the other day when I got to work I realized I was hearing the dreadful timing chain rattle after driving. My car has always made this noise since 60,000 miles...now has 137,000. Only difference is, it used to make it for a few secs on cold startup and go away. Now its constant..engine is detecting misfires at idle...and runs a little rough. I have been saving up to get the new max...but since my car is deciding to go out early I will not be able to afford it. I have been looking at other options...I need to save money in the process. Especially on gas,....I drive a lot. Believe it or not, I have come to the conclusion of the Altima Hybrid. Better mileage than the 2.5 altima...but also quicker (7.3-5 sec 0-60) and after the 4k rebates and $2350 tax rebate from govt...its a pretty good deal. I'm not gonna LOVE this car like I love the max but it will be a wise decision for the future. Its basically the same frame...so I know if I add rims and suspension it'll handle just as beautifully as my max did...maybe better beause the weight is more evenly distributed f/r (more weight in the back from battery and such) so wish me luck with this guys....Ive been through 3 maxima's with all of you INSANELY AWESOME orgers, esp you Chernmax haha. But I will always live here...will stick around and give my input on all my knowledge of the Maxima's. It was such a pleasure driving a 3.5 6MT maxima...I am gonna miss it. So long,,,,, for now.

 

Oh man, How much to fix the problem and continue loving the max?

 

If it is indeed the timing chain tensioner... get rid of the car.

 

to fix between 1500-2000. also have oil consumption issues... ~1qt / 1000 miles. darn seals....too much work to put into the car at almost 140k. rather get rid of it and into a brand new problem free car.

 

new engine..... less than 4k

 

i can do the new engine...but i still have to deal w the 8578969576045 things that are worn/loose/broken/missing etc, this car was driven hard..and it was fun. I think its time.....to let it go.

 

for exanmples needs:

fixed bumpers(chips dings)...rotors in front.. 2 bent rims... needs 4 tires..1 hid light is bout to go...1 bose sub blown..leather/steering wheel worn..gear shift **** worn...cupholder door missing a pin...chip in front glass...sunroof lining rattles...deflector has bad seal..flaps in wind...paint chips in hood..few studs missing on wheels due to stripped nuts..hole in muffler from running over something in highway...broken bracket on downpipe...broken off plastic undershield from lowering kit...both front fender liners broke and tires eating away at them...burns/consumes oil.. u tell me if this car has had it...lol hence why I dont want it anymore..

 

Get rid of it.

 

I agree.

 

Yeah at this point, there's just too much wrong. Replacing the engine... it will never run the same. You're best to just cut your losses and get something new... Good luck!

 

Now that's how you're supposed to be thinkin'

 

i am having some similar problems, and oil issues, same bout a qrt every 1000 miles, tranny jerks hard when downshofting from 3rd to 2nd. time to trade it in b4 it dies. 148k miles.

 

Damn I'm hoping to keep mine till 175K or so. Fingers crossed............

 

OP, get rid of it. On the other hand, i cant believe some of you guys have 145,000 miles on your cars. I have an 04 and i just broke 68,000 miles.

 

I have an '04 and just broke 49,000.

 

Thats suck I was looking at A lexus GS 300 just for an 06 with out nav 43K they wanted 28-31k I was like man for that price I may as well go get a 09 max fully loaded and your right my max has only 44K still running strong

 

time to let it go...somehow though...I bet that getting into a brand new car will minimize your pain

 

To be fair, you'd be spending quite a bit more than $31k for a new fully loaded Maxima.

To the OP... when you get rid of the Max, what else would you be looking for?

 

Not to thread jack but OP has oil consumption issues, Is there a reason why we have them? I know there could be tons of reasons but what can we do to prevent it?

 

The seals are known to go bad prematurely, in this case 130k+ really isn't premature though. The 02-03 maximas had many problems with oil burning issues, I remember when I had my 5 gen they're were alot of guys at 40-60k rebuilding and replacing the seals to prevent and fix the issue. So write nissan a thank you note I guess. As far as preventing it good synthetic oils and filters being replaced often, and of course lower RPM natured driving will have some effect on preventing the oil consumption.

 

as hard as it if for me to say it, your gonna have to let her go, definitely the new altima is no maxima but you dont need constant problems on your had, just in the future think maxima!

 

I sent you a message!!

 

I just got my timing chain replaced last week. $1400. Well worth it though, she runs like a champ again and no rattling noise. 120k miles.

 

Soo Sorry to hear about the ride, BUT heres what everyone wants to know, well maybe just me. ANY MODS FOR SALE? dont let those go, hahah

 

I have an 04 and just turned 41k miles

 

True that, sounds like its time to let her go but should make whatever money you can off of it.... I know I'd want the springs, maybe intake.

 

You guys all scared the hell out of me. You were talking like 140,000 and I was thinking you were talking Kilometres, I wish Canadians were still doing miles!! Whewww

 

I say change out the engine and fix the other parts on the car. With your list I don't see this project costing over $4k. Significantly less than a new car to make a car allmost new again. Paint chips and fender parts and the minor things are exactly that minor. Used engine should run less than 1500. Install should be pretty easy provided you have the right tools and follow the service manual correctly. Also if you ever get stuck on something just post it and with the combined knowledge on here you should find a solution.

 

I have an 04, and just broke 36,000. Whose next to top this 1.

 

Why do you say this? Mine is being replaced by Nissan in a few days and I pay nothing for it. My car only has 76k miles.

 

His has around twice that so Nissan is far less likely to do anything for him

You're lucky that YOU got them to do it at all.

 

sorry to hear that wish u luck with that the altima is a great car my friend has it the 2.5sl he drives it hard every where and still manages to get 21 mpg in city

 

i have an 04 with 115k and my car drives perfect just did the normal maintenance... I probably need to knock on wood. My daughter lives a state away from me and i try to pick her up atleast every other weekend.

 

R.I.P jusst get an old max to drive until you save up for the new one..haha

 

It would be cheaper if the idiot did'nt beat on the car

 

I bought my '04 SE in 2003. I've got 120,000 miles on it...no problems. I plan to keep it for another 180,000 miles.

 

what does the timing chain rattle sound like? I have a horrible rattle that happens from time to time but only while the car is actually moving, so im thinking its just loose underbody/engine bay components.