Hey I'm very likely going to trade in my tired out 4th gen 5 speed that is rusted and won't start in the cold for an 02 Maxima 6 speed manual that I found. What troubles have you guys had that I should look for?

I know to look at the lower rad support and under it for rust. I also plan to have it looked at by a local mechanic before I drive to look at it. Do you guys have any tips for buying a nice 5.5 gen Maxima for a fellow org member?

Also, they are offering my $1500 for my trade, so if anyone wants a 4th gen all you have to do is beat that offer lol.

Thanks!

 

Check for indications of oil burning ,check plugs and coils , I've owned one for 10 months now only major issue besides worn suspension and routine maintenance is the leaking inner tubes of the valve covers were leaking and destroyed 2 coils I would say swap out those with the 6 valve covers as a precaution

 

Yupp oil burning is the big thing. I read somewhere that if the tips of the muffler are really black, that means its burning oil. I bought an 02 6 speed and the guy I bought it from never told me about it.

Also, the 3rd gear crunch.

The oil pans rust out on these cars so check for that. And make sure all the electrical stuff works (sunroof!). And check the exhaust for any leaks/holes.

 

Rad. Support is the least of your worries.
Most common problems will always be electrical.

Ignition switch
Alternator
Coils
Fogs

Worn suspension bushings
Water pump
Exhaust leaks
Brakes
.....on and on goes the list of our beloved maximas

 

I'll add an electrical check to my list of things to look at. Things like brakes and exhaust don't scare me too much since they aren't that hard to fix, although definitely a point to look at. Suspensions bushings are another good idea to look at though, also transmission synchros/ grinding will be added to my list. And I have heard a lot about the oil burning on these motors, but a lot of people say it doesn't really hurt anything even if it does burn some... so correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks alot for the ideas guys, keep em' comin!

 

My advice: Keep the 98 maxima.

 

That's rusted and doesn't start in the cold.

But I do agree, keep them both, you wont get much trade in value on the 98 anyhow. I kept my 95 for that very reason, it's nice to have both of them. You can take your time working on one while you drive the other. Unless your driveway doesn’t allow.

 

The 02's are solid for the most part. Tor the transaxle, look into synthetic fluid like Redline MT85 (Takes 2.75 quarts), Energy Suspension bushings for the shifter (about $25 last I checked) and get the short shift adapter plate or do the free STS mod. You will appreciate the 6sp more than ever after those mods.

 

i would only worry about the oil burning, everything else is fixable within reach but a new engine you gotta take it to the shop. check the plugs and see how bad it is... also check 3rd gear for crunch. mine's fine for upshift but its a lil rough on down shift so i just avoid that all together.

if you're getting one with leather and all power options make sure they all work, same with ac.

i would buy it being prepared to start saving for a newer vq35. thats what i'm doing now lol damn 1500 for your rusty and problematic 4g? sweet deal bro

 

Yes keep both. I was getting rid of my 96 as well, but couldnt in the end. Its good to have both gens

 

We recently bought a g37s and kept our 96. Works out great. At over 300k it isn't with much and want much to keep it insured as a low mileage car. When I work on the 2k I drive the 96.

For example, right now I need to helicoil a lower control arm bolt so I'm driving the 96. Wife drives the g lol.

 

find a 3.0 with a 5 speed... much easier to live with

 

I agree, my 01 has given me minimum problems. Mainly just maintenance.

 

Love my 02 Maxima, 6 spd. 200+K and now stuff popping up. nothing but maintenance till now.

 

Uhhhh, I think he's already got his 2002 Maxima

 

Maybe it was just bad luck but, every 5.5 gen I test drove burned oil.