Whats up guys im new to this forum you can call me Gio. Anyway I live in upstate NY and i have the option to buy this 2002 Maxima SE in gray/silver with 110k miles on it for 4800. He has it listed for 5500 and i shot him an offer and he seemed intrested and says he will let me know monday. Assuming theyre are no major problems should i get this car? I really need feedback because this is pretty much gonna be my first car im keeping for awhile because my last car was an 03 impala ls and the tranny was going so i sold it after a month. Please let me know and thanks in advance.

 

I hope it's not an oil burner. Ask when it was last changed and check the oil level before taking it for a drive.

 

Why are these 3.5 L engines been known to burn alot of oil?

 

Yup. '02s more than '03s.

 

well how bad can it get? Can it ruin your engine?

 

It'll ruin the motor if you don't stay on top of it.

 

Ok but i mean how often are we talking for an oil change?

 

You won't have to change the oil every time. You'll just have to top it off with oil depending on how much you burn between oil changes.

 

My 02' burns a little oil but I stay on top of it by adding a little every 2 weeks. Just to keep the oil level in the middle of the dip stick. Every Nissan I've had has burned oil, I don't care, I still love em.

I've heard that oil will burn a little when the piston rings get old. Not much you can do unless you get a rebuild.
Just try and make sure its not a big oil burner like ChrisMan said above. A little is ok IMO.

 

Are you looking for an automatic or a 6 speed? I'm in Rochester, NY and I may be selling soon...

 

Auto or 6spd doesnt matter to me. And other than that how do the cars last for you guys? anyone with the 3.5 have you had any major problems or are the cars built good. Ive heard they are great cars

 

I've had no major issues just both camshaft position sensors and that's it. I've have mine for a few years.

 

Got mine used in Sept-2004 with almost 40k miles and now I've got 247k. Rebuilt the auto trans twice and it seems its on the way out once more. Both pre-cats up front and I probably need the under floor main cat also.

 

1 quart per 1000 miles is normal oil burning usage. any more than that is kinda excessive.

 

I don't know about 02-03's but my 2000 has 221k and it doesn't leak nor burn any oil. It starts up strong immediately, and drives like if it had 40k miles. They're great cars just try to keep up with the maintenance.

 

One quart every 1,000 miles is excessive. I've never owned anything that used that much oil unless it was leaking like crazy.

 

The oil issue really depends on the car. Some (I'd say most) don't have oil burning issues, but there are cars out there that do.

There are quite a few known maintenance issues but most of them can be expected for a 10 year old car.

Again it depends on the car, however you should anticipate having issues with the following:

• motor mounts
• control arms/tie rods
• rear brake calipers
• Leaky radiator
• Leaky Power steering hose

The 5.5 max overall is a great car, however Id set about 1k aside for maintenance just in case.

 

id say its a decent price if it were stick but 4300 seems more reasonable and i know u can get a auto one with same miles cond leather for around 3-3500 you just gotta wait and look goodluck