Hello everyone,

I’m trying to decide between a couple of cars, and I have been reading all that I can find on the two cars I’m looking at.

97 Maxima SE
96 TL 2.7

I’ve read all the posts that had anything to do with TL’s here, and I’m looking for some more info about this car, anything you can tell me would be great.

First off, the car I’m looking at buying is a 96 TL 2.7, auto, very clean in/out, 105K miles. 2nd owner, has not changed timing belt/water pump. I checked KBB, car lists for about $7000 for private party sale, and seller is asking $5600, (he knows about timing belt, thus the lowered price, (his words)). SO, do you think this is a “good-deal” for this car? How much can I expect to pay to change the timing belt + water pump at a dealer?

Are there any common problems to look for or be aware of before I buy this?

I’m really wondering what are the “weak-link” for a 96 TL 2.7….I’ve found that the weak link of the 97 maxima (manual) is the differential bearings sometimes go bad, ruining clutch/tranny…..

Thanks for any help you can offer me!

 

you must mean a 2.5TL, honda never made a 2.7 liter engine for a car.

commons problems: distributor seal, steering rack bellows boots(crack from age), and ball joints go bad (but generally on much higher mileage cars).

but they are great cars, and make sure you always take it to a reputable shop to change the oil if you buy it. the drain bolt hole is not fixable when stripped and pans cost around $1200 to replace.

 

duh! yea 2.5L!!

So do you think $5600 for a clean 96 with 105K miles, and timing belt NOT done is fair price?

 

It sounds reasonable to me I guess. I think I'd try to talk him down a little more. Have you looked at the bluebook website... it can tell you what the general asking price is...
The timing belt and water pump will set you back a few hundred bucks most likely. - over a hundred, less than five....
Someone else might know more than me.
Hondas > Nissans

 

thanks bluetwo, is that the cost of just the parts? or the total charge for the service? $500 isn't too bad for water pump + timing belt + labor.

Blue book lists $6,460 for this car....