I'm buying a used auto '02 SE .. any tips on what to look for that might indicate the car isn't worth buying?

Thanks

 

overall, the car is worth buying. obviously ask about major accident or major repairs. and also ask if it has had all of the TSBs repaired (gas pedal stopper, transverse link...etc...)

 

The thing to think about is that the car is still under warranty. If the price seems not right, too low, then it's possible something has happened to it. Look inside the engine compartment and look to see if the vin numbers are still on the frame. Also if there is paint on the vin plate chances are it has had front end damage. You can also look around inside the grill to see if there is any overspray of paint on the radiator or things exposed to freeflowing air. Take it for a test drive and check how smooth the brakes are. If it is a 2002 then the brakes should feel very smooth. If not than I would reconsider another max. These are just some of the things to look for.

 

Definitely give the paint the 3rd degree lookover. When i test drove a couple used ones and bought mine the paint looked fine. When i went back to buy i really looked hard and there was a whole lot of chips. It's gonna happen anyway, but at least you'll know how many you put on. I would also check the tires, sometimes they've just been abused and the bad ones get put on the back where they're a little more difficult to check. Hmm. And maybe get it on the highway and stomp the gas from about a 10mph roll and check to see if there's any hesitation on the 1->2 shift.

Good luck !

 

I agree with the posts above.

Check the paint, especially the front bumper, for chips and scratches.

Check the interior carpet as well. My previous used 2k GXE had red ink or paint spilled on the carpet. Dealer covered it up with tan paint. It looked ok, but the carpet was rough to the touch.

Check engine performance. Test drive and really open it up. Even used it should have good throttle response and quiet idle. Listen for any type of unusual noises.

Check for warped rotors. If you feel vibrations in the steering wheels while you are braking, the rotors are warped.

Of course, don't look for these minor details and overlook the obvious signs of trouble: car pulls hard to one side, steering is difficult to control, car appears twisted, paint doesn't match all around, car doesn't start, etc..

 

What means rotors are warped?

 

if you're going 60 MPH,you come to a stop light, you put your foot on the break and you can feel the car and the steering wheel vibrating excessively then it probably means your rotors are warped.

 

Happens often with 5th gen Maximas. Mine warped after 1000 miles. The dealership put 212 miles on the car and possibly damaged them then.

 

Tere are some in the rental fleets which get turned over yearly. I would be leary of those. Having said that, the warranty should protect you.

 

Are you buying it from a nissan dealer? If not, bring it to one and have them check it. They'll probably do it for free. If you are buying it from a nissan dealer, bring it to someone local, or to another nissan dealer and have it checked.

Do you know a mechanic? My mother contributes bottles of wine to a local guy, so we get good service. I brought a car there to have it checked out and offered him $50 to "make sure there isn't a reason not to buy the car." He turned down my $50 and checked the car anyway. He found stuff I never would have seen or thought to look at (something about a "boot" near the front axle "throwing grease"... greek to me) and I didn't buy that car.

But I did give him a bottle of wine when I brought the next car in .

You may think $50, or $35, or whatever is a lot of money to have a mechanic tell you not to buy a car. Well, it may cost a lot more down the road if you don't get it checked and buy a dud.