aw89maxSE

iTrader: (3)

I posted awhile back looking for opinions about 4th and 5th gens and you guys persuaded to me to go with the 5th gen . I just have a couple questions about stuff before I pick one up:

What should I make sure is working properly before buying?

How hard are fogs to install on 5th gens that don't come with them?

Do you need spacers for 18x8 inch rims with tires of 235/18/40?

.....I thought I had more questions but I am having a mind blank right now haha

I'll post more later. Also, stickies FTW

5thgenmaxima

iTrader: (1)

Everything. If something doesn't work properly that drops your offering price per item. You can see the rear coils on the 00/01 5th gens really easily by popping the hood. If they don't have grey dots expect a purchase of about $380 in your future. Also check the trans fluid to make sure it isn't burnt, air filter/pcv valve to see if they keep maintaince up. Compare front/rear tires to see if he burned them alot. If they are different brands that's a good sign it was abused. Check for proper tire wear. While test driving get on it and let off right before shifts to check for slippage. Look at his oil change sticker to see when the last time it was changed. (assuming they didn't do it themselves.) Ask for service records and if the maintaince was done regulary)Check for touch up paint and covered surface rust. There's more, but I can't think of any right now.
But there are plenty of how-to's in the forum. I don't think I recall seeing any 5th gens with holes for fogs w/o fogs already installed, but it's very likely I coul be wrong.
Again not sure, check tirerack for packages they will show packages with everything you need for 18" tires.

frankd121

iTrader: (1)

1.) If i recall correctly, there's just a plastic piece in the place of the fog light location. I'm not sure how easy they come out, but it should be feasible.

2.) If you get the right offset, then you don't need spacers. Just get wheels with a correct offset and you'll be fine.

aw89maxSE

iTrader: (3)

I'm only gonna buy from a dealer, but I will make sure to get the stuff checked that you guys have listed off. About the coils; what are the grey spots all about?

Most of the 5th gens I have seen around here for sale have to plastic vent things in for fogs so I want to replace those unless I get one that already comes with them.

As for the wheels, I already have the rims and tires so I guess we will have to wait and see if they fit ok

MrGone

iTrader: (30)

Arron, if I have some time and you want, I can go with you or stop by the dealer before you buy to give the car a once over.





Taitor


btw, go for an SE if you can. They have fogs from the factory, cooler looking gauges (IMHO), slightly sportier ride, etc. Great choice going for a 5th gen, it's what I would do

The wheels depend on the offset but I don't think you will have a problem but not certain on that.

aw89maxSE

iTrader: (3)

cool I'll let you know when I find one

don't know if I can get an SE, but I'll do my best

I will still be satisified if it's not. It's all about the 00 5th gen at this point

Whtmax'01

Some 5th generations have the faulty precats and I've know a few dealers to reset the ecu so codes are not thrown when the customer test drives the car. After about 100 miles or so the SES light would pop up. So maybe you might want to question the dealer on possibilty of precat failure.

hamzer11

iTrader: (2)

Installing the fogs is very very easy, specially if you get the factory kit, which comes with everything you need. It costs about $150 or less. Here is a link to the installation instruction at courtesy nissan of texas (courtesyparts.com)...

http://www.courtesyparts.com/instruc...ghtkit_01.html

Here's the general link to the kit from the same place..

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...de=B61E0-00001

super6

iTrader: (5)

there are many things to check, id do a very thorogh check of a car before buying. invest in a $45 ODBII code reader and check the car. check make sure VIAS is working, push the car on the test drive to redline a few times, make sure it doesnt die off at 5500rpms. check for leaks between engine/tranny. make sure tranny shifts smooth (auto) make sure clutch is ok if 5spd, check rotors with some braking tests, take out a few spark plugs and check for oil on them check exhaust for holes as they are very prone on 5th gens, especially etween b pipe and muffler. thats all i can think of right now, hope this helps.

scheibler

iTrader: (6)

are you absolutely set on a 5th gen? I have a 5th gen and always want that little extra step up that the 5.5 gen offers. What is your budget?