THis is my first posting here. I currently own a 2002 Acura RSX type-s and am looking for a decent daily driver. I had my list of what I was going to consider, Accord coupe, sedan or wagon. Older Integra, or 240sx. In my apt complex, the superintedent is selling his 1991 Nissan Maxima SE 5spd in black. I went to look at it and test drive it today.

I'll try to describe in best detail what I can about the car and see if anyone can tell me if this is worthwile. 1st things 1st, the sunroof does not open, but will tilt. The radio will not work (thats ok, alpine cd player will look nice in there). Needs a new muffler (thats why it sounded bad when I let off the throttle). The outside I give it a 5 out of 10, wasn't babied but a few dings scatches and oxidized bumper. The interior wasn't too bad with faded controls, carpet is ok and dash good. The guy said he used sythetic oil only, so that'll help out a little. He was asking $2,500 but marked it down to $1,500 now and has been in my parking lot for 3 months now. Should I buy this car or have a mechanic check it over just to be safer than sorry? Thanks for your input.

 

have a mechanic check it over---better safe than sorry

remember this car is from 1991 so there will be problems but minimum compared to competitors.

Maybe these 3rd gen guys can give you a list of common problems to look for so it can make your job easier...

good luck on your purchase! (by the way..i am maximaf1 if you didn't know)

 

i am a little confused. You have a brand new acura rsx---> why do you need another car?

 

Maybe he's building it for show and wants the Max for the GO!?

 

maybe he already has show and doesn't want it to get dirty or risk it in the snow/winter?

maybe just wants a daily driver instead of lugging the rsx-s around?

maybe he wants to leave vtec and get a car with tq?

maybe...

 

I think it's reasonable to have a second "work car" if you can afford it. My maxima is our second car and my wife doesn't work, so technically, we don't need two cars.

It's ALWAYS best to have a mechanic check it out.

I have never owned a VG max, but you will be 30hp short if you try to race someone in a stock 92-94 Maxima SE. There are lots of mods available, though. Including upgraded exhaust components, which it sounds like you would need.

If the car checks out, $1500 seems fair. Maybe you could talk him down to like $1200 and tell him it needs a new muffler.

You didn't list the miles, but I will assume it's somewhere between 120k and 200k. I think almost any car that that runs, drives, passes inspection and doesn't have any major problems is worth $1000. Add another $500 because the max has air, cruise, pw, pdl and whatever other options that one has. Plus, it's way more comfortable (not to mention has more power) than say a Tercel, Civic or Sentra.

 

I would try to talk him down a little more(not too much). The minors problems to look for is window regulators; clock display; you can almost count on these going out along with a few other minor things. Good luck!

 

Well, after thinking about this throughout the week, I decided that this is a really good deal and won't be able to find something as cheap and winter is sneaking up around the corner. Don't like driving my RSX in snow, just makes me cringe hearing all the salt being kicked up underneath it.

I brought a cflashlight from work home, called the guy up and he won't be able to show it to me until 9pm. The exterior has a ding on the hood and about 4 other door dings, otherwise body is about 6 or 7/10 condition. So I inspected the fenders, no sign of rust, only rust I saw underneath is the exhaust, and various bolts. One thing did concern me, I saw oil on the transmission. I hope thats not something major to replace. A bad seal somewhere, but what can you expect for 138k miles right? The interior, in great shape, with some vinylex and a vacuum job, will look like 8/10. The radio will be replaced with an Alpine cd player ($200) and the muffler with an Apexi N1 universal ($165). A new fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs, and fuel injector cleaning I will perform. So I got some nice plans for it. I think I am going to talk him down to $1,200 and offer it to him after the 2nd drive. Then its a matter of it passing PA inspection with emissions testing which I am concerned of passing. If I get it, I hope to make this car run to 200k. my friend had a 92 and drove the crap out of it and his lasted a while.

 

I would take the money with you when you negotiate. Money speaks really loud! Good luck.

 

Since this car is a VG, don't forget about the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump (or ask when they were changed out).

Also on your list of things, add replace distributor cap and rotor and check the spark plug wires for good resistance. Since it is a 5spd, don't forget to inspect the gear oil also.

As for emissions, you should be okay. Other than the EGR valve or someother exhaust component going out, it will be okay.

Nissan used some magical plastic stuff-thingy. No matter how old the interior, it can always be brought back to life with a good bottle of shine-stuff (your choice). When I purchased the SE, the inside looked so bad, I almost thought I mad a bad decision. Bottle of Armor All profession shine, two hours, and $1.00 in quarters for the vacumn was all I needed to make it look as good as the '94.

Good luck on your purchase and welcome to the "ORG."

 

yea bring $1000 with you and tell him thatsa ll you can afford to pay, once the money is in his sight most likely than not he will take it.

 

buy it. just go there and get it. do it now.

 

he already bought it -- 1300 i believe?

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=258301

 

ArcticDC5,

welcome to the org.