I'm thinking of buying a fourth gen Maxima, and the owner tells me that the only problem is that the differential seems to be leaking. He said it's ok, as long as you top off the transmission fluid every time you change the oil.

My main concern is how much would this cost to fix? Is this a big problem, or relatively small one?

Also, doesn't the timing belt have to be changed at 60k miles or so? The guy hasn't done it yet, and it has a little over 100k miles on it.

What other maintenance items should be done?

Thanks,
-Brian.

 

Good lord, DO NOT BUY that car if the differential is leaking. It is most likely the carrier bearings that have went, and now there is play. The bearings will eventually need to be replaced. Its a common problem on the 5 speeds. I dunno about the autos though. Read the entire FAQ section up above. I have a post in there about the leaking transmission/differetial.

This car has a timing chain, no need to replace any belt (timing, that is).

 

Thanks for your help.

Although it seems to have been an impulse buy, I bought a 96 SE Maxima with some cosmetic blemishes today. Has 101k miles, and seems to be in top mechanical shape.

I left it at a mechanic's shop, and just in case, I'm gonna flush transmission fluid, change the timing chain, and spark plugs.

Wish me luck..

-Brian.