so went and looked at a car. i am selling my currently modded 97' auto, because i want something a bit cheaper and manual.
the car is a 95 with 94k miles and has minor hail damage on hood, paint and primer peeled off the the rear bumper, same thing on front, and its got tan interior, (dont like tan). the 5speed feels really bad. there is barely any movement in neutral, and gears are short and notchy but theres no short shifter.

my question is, if i can get him down to $4800 should i just take it and do a 97 front and rear end conv.? if so how much would that run me with painting.

also, does anyone know what might be the problem with the trans?

i want to buy a car in cash, and most 95-96 5speeds i find for around 5-6grand have 110000miles or so. i know maximas are reliable and all, i have owned 2, but would any of you recommend buying a 5thousand dollor car, that has 100k-130k miles?

 

Your biggest concern on that car should be the tranny. If it feels notchy, the synchros may be failing. Also, the differential bearings and the input shaft bearings are prone to premature failure on the '95/'96 manual trannies. BEWARE. This stuff is big $$$$$ to fix unless you're a heavy-duty DIY-er. If the trans is already showing signs of wear, a big repair bill could be around the corner. Do your homework on this one - much talked about topic on the .org here.

At 106k mi, my '95's input shaft bearings are failing and I'm about to spend a lotta dough to get this fixed soon. So, be forewarned.

-K-

 

I agree with K.

Any way to check the transmission fluid level? Maybe it all leaked out. If it's full, check the axle seals and see if any fluid is leaking.

If you can get away with it, spread a clean newspaper under the car, then come back at some unexpected time to see if there are any drips from the enginge/tranny.

 

ok, thanks guys. the tranny just feels really crappy, not smooth at all. i was very disapointed and since i have never driven a 5speed 4th gen before this, i didnt know what to expect. i hope they are not all like this, but i doubt it, this felt like ****.

i guess i should just take my time and look for a smooth good feeling trans.