HELP! I have had a 2001 Maxima for approximately one year, paying $6800 for it. Has only 78,000 miles and all of it in almost perfect shape, checked out by mechanic, no problems at all.

I am in Austin, so hot weather happening now, with engine overheating 3 days ago, causing steam, noise, temp gauge at Hot, Check Engine light on. I drove it only a couple of miles to get to a safe location as I am a single female alone early in the morning after going to a music gig. Though putting antifreeze in several hours later, etc, once at my mechanic's shop, he said that the radiator, being plastic, had split 4" across and it had blown coolant everywhere. It failed the block test and has a blown head gasget, etc, making engine ruined. I cannot afford to get it replaced at the cost he quoted me for a new engine, radiator, hoses, thermostat, water pump, etc. at $4700, largely due to the number of labor hours required, at 18.3 hrs.

I now have no idea what on earth the value is of what was an almost perfect car that I really liked!! I had to admit it, but am practically clueless as to what to do here, except that I can't afford to spend that kind of money to fix it and the guys I've spoken with say that is not a good investment Does anyone out there have any idea of what it is worth in this condition, as I see no way around it but selling it, yet have no idea of what to even ask for the price? I am just beginning to try to find people who buy cars to repair themselves or maybe a guy who is buying cars to sell at auction. But otherwise, I could really use some good advice.. HELP!! Thanks!!!

Karen

 

i'd get another quote. that price seems steep when you could buy a working maxima for much much much less

 

500 for a motor, 100 for a radiator and 1500 for labor. Plus, they could scrap the old motor or fix it and sell it.
What a bunch of scam artists.

Anyone can swap these motors that's not a moron.

Lesson learned. Don't drive a car after the coolant blows out.

 

I appreciate the feedback that I got from both of you. The price seemed crazy to me to, in terms of repair, but two garages said the same thing. In fact, the second one put the number of labor hours even higer at 27 hrs. So, that is way too high? Does locale make a big difference? Believe me, I'd love to keep it! I have seen, as you said, Cornholio, that the prices for a new one are lower than that! Maybe I paid too much in the beginning?

Yes, I realize about stopping asap, but I wasn't in a place where I could safely stop at that very moment, unfortunately. I did asap. Plus I've been told, correct or not?, that all of the indications that were given.. ie: the warning, smoke, etc.. were probably already too late for the damage that was caused. Is this a common problem in this model and year? I was also told by one of the mechanics that this vehicle's motor is very sensitive to heat and that this was a common problem.. is this right?

Any ideas of the real monetary value?? Thanks!

 

Any engine is sensitive to heat, most specially V6 engine with high horsepower. I am hoping that you check the carfax of this vehicle for correct odometer reading before purchasing it.

 

As crazy as it sounds it might be slightly cheaper to just look for a spare engine on your own than just getting a new car. I'm not sure if you can get 3k for it with a blown engine but finding a motor + labor shouldn't be over lets say 2.5k.

 

what area of austin maybe someone on here can recommend a mechanic that wont take advantage of you.
I am not sure if there is a forum area on here for a mechanic recommendation .

 

As is, your car is worth about $1500 to $2000. Unfortunately, when you paid $6800 for it a year ago, you overpaid as well.

 

Was stopping the car,turning it off, locking your doors, calling and waiting for a tow truck to arrive not an option? Had you done so, all that would have been replaced on your car was the radiator. $120 for the radiator, $20 for coolant, $100 or so for the tow, $100 labor. So about $400 out of pocket and a 2 hours to replace that burst radiator and you would have been back on the road.

In the future, it would be really be worth your while to get yourself an AAA membership. Last time I checked they were like $70/year.

Did you also notice the temperature gage inside the car? It's the smaller circle to the right in this ebay picture. Labelled C at the bottom for cold, and H at the top for hot;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-2001-NI...b2f72e&vxp=mtr
Any car that's driven while it's overheating will self destruct. That maxima was a very good, reliable car. When a car is overheating you need to pull over immediately, stop and turn off the car.

Costly lesson learned. Hopefully these tips and suggestions will make you better prepared for next time an overheating issue arises.

 

It is a shame to see that happen with only 78k miles. The 2 mile drive looks like what killed it. Maybe you can get $1000-$1500 for the car as is. I'd try to sell it and use that money to buy another max around the $2500-3000 range. Any junkyard motor will likely have over 150K Miles anyway, so might as well buy another car with that mileage.

 

if you can hold the car for a while, look for a good mechanic, ask around, gas stations, Autozone, NAPA, stay away from Pepboys. You might find a good mechanic that will quote you a fair price on replacing the engine. You need a new (used) engine and they go for cheap these days. Good luck

 

I would say at 78k try to find low mileage engine and pay a trusted mechanic to put it in.
If you decide to sell it with a shot engine I would pay about $1500 for it.

 

Sheesh man.. I'm really sad to hear a max treated this way. Honestly I'd advise you to get a new Max, even if you do get the engine replaced there might be a bunch of other future problems that you will have to fix if installation wasn't done right. Good luck

 

ouch sorry to hear, that will be tough to sell a car with a blown engine. At best selling privately will get you $1000 for it, dealer only gives you $500 bucks, since I used to work for in car sales, and I had a customer with a blown engine, I asked the wholesaler how much they will pay for a car with a blown engine, that's the max $500 bucks just like they would be buying a salvage title. Well good luck, hope you can get it fix or just replace the car.

 

wow $6800 FOR A 2001 thats way over priced

 

Kellys blue book value of 2001 Maxima SE 20th Aniversary edition with 78,000 miles with excellent condition: $5963.00 Private party sale.

 

This

the OP did not specify if it was an AE, If they did I'm sure several orgers would urge them to part it out haha.