So I'm looking to get a second car, and am pretty much set on a 5spd 4th gen. Well, I found one that's the color and tranny I want, but it has 173k miles on it. It's only $3200, an SE, loaded, etc., but damn, that's a lot of miles. So my question is, would it be worth it to even bother trying to mod the car at that point? Would an engine rebuild be worth it? Just curious, since I only have 66k miles of Maxima experience.

 

The 3.0L VQ's (and likely the 3.5's also) have been proving themselves to be extremely reliable and robust motors that can last an awefully long time. There are quite a few here that have at least that many miles on their engines. If the car you found checks out by a mechanic okay and drives/looks nice, you have little to fear that the engine/other is going to go kaboom any time soon, and I would say to go for it. That car is likely going to be running strong well past 300K. Expect some things to go bad eventually...alternator, fuel pump, battery, CV boot, i.e. the typical "accessories" that eventually go out...but in general the car is likely mechanically sound. Again, have a mechanic check it out to be safe. A $50 inspection is a good investment on any high mileage used car.

 

a compression test would tell of the condition of the engine.



i think that for the $
it is worth it if the car runs well

173k is not really all that much

people have run them past that and go strong
depends how long you plan to keep it but it should really be fine until probably 300k if not more...

if anything
i was told you can find a VQ with like 40k miles for 600$.. so why not

 

That may all be true, but spend 3 grand more and a Maxima can be had with maybe 80,000 miles. That saves about 92,000, so imho 3 grand well-spent. 172,000 is alot for any car, so unless it's bought from a family-member or friend, I'd definitely steer clear and would not say there's little to fear. I'm not in the habit of gambling with hard-earned money, I'd spend it wisely.

 

i would say go for it, as long as it checks out by your mechanic. nissan engines are the best at racking up the miles. My friends parents have a pathfinder that still runs great with 240,000 miles on it. I bought my third gen with 172,000 miles and it still runs great(192,000) and my mechanic has a third gen with 220,000 miles. best of luck to you.

 

John don't even worry about the mileage. One of the 4th Gen turbo guys (I think Nigel but it could be Harold) has over 130,000 miles. If they can run 12PSI on that engine, I don't think you'll have a problem NA with a few more miles. Main thing it to get a compression check, because an engine with a low-compression cylinder probably isn't the best thing to be modified.
-Cyrus

Oh yeah, and here's an early "welcome to the 4th Gen owners club", I knew you always wanted to be a part...

 

I have 163k on my 97 max. no problems with the motor still runs like new. the only problem i have was a blown auto tranny. other then that no problem or leaks.

 

That's a good price. As said above check the CV boots. The most expensive problems you might face is the transmission and the clutch, but I wouldn't worry about the engine.
I have 185,000 and still running strong.

 

Yea, it was Harold, and hes got around 140,000 miles, they ran it at 14psi, but the dyno couldnt hold the power...

Im sure you can do plenty with that milege!