Ok orgers, help me out. I found a 2001 AE for sale local on Craigslist for pretty cheap. It only has 90k miles on it and the guy is selling it cheap because what he describes as "it won't crank, motor and tranny is strong otherwise and I don't have time to figure it out." I worked as a mechanic through college and for a few years after, so I have some knowledge when it comes to common no crank issues. But I also understand that the CL wording could be code for "huge turd of a car and I just want it gone."

I'm wondering if there are some model specific issues that I'm not aware of, since I'm a 4th gen guy, that would cause a no crank other than the usual battery, starter, etc. When I did some searching I read about the IACV burning up ECUs, but that wouldn't cause a no crank, just a no start, right?

Currently I own and 96 GXE and it has just under 220k miles on it so most of my maxima knowledge lies in the 4th gen arena.

 

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/cto/4908479253.html

If its that one i wish i could buy it for parts. Its really nice looking. I want the rims.

 

I want that front lip


Op the 00-01 are not that much different from a 4gen...

But even if the engine is ****...they're only $300-$500


The iacv issues makes the rpm fluctuate,

 

Yes that's it. No crank has it limits even on these cars, then?

 

No don't get it. These cars aren't Toyota or Honda with crazy high resale value

 

Make sure you can turn it over by hand and the oil isnt all milky and it shouldn't be that big of a problem. Maybe drain some oil to check there isnt metal all over it. Talk him down a bit and buy it for $1250 if the rest of it is clean.

That's what I'd do if I was in the market for one

 

Looking to replace my 4th gen with a new DD. Not looking to flip or resell. I may lo-ball and see if he bites.

 

To me, the big point to find out is exactly what happens when you turn the key to start the car.

1) nothing.
2) starter solenoid clicks but engine doesn't crank over.
3) starter gear engages flywheel but engine doesn't crank over.

1) and 2) are regular starting problems. Buy the car.
3) engine may be locked up. Don't buy the car.

I like what rbaksi said - Make sure you can turn it over by hand and the oil isn't all milky and it shouldn't be that big of a problem. Maybe drain some oil to check there isn't metal all over it. Talk him down a bit and buy it for $1250 if the rest of it is clean.

 

I like what Dennis said....

If it's #1or #2
Talk him down to $900 make him believe a engine is needed

 

Yeah so what's the point of buying this non working one when you could likely find a mint condition one for around the same price?

 

No one sells a car over a 150 dollar starter (or 40 from junkyard) and 15 mins of work.

Sounds like dumbass locked it up.

 

Yeah This sounds 2 good to be true, Especially at that mileage,if the mileage is correct. And from the pictures it looks like the body is in good condition id take extra caution with this one.

 

rule of thumb, if it sounds too good to be true it usually is. and, it's craigs list, so no.

 

It will be next weekend at the earliest before I can go look at it (2 hrs away). If it's still on CL I'll hit him up.

Good point on trying to turn the engine by hand. Everything else that has been mentioned were all things I was considering, too. So thanks for the help!

 

He flagged it for removal so I guess either you or someone else bought it...

 

I saw that. Flagged for removal means spam though. So maybe someone else tried and it was phony. That answers a lot of questions for me. Too good to be true seems like it.