bg18461

iTrader: (8)

Hey team, i have a 02' 2K2 maxima 6 spd with 210K miles that has just died today. Over the past few days the oil light started showing eventhough she had enough oil. Today on the way to work i noticed a severe reduction in power on the highway and new she was on life support.

When i proceeded to try to make it home from work I heard a knock in the engine on the highway and she shut off on me at 50mph. I was able to coast her off the highway and though she starts and kept me cool while i waited for a tow truck, any slight revs and the engine makes all sorts of racket.

So, I am in the valley of decision. While I could afford to buy a newer car now (she got me through college, first home purchase, child, marriage, etc...) should I just give up on her or should i replace the engine and continue on the journey.

I would at least like to trade it in or sell it on craigslist possibly after I replace the engine or keep driving her until I decide what i would like next. My questions are

1. Is it worth it to replace the engine even if it was to resale/trade in on a newer car?

2. If I do, what is the best year/model to replace it with?

3. Should I just call the wrecker and have it taken away or get tax credit for the donation?

4. Some option i havent thought of yet?

Thanks team.

TexasTex

iTrader: (1)

What's an 02' 2K2?

Sorry man, I had that happen on a Stang one time. No fun.

Honestly, by the sounds of your love for her, I would replace it and let the journey continue. Pending a few things. What kind of shape is the car in? Interior, paint and other mechanical parts?

Knowing me (sentimental as well), I'd do a swap and keep the relationship going!

MaxinO2

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like your piston ring screwed up, causing instability and loss of compression. Pretty common with these engines, it happened to me.

I just bought an 07' engine for my 02' with 63k for $1,000 and swapped some parts and replaced everything else that needed to be fixed so I don't run into problems for a while. I did all the work to save on labor. Its up to you whether or not you have the time and money and like the car enough to keep it.

NSMO240

iTrader: (5)

i say keep it, but put it on the back burner, fix it eventually and give it to one of the kids.

as for a new car, I bought a 13 optima SX and I absolutely love it, plus 10 year 100k power train warranty, and 60k bumper to bumper, yes please

Child_uv_KoRn

iTrader: (7)

Location?

ac max 92

iTrader: (13)

If your attatched to the car give her a heart transplant lol. Being an 02 you should be able to find a fairly low milage engine at a reasonable price but i guess it also depends on what shape the body is in and how mechanically sound the rest of the car is in. You could have a little fun and do a different swap of your choice. Engine, ecu and harness or stick with the stock engine for a more straight forward swap. Anyone like myself can only give an opinion or option but ofcoarse the choice all boils down to what you would ultimately would like to do. What are your thoughts?

deloa84

iTrader: (5)

I would say it depends on how attached you are to the car and if you are ready to move on. If you are mechanically inclined you could do it yourself and save quite a bit in labor.
The 3.5 engines are becoming very common as Nissan uses them in Maximas, Quest, Altimas', Murano, etc... You should not have a hard time finding one at a decent price. But yeah it depends on the shape of the rest of the car and how you feel about it..

george__

iTrader: (1)

Gen 7 engine swap!!!!

Unless other parts on the car are falling a part then dump it

L_U_D_I_AMaxima

iTrader: (3)

Pandora's box is now open...

TexasTex

iTrader: (1)

Y2kMaxima

Sounds like you love the car man. Keep it going brother, give her a new solid engine, build her back up, and enjoy the amazing satisfaction it'll give you knowing you brought her back to life.

dfj240

iTrader: (1)

I definitely agree that if there is sentimental value there, keep it. If you get rid of it, and you are attached to it, you will really kick yourself later and wish you'd have held onto her. Seller's remorse I guess you could call it. Lol.

A new, low mileage, good condition turnkey VQ35 is cheap as chips and they're pretty solid engines. I think you'll get more happiness and more financial value from a new engine assuming you can either do the swap yourself or find someone that won't take you to the cleaners to do it for you.

Also depends on the rest of the car's condition like some of the other guys stated, and also your personal situation. It all comes down to you. You're "the decider"! Lol

Quickywd01

iTrader: (16)

I vote to keep it and fix it.

colt149

iTrader: (1)

If the car is well maintained, no corrosion on the body. Get a manufactured
engine like this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=281357255065

or a used engine with low mileage. By the way there is no comparison between a new kia optima to a well maintained 5th generation maxima. This is a maxima forum not Kia. Bumper to bumper warranty (scam of all dealership) except the bumper because if the front or rear bumper was damaged the car insurance will pay for it not dealership.

NSMO240

iTrader: (5)

Everyone has their opinion but I like my kia better than I did my 5th gen and it was loaded and a 6 speed, I would like to find a dark blue 5th though, I LOVE that color. not to say I didnt like it though, cause I did

I know this is a maxima forum, but are we car people or biased to only maximas?

maximase86

iTrader: (24)

Nice thing about the motor is you can find a quality used motor to replace the old one with. Someone would have to speak up on the specific years, but you should get a newer year motor that solves some of the oil consumption problems...I think after 2006?

S

NSMO240

iTrader: (5)

I have heard 04 and newer but if I were to get one of those I would definitely replace the timing guides while it's out

maximase86

iTrader: (24)

Absolutely, I would take care of a few things before putting the motor in, like the guides/chain/tensioner, seals, and water pump just for peace of mind. The good news is there is usually a good abundance of 3.5's considering it was a mainstream motor for Nissan. So finding one at a good price with low miles should be easy.

S

JonBlz

iTrader: (11)

i bought my 02 max 6 speed yrs ago with 190k on it i knew i would eventually would have to change the engine so after like 10k i had some knock decided to do an engine swap and i swapped in an 05 engine and i have been good for over 3yrs now my engine has around 65-70k now but the tranny has 210K and it shifts like butter i will not swap the tranny until this goes because this tranny has been great to me.

bg18461

iTrader: (8)

Wow, great responses, thanks I think I may fix it with an eye towards selling it eventually. I have found a 06' quest engine with 85k for $850 that's local. I believe this to be a good price. Now just need to figure out if I should do the swap myself...

In thinking more, I may just part it out or better yet, sell it whole for parts. Is there a good market? Car is located near Tampa, fl.

NSMO240

iTrader: (5)

what options does it have?

bg18461

iTrader: (8)

6speed manual hlsd trans
All options except nav
Sterling mist with gray leather

Child_uv_KoRn

iTrader: (7)

Damn. I'm sad you're that far away. That is one desirable (rare) car.

I'd keep it. Motor swaps are easy.

TexasTex

iTrader: (1)

Whatever you decide, put a large size SPURS 2014 BANNER SOMEWHERE NEAR IT! GO SPURS GO!!!!!

Y2kMaxima

Right on brother!!

TexasTex

iTrader: (1)

Thank you sir!

jyk27

Something like this just happened to me too. My '03 Maxima just died after a long trip back from NYC to Boston and had to be towed to a shop as well. It's fairly light on mileage (99k vs your 200+k) but I think something similar happened as well.

I'm not really sure of my options either - mine was a gift from my father before he passed while I was in college. I never had much money but this car always got me home when I needed to.

I guess I can't offer much as far as advice, but I totally feel your pain. Best of luck.

-John

deloa84

iTrader: (5)

Yeah good price. I payed $800 for an 05 maxima motor about almost 2years ago with 90k miles.


And you have a HLSD 6speed... Yeah definitely keep it, fix it and enjoy..

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

Depends on how deep your pockets are!

a33_ridah

iTrader: (10)

I hope you've decided to keep and fix it. keep the 5th gen 6 speed maximas on the road as long as possible.
once i get one i want (how i want) i dont think ill ever let it go. till then im on my 3rd 5th gen maxima (1 was a 5 speed

Blassmasta

Keep in mind for your next motor/car ... the oil light is not only there to tell you when your oil is low - it also comes on when you have low oil pressure, ie. failing oil pump, clogged filter, whatever.

Anyway - next time you see that light come on - shut the car down before you blow the motor.

Correct oil level or not - if you don't have oil pressure, it's only a matter of time.

george__

iTrader: (1)

Upgrade to a RWD sedan