Long story! I was given this car and was told an oil leak was fixed. Hardly drove it and suddenly very low on oil. Then starter went out so when I took it to mechanic he fixed starter but never addressed my concerns of exhaust seeming very smoky. Said “probably just condensation”. I drive home and it’s smoking like crazy. I have another mechanic look at it and he said there was gas in the exhaust-very unsafe.
Im ready to just junk it at this point but any thoughts or insights appreciated. Really sucks after spending $ on a new starter and other work friend put into car before he gifted it to me.

 

It ran great before the work? It doesn't misfire right now? Any warning lights on? Could be a bad injector.

Can you post pictures of the engine? Are all the ignition coils and the opposite end of the harness plugged in? Vacuum and emissions hoses connected correctly?

 

I’m charging the battery and will do my best to answer your other questions after I start it again.

 

The smoking and fuel in the exhaust is due to failing/failed fuel injectors.

Either have yours rebuilt or purchase new or rebuilt ones.

Junking it is up to you but keep in mind … these are cars you absolutely DO NOT see on the road everyday … if that means anything.

Clean up that engine compartment too.

 

I’m not sure if you mean you don’t see these cars often on the road means it’s because they don’t last? I appreciate all the input, thank you!!!

 

They do last. But, just like a relationship, not without attention and a little effort.

You don’t see them because they’re exceedingly rare nowadays.

They’re exceedingly rare nowadays because, as they age and require some level of maintenance or repair, folks typically would rather simply throw them away and buy something new than keep them in good operating condition while spending multitudes more $$ on that something new.

The 4th Gen Nissan Maxima has been identified time and time again, over the years, as one of the best, highest quality vehicles ever. The Nissan VQ30 has also been identified as one of the 10 best engines on the planet.

Do what you feel is right for you, but junking your classic JDM Maxima on accounta it needs some maintenance would be a shame … but that’s just me and I’m old, persnickety and opinionated.

 

I very much appreciate your input and am rethinking what to do. Money is an issue(shocker!)but I think I need an evaluation by a mechanic to help me make the best decision. I really am grateful for your opinion!

 

So.... What's your location so we can get a feel what mechanics cost.. Cause all states aren't the same.

How mechanically inclined are you and do you have any experience repairing cars? And what about tools? Mechanics' fees are anywhere from 2/3 to 90 percent of any repairs, and the parts and materials are the rest... If that isn't motivation to learn?

If you junk this car, do you have the money to buy something really reliable, cause with the price of new cars, USED cars are now overpriced as a result.

The assorted gaskets and parts and rebuilt Fuel Injectors run somewhere up to $200 without labor, for doing a quality job yourself. And maybe another $100 if you want to replace other things that can go bad while going that deep into disassembly and reassembly. Which just about any of us long time owners will say is a must. Maybe you have family and/or friends, if it is over your head.

Look at the price of a RELIABLE used car and maybe you won't have any other choice, but to fix it yourself?

Oh Yeah, what year and how many miles?

Hope this helps!

 

Just as a little bit of trivia and maybe in support of you keeping your car …

In March of 1999, I bought my ‘99 brand spanking new off the local dealer show room floor. Literally off Ferman Nissan of Tampa’s show room floor.

My wife and I financed it and it’s been paid for since 2002.

Since it’s payoff, I’ve kept pretty obsessive records related to repairs, repair costs and the costs of the upgrades I’ve installed.

Granted, over the years I’ve done a good amount of the repairs and upgrades in my garage, but some have been done by local mechanics as well.

Routine maintenance costs have not gone into my overall calculation on accounta those are things everyone has to do to every vehicle.

Bottom-line here is, and some of you guys have likely heard this preaching from me before, since my car has been paid for, totaling all of my repairs and unneeded upgrades as well, my monthly car payment equivalent sits right around $38/mo.

Don’t even try to tell me that’s not a friggin bargain.

And so you know, I’m telling you this to encourage you and I hope it helps.

Also, I have to say in all honesty, for me at least, I’ve not come across any new or newer vehicle that attracts me or would give me anywhere near the satisfaction and pride of ownership that my 26 year old JDM gives me … that’s meant as encouragement too.

 

Accurate. It is nearly ALWAYS cheaper to repair and maintain a paid for car than it is to buy a new one. Sure...those axles may cost 1k to have a shop replace them but that's roughly 45 days worth of car payments. On day 46 you're saving money.