MaximaNoob1

Hey guys, I joined last November to get insight on a Maxima that I wanted to buy. And I'm back with another one that I found. Here it is: http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/cto/5703215722.html
I contacted the guy and he said all the work was done within the last year, no leaks, and it doesn't burn oil. Tires are also only a year old. I'm going to look at it tomorrow. I'm excited as this one looks in very good shape. I had to sell my Grand Prix as the tranny went out in it, so I was hesitant on buying another automatic. But he said he had the tranny flushed so I guess it's good? I know flushing isn't the best thing, but I'll go on a test drive and see what I think. I've always wanted a 5.5 gen Maxima and hopefully tomorrow I'll have one.

Scottwax

iTrader: (8)

Decent price, relatively low miles. Check it over good, if you buy it, keep an eye on the dipstick first couple months you own it to get a baseline for the oil consumption.

I've had two, an automatic and a manual. 6 speed was obviously more fun but the 4AT was a massive upgrade over the Mazda 626 V6 I had prior to it.

MaximaNoob1

Awesome, will do! I just really hope this one turns out to be good. I've always loved the way the 5.5 gen Maxima's look and the power they make is incredible. Big step up from my Grand Prix.

Did you have any tranny problems? He said he flushed it out so there shouldn't be any issues, but is there anything that is known to fail overtime?

cornholio

iTrader: (1)

you don't see a lot of tranny problems reported for the 5th gens here, which i think speaks well for these cars. hopefully by flush they didn't pressure flush it but did a drain and fill to replace old fluids.

MaximaNoob1

He had it taken in to get done, so whatever a shop does. The test drive will be the ultimate test. If the tranny flush harmed it, it should slip or have hard shifts through every gear.

MaximaNoob1

Hey guys, just an update. I bought the car!! Paid $2400 for it. It's really solid, engine and transmission in good shape. No vibrations or hard shifts. He even equipped it with remote start so that will be nice. Has the typical wheel well rust, but not horrible. Looking forward to learning new things about these cars.

Cotozic

Nice! Welcome! Great deal too.

MaximaNoob1

Rut roh Raggy! I peek under the car and see a small puddle. I had the A/C on so it might be water, but it's been 2 hours now so I think it would have evaporated. It's on the passenger side, directly next to the wheel about a foot away. I just went outside and saw one drop come from there. So I put my finger in the puddle and tasted it. Tasted like water, so maybe it's still dripping excess off? Wasn't sweet, and definitely not slimy like oil.

mclasser

If you've had the air on for a while on a hot humid day, it can drip water for some time after the car's parked. The drain tube is in the area you mentioned as well.

MaximaNoob1

It's 80 degrees today and was probably hotter later in the day. I had it on for a good amount of time too. Again, new to these cars so I'm not used to these sorts of things. Thanks!

maxinout93

Enjoy your new ride, just keep an eye on the oil level.

MaximaNoob1

I actually haven't even checked it yet since I bought it :P. I know I should, but just keep forgetting. There is a lot of residual oil around the ignition coils so I pulled the 3 out to look inside and they're bone dry, so they must have spilled when adding oil. It needs a good cleaning.

MaximaNoob1

Just checked the oil, nice and golden. A tad overfilled if I'm honest. And the tranny fluid is nice and red.

MaximaNoob1

Yeah, so I have narrowed the transmission flare to only happening when the tranny is "cold," or the first time you drive it in the morning. It does it in like the first 5 shifts and then evens out once it's hot. Just want to confirm one last time that it's a "normal" defect that won't cause any issues.

I really hope it doesn't act up in winter when it's actually cold out. I might have to let it sit and warm up a bit before driving it.

Max139617

iTrader: (9)

Replace the fluid with a quality fluid and check the condition of the trans mount.