Swazey

Since I'm looking for advice, I posted here.

Found a 2002 with NO options except power driver's seat, 6MT 130K miles.

Interior 8-9/10
Exterior 6-7/10
Mechanics 100% perfection
No leaks
Original Owner

The car has never been washed, so the owner says. Perfect service record history. Mechanics are what were most important to the owner, not cosmetics. The paint looks good besides the obvious blemishes (roof has a few dents from hail, there are 2 spots of gray spray paint on quarter panel and hood - don't ask, rear bumper scuffed up, pass door has minor damage - looks like someone opened door into a shopping cart) . It has absolutely no rust except for some starting on the rad support. There are some dings and dents here and there but nothing major by any means. Starts up first try, idles, runs and drives absolutely perfect. No 3rd gear grind. No leaks. Original clutch feels perfect. Instant power upon acceleration in every gear. The driver side rear rotor needs to be replace or resurfaced. E-brake needs to be tightened. Rims are awful (never washed, curb rash)

What has been replaced:
- all brake pads
- front rotors
- front 02 sensor
- muffler
- rear calipers
- 1 head light bulb

What needs to be fixed:
- Aside from the cosmetics and 1 rotor, nothing I can think of.

So I'm looking for some advice from you 5th gen owners. I have a 4th gen w/ bolt ons and not familiar with what to watch out for on the 2002 Max. I would like to put my rims and hopefully springs from my 4th gen onto this car - I realize the suspension setups are not completely interchangeable. Also would like to use my y-pipe, cat if it will work, and sound system. With this car not having bose it will be smooth sailing.

Asking price is $4700, what would you do??

'02 Style

I won't comment on the price, but I will tell you that my original engine in my 2002 lasted for a little over 290k. Original trans is still going at 355k, but will be overhauled this summer. Check the rear valve cover for obvious signs of oil leakage. Also, find out if she is an oil burner. That seems to be hit or miss, typically related to blow-by.

DOODOOCHIP

do you have any pictures

Swazey

Thanks '02 Style, I'm gonna take the car to a local garage and have a good look underneath. I asked the owner about oil consumption but he couldn't say. Is there any for me to check this?? The owner did say he changed the oil every 3-5K and never added oil between changes.

I drive at least 65 miles a day, 85% highway. with the mechanics of this car being so perfect, it could be a perfect fit for my needs. did your engine start to lose power/leak/knock at 290K? regardless, 290K is impressive and 355K speaks for itself.

Do you think the price is ok? I figured I would offer $3500 and only bring $4k cash with me. $4700 is too much considering cosmetic flaws.

No pics to share at this time

Child_uv_KoRn

iTrader: (7)

I'd pay that for a nearly loaded 6 spd in good shape, but not a base model.

Stock exhaust has to go.

I'd keep your current car. I see your sig...what's the deal with that? Far less trouble with a 3.0

Swazey

driving wife's jetta now cuz my 4th gen is not running. can't figure out why and neither can the 2 mechanics i brought the car to. Engine won't start and the tranny is leaking out of the pass side seal. It needs a good amound of work so i've been looking around at other 4th/5th gens and this one caught my eye.

how much would you offer and then settle with?

Genes1s

iTrader: (5)

it's really depend on the location too. Out here in NW, Maxima is slightly at higher price. Private party for that kind of condition is around 5-6k here. Mint condition with low miles can go as high as 7-8k.

Swazey

kbb and online sale prices are pretty much the same here and can also be all over the place

'02 Style

90+% of my miles are highway. I drive between 1200-1300 miles most weeks for work. On my first engine, it was a head gasket, so problem was pretty noticeable fairly immediately. I mean, a engine with 290k doesn't have the same power as one with 50k, but she still had plenty of power. My car was using about a quart of oil between 5k oil changes (full synthetic). If the car is truly as you describe, then $4k is probably not bad.

defiance

iTrader: (1)

Is that a GXE Model ?
I have never seen a 2002 - 03 in GXE trim
Does it have the Hid headlamps and foglamps ?

bocian

iTrader: (1)

Gxe models were dropped for the 02-03 model year and all 5.5 gena have hids, not sure about foglights. The max in the OP is an se with no options and for 4k, it seems like its worth buying but def have it professionally checked out and search on here for what to lool for, this topic has been beaten to death here so theres plenty of good info out there. Good luck!