I need some advice on 2003 Max that I'm eyeing....kinda desperate to pick up a vehicle since I've been without my previous vehicle since it was stolen

https://offerup.com/item/detail/357597538/?ref=Chat

Seller comment:
"Year 2003 Mileage 167,124 I'm a 3th owner Title is with my Name now Car shake a little bit. I went Mechanic bcz of check engine light, he told me I need to change spark plugs for $80, there a misfire, I don't know what is that. So if you want I can give u the car for $2,100. Oh one thing, mechanic my starter need to change soon. So now I can do it for $2,000. That is the best I can do. If you have any question plz let me know. Thank you."

I like the car since the interior is well kept with leather and sunroof and would be an upgrade over my previous 2000 Max that I bought in 2007 for nearly 7500 w 118xxx miles. The only thing I'm worried about this vehicle is the transmission...not sure if its rebuilt or original; I had a rebuilt transmission in my previous Max in 2012 which was a major expense at 2600; How strong a 5.5 Gen Max tranny for those with previous experience??Not worried about starter as can be replaced for cheap along with remanufactured alternator, although replacing whole set of ignition coils may be expensive

Another car I'm looking at is:
https://offerup.com/item/detail/433217757/

Although this seller has not been as responsive as previous guy

 

I have a budget limit of 3000-3500 to pick up one of these cars

 

I'd be worried about the engine. Precats...

 

There are some long threads on PreCats on here; have to take the time to read through to garner ppl opinions

Really want another Max, but may have to resort to a 4 banger like a used Camry or Toyota Matrix; also looking at 2001-06 Sentra's since they have low resale values and are below my budget

 

Yes, watch out for the 2002's and 2003's, I would say generally stay away unless you want a fun project car, but as a daily driver there are much better options.

If you can't find another Maxima with the VQ30, the 1997-2001 Toyota Camry's are a good bet, although I think there are some years of Camry (Maybe I am thinking of Corolla) which had oil burning problems. Also 4cyl accords or 6cyl with the manual.

Someone posted this video here a couple weeks back, he got some information of the maxima wrong, but overall good video .

 

Yeah I'd pass on that car. You want something reliable as a DD, not something that's out of commission every weekend because you're chasing down problems.

 

Eff the Camry... 1st gen Toyota Avalons are every bit as good, if not better. The same year Camry with exact same miles and 1MZ-FE V6, will cost about $400 more, JUST BECAUSE it is a Camry. Avalons are more car for less money from the same manufacturer, and I'll bet there's plenty of clean, decent mileage 1st generation Avy's in Harris County to be had from the AARP crowd that can't drive anymore.

 

 

Any idea on the 2nd gen Avalon (1999-2004) and why did the Solara get discontinued; may have to join a Toyota forum although I've only owned Nissan vehicles beginning with a 1997 Sentra that I totaled before buying a Max; Thanks for the feedback

 

The only thing I hate about Honda and Toyota products is that their prices are always inflated compared to other manufacturers; seeing Civics and Corollas (2000-2006) costing thousands more than a similarly equipped Sentra in same range; I'm assuming the 1.8L engines found in those Sentra's are pretty reliable to last a year or two before I upgrade to something else

 

What about an 03 Buick Century or something?
Dont they have the 3800? Ive seen these 6 barrels going for under 5000

 

Sentras from the turn of the century had some head gasket or other engine issues I think. The goofy bulbous looking ones from the mid nineties had solid motors though.

 

We're all gonna get sent to the administrators office or online detention for babbling on about other makes of car on a Maxima forum....