Rob_0126

I have read much about various problems with all kinds of cars and trucks lately.

I have considered buying an 02 or 03 max auto because of the older bodystyle and 3.5 engine.

My concern is the oil burning problem.(and recent butterfly screws coming off, sometimes destroying the engine)

Are all 3.5's oil burners or is it a certain percentage?

What are some signs upon inspection of an oil burner?

Hows the 02-03 reliability compared to the 95 max i have now?

Ive thought about a g35 as well but they are oil burners too.

I need some advice and some pros and cons about this.

MaxinO2

iTrader: (1)

I would look for leaks, oil pan, transmission, ect.. signs of damage to body and underneath. See when the car had its last oil change and check the dip to see if its where it should be. Check the radiator fluid, check for unusual sounds from the engine or suspension. If you can drive the car for a few days before you buy one that would give you a great idea.
I have an 02' and I've got some oil burning but I stay on top of it. I have 172k and car is running great.

Finchum

Not sure if anyone ever pointed out exactly where the oil is lost...but if its the rings, you can always compression test it before you buy. the front 3 cylinders are easy enough to access while the back three would be more difficult.

I check tires and brakes for abuse and/or maintenance. Dip sticks for motor/auto tranny, air filter, coolant color, brake fluid color, power steering color/smell, and under parked location for signs of maintenance. Look for clean even lines between body panels and rust under the car or on the exhaust for signs of the climate it resided in. also interior roughness, mainly smelling for cig smoke and looking for dog scratches on console or signs of water leaking in(headliner/foot well carpet)

generally a set of floormats and a good cleaning session takes care of most interiors shortcomings.

T_Behr904

If you're looking at a car from a private seller, ask him/her how often the top off the oil between oil changes. That's the best way to find out if it uses oil since it sounds like you're asking a general question about the car. And as far as the butterfly screw, get an NWP blockoff plate.

Rob_0126

Are the 02's more prone to oil burn than the 03's or the same?

How bout the 01 pathfinders?

MaxinO2

iTrader: (1)

All Nissans burn oil after so many miles, its usually worn piston rings.

DjHackStyle

theres a million things to look for with any used car.

i think the original poster is asking for what things are specific to a 02-03 nissan maxima.
1. 02-03 maximas are known to have a leak in the high pressure power steering hose, its on the passenger side strut tower.
2. they are also known to have faulty fuel gauges. if you buy it and drive home and the car turns off and won't turn on and the fuel gauges shows half tank, put some gas. ask me how i know this is common, happened to me 2 times, first my friends car an 02, then when i bought my 03 happened aswell, not a coincidence this has to be common problem.
3. oil burning, its common but theres nothing you can do about this. most engines still run great like my friends and mines, 1 quart per 1000 miles is normal.
4. slight rattle on startup, its nothing to be scared of its the timing chain that rattles for a second or two on cold startup its very common. however stay away from excessive rattling.

this is all i can think of maxima specific problems. everything else is pretty general to any used car.engine noises, brakes, suspension, cooling system, body work, paint.

Gugs

Watch out for the 1700-2000 RPM pinging problem... I'm still trying to figure mine out:

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ease-read.html

DjHackStyle

5 to 6 tanks of 93 with a techron fuel system cleaner should clear that up. Happened to me and i ping about one time every month so its 99.9% gone im happy enough with that

Galactica

iTrader: (5)

I bet if that helped clear it up then so would running the TC-W3 oil in the fuel tank that's in the General Discussions area.