01 Maxima 275K miles, has been in the family for almost 20 years, my son loves driving it, but she’s aging and makes a lot noise when we drive her. I’m not really sure, what’s the wrong with her. What sort of costs would you say to get her back in relatively in good health? What are the typical issues run with Maxima? Thank you for your advice.

 

That's quite the mileage racked up on the Maxima which shows how durable these cars can be if maintained well! Regarding the rattling, can you elaborate on where this noise may be coming from? It can be a number of things like a heat shield, failing or broken exhaust clips, radiator supports going bad, etc.

 

Yes, we drove a lot from East to West coast. Back and forth I-80 and 84. She can still run and still has a pretty good pick up for being 20 years old with 275K miles in her life. We settled in Portland so there’s not much snow salt or really cold weather.

The sound seems to come from underneath and the back, belly noise it maybe the exhaust system, perhaps the pipe is broken? The rattling might be that the pipe is not attached? The sound is deep loud noises.

it also has a electrical problem with the headlights, dashboard lighting.

i still want to keep her and willing to pay 2k to get her health back.

the question is, is 2k enough? Is it worth the money? Or take 2k to buy something newer?

id appreciate if you experts out there could share some thoughts. Thank you

 

[QUOTE=Maximaonbst;9218427]Yes, we drove a lot from East to West coast. Back and forth I-80 and 84. She can still run and still has a pretty good pick up for being 20 years old with 275K miles in her life. We settled in Portland so there’s not much snow salt or really cold weather.

The sound seems to come from underneath and the back, belly noise it maybe the exhaust system, perhaps the pipe is broken? The rattling might be that the pipe is not attached? The sound is deep loud noises.

it also has a electrical problem with the headlights, dashboard lighting.

i still want to keep her and willing to pay 2k to get her health back.

the question is, is 2k enough? Is it worth the money? Or take 2k to buy something newer?

id appreciate if you experts out there could share some thoughts. Thank you[/


Do you have a jack and some jack stands or know someone who does? Once the car is up on jack stands, check your exhaust with the car off for lots of play. Then start the car, let it idle, and re-check your exhaust for movement/noise.


what kind of electrical problems? Be more specific, the dashboard could just be some blown bulbs.


Going forward with repairs or replacing the car is totally up to you and what’s smart for you and your family. I did a quick search nationwide for 00-01 maxima’s. Most were high mileage and in the range between 2k to 4K. So it’s basically the devil you know vs. the one you don’t. If you’re somewhat mechanically inclined, 2k budget will take you a long way in parts depending on what actually needs replacing.

Id get a complete list of what needs replacing starting with the most important (being safety) to the least important. These cars have been known to go to 400k miles with proper maintenance.

 

[QUOTE=98 i30t 5spd;9218465]My thoughts exactly. Sometimes the rear tailpipe/muffler gets detached from the clips that support it, so it rattles and keeps clanging against the underbody -- happened on my '01. The dash lights could simply be worn bulbs or fuses wearing away as well -- both of which are simple fixes.
Let us know what you may come back with so we can help you better!

 

You guessed it right! It would cost up to 4K to fix all that needs to be, plus the body. That n wait.

Exhaust system $755
Spark plugs $380
Control Arm $680
AC $465

Thank you everyone who helps with the estimated costs.

 

I live in Vancouver and can beat those prices.

 

Wow those shops are charging A LOT !!!!

 

Rockauto.com may have some parts available to purchase for waayyyyy lower than what you're quoted as per above. Check them out, or give slvr2kSE5 a shout since he mentioned he could beat those prices. And I hope you recover seeing as you're in the hospital!

 

Plugs 220 parts and labor
control arm 260 per side

I can't quote the exhaust or ac unless I know exactly what is needed. I can say a catback at my job (exhaust speciality shop) would run about 450

 

The above prices do not make any sense !!
Here, prices for parts:

• Spark Plugs: max $3 per plug: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...park+plug,7212
• Control Arm: $60 per arm, at most: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...trol+arm,10401
• AC: typical problem is just lack of coolant ... easy/inexpensive to fix
• Exhaust: If it's just the "post-cat" part, you can get it for $100 max, here: https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...resonator,5872

I suggest you get the parts yourself. Then, fix it yourself or use a trusted mechanic.

 

I suggest you stop spouting off bad info. I won't install copper plugs in a customer car unless requested. My cost on the correct plugs is just a hair under 10 each.

Control arm is about 70. Not everybody is capable of changing it themselves. Sure... I'll install his parts but no warranty and if there's rust/broken bolts I won't hesitate to either stop or charge more. If I supply parts I'll go well out of my way to get it done for the quoted price.

Refrigerant doesn't just "get low". It's not a consumable. If it's low there's a leak. Being epa certified I need to repair that leak before sending the vehicle out.

Sure if you want to install a cheap *** aftermarket exhaust you can get it from RA. But you forgot the cheapest shipping option at 50 bucks. They also fit terrible.

 

You either can't or don't want to read.
I am not recommending copper plugs. The NGK platinum plugs are $2.24 each, Iridium is $5.22 each.

I have advised the OP how to approach the repair. I am not suggesting that he does it himself. However, I would definitely not advise him to use your services.

Correct, I absolutely agree.
The question is "On a 20-year old car, what is the most effective way to repair your AC?".
In more detail, I suggest the following:

• Check for any leaks, make sure to properly tighten the AC refil/pressure nut (that was the problem on my car; fixed it for $30 and 45 minutes of my own time).
• Refill to proper pressure.
• Start using, keep monitoring. Be aware of dry seals.

I strongly disagree.
I just replaced both of my pre-cats (a much more expensive/complicated proposition). My bill was:

• Parts: $700 for Eastern pre-cats (from RA), EDIT: The cost was $718, but it included all four O2 sensors, at about $50 each.
• Labor: $250 for labor, to a muffler shop down the street (no complaints about bad fit, parts did fit out of the box).

Resonator replacement is much simpler. The (resonator+pipe) from RA should fit just fine, at the cost I suggested (for parts) and about $150 for labor (my guess).

 

The plugs I priced are 8.36ea on RA.

I'm done with you.

 

LOL, this is hilarous stuff.

 

Yes it is hilarious , because they all are price gouging. I can do it all for the price $400 and make a $300 profit,Chinesium is great.

 

I was thinking 400 dollars with paying someone to weld up the exhaust (I assume flex is rotted out with the other usual spots), and replace the arms/plugs/charge AC yourself.

 

Given the times, I would do the work for an economy pack of toilet paper!