Hi Folks,

I am about to pull the trigger on a 98 villager from a single mom. It has 86k miles and looks good. But it looks like maintenance has been neglected as far as oil change and auto transmission fluid is concerned. The oil was black and overdue and there was black deposits on the oil cap. But I am more worried about the tranny. The oil was dark brown and smelled burned and definitely not flushed since new. It ran good. No problems there. Do you guys think changing the tranny fluid will cause problems? I have had bad experience with changing it in neglected autos, though at around 150k.

Does this engine need Timing belt? I heard that this is re badged Nissan Quest. Is that true? In that case, the engine is most likely similar to the ones on Maxima and they have timing chains instead.

Anything else I should look closely?

Appreciate your help. Thanks in advance.

The 93-98 villager is really a Nissan Quest.
The timing belt is recommended to be changed at 105k miles. I would replace tranny fluid (plus drop pan & replace filter/screen and clean magnet inside of pan).

Hi Folks,

I am about to pull the trigger on a 98 villager from a single mom. It has 86k miles and looks good. But it looks like maintenance has been neglected as far as oil change and auto transmission fluid is concerned. The oil was black and overdue and there was black deposits on the oil cap. But I am more worried about the tranny. The oil was dark brown and smelled burned and definitely not flushed since new. It ran good. No problems there. Do you guys think changing the tranny fluid will cause problems? I have had bad experience with changing it in neglected autos, though at around 150k.

Does this engine need Timing belt? I heard that this is re badged Nissan Quest. Is that true? In that case, the engine is most likely similar to the ones on Maxima and they have timing chains instead.

Anything else I should look closely?

Appreciate your help. Thanks in advance.

When buying a used car it is always wise to have a known good repair shop to look it over for you.
Also drive a day or two before you buy it.
85K is not bad mileage but there is maintenance that needs to be done around 85-100K.
But go easy and beware on them transmission flushes.
As said a filter and pan drop on transmission.
Also check with your banker and insurance company on the value of the van.