03 Max---->Is this Car Worth it ?
#1
03 Max---->Is this Car Worth it ?
Hey Buds,
I sold my old Max and am considering purchasing a 03, Max, 3.5V6, AUTO with 95k. It is owned by an old lady who couldn't drive anymore and when her son recently drove it, he cracked the head gasket. (sounds familiar).
ANYWAY
I can pick it up for $700--->Is this worth it?
Is there anything else to consider (like maybe the block is cracked)?
I appreciate the forum's input and Thanks !
~B
I sold my old Max and am considering purchasing a 03, Max, 3.5V6, AUTO with 95k. It is owned by an old lady who couldn't drive anymore and when her son recently drove it, he cracked the head gasket. (sounds familiar).
ANYWAY
- Looks like the motor needs a "head gasket job"
- Her son recently replaced the Radiator, AC compressor, Alternator, Starter, Battery, Front Shocks, and did a Brake job. Receipts come up to about $1150
- Looks like everything works ok...except the car misses when it gets warm.
- I took it to my mechanic and he did a leak down test showing weak compression in banks 1,2,3. He also did a head block test (with the green liquid testor on the radiator cap) that confirmed exhaust gas is getting into the radiator
- My Mechanic can do the Head job for $1600 (includes parts, re-surfacing heads, labor,etc).
- No Smoke coming out of tail pipe and it drives great until about 10mins after car warms up, then it misses.
I can pick it up for $700--->Is this worth it?
Is there anything else to consider (like maybe the block is cracked)?
I appreciate the forum's input and Thanks !
~B
Last edited by Balkins; 05-19-2016 at 06:14 AM.
#2
Doesn't sound bad assuming the body is rust free and in good shape. Sounds like you'd be into it for around $2,500 or so. That's a very tough price range to find a nice running car in.
Obviously we can't tell if the block is cracked but I'd highly doubt it. I would be curious to know why it blew a head gasket at such low mileage though. He must have overheated it.
Obviously we can't tell if the block is cracked but I'd highly doubt it. I would be curious to know why it blew a head gasket at such low mileage though. He must have overheated it.
#3
5.7 swap
/thread lol
Engines are disposable on mass produced vehicles. Replacing a HG is stupid, if you ask me. Block/heads are warped, since the HG is MLS. Junk the engine.
Cats would still have to go and he's not gonna do that except for headers.
It's not economically sound to repair or replace motors in old cars unless you do it yourself. Trusting someone else's work is a massive gamble that I don't take, especially for big money.
I guess if you don't mind paying and really trust this guy, it's fine, but that's not enough to make it reliable.
/thread lol
Engines are disposable on mass produced vehicles. Replacing a HG is stupid, if you ask me. Block/heads are warped, since the HG is MLS. Junk the engine.
Cats would still have to go and he's not gonna do that except for headers.
It's not economically sound to repair or replace motors in old cars unless you do it yourself. Trusting someone else's work is a massive gamble that I don't take, especially for big money.
I guess if you don't mind paying and really trust this guy, it's fine, but that's not enough to make it reliable.
Last edited by Child_uv_KoRn; 05-19-2016 at 08:15 AM.
#6
it could be worth it, but if the head or the block is actually cracked, then it would be a money pit where you'll end up buying a new engine. But hopefully it's the head gasket which is a simple fix. But If I were you , if the head gasket is blown, while the engine is out of the car, i would replace both side of the head gasket and the timing chain while you're at it. since you did not indicate what the miles on it
#7
The car is in good shape.
Problem was, when the old lady had the car, she failed to drive it and the "radiator" went bad. The son, didn't realize the radiator was bad, took it on a long trip, over-heated the car and the Hgaskets blew (so it appears). The following are IMO.
Yes...i indicated that the mechanic would change both gaskets and shave the heads. I also indicated the mileage is 95k.
Thanks!
Problem was, when the old lady had the car, she failed to drive it and the "radiator" went bad. The son, didn't realize the radiator was bad, took it on a long trip, over-heated the car and the Hgaskets blew (so it appears). The following are IMO.
- The car drives fine when cold for 1rst 10 mins. Then, starts to miss, but no white smoke---so it appears to be losing water threw the gasket.... No Water in the oil dip stick either. Weird ? ? ?
- I am in no position to change the motor myself. If you buy one of these motors, you're gonna be hard pressed to find one with low miles AND---you don't know what you are getting? (at least i can see what this guy did)
- I can probably chew this guy down to $500...so i'm thinking it might be worth it (but only if block is not warped or cracked)?
- Is there any way to tell if block is warped?
it could be worth it, but if the head or the block is actually cracked, then it would be a money pit where you'll end up buying a new engine. But hopefully it's the head gasket which is a simple fix. But If I were you , if the head gasket is blown, while the engine is out of the car, i would replace both side of the head gasket and the timing chain while you're at it. since you did not indicate what the miles on it
Thanks!
Last edited by Balkins; 05-19-2016 at 10:52 AM.
#10
#11
It's multilayered steel. It's not a soft gasket. The heads/block must be pretty warped. That puppy got super hot if it's misfiring due to HG leak.
Last edited by Child_uv_KoRn; 05-19-2016 at 02:04 PM.
#12
- Now, that's an Aluminum Block...correct ?
- How can the car run correctly for 1rst 10 mins, then mis-fire if the Heads or Block are Warped?
- (just asking) ???
#13
If it was blowing white, then it would make sense b/c of coolant squirting into the cylinder.
But the only way the HG can fail that early is if it's all warped.
Perhaps there's more than one issue, now, idk.
Last edited by Child_uv_KoRn; 05-19-2016 at 04:18 PM.
#14
Idk. It doesn't sound right to me, but he says that the coolant test showed combustion gasses in it.
If it was blowing white, then it would make sense b/c of coolant squirting into the cylinder.
But the only way the HG can fail that early is if it's all warped.
Perhaps there's more than one issue, now, idk.
If it was blowing white, then it would make sense b/c of coolant squirting into the cylinder.
But the only way the HG can fail that early is if it's all warped.
Perhaps there's more than one issue, now, idk.
-we did the block test--->gas turned green
-we did a leak down test, and cylinders showed weak at 1,2,3
-NO WHITE SMOKE, no water in oil dip stick.
-Car runs fine for 1rst 10 mins., then starts to miss?
MAYBE the idiot didn't tighten the Rear Gasket enough?
???
#16
MORE INFO: The dude said he drove the car when it over-heated on the highway----because he was trying to get home. So he ran the car Hot for 50miles. ALSO, he said he changed the back value cover gasket and plugs in the back....
-we did the block test--->gas turned green
-we did a leak down test, and cylinders showed weak at 1,2,3
-NO WHITE SMOKE, no water in oil dip stick.
-Car runs fine for 1rst 10 mins., then starts to miss?
MAYBE the idiot didn't tighten the Rear Gasket enough?
???
-we did the block test--->gas turned green
-we did a leak down test, and cylinders showed weak at 1,2,3
-NO WHITE SMOKE, no water in oil dip stick.
-Car runs fine for 1rst 10 mins., then starts to miss?
MAYBE the idiot didn't tighten the Rear Gasket enough?
???
Cylinders do not go in a row on the banks (but those are next to each other, so it makes sense). The only thing a VC would have to do with misfiring is a vac leak from improper install or upper IM gasket leaking. It's irrelevant, though, since there's gasses in the coolant. She's toast.
#17
5.7 swap
/thread lol
Engines are disposable on mass produced vehicles. Replacing a HG is stupid, if you ask me. Block/heads are warped, since the HG is MLS. Junk the engine.
Cats would still have to go and he's not gonna do that except for headers.
It's not economically sound to repair or replace motors in old cars unless you do it yourself. Trusting someone else's work is a massive gamble that I don't take, especially for big money.
/thread lol
Engines are disposable on mass produced vehicles. Replacing a HG is stupid, if you ask me. Block/heads are warped, since the HG is MLS. Junk the engine.
Cats would still have to go and he's not gonna do that except for headers.
It's not economically sound to repair or replace motors in old cars unless you do it yourself. Trusting someone else's work is a massive gamble that I don't take, especially for big money.
#18
If the car is mint and loaded, I can see the desire to fix it, but it's not just a head job. People are awfully reluctant to install headers or gut the precats. If he's not willing to do that, then leave the car. That's pissing money down the drain or he has to spend more money to buy more useless cats.
IF you know someone that can/will do a 5.7 swap and not screw it up, sure.
The only thing the car has going for it is low miles as I see it. It's something I'd buy to flip after a swap.
I'm also skeptical of 1,600 for a COMPLETE job. Block (possibly due to being driven so long) and heads are getting resurfaced? This sure would be eating a lot of time and cost dearly at normal rates.
Book time is like 18 hrs just to RnR with checking and cleaning heads. 50 each to resurface, 50 each for HG and ARP head studs are about 200 (torque to yield is bull****, **** off nissan).
Sorry, I just don't trust people.
Last edited by Child_uv_KoRn; 05-20-2016 at 05:28 AM.
#19
If it's an auto and not loaded, absolutely move on.
If the car is mint and loaded, I can see the desire to fix it, but it's not just a head job. People are awfully reluctant to install headers or gut the precats. If he's not willing to do that, then leave the car. That's pissing money down the drain or he has to spend more money to buy more useless cats.
IF you know someone that can/will do a 5.7 swap and not screw it up, sure.
The only thing the car has going for it is low miles as I see it. It's something I'd buy to flip after a swap.
I'm also skeptical of 1,600 for a COMPLETE job. Block (possibly due to being driven so long) and heads are getting resurfaced? This sure would be eating a lot of time and cost dearly at normal rates.
Book time is like 18 hrs just to RnR with checking and cleaning heads. 50 each to resurface, 50 each for HG and ARP head studs are about 200 (torque to yield is bull****, **** off nissan).
Sorry, I just don't trust people.
If the car is mint and loaded, I can see the desire to fix it, but it's not just a head job. People are awfully reluctant to install headers or gut the precats. If he's not willing to do that, then leave the car. That's pissing money down the drain or he has to spend more money to buy more useless cats.
IF you know someone that can/will do a 5.7 swap and not screw it up, sure.
The only thing the car has going for it is low miles as I see it. It's something I'd buy to flip after a swap.
I'm also skeptical of 1,600 for a COMPLETE job. Block (possibly due to being driven so long) and heads are getting resurfaced? This sure would be eating a lot of time and cost dearly at normal rates.
Book time is like 18 hrs just to RnR with checking and cleaning heads. 50 each to resurface, 50 each for HG and ARP head studs are about 200 (torque to yield is bull****, **** off nissan).
Sorry, I just don't trust people.
- 18 hrs to do RnR (what is RnR???)
- I never said block would be shaved, just the heads. (i've gotten this quote from 2 mechanics...in the same price range of 15-1600 for head gasket job).
- ARP heads...what are they?
Anyway, still thinking about it. I guess the only way to tell is to take the motor apart.
#21
Hey child, couple of questions (if i may);
Anyway, still thinking about it. I guess the only way to tell is to take the motor apart.
- 18 hrs to do RnR (what is RnR???)
- I never said block would be shaved, just the heads. (i've gotten this quote from 2 mechanics...in the same price range of 15-1600 for head gasket job).
- ARP heads...what are they?
Anyway, still thinking about it. I guess the only way to tell is to take the motor apart.
BESIDES, your mechanic can tell you if the block is bad after he gets the heads off.
Tell the seller youll give him scrap price and buy it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
2014Maxima
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
1
04-23-2016 04:57 PM
Turbobink
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
4
02-25-2016 10:41 AM