Here's my story I have a blk/blk 97 se auto with 90,000 miles on it. Im debating wether to keep it or try and find a 99 blk/blk se stick. My question is how do I know if my 97 will run to 300,000 miles is there any way of knowing if you car can make the long haul ? Its just that I have put so much time and money into this car I don't wanna get rid of it, so would just repaint it next spring and tidey it up, as long as I can be sure it will give me a few more years.

 

It should be fine. Do all the scheduled maintenance and then some. This isn't a disposable car like a Pontiac or something, it should last for a long time. Have an oil analysis and compression test done on the engine if you're concerned. You can always get a new engine though. I've got 106,000 miles on my '97 and it's as good as new. Better actually. I was going to sell it and get a new car, but then I realized what a waste that would be when the max is such a good car (esp. w/ my new springs ). I'm getting a 300zxTT in the Spring and plan to drive the maxima to over 200k.

 

check the compression

 

I have 184,000 miles.

 

If it's name begin's with "Max" and ends with "ima."

Seriously though, do a compression test.
-Cyrus

 

where and how do u do a compression test? and how much does it cost?

 

1) Search

2) If Search finds nothing, Search with another keyword.

3) Search some more.

IanS

 

I just hit 118k on my 97 5 spd

I should have close to 150k at this time next year at the rate i'm going at right now..
car is running strong

i also have a 98 GXE with 72k miles, i had it since 57k and the 97 is running just as strong

there are people with 200k+ and still going well


the VQ WILL last.
It is considered one of the best engines ever made.
I never heard of a case of it just wearing down and dying.. only because of some kind of mistake or running heavy boost on stock internals or something...

Besides,
engines are not that expensive..
you can always buy one with like 50-60k miles for cheap and throw it in your car, then it will last another 200k miles without a problem




I want to do that compression test as well actually..
just to make sure
but i'm sure that on regular maintenance.. it will go longer than you plan to keep it.

 

Get a Haynes/Chilton book, or a FSM would be even better. You'll need a compression gauge (~$25 @autozone) and some unused motor oil. Follow the guide in the manual. Compare the compression readings with the specifications listed in the manual. Not really hard, just pretty tedious.

-Sryth...
__________________________________________________ ____________________________
'98 SE 5spd, Pebble Beige, PRCAI, Stillen Y, Stillen FSTB, ACT clutch.
Pacesetter STS to be installed this week!

 

ok how do u know if its gonna last? look at the make and model, yeah ok its not a GM and I dont think its a ford and it couldnt be a sebring. I think u'll be all set