So i totalled my max like a week ago and I plan on salvaging what i can, the motor and tranny are still good. They car I am buying doesnt run. They man said the timing chain broke while driving. I am paying $1000 for it. Its a 95 5spd with 150K. My car was also a 95 5spd with 145K. Should I buy the car not really being able to know whats wrong with it?

 

No because if the timing chain broke while driving, then the motor is toast. Unless you have done motor swaps before (and I know at 18 I have only done a couple) then don't do it. When the timing chain breaks, valves bend.

 

word u would have some serious valve and piston slamming action...not pretty...

 

invest in a maxima thats actually running.

 

well he did say his motor and tranny are still good........but still it seems fishy to me

 

Sorry about your loss, man !

 

You should at least check the following: ecu (for codes), visually inspect the engine area for leaks, check the tranny fluid (smell and color). Jack up the car and inspect the suspension for worn cracked bushings, wheel bearings, and blow struts, check the cv boots and rack and pinion boots (for split or tears), visually inspect the exhaust system, visually check the entire under-carriage of the car because maybe the car has been in an accident before and have had hidden damages. That's all I can think of for now.

BTW, if the transmission mount on the old car is still in good condition, how much would you sell them (if you are going to)?

 

10chars

 

I'm pretty sure the point of him getting the car is to swap the motor from his previous maxima.

I'd say to get the car if it's in good condition but offer him alot less than $1,000. You have lots of negotiating power seeing how you can't drive his car and you'll have to tow it. I'd buy the thing for $5-600 and swap your motor in. Even if it needs a new tranny you'll still be covered because you already have one.

 

If your engine is good, swap it and buy the car.

 

find out how much you can get engins swaped for if you cant do it yourself
if to much no

 

Nah that's bull****. If the engine is still good, why didn't he get a new timing chain and keep driving it?

You just gotta be careful when it comes to buying cars man. It dosen't matter if its a person, and old honost man, or the stealership- anyone in this world will rip you off if the right oppertunity arises, even your friends.

 

I really question some people's logic on this board. If the car's body is good and it hasn't been in any accidents and you check over the things that were mentioned above, then buy the car if you can swap your motor in yourself.

He has a working engine and tranny that he can use, so who care's if the ones in the car don't work? What do you guys think this owner could be hiding?

 

no the original car that is totaled still has a good engine and tranny so he can swap is waht i meant

 

Right I totalled the rear end of my car like after the rear wheel the car kinda just stops. So I have a really good tranny(just got it done like not even a month ago) and the motor runs strong. I do have some mixed feelings about buying the car tho because I dont need 2 cars that I cant drive if there is other stuff wrong with it. Alright thanks guys I think im leaning towards buying something that works..

 

Remember the only thing on the sellers mind is getting rid of it. No more headaches for him, but tylenol for u.

 

haha yeah good analogy(sp?)

 

I believe that this engine is a non-interference style engine (not 100% certain though). This means that if the chain broke and all the internals are free spooling they will not collide. However, if the chain broke then something else is wrong that made it break. To say the least it probably destroyed all the gears/sprockets and chain guides when it broke.