I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima GLE with 130,000 miles that I got from a friend in trade. So far I have no money in it and can get approximately $300 for it at the junkyard. It is in relatively good condition except the drivetrain. The transmission is on its way out and the engine is smoking and clacking like anything. So, question is, do I replace the tranny, rebuild the engine and sell it (for how much?) Or let it go to the JY while trying to get at least good wheels and tires and CD player from it?

 

I would say if the body is in good condition, then id keep it especially if you didnt pay anything for it. 5.5 gens sell for pretty good around here with that mileage around tax time.

 

OK, how much do they go for in good condition? I'd still have to put probably around $1000 in parts plus labor into it.

 

well around here they sell for $2500 on up to $4500. Yeah thats tru but in the long run its up to you if you want to invest the money into the car.

 

Your decision if you want to mess with it. If you end up replacing the drivetrain yourself with a used from junkyard (hit or miss) that's the cheapest route and will still end up costing you around a $1000. With that, you don't know if it will work or not.

Another alternative is buy rebuilt drivetrain and install yourself. That can cost $1500 to $2000, but will have some warranty.

If you have a shop do it then you are talking more than $2000.

Too much of a gamble and headache in my opinion....I would just have the junkyard take it and take the $300.

 

Idk what kind of con artists you guys have, but I can get a junkyard engine and tranny for less than 350, but you have to pull it yourself :P

You could get a decent engine and low mileage tranny for around a grand that are pulled, though.

I would keep it if I did that much work....if it were loaded and 6 spd HLSD

 

Good for you...most will run around a grand.

 

If it's a clean rust free car you can do well with it on eBay. People in the rust belt will pay good money for a rust free car even with a bad drive train.

I used to find cars exactly like yours (some not even running) and flip them on eBay with most of them going north. Here in Florida we have lots of them. Pics of the underbody really sell the car if it's rust free.

Either way don't scrap it as you won't get much for it.

 

I like flow charts:

Do you have money to repair?
YES-----------------------NO - Junk it or sell as is.
|
Do you have time, tools, garage space, and/or knowledge to repair?
YES-----------------------NO - Junk or sell.
|
Does it really matter what we think?
Yes------------------------NO - Fix it.
|
Give me the car, I'll fix it and give it to my daughter to drive.