaper and better in the long run then getting a HG fix) and throw money at this beast until it can beat your grandpa's corvette at the light.
B. Buy a Camrao or something...

I have a budget of about 10k (maybe more) for option A.
Option b's budget is a bit bigger because I can finance and stuff so... Yeah.

If I take option A and all the repairs it might cost me in the future, what upgrades should I get?
I'm thinking SC, new interior flare (it's a bit... worn...), possibly a new transmission (I have a 4spd auto atm), new wheels, and custom exhaust c;
I've already installed a CAI.

What else should I get? I welcome suggestions for both maintenance and performance. This is a 20 year old car and I don't want random systems failing on me.. I have the money to replace this car from the inside out.

 

If I had $10,000 to spend, I would buy two really nice 4th gens at an average cost of $1,500 each and spend another $3,500 on each to make them drive, ride, handle, and perform as "good as" or "better than" new.

Wait a minute! I did that already.

 

lol

I only need one car though, and I want this one to be MAXed out. I do want it to run well though, which is my main concern for dumping money into this thing. Will I have to KEEP dumping money into it and making runs to the mechanic if I go with option A?

 

Spend about $3000 on a 4th gen Infiniti I30. No, you shouldn't have to pour money into it. I got my I30 5 years ago and I have spent under $1000 for upkeep, including 4 new Michelin tires that cost a total of $400. So, minus the tires, I have only put about $600 into the car in 5 years.

 

Do you have some strong attachment to this car? I've sunk way more than 10k into my car, but I've owned it for 14 years, and am very attached to it. But you're new to the forum, so I'm guessing you're not quite in the same position. My recommendation? Junk the car and get something better with your money. No Maxima is a good platform if you're interested in racing, you'll just be throwing money down the drain. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about.

 

I've been thinking along these lines... I'm not attached *at all*. I bought the thing for dirt cheap a month ago.

I'm very open to recommendations.

 

Do you need 4 doors? 4/5 seats? FWD/AWD/RWD? Manual trans mandatory? Do you prefer power over handling?

 

4 doors is not manditory. 4 seats would be *nice*, but not manditory. RWD or AWD. I can work with any transmission (grown up on auto, can learn manual). Power > handling.

 

350Z, Genesis 3.8 Coupe, V8 Mustang or Camaro, and WRX are all better performance options than a Maxima. Take your pick! If on the other hand you're more into handling, things like the Miata, BRZ, and S2000 would all be fantastic options and can be found in your price range.

 

I've been looking at 370Z's, mid range mustangs and high-end camaros, so it seems like I've been in the right market... I'll keep looking around. Thanks for the advice!!

 

WHOA. 350Zs are CHEAP if you buy them a few years old. GOOD ones are under 10 grand .o.

Any recommendations for year or things too look out for? Why are these SO cheap?

 

Last time I pm ed you, money was a big issue.

You had done a block test, and the liquid stayed blue. Which indicated that the head gasket was good. I told you to buy a new radiator. Then you dissapeared till now. So what happened? ???

Your car is old and has rust issues. While it makes sense to keep it around as a beater, I cannot understand whyou would want to spend big bucks on this particular car.

If you really do like the 4th gen cars that much, buy the best one you can find from a part of the country where road salt is not used. Or the Infinity g 30, as another member said.

 

You should also learn to drive the manual transmission cars. Much more fun.

Consider also that insurance is much higher on some cars, and lower on others.

Some performance cars get beat on, then disposed of. That's why they are cheap. They need big $$$ to bring back.

BMW for example.

 

Sorry for falling off the face of the planet!! My money and my disappearance are actually linked -- I'm working full time now.

The radiator did stop the radiator leak (obviously), but I was still overheating, I still have a seemingly infinite amount of air in the coolant (burped for an hour with a spill-free funnel) and when I changed the oil it came out all chocolaty....

I'm thinking a used 350z. I can find them for just under 10k

 

Good to know... I do want to learn manual for sure

 

Did you ever replace the radiator?

It's likely to have a hole in it. Thats where all the air comes from.

 

Ok, so it appears that you changed out the radiator.

Still infinite air. Possible leaky hose.

Chocolate oil. Hm.... did more chocolate come out than the amount of oil you added? And by about the same amount as the coolant dropped?

If this is the case, scrap the car, and find another car which is more to your liking.

Your car does not sound like it is worth spending much money on. You will not be able to sell it for any thing close to what you spend on it.

 

To be honest if it needs little cosmetic work here and there and doesn't have rust issues. I'd use the Maxima as a luxury vehicle only for looks as I do think that the 4th gen body lines can look sporty if its done right. If you plan to race it, then yeah Maxima wouldn't be the route for that.

350Z would be your Nissan brother. Maxima for looks, and 350Z for "racing or performance" purposes. I've learned to keep the Maxima stock under the hood, maintain it, make sure its running good and also maintaining cosmetic appearance. Or even an old 240sx, 300zx are fun to drive. That's the next car I would pick.

But that's just my opinion, you do what what feels right for you. Live your life the way that makes sense to you. Don't fall into what other people want. Cause in the end you will live someone else's life. It's your money, you do whatever you want to do with it. As long as your not hurting anyone else.

 

Thanks for the replies guys... Decided to buy a new car. I'm in the market for a 350z.

 

That makes sense for what you want to do.

You might want to check how much car insurance is for those before you buy one.

Otherwise, have fun!

 

i pay 67.00 a month for insurance on both my maxima and my 07 3.3 sonata ( 73,000 ) and i'm getting an intake leak fixed on the maxima monday if it's cheap enough. every time i go to get rid of the maxima i look at it rust and all and remember just how many good times i've had in her and say "f" it!!