How concerned should I be about rust?

[jimbojones]

I'm thinking of buying a 2001 Nissam Maxima 20th Anniversary Edition.
One of my concerns is that it has allot of little nicks on the body and it looks like they used touch up paint to cover the spots. I don't know if there is rust under the paint.
Under the hood, I can see some rust (not the engine itself, but some horizontal bar, don't know what it is for).

I test drove it and it drives nice. I'll take it to my mechanic for an inspection if I get to the point where I put an offer.

On a side note, what do you think is a fair price for this car? (assuming it's in average condition). It has new tires and windshield.

[SkylineR34X]

Before you purchase the Maxima, hopefully you can get a record on what has been replaced. Overall very reliable besides small electronic problems.

O2 sensors.
Make sure to check all windows and doors and remote to make sure they work properly.
Ignition Coils on these car go easily if they have no been replaced. (if they had, then the new coils are slightly different than the old ones, so they won't die easily)
Check the brake performance. Stock pads suck! Really need a upgrade in my opinion.

Other than that not much problems.

Although, I would highly recommend a 2002-2003. They comes with stock HID lights, which is really nice at night. As well other appearance upgrade, newer engine, shift-gated shifter etc. etc. Although the newer 3.5L have some burning oil problem, but it's not really a major issue.

Trust me, after you get 2001, you will regret for not getting the updated 2002-2003 version. :)

I have
2000 Maxima SE
Purchased 03/2006
Paid 12800 After Tax with 138000km

Problems I have experienced:
Rear left window motor
3 window switches
Replaced rear O2 sensor
Replaced 4 tires
Replaced battery
Front left suspension noise (could be lower ball joint)

Upgrades I have done:
HID kit (I really should've bought the 2002)
Tinted windows (20%)
HAWK HPS Brake Pads

[jimbojones]

Before you purchase the Maxima, hopefully you can get a record on what has been replaced. Overall very reliable besides small electronic problems.

O2 sensors.
Make sure to check all windows and doors and remote to make sure they work properly.
Ignition Coils on these car go easily if they have no been replaced. (if they had, then the new coils are slightly different than the old ones, so they won't die easily)
Check the brake performance. Stock pads suck! Really need a upgrade in my opinion.

Other than that not much problems.

Although, I would highly recommend a 2002-2003. They comes with stock HID lights, which is really nice at night. As well other appearance upgrade, newer engine, shift-gated shifter etc. etc. Although the newer 3.5L have some burning oil problem, but it's not really a major issue.

Trust me, after you get 2001, you will regret for not getting the updated 2002-2003 version. :)

I have
2000 Maxima SE
Purchased 03/2006
Paid 12800 After Tax with 138000km

Problems I have experienced:
Rear left window motor
3 window switches
Replaced rear O2 sensor
Replaced 4 tires
Replaced battery
Front left suspension noise (could be lower ball joint)

Upgrades I have done:
HID kit (I really should've bought the 2002)
Tinted windows (20%)
HAWK HPS Brake Pads

Thanks for the excellent info. I'll try to look into the 2002+ models and test drive one so I can compare. Keep in mind I'm coming from a Honda Civic, so the power and smoothness of any Maxima will be a big upgrade. I actually like the look of the 20th anniversary edition even more than some of the newer Maximas. One thing I am finding is that they are rare and it might be hard to find a good deal on one. Looks like you got a decent price on yours as I'm finding the 01 20th anniversary editions going for $16k (with 130k), although I'm sure I can negotiate down to the 14/15k range.

Did you notice any rust under the hood of your Maxima?

[j5kang]

I have a 2000 maxima as well...

as mentioned, these are the things to watch out for..

ignition coils is def a common problem... the maf sensor is also very prone to failure... o2 sensors as well..

the engine and tranny both are pretty solid. my vq30 doesn't burn a drop of oil at 140k. THe auto tranny does have some problems (can be fixed by replacing a part, doesn't require a rebuild), so watch out for slipping from 1-2 and 2-3...

the 02-03 maximas are nice, but alot more money.. i don't know if it's worth it for you.. the 3.5 does have alot more punch, plus stock HIDS are nice as well.

I think it's a great car for the money, good luck

[GangStarr]

if you drive in Ontario in the winter, rust is almost unavoidable

[TerryB]

if you drive in Ontario in the winter, rust is almost unavoidable

I do not agree with that statement. I have a '98 Mercury Villager with ZERO rust. And I mean ZERO. I have had it Krown rust sprayed every year since new. If you buy the used Maxima, get it Krown or Rust Checked and you will not regret it. The spray will penetrate any existing rust and slow it right down. For around $100 per year, you can't not go wrong.

Up until last year I had a '95 Altima that I bought used in '01. It had a little rust already, starting on the passenger door. I had it sprayed each year afterwards...and the rust did not get any worse. That's 4 years....

[jimbojones]

I'm from Alberta so I don't expect too much rust on a 2001. I have a 2000 Civic and the body is like new. Under the hood looks almost like new. Then again I've always kept it in the garage and bought it with very low km.
Maybe this Maxima is from out of province? I asked them this and they said no, but I will verify this if I make an offer.
I'll let me mechanic be the judge for this car. I really liked the way it drives, so smooth. Even if I don't buy this particular car, I'm almost set on getting a Maxima now.

[dhamilton]

I bought a Cavalier when I lived in Edmonton and it had rust...rust on a car in Alberta doesn't mean that it's from out-of-province...however, it is more likely that cars will develop rust in places like Ontario, which uses mostly salt instead of sand on the roads. I currently live in the GTA and have noticed how crazy they are with salt here...it's good for the roads, but terrible for my car :)