Looking at a 2001 Maxima that's been sitting for awhile

[hoorah]

So I've noticed this car at my friends place for awhile. Its a 2001 Maxima SE (only reason I know the year is because it has a 20th anniversary badge).

The car has been stationary for a long time. The rotors have a ton of rust on them and the reg sticker is from 09. The tires still have air in them (pretty sure they didn't at one point) and its in a nicer community, so I have a feeling the owner adds air to the tires to keep from being told to junk the car.

The paint on the hood is peeling and there are some scuffs on the bumper, but otherwise, the body is pretty solid. Tires look to be about 30% front, 40% rear.

I'm pretty good at turning my own wrenches and getting cars to start. Belts/fluids/brakes/ignition stuff is no problem for me. I'm considering leaving a note on the car and if I can get in contact with the owner, offering 4-$800 for it and towing it home, fixing it, and selling it.

I know V6 nissan engine of that vintage is pretty solid (but I don't know much else about it). I'm interested to know the average reliability of the transmission, and any common causes you can think of that would cause a maxima not to start (aside from the obvious dead battery from sitting for so long). Obviously, if I get in contact with the owner, I'll ask whatever I can, just doing my research. Car is an automatic by the way. Once I get a battery on it (or any car), I check for fuel pump operation and then spark, but thought I would see if there are any common 'gotchas' I should check right away.

Thanks guys!

[jltibbs]

Just gonna throw some things out there:

Coil packs
Belts
Fluids; fuel especially
Suspension
O2 sensors

If its been out there that long, something's going to be bad. Coils were a big issue 99-01. Catalyst codes run rampant. There's plent of info on this site to make sure you get everything corrected, the fact that you turn your own wrenches will make it way more cost effective. Let us know what they say.

Welcome to NICOclub.

[hoorah]

Thanks. I figure if it really hasn't been moved since 09, the gas is probably bad, and theres probably a reason it got left there in the first place. There's a haynes manual on the front seat, so I'll bet the owner was going to give it a shot.

I left a note on the car yesterday but I don't have high hopes. I originally became aware of the car when I pulled up next to it and saw a note on the windshield to the effect of "move this eyesore now!" or some such nonsense. I figure now that I left a note offering to buy it and leaving my phone number, they might think I'm the person that left the original note trying to trick them or something. Eh, maybe they'll respond and I'll get lucky. I get a positive response offering to buy junk cars about 30% of the time. I get a positive response from my wife when I bring home said car 0% of the time