Call me crazy but Im buying a Maxima with 247,000 miles on it

[BullyCanadian]

Its a 95 with about 247,000 miles on it, and Im getting it from the second owner. I'm ONLY buying it cause the current owner has EVERY piece of work he's ever done on it documented and photographed. My mom even thinks Im crazy. The first thing Im gonna do when I get it though is change the thermostat (has never been changed and I think I should do it as a precautionary measure)

Do you all think Im crazy? I should be getting it for somewhere between $1400 and $1900 Canadian.

 

[exdeath]

Why not if you can get a good deal... if its not consuming oil it should be fine. Low mileage engines for common cars like that can be had at a bone yard for $400-500 worse case.

Check condition of plugs, underneath for leaks, and a compression and leak down test, will usually tell you everything you need to know about the history and remaining life expectancy. Some newer cars (not sure about 97) even have a power balance test you can do with a scanner that will communicate the same information as the compression test.

Definately check condition of an automatic transmission. If it's never been serviced or overhauled, guarantee its just around the corner, and it's costly.

Other things to know about are suspension maintenance. Things like rubber bushings, shocks, things that will have a lot of wear with that mileage. Nothing major, but a bunch of little things add up.

 

[Aimster]

engine should be fine.
transmissions on a Maxima is good, but I would definitely change the transmission oil.

also with such an old car,
cv boots, sensors are likely to go out.

but for the price a little handy work, it seems worth it.

 

[BullyCanadian]

sorry should have mentioned it is a 5 speed manual, A/C was recently serviced, and only thing it needs done is the e-brake fixed (rear calipers) here is the recent work history done on the car:

-1995 Maxima SE
-Owned since Feb 98 / 55,000 KM
-Synthetic oil since 55,000 KM
-Coolant changed every 2 years / last done Aug 2005 @ 340,000 KM
-just over 397,000 Km
-H&R Springs w/ KYB AGX shocks installed in Aug 2003 @ 278,000 KM
-New alternator @ Dec 2006 @ 380,000 KM
-Passenger inner tie rod replaced Sept 2006 / 375,000 KM
-New battery Oct 2004 @ 312,000 KM
-New starter Sept 2004 @ 310,000 KM
-New front/rear Rotors & pads / Brake Fluid flush August 2004 @ 306,000 KM
-A/C just recharged and works great!
-Redline MT-90 put in April 2003 @ 265,000 KM


Sorry I dont know why I wrote 97 instead of 95 in my original post lol, anyways hows it look/sound?

 

[exdeath]

Shifts ok, no grinding or popping out of gear, or whining? Manuals pretty much last forever, only have to worry about synchros and seals, maybe bearings. No cooling system issues in it's history? Mileage on current timing belt and clutch? And I added to my last post suspension wear items like rubber bushings that tend to crack and dry rot, etc.

Also as mentioned, CV boots. Those joints/axles are expensive to replace all because of a $20 rubber boot leaking.

Check those things, rest looks good. I may be a bit comprehensive but I'm picky.

 

[Tyrant222]

My mom sold her 91 last year. 140k miles. I enjoyed that car a lot. We had it for many years. It was an auto though and we did do a tranny rebuild.

It was working fine when we sold it, my dad wanted a truck so it found a new owner. Im sure they're still happily driving it.

 

[HiTek21]

My Acura has 214k miles on it, still runs like a champ. In the time I've owned it I've only had to do a few repairs and a couple of routine servicings. It was well taken care of in its earlier years so if the maxima was well cared for it should hold up for awhile.

 

[zoiks]

Sorry but buying an old car will only invite problems. Sure the car may have some work done on it but I bet you'll be spending money on it soon.
I have an old 240sx with 240k miles on it and the stuff that never had a problem is starting to break down. I changed the brake master cylinder, starter, waterpump, power steering pump, fuel injectors, fan clutch and lots of other things over time.

 

[exdeath]

Ah yeah, power steering leaks are definately a common high mileage problem for every car known to man.

 

[No1ustad]

My dad's got a 96 volvo 850 automatic with 270k miles on it (we drive a decent amount).... it runs like a champ... zero problems. knock on wood. pretty amazing.

 

[dud]

You are definitely not crazy. That's a good car and the price is right. Just remember that that is a higher risk purchase. As good as the car is ... with that many miles the maintenance is going to cost a bit.

 

[shocksyde]

The engine in 1st/2nd gen maximas/altimas is rock solid.

 

[Accipiter22]

what condition is the interior in?