94k miles runs and drives good, doesn’t start. My moms friend is selling it because cpu needs “reset/grounded properly/replaced” they got quoted 1k from mechanic. I got offered it for 2900, I would be fixing it myself, Is it possible the cpu could just need reset and properly grounded? I’m not for sure about trusting the mechanic they went to. Any suggestions on what to look for when inspecting the car? Does it sound like a good deal?

 

Take it to Nissan for a pre-purchase inspection.

 

If I didn’t know the guy personally, I would take, but the car is in great condition, the only problem is he paid to get a pioneer stereo put in (nice *** touch screen stereo too around 500$) and he got the car back and the next day CEL come on. He loves his car and didn’t want to take it back to the people who ****ed it in the first place. He just recently bought 2 new cars for him and his wife, he was originally going to keep the car. He’s tried finding the problem to no luck. He doesn’t want the car anymore but doesn’t want someone random to trash the car. Anyone have similar problems with a stereo? Any suggestions on buying the car for 2900?

 

It's not so much a matter of trusting the guy, it's more of a matter of knowing exactly what needs to be done to fix the problem.

What DTC (check engine code) is it throwing?

What I suspect is happening is the stereo installer used the ECM ground, which is located directly behind the stero, and either didn't tighten it down properly, or broke it off, or the head unit is F'd and screwing up the ground. Basically, behind the head unit is a large green screw with a lug landed on it that is the ECM ground, there's a very good change the stereo installer screwed it up and it will need to be fixed somehow.

If he broke off the threaded insert then I would just run a new 6 AWG wire up to the negative battery terminal and bolt it securely on both ends, use an anti-oxidation grease like ILSCO DE-OX and it will be good for the life of the vehicle.

However, it would still be wise to research exactly which DTC the car is throwing the check engine light for.