looking to buy 97 maxima - Infamous Nissan

redness1 · 07-23-2017, 03:33 AM

Hey all I spotted a 97 maxima for sale that looks really clean. Its a 3 litre auto s.touring model and just wanting to know if they're any good and what I should look for when inspecting it.
Any tips and info will be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance

cadillacdude1975 · 07-23-2017, 04:42 AM

id ask about the service records. the 97 here in the states used a timing chain...so i dont think it would be different there, but im not sure.

take it and have someone give it an inspection. look at the brakes and brake hoses, the exhaust system, inspect the trans fluid, CV axles and boots, look for signs of any damage, etc. the maxima is a good looking car. a friend used to have one, hers was the mid 90s and it was a nice riding car.

redness1 · 07-23-2017, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cadillacdude1975

id ask about the service records. the 97 here in the states used a timing chain...so i dont think it would be different there, but im not sure.

take it and have someone give it an inspection. look at the brakes and brake hoses, the exhaust system, inspect the trans fluid, CV axles and boots, look for signs of any damage, etc. the maxima is a good looking car. a friend used to have one, hers was the mid 90s and it was a nice riding car.

rang them today and its at a caryard and they say they have done a full safety and roadworthy inspection but I'm a bit sceptical as to whether they have actually done it or they just ticked a box on a piece of paper to help sell the car. Asked them about service history and they couldn't tell me anything except their mechanic changed the oil and filter (bit sus to do just those IMHO)
And they are a really nice looking car although it has a bit of clear coat peeling from what I seen in the pics but looks very straight.

alabama_lowlife · 07-23-2017, 11:34 AM

I'm not sure if this is applicable to vehicles in the Australian market, but some OBD2 vehicles will tell how many miles it has been driven since the check engine light has been reset. You would have to use a code scanner to see this and I'm not sure if that data was supported in 97. I know it was on the 2000 US model Maxima.

cadillacdude1975 · 07-23-2017, 01:22 PM

the clear coat nissan used doesnt last very long. GM had problems with the clear coat in the 80s and 90s as well.

and anyone can check a box on a sheet of paper. that is why i hate buying a used car.

YEPEE · 07-28-2017, 10:21 PM

motor mounts are popular items.. might check them

07-23-2017, 03:33 AM	#1
redness1 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: NSW australia Posts: 111 Vehicle: 2 x 1986 d21 navara Thanks: 23 Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts	looking to buy 97 maxima Hey all I spotted a 97 maxima for sale that looks really clean. Its a 3 litre auto s.touring model and just wanting to know if they're any good and what I should look for when inspecting it. Any tips and info will be greatly appreciated Thanks in advance

07-23-2017, 04:42 AM	#2
cadillacdude1975 The Gear Jammer Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chattanooga, TN Age: 46 Posts: 8,680 Vehicle: 87 D21 SE KC V6 2wd 5sp & 86.5 V6 SE auto Thanks: 316 Thanked 956 Times in 885 Posts	id ask about the service records. the 97 here in the states used a timing chain...so i dont think it would be different there, but im not sure. take it and have someone give it an inspection. look at the brakes and brake hoses, the exhaust system, inspect the trans fluid, CV axles and boots, look for signs of any damage, etc. the maxima is a good looking car. a friend used to have one, hers was the mid 90s and it was a nice riding car. __________________ "Im officially lost" - wildbill

07-23-2017, 11:34 AM	#4
alabama_lowlife Owner and Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: jack, alabama Age: 39 Posts: 8,889 Vehicle: 2011 Nissan Frontier, 08 altima, 1970 Datsun 521, 1995 Nissan Hardbody Thanks: 570 Thanked 1,557 Times in 1,271 Posts	I'm not sure if this is applicable to vehicles in the Australian market, but some OBD2 vehicles will tell how many miles it has been driven since the check engine light has been reset. You would have to use a code scanner to see this and I'm not sure if that data was supported in 97. I know it was on the 2000 US model Maxima. __________________

07-23-2017, 01:22 PM	#5
cadillacdude1975 The Gear Jammer Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chattanooga, TN Age: 46 Posts: 8,680 Vehicle: 87 D21 SE KC V6 2wd 5sp & 86.5 V6 SE auto Thanks: 316 Thanked 956 Times in 885 Posts	the clear coat nissan used doesnt last very long. GM had problems with the clear coat in the 80s and 90s as well. and anyone can check a box on a sheet of paper. that is why i hate buying a used car. __________________ "Im officially lost" - wildbill

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07-28-2017, 10:21 PM	#6
YEPEE Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,582 Vehicle: 86.5 HB, 02 Sentra Spec-V Thanks: 164 Thanked 237 Times in 206 Posts	motor mounts are popular items.. might check them