So I bring this 97SE 5 spd i'm looking at to my mechanic. We put it up on the lift and start looking at it. Its leaking gear oil from some sensor at the bottom of the tranny. Thats no big deal. Upon closer examination, it appears the power steering rack is leaking?!

Could this be true? I've never heard of steering racks just going.. especially a 97 with 77k miles.

Then I thought maybe the oil from the tranny dripped back to the steering rack from driving.

Dealer is asking $8900, wouldn't take $8k (assuming they fix what ever is bad/leaking)... Should I settle at $8500?

Thanks all

 

well it all depends on how bad you really want it
is it fully loaded ?
check www.edmunds.com for tru market value
but 8500 is too much money for 7 year old car.

i bought mine back in 2001 for $9000 out the door
97 Se black on black with every option except CD changer. car had 79K miles on it

Nick.

 

For reference I am looking at a 97 SE blk/blk auto every option 83k for $7 this weekend. But your story makes me feel more comfortable about the price. FYI I ran into two dealers that think they have a great tresure and refuse to come down in price where these cars should be. If you plan on keeping the car awhile then maybe overpaying a little won't bother you if you really like the car, otherwise these guys can try their luck elsewhere imo.

 

I'd stay away. Not a good sign that the steering rack is leaking. I have over 3.5 times that many miles and never a leak on the steering rack.

 

www.kbb.com

 

$9010 it retails for.

Don't get me wrong, the car is beautiful and in excellent condition mechanically except for this one detail. I have a feeling its not the steering rack at all. Either way they're going to fix the problem (by law they must b/c it is a safety device) and give me a call.

 

Is the oil leaking from a sensor just back from the oil filter? If so, this is your oil pressure sensor. It's an easy fix and a cheap part. Replace with anything EXCEPT OEM unit. Hey, it's the one that failed. The part is about $7 and I think there was a write up on replacing it in the stickies.

BTW, 97 Max SE in my opinion is the best looking. I've got a Sage mist with the gray leather. Great car especially with the 5spd. Black ones are pretty good looking as are the white and sterling mist IMHO. Good luck.

 

auction rock man my bro bought my max from a auction for $3500 all that was wrong with it is a couple of dings and dents(not that serious) and interior that was dirty from dust from sitting in a parking lot that was made up of dirt

big deal on that cause i had a spare i30 interior in my basement

and bought it from my bro for $5000 with new engine, i30 interior, and H&R springs. what a deal. lol. maximas rock now and love mine.