Nissan Repair: maxima timing chain replacement, timing chain replacement, datsun pickup

Question
I am considering buying a 95 maxima with 100k mi from my neighbor. Her mech diagnosed a noise at start up as a bad timing chain. She can't afford to repair it.
 My question is, if it realy is the timing chains that are bad,(I'm skeptical because she has maintained the car well), can the chains be replaced with out taking apart the whole front of the engine?
 I know that on some engines the timing chain can be replaced by breaking the old chain, conecting the new chain to the end of the old chain and pulling the new one through with the old one. I have done this on a sohc datsun pickup engine (L20b). Is this posible with the 3.0l V6?
 thanx.

Answer
Andrew,

Yes, the noise could be the timing chain.  And, since it is a V6 you cannot do the putt the new chain thing through the old path.  If the chain is really defective it can saw a hole through the cover and eventually cause engine damage.  You could listen with the help of a long screwdriver and see if that is where the noise is really coming from.  I would do that before I took the front of the engine off.  It is a pain in the butt to take the cover off and when you do, if you do, be sure to replace the waterpump too.