My parents want to sell me their 2000 maxima. They just purchased it off the lease. It has almost all the features, like leather, power everything etc.

It has only 7,000 miles on it, because my mom never drives. They just leased the Murano and love it.

My question is my mom always puts in "cheap" gas.. like regular 87 octane gas.. from Costco or wherever..

I keep telling her to put preminum in it.. and she wont listen.. I noticed the engine has a knocking/pinging sound.. when you really step on the gas..

My dad put in some higher grade gas and says it is less noticeable but I can still hear it somewhat..

My question is did the "cheap" gas damage the car in anyway? Is it fixable and is it still worth buying?

 

Probably didn't hurt the car one bit. I would take it in to get the ignition coils looked at and the sooner the better since the coils are probably under the 3/36 warranty. Buy it (if they are not ripping you off), 7k mi is not even broken in (I'm serious on that point).

 

Agreed probably no long term damage, but I'm not positive. At worst it would be so minimal you're not likely to ever realize it. Obviously these cars work best with premium, not just because of the knocking you mentinoed (knock sensors aren't perfect), but because you're significantly losing power on a low octane.

I've used 93 on my 2000 forever and the knocking got worse and worse until recently I changed all the coils and boom problem gone. Some days it was bad. Once I remember the car was cold and in third gear I thought the engine would blow itself apart. Anyway, I got new coils and problem gone If you can replicate this you should bring it into Nissan, although I am thinking your 3 year part of your 3/36 is probably gone, and they do NOT cover these under powertrain.

Order from Dave Burnette for $310 shipped and install yourself (easy).

 

I guess I spoke a little too soon..

Last night I talked to my dad and he said when they bought it off the lease they had everything checked. New brake jobs etc. He also says he has been putting in prem. gas and doesnt notice the problem anymore.

I have been driving the car last night and didnt know notice the sound..

I am just glad to hear its not a serious issue..

My SES light came came on - on my 4th gen max. I cant drive it till it's fixed so I am driving the 00 and so far so good..

I think I will buy it January when I have the money..

I am excited.. I want to tint the windows - clear the corners etc. but I think it need a new grill too? I want bigger rims but that can wait..

So look for me on the 5th gen board now