My son has called to say he has been offered a 94 Maxima SE with 94,000 miles, sunroof, Bose stereo/CD, and power seats/windows, and dark green paint. He believes he can get it for about $6000.

Is this a good deal? Are there any pitfalls/problems to be concerned about? My only experience with a Maxima is with my 2001, which is just great; I have no info at all about the 3rd Generation Maxs.

Thanks for your reply!

 

1)Failing VTC's
2)Failing bose speakers/amps/radio
3)Failing window regulators
4)Failing power antenna's
5)IF auto...Failing tranny

I'd say $6000 is a good price ifthe car is in good condition with none of the above problems.

 

I thought that I read somewhere that the VTCs weren't a problem on the 94s. Is this true or am I just not thinking straight?

 

Nissan had reportedly fixed the VTC problem in 94, but some 94 owners still got the failing VTC's....

 

Don't forget breaking exhaust studs (tick...tick...)

Exhaust studs are a major PITA or big $$$$ to fix and the VTCs will either have to be disabled (free) or rebuilt/replaced for more big $$$$. Both VTC and exhaust manifold ticking will be evident at startup when cold.

My car supposedly had all the studs replaced and has no VTC problem, so those were major factors in my buy decision... just have to re-solder my door lock timer someday (another minor problem that causes varying lock problems).

Good luck, happy shopping, and oh, don't let all this talk scare you off!

 

Dude I say go for it. If its an automatic, you should definitly start a drain/fill on the tranny fluid. Every third gen fanatic would love a '94

 

Thanks, one and all, for your help. I really appreciate your comments, and have passed them along to my son.

(I was fascinated to see the VTC fix involved grounding a solenoid, and is such a savings over what the dealer would rip you off for!)