"I know the oil burning problem has been beat to death,

What signs should I look for, with this oil burning problem?"{



Well me and my buddy checked it out. Upon starting oil shot out of the exhaust.



However the 2000 worked fine. So, it looks like the 2000 for me.

It needs new plugs and probably new coils.


BTT

 

Look for how many miles first off. Then ask about it. Check the oil yourself. It's otherwise not very easy to diagnose without driving the car a few hundred miles... Ask about the pre-cats as well.

 

It has 9500 miles .

the seller says it doesnt burn oil(we'll see about that and it's an auto.

Does the 03 maxima have 2 separate motors?

 

I guess yu meant "95,000 miles" (?).
What do you mean "2 separate motors"? For what?

 

9,500 miles?

 

yes 95000 miles

 

I know the motor is a 3.5. Is there a difference in the 3,5?

 

Yes, the "comma"...

 

i'm Euiropean

 

Your info says you are in Louisiana. Is the car you're considering an European version?

 

3.5 or 3,5 is the same thing.

 

Ask the owner of the car how often they have to top off the oil between oil changes.

 

T'es Français?

 

It took me 4 months to find my Maxima (found a 2002 auto instead of going manual).....

I found drivers just don't care after the car hits about 170k (except for a rare # of individuals who do but then request a crazy premium for it)

Biggest issues, based on my experience...

i) engine oil burning
ii) day time light running module broken (Canada only I believe)
iii) rear wheel area rust issue
iv) abuse of interior and exterior

 

Thanks for the info.

 

when the OP mentioned 2 motors - i thought maybe someone had performed a radical conversion to transplant a second motor into the trunk and make the first 7.0L v-12 AWD Max.

 

Until recently, I hadn't ever noticed an oil burning problem in my 2003. I think it's because the oil was leaking out before it had a chance to burn Not only related to oil burning, but If you're buying from a private party, it could be beneficial to ask to meet them at their house. Tell them you want to be there when the car is started cold (i guess the same could be said if buying from a dealer). There are some issues that could get overlooked if you only get to see the car after it is at normal operating temperature.

 

To be honest, I think you can simply expect it to starting burning oil and just go with it if you want a 5.5 Gen. Until it starts burning a quart a week, you should be fine and if you still like the car enough, transplant a 2006-up 3.5 engine into it. They do not burn oil after that.

 

I'[m going to look at a 02 today.

I'll put it trough it's paces.

thanks guys. (auwverdsein) sp? ha

 

Auf Wiedersehen. Und das war meine nächste Frage, bzw. ob du deutsch kannst (also, nein).

 

Don't beat yourself up, no body is perfect.


Have a third party mechanic check the vehicle(this is probably one of the few times I would recommend a Nissan dealership).

 

The 02 literally blew unburnt oil out the exhaust upon startup. Unbelievable...


Good news is the 00 GLE ran fine ,no SES light, AC works. Just needs plugs and the good coils,

 

Isn't the GLE the luxury model?

I'll have to make sure the goodies work.

 

One more thing the radio didn't work in the 03.

 

The 02 is a GLE. However it doesn't have a spoiler, but it does have the wood paneling.

What gives?

 

A lot of the luxury models don't have a spoiler because it's too "sporty". All the SE models come with a spoiler. The wood paneling is a GLE feature though. Definitely stay with the 2000 if you like it. The only disadvantage to a 2000 over a 2001 (if you can find one) is that the 2000's have an EGR valve and the 01's do not, but both still have the 3.0L engine that does not burn oil. Good luck in your search.

 

130k here, no oil burning. Build date 10/02. Replaced 1 MAF @ 80k, not a single problem since.

 

Not even the leaky high pressure ps hose or the leaky rear valve cover spark plug tube?

 

I also have an A33b with no issues @105k. Yes, I replaced the leaking rear valve cover, and did a whole lot more maintenance, but I haven't had any real "issues." No 3rd gear crunch, no burning oil, no leaky ps hose, etc.

EDIT: I had frozen rear brake calipers, but who hasn't?

 

Nope. I remove my IM all the time, and always check the rear bank for leaks when I do so. I thought for sure when I did my spacers, but nope ... none yet. My 95 had bad problems with the leaky hose, not the 03.

Front brake pads have lasted a century ... 50+k IIRC.