[big3skier]

Hello, i was looking to purchase a 2011 for my son. it's a base car with 5-speed and 150k miles. It runs and shifts nicely. I took it up on the highway and there is a really pronounced shake at highway speeds. Felt it the most in the passenger seat. At first i thought just tires or a lost weight b/c there are no handling issues or noises.

Should I be concerned ?

thanks
Paul

 

[arathol]

Should I be concerned ?

Yes.
Could be a simple as an unbalanced tire, could be a bent rim, could be a tire with a broken belt, could be there is a problem with the suspension, could be a lot of things. Unless you get the car cheap and are prepared to spend what it takes to fix it, then pass on the car.

 

[MrBen]

Hello, i was looking to purchase a 2011 for my son. it's a base car with 5-speed and 150k miles. It runs and shifts nicely. I took it up on the highway and there is a really pronounced shake at highway speeds. Felt it the most in the passenger seat. At first i thought just tires or a lost weight b/c there are no handling issues or noises.

Should I be concerned ?

thanks
Paul

Or warped brake rotor - indicator of a poor maintenance....more minus $$ off their asking price

 

[big3skier]

thank you. I was trying to get someone to look at it before I purchase but wasn't sure who to take it to. I wasn't sure if this was a common issue and shouldn't waste my time - seemed to see some complaints about it online.

the car is $4000 - book value about $5000.

 

[Gary_L]

Or warped brake rotor - indicator of a poor maintenance....more minus $$ off their asking price

A warped rotor will be indicated upon braking. As per the earlier suggestions of wheel and rim, I would offer the possible cause could be a bent/distorted axle. I had that problem after buying my car, the odd part being it took a while before it manifested.

I'd offer $3,000 for the car. Not knowing your skill level for the work, I'd say it's a fairly easy weekend fix that would be worthwhile.

 

[big3skier]

thanks guys for the advice

 

[big3skier]

OK, So i bought the car on Friday. I had a tire shop look at it before purchase and the RR wheel is bent. When I got the car home I put the donut on and took it for a drive and the shaking is gone - so I ordered a new wheel.

The rear brakes were also trashed. Did those on Sunday and adjusted the parking brake cable under the console. Is there any other adjustment for the parking brakes ?

 

[MrBen]

OK, So i bought the car on Friday. I had a tire shop look at it before purchase and the RR wheel is bent. When I got the car home I put the donut on and took it for a drive and the shaking is gone - so I ordered a new wheel.

The rear brakes were also trashed. Did those on Sunday and adjusted the parking brake cable under the console. Is there any other adjustment for the parking brakes ?

wow... I hope those weren't the original rotors & wheels. Only at the console for E brakes.

 

[rickkari]

OK, So i bought the car on Friday. I had a tire shop look at it before purchase and the RR wheel is bent. When I got the car home I put the donut on and took it for a drive and the shaking is gone - so I ordered a new wheel.

The rear brakes were also trashed. Did those on Sunday and adjusted the parking brake cable under the console. Is there any other adjustment for the parking brakes ?

Good work.

 

[Gary_L]

OK, So i bought the car on Friday. I had a tire shop look at it before purchase and the RR wheel is bent. When I got the car home I put the donut on and took it for a drive and the shaking is gone - so I ordered a new wheel.

The rear brakes were also trashed. Did those on Sunday and adjusted the parking brake cable under the console. Is there any other adjustment for the parking brakes ?

You should be good to go. I would recommend you completely flush the brake system as well, which should be done about every 2-years anyway. Brake fluid should be translucent and not black.

wow... I hope those weren't the original rotors & wheels. Only at the console for E brakes.

I bet those are original, and I've seen worse. Ex-wife's sister once drove a car with no materials on the front pads and almost 50% of the pad metal gone. My Christmas present to her was to install all new brakes on her vehicle.

 

[luke_harkness]

Or warped brake rotor - indicator of a poor maintenance....more minus $$ off their asking price

Had a similar issue. Turned out to be a warped brake rotor. Had them machined and all good now - didn't cost too much. That's not to say it could be any of the other issues mentioned.

 

[Datsun1600]

With 150k miles on the car, check the front struts carefully for leakage. If they are leaking I would replace them along with the springs because putting in a pre-assembled strut+spring is really quite easy. And if the struts are leaking, then the passenger motor mount is probably shot due to the extra stress and the mounts being crappy. If your struts aren't leaking, then your passenger motor mount is probably shot, due to crappy motor mounts.

If you can replace the calipers and rotors, then you can do the other DIY stuff. Nice to see you got your vibration problem resolved!