Maxima Gxe
96' Nissan Maxima, cracked radiator, cracked timing belt, the list goes on?
I have a 96' Nissan Maxima GXE, around 120,000 miles. I was informed during a recent lube change that my car had some fluid leaking. So I took my car in to the dealer and they found many things that need to be fixed. replacing CV boots $400, replacing cracked timing belt $1500:replacing cracked radiator $800, replacing powering steering hoses, $800. The initial quote is well over $3500. I could potentially buy another car with that money. and I don't have that kind of money
I need some advice on what are items that absolutely need to fixed and what can be fixed later and if the quoted prices are reasonable.
Really appreciate anyone that could help out.
Thank you.
The Dealership is not the place for a 1996 Maxima. If you had the skill to do these repairs on your own... you could probably buy most of the parts from online suppliers, and ebay for less than $400. The rest of that $3500 cost is simply part markups, and labor cost.
If you don't have the skills, then there are many smaller mechanic shops, and franchise shops that will do it for cheaper.
Repairs in order of importance.
1- Radiator. In the summer your car will seize if it runs low on coolant.
2- Timing belt. A worn timing belt does not perform badly, but there is a concern it might break. There is probably still time before this needs to be done. It should be you second concern. Warning! If left too long... it may break causing serious damage to the engine. I've never paid more than $450 for a timing belt/water pump replacement. The parts are cheap, but the labor is intensive. Shop around. $1500 sounds like a rape job.
3- Power steering hoses are cheap! $800? SHOP AROUND!!! The hose/parts themselves cost no more than $40-$60. Perhaps more, if they are THAT specialized. But not $800
4) CV boot. A torn or broken boot means the Constant Velocity joint has been compromised with grit and soil. It will continue to function normally until it fails... usually a very long time. Replacing the boot may extend the life of the joint but is not cost effective. In many cases, the labor is actually cheaper to replace the whole joint. Unless the CV joints are new... then it may be easier to simply run on them until they are close to failing. You'll know this by a harsh knocking/ticking sound when making hard turns.
Find a reliable mechanic for your 1996 Maxima. The dealership prices no longer cut it for an aging car. Even Franchise shops such as Tuffy, or Monroe are preferable to your dealership quotes. Like I said, shop around, you can cut an easy $1500 off that estimate by finding better sources.
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