Thinking about buying a 97 Maxima

[Infinitrium]

I'm looking at buying a 97 Maxima (SE, I think). This car has heated leather seats, power everything, climate control, sunroof and a 5 speed. The engine runs great, transmission is good, body is good, brakes and suspension are good. There's a few small things that need attention: Someone used the wipers when they were frozen to the window and one of them is now out of adjustment. The cassette player is displaying ERR, the check engine light is on and the lock cylinder for the driver's door is popped out of place. Small things really. The current owner has replaced the brakes, had the exhaust replaced, 2 new rear struts and 2 new front fenders. It has about 206000 miles on it. It's registered currently but not inspected. He's asking 1000 bucks for it. Is it worth it? How many miles do these cars usully last?

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by Infinitrium

I'm looking at buying a 97 Maxima (SE, I think). This car has heated leather seats, power everything, climate control, sunroof and a 5 speed. The engine runs great, transmission is good, body is good, brakes and suspension are good. There's a few small things that need attention: Someone used the wipers when they were frozen to the window and one of them is now out of adjustment. The cassette player is displaying ERR, the check engine light is on and the lock cylinder for the driver's door is popped out of place. Small things really. The current owner has replaced the brakes, had the exhaust replaced, 2 new rear struts and 2 new front fenders. It has about 206000 miles on it. It's registered currently but not inspected. He's asking 1000 bucks for it. Is it worth it? How many miles do these cars usully last?

Front shocks to be replaced at that mileage, axle rubber boots, coilpacks will go if not replaced yet - find the price for them. Knock sensor is one typical issue dying after ten yrs (I bypassed it).

Run self diagnostics to get an idea for the check engine - typically means money lost... Cant know the price level in your area, check, this has to be in the low end of all 97 models. I'd go find a 3000$ 80k with original fenders.

The engine/tranny can easily last double that, the small issues need looking after. Check link below on the issues I went through with my 60k -93 garage queen, now been working perfectly many yrs.