Hey guy, I just picked up an 03 Max se, pretty much optioned out with only 44,000 on the clock. I bought it from a local Carmax for what seems to be a reasonable price. I researched it before I purchased it and it seemed to be in good condition, carfax came back fine. BTW I still have sometime on the carfax so if someone needs me to run a vin let me know.

My question is this, I believe that the car sat for a really long time. This explains the low mileage. there are signs all over the car that it sat. including a note that was left on the hood etched in the paint that said "move me" The paint i can buff out. but what should I be looking for in a car that sat. I plan on taking it down to a Nissan stealership and having the plugs, belts, and fluids changed, but is there something else that I should be looking for? it idols a little rough as compared to my 96 max however the engine and (auto) tranny seem strong.

I also know that the car was painted, but I took it to a local body shop and the guy assured me that the car had never been in an accident. all the panels were original and there didn't seem to be any bondo anywhere. I spot checked the bolts throughout the car and none of them have ever seen a wrench. so I don't think it's been in a repair shop.

I think I made a good choice however I still have the option of taking it back to Carmax for a refund by Wednesday.

Your opinions????

 

Well if it sat for long periods of time without being used, tires are the first thing I'd look at; they'll be cracked in the sidewalls and tread, most likely.

Take a look at all the rubber hoses in the engine bay, including vacuum lines, radiator hoses, heater hoses, etc. Trans cooler lines should be looked at, too.

Since you don't know the exact history of the vehicle, you might as well do a thorough fluid exchange; brake fluid (most people never change that out), coolant flush/exchange, drain and fill on the trans, etc.

Why take it to a shop, can't do the work yourself?

 

I don't know how confident I am in changing the plugs. I read the write up and it seems like a PITA. I can and have changed that other items in the past however I also got suckered into an extended service contract which specifies that services needs to be performed at ASE certified shops. It's good for the next 18,000 miles so I figured I will just go with it since I am not sure about what kind of abuse the car took in the past.

I checked the tires for signs of neglect however the tires are pretty new. they must have been replaced before it was sold.

 

I live in Canada, shouldn't just about all independent shops be ASE certified? Find a good independent shop in your area, ask around.

 

Carmax should of checked out all the items you have listed prior to selling it to you...why would they sell you a Max with bad belts and plugs? If you have an issue with the Max having a rough idle, take it back to Carmax.

 

I think your fine maybe run some dry gas through it, and normal maintenance items.

 

Since gas (in the U.S. anyway) is already 10% ethanol, there is no reason to use drygas any longer.

 

Hey I just registered my account at maxima.org today!!! I have a 2001 GLE max with about 85k on it. My vin is: JN1CA31D41T807413. I have had this car for almost a year without any major problems to speak of.

 

So you posted your VIN, why?

Sure thing, I'll go ahead and add it to the org database

 

Thats why I posted it!!!

 

i took a good long look at some maximas from Carmax last year, obviously they take pride in doing their detail inspections so u get a high quality used car, but i couldnt find one with options i wanted/ fair price. They really were damn proud of themselves..15 grand for a white 03 6spd SE bare bones model..55k miles. but their big deal is selling quality used cars, so u should be good to go after their inspection.

or their cheesy commercials have me brainwashed and ur screwed

 

If you thought the vehicle sat for a while and possibly had some other issues you prolly should've had your mechanic go over it first just to be safe.btw,how much did you spend on it and what type of warranty do you have on it?

 

Yo, what is "dry gas"?? I've never heard of it.

 

I pick it up for 16,000. I'm pretty happy with it. from what i have researched it has every option that was available for that year. I'm comfortable with it now, I've been driving it for a few days and it's a good car. I bought the extended for 18,000 mile or 18 months so it something major does go wrong I'm covered.

 

I have to ask did you purchase this car from the CarMax in Savage, Maryland?

 

werd
all the cars at cmax are inspected, but still take it to nissan and have them write down anything wrong with the car, bring it back to carmax and they will take care of it for first 30 days free on their warranty
paint-they respray alot of cars because of scratches or chips, no biggie

 

you guys got some good ideas... seems like a good deal if you get that fixed

 

I am in So Cali. got it in Irvine

 

Technically that carmax is Laurel.

That's where I got raped for my maxipad, though.

 

Haha, I had an opportunity to get a 2003 Maxima 6-spd from the LAUREL (thanks for the correction) earlier this month and I decided to pass on it because the car had been sitting since October 2007 and had scratches all over it. Plus they wanted like $16K for it and I thought that it was overpriced. I ended up going with my 2002 SE 6-spd for much less $$ and IMO a nicer car. I am happy.

Anyhow, good luck and enjoy your new Maxima ajsilvaoc.