How would you guys say the Maxima is as a commuter car for about 45 minutes? Will 90 Max last for a while or will I start seeing major problems after a short time of highway driving?

 

Excellent commuter car. I bought my 94 max as my first car and I've been driving it for exactly a year now. Never a problem except typical maintenence stuff. They are very reliable though, and will last a LOOONG while when properly maintained. Typical stuff that goes wrong is the power window regulators, and some people have had problems with the automatic transmission with high mileage 150,000+. A few people here have 200,000+ miles on the original engine and tranny and still running. But yeah it is excellent as a commuter car. Good luck dude.

 

You could do a little better on MPG (say with a sentra or something with 4 cyl) but you'd be giving up comfort.

As for reliability, the maxima is great. My first one I bought with 60k, drove it until it had 160k and the only thing I replaced was the clutch slave cylinder. My current car has 145k and it was used as a commuter for several years and it has only had a few problems. The most major being the water pump (I just replaced it like a month or two ago). Other than the clutch pedal bracket and window regulator (very minor), it's been perfect. No smoke, no leaks, no problems. Still fast and fun.

 

Unless it's a lemon, you'll love each one of the 45.

 

If you are just getting the car, have the timing belt and water pump changed. Other than regular, scheduled maintenance, this car will last you a long, long time. Especially as a commuter with hwy miles.

 

along with what these guys said, it will keep you among the front of the pack like a breeze, while other cars 4 and 6cyl may need more coxing to be on the high way. In my experience it seems that the autos tend to be alittle easier for a cruiser on the highway, but manuals can do the same, its a personaly preference.

 

you will definitely enjoy highway commuting in a max.
i would go for it if the car has no major problems.

 

the maxima is designed to be a cruiser, gearwise and comfortwise, so bear that in mind. this is why we all mod it to tip it over into the more "sport" range. even when modded, it cruises super fine.

 

If I knew I would have a 2 hour (round trip) commute every day before I bought my Max, I might have gotten something with better MPG.

Now if it's all highway cruising, no problem. But if you are in stop and go, get something smaller. IMO

 

yes. i must corroborate that fact. the maxima gets rotten gas mileage. i don't understand why. it just drinks gas. probably because the car is so heavy.