Hey guys, the names Zach!

I got an offer for a trade im ready to jump on this weekend,

Its for a 2002 maxima. its supposidly the high end version.

I test drove it and checked it out.

basically looking for some input, what to look for, what to be weary about, etc.

All help appreciated!

2002 maxima
126k miles
Bose
steering wheel controls
black leather interior
sunroof
automatic
good tire condition
the test drive went well, no squealing or abnormal sounds, accelerated without hesitation.

the issues ive noticed:
-sunroof doesnt work. possibly needs a new motor. easy enough fix
-power drivers seat doesnt work, again may need new motor. easy enough fix
-exterior paint quality isnt the best. but i can work with it and turn it into a paint project of mine.
-window tint needs removed/replaced
-front left headlight cracked. would replace both with aftermarket. although has the factory HID system

basically is there any concerns with this mileage on the vehicle? will it last me another 2 years at least granted all the maintence is done like oil/brakes/tires.

does this car have a timing belt or have timing issues?

thanks again guys!!

 

High end = GLE w/ Meridian. Got a pics?
126k, make sure it doesn't burn oil and make sure the SES light works, and if it does, make sure there are no codes and if there are, report back with them.

Timing chain, no issues with them for this generation.

Headlight housings are just that, you can keep the HID's, just replace the housings.

Sunroof might just need to be reset, or if the motor on the seat and roof are bad, can there be a possible connection, clean carfax?

2 years on my Maxima means 10-15k miles, 2 years on my Pathfinder means 5k max, how many miles do you intend to put on this in 2 years?

My 03 has 137k, runs fine, has yet to give me any grief aside from 1 MAF sensor, at 85k, and I bought a replacement for 55$ used from a member on here. They're great cars if they don't have the common issues such as pre-cats and oil burning.

 

thanks for the quick reply!

what is the SES and how to test if it works? same as a CEL?

and there was no smoke to indicate an oil leak that i saw

its going to be my 2nd car, so maybe 15-20k miles in 2 years?

 

Yes the SES is the same as the CEL. Another possible sign for oil burning is a sooty tailpipe.

These cars go forever with regular maintenance, and I mean forever. There is a 5th gen on here with over 400k miles on the original engine and auto tranny, and several others Gens. If your happy with the exterior, dont worry about the mechanics if it checks out.

 

only 2 pix i took of it

 

The wheels say its an SE, not a GLE

 

The trunk says its an SE, not GLE.

Looks nice. Issues "appear" like typical things easily resolved. I don't hear you describe anything that I would consider a deal breaker.

As long as you're not going to thrash on it, I doubt there's anymore maintenance issues you'll need to concern yourself with in the next two years. I could list a butt load of things that I'd bet money needs to be replaced. But, if you're going to drive normally and move on from the car in two years, I wouldn't get too caught up in investing further.

Did I miss the price or estimated investment when trading?

 

IDoes it burn oil?
rad support okay?
exhaust leaks?
is it the 6 speed model?
evap canister + valve okay?

Mine's got similar mileage and I think once I started modding I totally f*cked up the "eco system" of the car. Things breaking everywhere bahaha

what about that silver Lexus? Also for sale?

 

He said its auto.

 

as far as price for the vehicle, im getting on trade. got an older motorcycle the owner was interested in, so its a straight across trade. just need to pay standard tag and taxes fees.

im heading down to check on it again now. and if everything checks out after reviewing the comments posted above. your looking at a full time active member!

i wouldnt mod it too much other the what i had listed above. maybe just an intake system on top of previously mentioned.

thanks a lot guys! will be back tonight possibly with a new car!

 

I have a 2002 Maxima SE with 104,000 miles, bought it 6 months ago. The first thing I did is to replaced the spark plugs, and the rear coils. The #5 sparkplug is covered with oil but not the tip (common problem of 5th generation), I replaced the rear valve cover and valve cover gasket. Replaced the fuel filter. Replaced front struts and rear struts. Installed rear sway bar and front strut bar., Use the OEM 2004 valve cover and valve cover gasket, same fit and cheaper than 2002. Do not flush your transmission, just drop the pan, replaced it and use Amsoil Synthetic ATF, because when I remove the pan the two magnet & the pan is covered almost with 1/8 thick of sludge. Flushing the transmission will contaminate the torque converter with this sludge. I installed a PCV oil catcher to prevent the blow by oil contaminating the intake manifold.
Good Luck!!