Thinking about buying a maxima
09-06-2017, 07:51 PM
#2
Very reliable.
Check for rust if it's from an area where rust is a problem.
Of course check for problems common on any older car.
There are a few common problems but not too many you can really check for if it's running fine.
Some of the 3.5 liter cars have oil burning issues but it's hard to tell without putting some miles on it.
There will be some preventative things you'll want to do if you get it but none of them are too big of a deal.
It'll probably need suspension mounts and other wear items but parts are readily available. These cars are worth fixing up as long as they're not rusted out, wrecked or overly monkeyed with and hacked on.
I have an 02 with over 230,000 and an 00 with over 300,000.
I've had very few issues since buying them both in 2004.
Check for rust if it's from an area where rust is a problem.
Of course check for problems common on any older car.
There are a few common problems but not too many you can really check for if it's running fine.
Some of the 3.5 liter cars have oil burning issues but it's hard to tell without putting some miles on it.
There will be some preventative things you'll want to do if you get it but none of them are too big of a deal.
It'll probably need suspension mounts and other wear items but parts are readily available. These cars are worth fixing up as long as they're not rusted out, wrecked or overly monkeyed with and hacked on.
I have an 02 with over 230,000 and an 00 with over 300,000.
I've had very few issues since buying them both in 2004.
Last edited by Derrick2k2SE; 09-06-2017 at 07:54 PM.
09-07-2017, 08:12 AM
#4
The third gear crunch and the 3.5 burning oil are common problems. Maybe with that mileage you should check if any of the cats have been replaced.
My 2000 now has 537,000km's and it's still driven daily. Very few problems with that car. The 2003's reliability record is not good, at all. But it's possible I bought a lemon.
My 2000 now has 537,000km's and it's still driven daily. Very few problems with that car. The 2003's reliability record is not good, at all. But it's possible I bought a lemon.
09-08-2017, 06:43 AM
#5
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In 220,000 miles, I think only the alternator, an EVAP sensor, and one coil have gone bad that wasn't the direct result of something I've done. I have issues with axles because I'm lowered, and I've had suspension bits fail in the past (also from modding). I wouldn't hesitate for a second to drive clear across the country in my '02 6-speed.
09-08-2017, 09:13 AM
#6
In 220,000 miles, I think only the alternator, an EVAP sensor, and one coil have gone bad that wasn't the direct result of something I've done. I have issues with axles because I'm lowered, and I've had suspension bits fail in the past (also from modding). I wouldn't hesitate for a second to drive clear across the country in my '02 6-speed.
in 219,000 (owned for 145k) regular things, alternator, radiator, blower fan, exhaust components, batteries, thermostat, evap, suspension components, tie rod ends, to name a few.... oh rear brakes tend to be light on lifespan compared to other cars,
the rest would be mods or upgrades, or desired upgrades blended w maintence.
09-14-2017, 07:27 AM
#7
Check your oil every week or 2. My 2003 6 speed burned about a 1/2 quart every 1500 miles, I knew when it needed oil because on hills the timing chain would make a rattling sound. It had 149k miles on it when I traded it for my 2010 Murano. Aside from the normal wear and tear items I think the 5.5 gen Maxima is a great car.