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How Long Does a Max last?

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Old 08-30-2002, 09:31 PM
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How Long Does a Max last?

Well, I have 96 Nissan Maxima. Never had a problem with it at all. I change the oil every 3000 miles etc. The only problems I have had is that my window is currently broken and all the way down. I have to fix that tomorrow morning and my emissions control light came on one day and the next week shut off. It has 138,000 miles on it. How long will it last before it's just dead?
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Old 08-30-2002, 09:40 PM
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how about another 100kmiles?
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Old 08-30-2002, 11:31 PM
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Originally posted by gtr_rider
how about another 100kmiles?
For as long as you keep it up. The most Ive heard on a max was 275k miles and it was still ticking like new it was an older model of course a 1983 max. I have a 1988 and it has crrntly 163k miles. Our engines have been known to last past 200k with the engine in good standings. It just comes down to how well you keep your max up.
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Old 08-31-2002, 02:14 AM
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my '89 GXE had 155K & ran like a champ, too; not 1 single problem. but it needed a new tranny so i gave it up - i regret it.
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Old 08-31-2002, 03:52 AM
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Re: How Long Does a Max last?

Originally posted by Chase
Well, I have 96 Nissan Maxima. Never had a problem with it at all. I change the oil every 3000 miles etc. The only problems I have had is that my window is currently broken and all the way down. I have to fix that tomorrow morning and my emissions control light came on one day and the next week shut off. It has 138,000 miles on it. How long will it last before it's just dead?
Well if you got 138,000 I'm in good shape. I want my 98 to go 4 more years, because my house payment is very hefty I'd be a fool to have a car payment at this point. The idea is you buy a little too much house but when you're young the salary is on the rise so you're ok in a few years.

I got 64k now so if I can get 138k I could do 4 years! I would guess that your car can get to 150 or 180 with ease. imho even if a car can do 200,000 it's time to change it unless you really have to pinch pennies. It's like how much do you wanna squeeze out of it to get your money's worth?
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Old 08-31-2002, 07:23 AM
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Re: How Long Does a Max last?

Originally posted by Chase
Well, I have 96 Nissan Maxima. Never had a problem with it at all. I change the oil every 3000 miles etc. The only problems I have had is that my window is currently broken and all the way down. I have to fix that tomorrow morning and my emissions control light came on one day and the next week shut off. It has 138,000 miles on it. How long will it last before it's just dead?
I sold my '87 when it had 233,000 miles. I sold it to a Nissan mechanic. I see him driving it every so often, so it has to have atleast 260-275,000 miles by now. The interior was showing it's age, but the engine was rock solid.
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Old 08-31-2002, 09:01 AM
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Mine has 255.678 and it still runs the VQ's down.
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Old 08-31-2002, 09:28 AM
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Originally posted by dmontzmax
Mine has 255.678 and it still runs the VQ's down.
"The styling is so bland I keep confusing it with my daughter Stacy's (likewise black) Altima." Most of the problem seems to be its oddly shaped rump, contributing to a general dullness of design.
Nobody wrote that it was an ugly car, but perhaps when we ran out of anything else to complain about, styling took its turn. Of course we could be jaded, having become familiar with this sedan's shape, design and handling of the past generation."

As far as your quoting C&D, you should put it in context. They went on to put it on their 10 Best list that very year. 97+ addressed the rump problem, as well as the bad ODO (98+), steering (that's questionable), crashworthiness. Right now there doesn't seem to be any Nissan coming down the pipes that could ever make it on the list again, when Honda has to take up 2 spots and BMW 2 or 3. Maybe 350Z, but if not that one, no hope for Nissan. It be like who would ever draft a Nissan in the 1st round??
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Old 08-31-2002, 02:15 PM
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A coworker has a 1990 Maxima with 150k on it. The paint is in perfect condition even though he doesn't have a garage. Only problem he has had was a power window connector go bad and the door lock connector for the passenger side power lock. The car runs brand new.
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Old 03-12-2013, 08:23 PM
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i have 275k on mine now still runs smooth
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Old 03-12-2013, 08:39 PM
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Old 03-12-2013, 08:42 PM
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There's no way to answer that. If you beat up on it then it won't last, if you neglect it then it won't last, if you don't do regular maintenance it won't last. Your car will last according to how you maintain it.
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Old 03-12-2013, 09:08 PM
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well I'm at 199990 right now as I sit at work, runs strong, just did a bunch of wear parts replacements, the clutch which just replaced 2 days ago still had a few miles left on it but since I was digging into her did it just to keep ahead of HAVING to do it, change your oil, do timing belt on the VG and they will run forever, thanks Nissan for using a high nickel cast iron in the block and building it to take 400 hp then tuning them to 150-160hp....... rust kills them so be sure to wash that sh8t, and remember the small areas you know that salt traps, rear fender lip, front fenders right in front of the doors..........
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Old 03-12-2013, 09:12 PM
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oh yea and if you have a manual tranny CHANGE THE LUBE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE
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Old 03-12-2013, 09:18 PM
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1 vote for banning of kasanova, and a 1 week vacation for Mrjasonlyrics for posting an answer to OP and not flaming Kasanova.
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Old 03-12-2013, 09:22 PM
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A car is a piece of equipment in the end. A humble Chevy Cavalier could be perfectly maintained and run 500k miles before a rebuild, and then after a powertrain rebuild, it could run another 500k. Look at ships and aircraft that are decades old. The thing is most people don't look at cars that way. Mostly people just drive them, only performing them most basic repairs and then junk them after 200k.

I like to say the longest lasting car on the road is one that the owner enjoys enough to keep maintaining it. For an anecdote my 94 Maxima has 350k on the original engine and 140k on rebuilt transmission, the engine doesn't use a drop of oil and still has power like new, but I have maintained it so well, I think any car would be similarly long lived under my care
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Old 03-13-2013, 04:02 PM
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Uggh... another thread from the dead bumped by an noob...

A friend of mine has a 90 VG 5-speed and the engine lasted until it popped a head gasket after it passed 300K miles. He got another engine and built it up and is running like a champ.

I have 185K on mine, and many people here have over 200K. I believe there's someone here that has a 5th gen with 400K.
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Old 03-14-2013, 12:29 AM
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1987 with high miles

Just purchase 1987 with 222,200 miles on it 3-1-2013 paid five hundred dollars cash. Vehicle runs good no major issues so far lets see how long it lasts...

Update: 03/05/13 New issue that needed immediate attention was clutch fluid leaked out and air got in system. With the help of a friend refilled the master cylinder reservoir and bled it. So far so good no other leaks detected in system just returned from 200 mile trip and reservoir is full.

Update: 3/19/13 so far so Good 3 long road trips over 200 plus miles each and no other major issues.


How Long Does a Max last?-8559135670_d577af58d6.jpg

Last edited by realdealz; 03-19-2013 at 04:08 AM. Reason: Added Photo
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Old 03-15-2013, 02:49 AM
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Mine has done around 95k miles and still going strong! It all depends how you keep it. Treat your car well and she will reward you back! A little secret: I seldom buy new spares! Just look around for used (good OEM) ones on portals and yards!
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Old 04-02-2013, 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by T_Behr904
I have 185K on mine, and many people here have over 200K. I believe there's someone here that has a 5th gen with 400K.
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Old 04-02-2013, 02:27 PM
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Your 400,000 mile car was brand new when this thread was started!
But to keep the 11 year old topic alive, I have heard of 4th gens with past 500k miles with original motor, i dont know about tranny.
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Old 04-02-2013, 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by AoD11
Your 400,000 mile car was brand new when this thread was started!
But to keep the 11 year old topic alive, I have heard of 4th gens with past 500k miles with original motor, i dont know about tranny.
Actually, my car was about a year old when the thread was started. We bought it in late 2001. It still has the original motor and tranny.
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Old 04-02-2013, 03:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Thorzdad
Ahhh, there you are!
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Old 04-09-2013, 09:42 PM
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Answer: A long time.

Bought my '02 new, currently at 240,000 miles and I enjoy it as much today as ever. Doesn't burn oil, passes smog tests easily, not a single rattle anywhere on the car, and still jumps to life when I push down on that skinny pedal.

The car gets coolant flushes at 50K, spark plugs and A/T flush at 100K, oil changes every 5K, OEM air filter at 15K. I just replaced the radiator after the top tank developed a crack. New struts at 210,000+ miles, an inner tie rod, brake rotors, drive belts, hoses, and a few lights in the climate control. The best car I've ever owned.
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Old 04-10-2013, 01:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Frank Fontaine
Well if you got 138,000 I'm in good shape. I want my 98 to go 4 more years, because my house payment is very hefty I'd be a fool to have a car payment at this point. The idea is you buy a little too much house but when you're young the salary is on the rise so you're ok in a few years.

I got 64k now so if I can get 138k I could do 4 years! I would guess that your car can get to 150 or 180 with ease. imho even if a car can do 200,000 it's time to change it unless you really have to pinch pennies. It's like how much do you wanna squeeze out of it to get your money's worth?
By the way is very rare you find a car that has 138k on the odometer that is from the 1996. So your doing good, because I have a uncle that has a 2000 maxima that is 300,000 and still running great like it was still like 100,000, his a mechanic so maybe that is why his car last so long
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Old 04-18-2013, 11:38 PM
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as others have mentioned, it is all about how you take care of it. My 2nd gen maxima (1986) is still alive and kicking.

didn't even realize this was a bumped thread from so long ago.
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Old 04-19-2013, 05:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Thorzdad
I have 170k now and after it's back on the road I'm going to see how close I can get to half a million miles, boosted.
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Old 04-19-2013, 06:54 AM
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Check out this 3rd gen with 700,000+ miles.....original VG motor....tranny replaced at 500K miles

http://forums.maxima.org/8728401-post44.html
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Old 07-01-2014, 07:35 PM
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I have 209,000 on my 2000 GLE. I bought a used transmission at 194,000 as I blew a hole in it after losing 2nd and overdrive.

It runs like new.
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Old 07-02-2014, 07:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Chuckstone
I have 209,000 on my 2000 GLE. I bought a used transmission at 194,000 as I blew a hole in it after losing 2nd and overdrive.

It runs like new.
12 year old thread Way to inrto. There are many Maximas here with upwards of 400k miles, in a few generations. (i.e., 4th, 5th, etc)
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Old 07-02-2014, 09:34 PM
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I had an 88 for years and when I sold it, it had 295,000 miles and did not use oil and ran good. I wish I could say that about the 03 Infinity with an 02 Max motor as far as using oil.
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Old 07-04-2014, 05:59 AM
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My '01 maxima is the only car I have bought new. It has 180k on it. I have replaced the radiator do to a crack on top portion. O2 sensor, catalytic converter, and IACV. Great car!
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Old 07-06-2014, 12:02 PM
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You are going to have to dump a huge amount of money into the car unlike older gen Toyota/Honda/Lexus etc
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Old 07-06-2014, 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by george__
You are going to have to dump a huge amount of money into the car unlike older gen Toyota/Honda/Lexus etc
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Old 07-06-2014, 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by george__
You are going to have to dump a huge amount of money into the car unlike older gen Toyota/Honda/Lexus etc
Dude, get over yourself and your own ignorance.
A bad car can run without major problems for a long time if the owner took care of it. A good car can have many major problems if it is abused and not taken care of. You have an abused car and you keep abusing it and then come here crying about how bad the Maxima is. Well, sell it, get a 4 cylinder Honda Civic auto and drive that. Problem solved. There are plenty of members here, including myself, who have taken their Maximas over 300k without any serious repairs.
That being said STFU and go educate yourself a little!
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Old 07-06-2014, 02:43 PM
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I just returned from an interstate highway trip in which my wife and I commented several times about how smooth our 2009 Maxima rode at speeds up to the 80 MPH area (and probably would have been smooth at higher speeds), how smooth the brakes were, and how the steering almost took care of itself, with no sign of pulling and not even a hint of bounce or vibration.

And what makes that so special? The fact that we have driven 45,000 miles in 5 1/2 years (low mileage is because we have other vehicles), and we are still on the original RS-A tires, which have been rotated only twice (third rotation will be with next oil change), which have never been rebalanced, and this car has never needed realigning.

I have driven dozens of vehicles since I began driving in the late 1940s, have never had better service than I have received from my Maximas, and have owned nothing but Maximas since October 1984. My wife continues to own nothing but trucks, but envies my trouble-free Maximas.

Pertinent to this thread, I have driven two of my Maximas over 200,000 miles each before needing any significant repairs. I have all scheduled maintenance done, and feel this is one reason I am getting such good service.

I do certain exterior mods to all my Maximas, so have no trouble recognizing them when I see them. I saw one of my two 1985 Maximas still tooling around town as late as 2004, and that jewel had 206,000 on the odo when I let it go back in the 1990s.

Yes, some folks have trouble with their Maximas. But then every single model of every single make of car ever built has had a few clunkers. The way a car is driven and the way a car is cared for go a long way toward keeping a car in good condition.

I have sympathy for those who drive reasonably and care for their car, but still have problems. I have no sympathy for those who abuse their cars or do not have proper maintenance done.

End of rant.
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Old 07-21-2014, 07:17 PM
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Forever...

I'm still DD'ing my '93 with about 260k miles on it. It's hard to tell though because my odometer stopped rolling around 246k miles. I'm also on my third engine and third transmission. I'm dying to get rid of it though. I just can't buy anything until we close on our next house. It's either gonna be a 2015 Nismo Maxima or a 2015 Golf R.
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Old 07-23-2014, 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Thorzdad
You sir! are a role model to us all! 424k is beyond a milestone
I currently have a 2001 se with 202k miles with original engine + tranny

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Old 07-23-2014, 12:11 PM
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Nissan maxima 1997 SE with 308,000 miles with original engine and trans and still running like new and original rack and pinion and suspension.
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Old 07-23-2014, 02:49 PM
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2000 w/160,000+ and rising. Still has all its power and great gas mileage when I stay out of it
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