Today I went to check out this 1990 SE. I really want this model, but it was in kinda rough shape. Let me tell you some of the things I noticed about it.

Cons:

• Front seats ripped

• Paint was in okay shape

• Had a tad bit of rust on window panel

• E-brake not working

• Sunroof not working properly (had trouble closing)

• I felt a jerk when going from 1st to 2nd and a little bit from 2nd to 3rd, (not sure if it was just my clutching or if it needed new mounts somewhere)

Pros:

• Dash not cracked
• No dents
• AC working
• Original motor (not sure how many miles, I forgot..fail)
• Guy had the car for 10 years

What do you guys think? Is it worth buying for 1200 bucks?

 

Try to find a 92-94 SE, the SE models from 92-94 have the dual overhead cam motor. For 1200 the seats shouldn't be all ripped up, for 1200 she should be in really good shape. Take pics and post them here and we'll help you pic but ultimately it's up to you.

 

This much is true. For all that I'd offer $900.

 

Yea it's not in too great of shape. It's just getting harder and harder to find these cars in 5 speed. It does need quite a bit of work though...You guys are right. Doubt the guy will take 900 though. His starting price was 1600 and I told him the most I could do was 12.

 

Yeah 1200 is alot. I seen one in pretty bad shape around here for 600..

 

You got to really look...I got mine for much less with mint interior/exterior five years ago. My Max had a dead cylinder due to a fuel injector but that was really all. I have the digi dash model with the HUD and sonar suspension. It was the right situation at the right time though, this kid just got a DWI and needed money for an attorney. Mine only had around 100,000 miles when I got her and after telling the owner about the dead cylinder he knew he wouldn't get much for a 17 year old car in it's condition. I knew I had work to do but for 600 bucks it was a steal for me. If you know you can't DIY then pass on a car that needs new injectors but if you know what your doing then cop it. Never tell a potential seller you can repair yourself, you wanna make it look like you have to spend a bit of money to get her running good.

 

Where are you located?

There are people on this board willing to sell theirs with far fewer problems. It might cost a little more, but if you really like these cars, modifications are getting more difficult to come by and a lot of us have some mods already done.

I think it would be worth it to travel for a better one, especially rust free, well taken care of examples.

If you have a trailer for all of the extra stuff, I would sell my car -- but I want everything gone -- all of my extra parts, wheels, etc.

 

sounds pricey for 1200 i would feel comfortable paying 600 for that car. i saw a super clean one in ny for 2800 had fresh clean paint nice seats and alot and a huge sound system in it

 

mine is still for sale

 

where are u located. im going to be selling my 90 max soon, sorry if this looks first being my first post, iv been a forum lurker for over a year.

 

See, like I said -- you could find a better one on this site if it's close to you.

 

I'm in FL for those who are asking. I'm not willing to drive more than 50 miles for a car though. Been there, done that, car ends up being a piece of junk and I wasted 25 bucks on gas for nothing.

I'm still trying to debate whether to buy it or not. I mean, from what I know the car just needs aesthetic TLC. Those who are saying they bought 3rd gens in really good shape for 1200 bucks, I don't doubt that. But are they 5 speed? I can find a ton of automatics for 1200 in near mint condition, but not 5 speeds. They're much more rare.

 

You are right, the 5-speeds are much more rare. That's why you usually have to go more than 50 miles to find a good one.

Most of the people on this site search high and low for nice 5-speeds and once they find one, take care of it. They fix it, they find out on this site how to make it better. This is more or less and enthusiast site. There are several people that have gone hundreds or even thousands of miles to buy a really good 5-speed from a another member of this site.

I would guess that at least half of the absolute nicest 89-94 Maximas in the country are owned by people on this board.

 

Agree on finding a good 3rdgen with a 5 speed, if your mind is set then you have your answer. You can always redo the interior/exterior if your motivated to invest the time and money. Good luck with your search!!

 

Most junk yard cars(Nissans) don't even have ripped seats......

 

i would buy this guy's car and his stuff. or the other dude with the black 3rd gen a few posts up.

OR

quoted from wiki
The VE30DE engine, which was exclusively offered on the 1992–1994 Maxima SE, featured a variable intake manifold (5-speed model only) and variable intake valve timing, plus a limited-slip differential.

so what you'd need here is the variable intake manifold and a 5 spd tranny to get the max you want. find an auto in great shape and do that to it.

 

I found mine for 1200 in really good condition, its a 5 speed Vg engine, just has a few problems like the sunroof not closing and missing the driver window motor, the engine runs strong, no leaks anywhere, I am definitely gonna mod this bad boy up, for being stock its pretty quick

 

$1200 is still alot considering those issues. Granted it's a 5 speed which is rare but just think of how much you have to put into it assuming the tranny is on it's way, not to mention seats and any other issues.

Check the car thoroughly for rusting (strut mounts, rad support), if this car has always been a FL car or was it in an area where it went through rough winters and see if he has some records of maintenance. Biggest issue with our 3rds is rusting so that would be my first concern.

It's a 17 year old car so sure he wouldn't have full amount of service records but if you are knowledgeable about 3rd gens you will be able to tell key issues to warrant how much you may have to put into the car to make it a reliable dd.

But ultimately it's your choice and if you have the means to correct these issues, go for it.

 

How much for your 92 5-speed?

I bought a 91 3rd Generation and got in over my head. I am ready to bail on my current endless project and get a well kept 3rd gen.

 

Great price, IMO especially for a VE 5 speed:

http://forums.maxima.org/maximas-sal...se-5speed.html

 

I want a black 92-94 SE 5spd really bad