Newb...may be getting a older maxima...

IMa new here, this is my first post, so don't bash on me too hard. Just to give u some background, im 16, junior in High school, 2nd in my class..yadda yadda. I currenlty have a 68' mustang...fully restored it, built 306, etc..(i'll give more info if somebody wants to hear about it) but the gas milage is TERRIBLE, and its down constantly for projects and such.

So i'm thinking getting an older cheap import is a good idea. I saw a 88' Maxima in the paper today, cold ac, cd player, body is great, runs but needs work. $700. called the guy up and he said the heads needed to be rebuilt, not exactly sure why, but i'll find out today. I believe he said it was a v6 and a 5speed. What should i be looking for when i go look at the car and test drive it? Is there a common problem with these cars? Anything like weak transmissions, rust, whatever i should be aware of on an older maxima? (for example i know on classic mustangs cowl rust is very common, and a BITCH to deal with). Could it be that the heads don't really need rebuilding but it is another problem. What kind of gas milage and power could i expect out of a car like this after it is tuned properly? Thanks guys in advance for any help, i appreciate it.

Also if anybody has a good link to some sites where i can do some readin about maximas, the engines in these cars, anything really, lets see em. im always willing to learn something new.

IMa new here, this is my first post, so don't bash on me too hard. Just to give u some background, im 16, junior in High school, 2nd in my class..yadda yadda. I currenlty have a 68' mustang...fully restored it, built 306, etc..(i'll give more info if somebody wants to hear about it) but the gas milage is TERRIBLE, and its down constantly for projects and such.

So i'm thinking getting an older cheap import is a good idea. I saw a 88' Maxima in the paper today, cold ac, cd player, body is great, runs but needs work. $700. called the guy up and he said the heads needed to be rebuilt, not exactly sure why, but i'll find out today. I believe he said it was a v6 and a 5speed. What should i be looking for when i go look at the car and test drive it? Is there a common problem with these cars? Anything like weak transmissions, rust, whatever i should be aware of on an older maxima? (for example i know on classic mustangs cowl rust is very common, and a BITCH to deal with). Could it be that the heads don't really need rebuilding but it is another problem. What kind of gas milage and power could i expect out of a car like this after it is tuned properly? Thanks guys in advance for any help, i appreciate it.

Also if anybody has a good link to some sites where i can do some readin about maximas, the engines in these cars, anything really, lets see em. im always willing to learn something new.

www.maxima.org
www.freshalloy.com got to archives
www.maximadriver.com

just to name a few......chip in and help this guy!

If you are seriously looking for gas mileage, you can do better than a max. These cars top out at 27MPG. If you are looking for a car that is still somewhat fast with better mileage than your V8, this is the place. Personally, I wouldn't buy a max with a blown motor. These are strong, well engineered and well built V6's. If the motor is blown, more than likely someone dogged the hell out of it. The list of replacement parts could be long and expensive. Save up $2K and wait for a better car is my advice.

If you really want better mileage, forget max and get an old Corolla. Boxey, bland and small but 36-40mpg. Can you say $12 fill up?

GF's grandpa had an 85 Maxima. Loved it to death, ran like a champ when he got rid of it, but the rust was getting out of control. People told him for years he needed to get rid of it on looks alone, but it drove so well he kept it well beyond its good looking years. Only thing I ever heard of him having problems with were the adjustable shocks.

yeah, Go Corolla. Especially the ultra-boxy ultra-cool 86's. Complete with plaid interior. Gawd I loved my buddy's blue 86. So many good ol' highschool memories. Mostly while driving with without licenses at 15.