Winter car.

[neogenesis]

Hello fellow Nissan guys,
I'm from the 300ZX forums. Anyways, I'm here looking for a winter car and need it soon since it has already started to know in Michigan. Could you please tell me the life expectency on the 1991 Maximas GXE? Mainly the tranny and motor. This will be my beater and DD since I'm going to garage and use my Z32 as my weekend car. Here is the link that I found of a pretty decent Maxima...or I hope anyways.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...or=&cardist=10

What are some common problems with them? I heard they have bad coolant leak, ECU problems, motor problems, and stuff like that but not sure at what mileage.

Thanks.

[Nahkapohjola]

Originally Posted by neogenesis

Hello fellow Nissan guys,
I'm from the 300ZX forums. Anyways, I'm here looking for a winter car and need it soon since it has already started to know in Michigan. Could you please tell me the life expectency on the 1991 Maximas GXE? Mainly the tranny and motor. This will be my beater and DD since I'm going to garage and use my Z32 as my weekend car. Here is the link that I found of a pretty decent Maxima...or I hope anyways.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...or=&cardist=10

What are some common problems with them? I heard they have bad coolant leak, ECU problems, motor problems, and stuff like that but not sure at what mileage.

Thanks.

Some inadequate thoughts:

Generally people say the V6 block is 'indestructible'. Many say the tranny lasts just 150k... dunno if its worse than others. As the car is good performer, maybe people just drive too hard? Tranny oil color tells a lot... Maxima is the first car I have that has all connectors sealed eg., military specs - very good.

Just about every feature is done with electronics - I have no problems yet with my -93 J30. TPS & wirings has been the only problem with my 70k.

The url was bad; dealer? Buy straight from user, get cheaper If you're not perfectly sure, take (even pay) someone familiar with these with you to see the car. Go and test before buying. Seek net instructions what to look in a used car. Compare also others, maxima seems not to be 'the goal', but a reliable winter car...

I think the condition & user/service history matters most in 12 year old car. Whatever car you have, ten years is too much for rubber parts & wirings. All have to be checked, opened/cleaned, worn & brittled parts replaced +plus maintenace... --->to get a reliable winter car. Even if the car has been standing ten years... (Add these to the price.)

[neogenesis]

The link is good...http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...or=&cardist=10
But anyways, I called the guy up and the only problem it has is that the tranny fluid leaks so I have to check that every 2-3 months. Is that a common problem? I will be using this as a winter/DD so I need it to be reliable but nothing to drive hard on, that's what my Z32 is for I know they have the same engine as the Z31 but slightly different internals. I know the VG30D are good reliable engines. Other then the two small rust spot, the car seems good.

This Car's Details
Price $1,500
Mileage 158,000
Exterior Color Gold
Interior Color Beige
Body Style Sedan
Doors Four Door
Engine 6 Cylinder Gasoline
Trans. Automatic
Fuel Type Gasoline
Drive Type 2 wheel drive - front
VIN JN1HJ01P0MT548308

Comments
Nissan Maxima GXE V6, fair condition, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power doors, power steering, alarm. 248 340 8252(day), 248 371 0523(evening&week-end). Auburn Hills, Mi.

[Nahkapohjola]

[quote=neogenesis]The link is good...
- Yes now works. If the paint is original, looks well kept.

"tranny fluid leaks so I have to check that every 2-3 months. Is that a common problem?"
- Japanese typically keep their oils in, I think u know... The leak will not go away, just worsen. How fast, heaven knows. If you know what u buy, then its ok. Hidden faults are worse... If you buy a car without any leaks, it might start tomorrow, so dont worry too much.

If you're not 100% sure how to diagnose the whole vihicle [starting point for you: salesman is a crook, at least he does not know] take someone who knows maximas with you. Btw. I do not mean that all salesmen are evil, but their word should not ever be trusted not one bit. Paperwork check is most important.

Call the previous owner, generally people are delighted to give all info as the car is not their burden anymore.