Getting a 2003 Nissan Maxima, suggestions?

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ryanschillinger

ryanschillinger

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3.5 v6 automatic as far as I know. Picking it up in about a month. 108k miles and well maintained but body dinged up. Family member buying new car and was going to donate it.
Wondering what suggestions you guys have. I was thinking a high mileage oil (PHM or VML) and changing all the fluids and filters. They're getting rid of it because they got the first no-start ever and had to replace a sensor.
 
I will be using it mainly for work in Southern California. Mix of short trips (once warmed up) along with easy freeway and bad traffic. I would figure 5k oci. Would mean selling my 96 civic hx but that will be an easy sale. I'll take the mpg hit for better comfort and roominess. And I should be getting the maxima for cheap.
 
I wouldn't automatically change out all the fluids. I would talk to the buyer and see what maintenance records they have on it and go from there.

Focus on what the car's needs are. It sounds like body work and not engine work but check it out and see. Probably about time for new spark plugs if they haven't been replaced yet assuming it's using those 100k mile iridium plugs that are used in my Toyotas.

How well do you know your way around a car? Might be worth taking it to a pro for an inspection and seeing what it needs.
 
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5k should work for you. Maxlife is a great HM oil, and probably what I'd use.

There's also Smitty's at Kmart that often goes on sale for under $10 for a 5qt jug or slightly more for individual quart bottles. I'd take the quarts since Smitty's jugs are rather hard to pour, and there's no clear window, either (the quarts do have a window, though).

The dipsticks are notoriously inaccurate on these cars. Just add the amount it says to add in the owner's manual. Don't add more than half a quart at a time, and even then, only if there is no oil on the dipstick.

For an air filter, I'd recommend either the P1. Pretty blue color, and the oiled media is supposed to be good. it's also made in the USA, as opposed to Fram's TG air filter which is made in Mexico, so avoid it unless you prefer yellow media over blue.

You should also be aware that the Maxima is MUCH harder to work on than your Civic. Transverse V6's are EVIL!
 
If it's over 100,000 (?), I'd go Maxlife 10W-40 and a premium filter like WX. Over-sized if there is room to fit it ...

Drive it for a while and check the old records. See if anything jumps out. Look for cracked hoses and stuff. Change the PCV valve.

For a commuter, I'd leave the dings. You'll get more "room" on the freeways
laugh.gif


I'd also do the cooling system flush, clear, and refill with extended life multi-metal coolant
smile.gif
 
If you can obtain maintenance records, determine if plugs were replaced. You'll want to do them because Nissan recommends them at 105k anyways. Go with a Denso PKH16TT or NGK PLFR5A-11; NGK is OEM but the Denso can be found for cheaper. Buy a bottle of Techron and clean the throttle body out well; replace the fuel filter since you're in there and it's likely never been done. Nissan calls for a Cabin air filter as well at 105k. Check the automatic transmission fluid and if it smells burnt or looks cruddy, change it and the trans filter.

Check condition of all fluids, check the condition of the brakes and shake the wheels from side to side; you're looking for any unusual play or slack.

At 100k I'd start a high mileage oil like Maxlife with a NAPA Gold filter. 10W40 is fine. Look for oil leaks! These engines love to leak around the valve cover but also check the pan.

At 12 years old, I'd expect a sensor to fail. Not a surprise. VQ motors are bulletproof and strong pulling motors if maintained correctly. Glad to hear you picked up a great car and keep posted.
 
Haven't got it yet. It's my uncles but I'll take it off his hands instead of him trading it in or donating it. They have a bunch of records. One failed sensor caused a no start. That's why they're replacing the vehicle. Already replaced the sensor so it's good to go for now. I don't enjoy transverse v6 but my old 98 Taurus was easy to work on. I actually miss that car...
 
When Nissan changed from the 3.0 to the 3.5, I'm not sure what they did differently, but that generation of 3.5 are known to burn oil (the 2002 and 2003 3.5 have some slight differences than later versions).

It's a timing chain engine - you will have the 5th generation Maxima. The 6th generation (2004-2008) had problems with the timing chain guides, but I think the 2002-03 didn't have these problems - not as prevalent anyway.

The fuel filter is integral to the fuel pump and it's a bit of work to change - I wouldn't worry about it.

The spark plugs - you have to remove the intake manifold collector to get at the rear 3 - Google it. It's a bit of work, but if you have mechanical inclination, it's straightforward. While you have the collector off, the PCV is back there and check for leaking from the back of the rear valve cover. Might as well fix all that while the manifold collector is off.

Don't physically clean the throttle body unless you want to visit the dealership to reset the idle speed. (there's a procedure in the shop manual to do this without the Nissan Consult computer, but it's very hard to get it right).

Google Nissan Maxima Service Manual and you will find they are readily available at several Nissan specific forums.
 
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Originally Posted By: Leo99
I would talk to the buyer and see what maintenance records they have on it and go from there.


I think you meant seller who's a family member of the OP.
 
Your plan sounds good to me! I would use MaxLife. See if the vehicle was maintenanced so you're not dumping out trans fluid, coolant, etc that has plenty of life left...
 
Originally Posted By: rcy
When Nissan changed from the 3.0 to the 3.5, I'm not sure what they did differently -snip-

The spark plugs - you have to remove the intake manifold collector to get at the rear 3 - Google it.



I honestly didn't know that. Because I know in the 4th gen, you don't have to remove the intake to change the rear spark plugs and coils because that manifold has cutouts for the rear plugs.
 
Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
Originally Posted By: rcy
When Nissan changed from the 3.0 to the 3.5, I'm not sure what they did differently -snip-

The spark plugs - you have to remove the intake manifold collector to get at the rear 3 - Google it.



I honestly didn't know that. Because I know in the 4th gen, you don't have to remove the intake to change the rear spark plugs and coils because that manifold has cutouts for the rear plugs.


Yah..it's a pain. I had a 2000 with the 3.0 and sparks were no problem. The back weren't easy, but nothing had to be removed to access them. The 3.5 all the way up to the current model year Maxima, the intake manifold collector has to come off.

I just did the plugs on my 2004 and also had to remove the windshield cowl, the wiper arms and some big metal brace running between the strut towers (factory, not aftermarket).
 
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Thanks for the advice, rcy! Well I got it a couple days ago. They took all the fun out of it by taking it in for an oil change (mobil1 5w30) and filling the tank before I picked it up. Spark plugs were done at 95k and its at 108k. The glovebox is full of maintenance receipts, most from the dealer. Brake fluid looks dark but otherwise the fluids look clean. Air filter is good also.

It's missing the Nissan emblem in the grille. I know it has plenty of other "character" but it bugs me having the hole right in the middle of the grille. I need to find an emblem and pop out the dented front bumper as well as giving it a thorough cleaning inside and out. Really doesn't seem like a bad car at all.
 
Since the plugs are that difficult, use iridium spark plugs. Also, replace the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals.

Denso #3417 (SK16HR11) would be a good plug to use. Denso Iridium Long-Life. Unfortunately, NGK doesn't make a laser iridium for your Maxima, but Denso is just as good
smile.gif
 
Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
Since the plugs are that difficult, use iridium spark plugs. Also, replace the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals.

Denso #3417 (SK16HR11) would be a good plug to use. Denso Iridium Long-Life. Unfortunately, NGK doesn't make a laser iridium for your Maxima, but Denso is just as good
smile.gif



Yes, they do, but if the plugs were just done, he won't have to worry about them for another 100k.

http://www.ngksparkplugs.ca/results-cars...mp;aaia=1034674

PLFR5A-11 is the part #.
 
Originally Posted By: rcy
Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
Since the plugs are that difficult, use iridium spark plugs. Also, replace the valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals.

Denso #3417 (SK16HR11) would be a good plug to use. Denso Iridium Long-Life. Unfortunately, NGK doesn't make a laser iridium for your Maxima, but Denso is just as good
smile.gif



Yes, they do, but if the plugs were just done, he won't have to worry about them for another 100k.

http://www.ngksparkplugs.ca/results-cars...mp;aaia=1034674

PLFR5A-11 is the part #.


That's platinum, not iridium.
 
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