Hello all,

Well, just got back home from a test drive of a -99 Maxima with the small V6 engine that was sold here in Europe to reduce taxes, 2.0l and around 140 BHP. Yeah, it is not fast, but I am not looking for a fast car
Witch brings me to my quest for help,
Any tip on what to look out for when buying one?

There is no rust , 2 owners car with 287636 KM, all service done at local dealer.
Yes, the paint is faded and it has some marks here and there, but nothing big, the rims are all messed up, but that's it.
All things work.

I know that the 3.0 V6 is a very solid engine, same with the 2.0l?
How often do one need to do the timing chain?
Good things is that the transmission is not a CVT, so less problems there to.

The car will be a 2 car, for taking trips now and then, me going camping/fishing and so.
I do like the look and feel of the Maxima, feels solid and had a good ride to it, low priced luxury, but how is it today, reliable?

Thanks for looking and helping.

 

The timing chain does not need to be replaced.
There is a timing chain tensioner which might need to be replaced eventually if it hasn't been already.
You will hear timing chain rattle when that time comes.

The water pump is driven by the timing chain.
That will need replacement eventually. The timing chain tensioner will need to be removed to do that. So replace the tensioner as well at that time.

This looks like a nice car. The car has traveled less than most of our cars.

Seems like the dealer took care of it well.

Will you take the car to a mechanic for service, or will you work on it your self?

 

The 2.0 engine has the same architecture as the 3.0.

it's a very reliable engine.

Your car should have the same relatively minor or moderate issues as ours.

The fuel injectors will leak at some point and need to be replaced or rebuilt. It's a good ide to replace all three of those under tge manifold if one of them leaks.

The water pump will need to be replaced someday.
it's quite a bit of work because it lives inside the engine

The electric portion of the ignition switch tends to wear out too often. The starter motor needs to be replaced from time to time.

Its possible that some of these items were replaced by tge previous owner.

All in all, the car tends to be reliable and fun.

I've had mine close to 16 years and have driven it 180,000 km. My car has the equivalent of 354,000km

 

Hi and thanks for the reply and good information.
Well, yes, I will try and do some work myself, but not sure I will jump on the water pump/tensioner.....Maybe, if I can find a good video and take my time.
But, the water pump and tensioner was done at 200 000km, at the same time was also the starter motor replaced.
No information on the fuel injectors.

All 4 rotes and new pads these fall, so that is ok.

How often do you change oil on the gearbox?
Also, I do not mind the non leather seats at all, not as cold when on jump in the seat during winter.

I think I will pull the trigger enthuse one, it is a nice car, from a time when things where more real than they are today.

 

Just noticed that the top/intake manifold is different than the one on the US engines.
Was it delivered in Japan also, or just here in Europe?
Pro and cons to these on?

 

Unfortunately (for you), I don't know of anybody in the North American market that can give you any real life experience on that 2.0.

I don't think any were ever sent here.

Do a search on this 4th gen forum area for members in Europe that might be in a better position to advise!

Best of luck!

 

As I recall, the engine is much the same as the 3.0
the 2.0 has narrower cylinder bores.

Also the intake manifold is obviously quite different.

 

Thanks for the tip, will do so.

 

I don't know specifically which countries had that intake. Years ago someone here coined the term MEVI because it was available on cars from the Middle East. At higher RPMs (5,000+) a chamber opens to increase power. Basically it trades low end torque for top end power. It was a common mod. I had one and it was only beneficial if you like to rev the engine.

 

+1 The mighty MEVI (Middle Eastern Variable Intake Manifold).

 

Thanks. Interesting. Need to learn more about these type.
But, all in all, I will buy the car.