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wamarler
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| Posted: Oct 13 2010 at 10:01am | IP Logged
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Hey forums,
I've been driving a '93 Isuzu pickup for the last 5 years, and it's time for it to go (I want 4WD for the New England winters, and an extended cab). I came across a 2003 KingCab XE (manual transmission) with 96k miles. 1-owner, in very nice condition and I'm thinking about getting it.
I was hoping folks could give me some advice on what problems to look out for. Thanks in advance!
I searched recalls and the only one I could find that seemed relevant was regarding a crack that could develop in the fuel pump.
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frontierguy
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| Posted: Oct 13 2010 at 8:03pm | IP Logged
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I would check to see what kind of maintenance history the vehicle has. Coming due for timing belt, spark plugs etc. at 105K if not already done, among other normal maintenance items.
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'10 Altima SL
Traded 08 Frontier for 16 Frontier SV CC Long box, quite an upgrade. I do miss the 6 speed and Dynomax ex.
Nissan Technician 25 + years
2011 John Deere X720SE
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wamarler
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| Posted: Oct 14 2010 at 8:35am | IP Logged
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Thanks Frontierguy. Spark plugs seem like a relatively minor thing, but a timing belt doesn't. Supposedly the truck has been serviced at a single dealership, so I *should* be able to get that maintenance history. Timing belt at 105k... what about other things like... I dunno... water pump, suspension/drivetrain components? Are there specific mileage points where they "should be checked/replaced" or is it "it's ok until it starts making noise" situation?
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Boomer
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| Posted: Oct 14 2010 at 5:12pm | IP Logged
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Well, Frontier guy did a good job of hitting the biggies. If I bought it, I'd change the oil and filter (pull the oil cap and look for sludge). I'd also change the tranny fluid , change the diff fluid (front and rear) and transfer case fluid, and take a serious look at new shocks. Also, I'd flush the radiator and add new coolant and distilled water. Also, look over the front suspension components. How are the ball joints? Does the vehicle pull when driven (need an alignment?) and does it need new tires. Is the steering sloppy?
Run a small magnet over the body and look for non-magnetic areas that could be body repairs. Look for evidence of collision repair (overspray, "crabbing" when driving, parts that look a lot newer than others). Pump the brake pedal. Does the pedal go lower and lower with each pump? If so, may need a new master cylinder. Look for brake fluid leaks at the wheel cylinders. What about the exhaust? Is it OK or ready to fall off at the next big bump in the road.
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2003 Saturn L-300 sedan
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frontierguy
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| Posted: Oct 14 2010 at 5:13pm | IP Logged
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Water pump is a good idea along with the T-belt. Look in
the owners manual for a complete maintenance schedule.
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'10 Altima SL
Traded 08 Frontier for 16 Frontier SV CC Long box, quite an upgrade. I do miss the 6 speed and Dynomax ex.
Nissan Technician 25 + years
2011 John Deere X720SE
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wamarler
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| Posted: Oct 15 2010 at 11:03am | IP Logged
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Thanks for the attention guys, I appreciate it. I looked up both the owners manual and the maintenance guide online; I have no idea if the owner did the preventative maintenance as per the guide's schedule, maybe I'll find it in the glove box all filled out, maybe not. I talked to the dealer where he took his truck for service and all they could tell me was that the truck hadn't been in for anything major. That doesn't mean he didn't take it to some other place to get the oil changed every 7500 miles or the other things checked... but it might. They'd probably remember changing a clutch, transmission or timing belt, but I doubt they'd remember changing brake pads or oil.
I'll certainly look for the things you guys pointed out when I look it over in person. If I end up getting it I'll also do the fluid changes that you mention -- can't hurt. I'll probably wait until 105k miles and do the spark plus, T-Belt, and other things as per the schedule2 in the maintenance guide, pretend all of the earlier stuff was checked on schedule.
Last question: what's the longest you've seen one of these baby's live for? 200+k miles?
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2001FrontierXE
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| Posted: Oct 22 2010 at 7:21pm | IP Logged
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I've got to ask, you said 2003 XE manual, is this not the
2.4 4 cylinder model? I have an 01 with those specs and
mine is. If so, I thought the 2.4 is a timing chain, not
timing belt. When I bought mine, as Frontierguy pointed
out, checked everything. I got mine at 85,000 - Replaced
oil with Mobilone Synthetic 5W30, replaced spark plugs with
OEM NGKs (11 bucks a pop) see why they last 105,000!
Shocks, tires ect... Only thing I've not done is the
clutch. 200,000 miles, yes I fully believe this truck will
go to that with the proper maintenance.
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2001 Nissan Frontier King Cab XE 2.4 5spd airintake/cherrybombturbo
(past Nissan/Datsuns)
1970 PL521 1600
1994 Nissan Hardbody
1995 Nissan XE
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Nissan Frontier Forums : Problems / Technical
Topic: What to look for when buying used
