I don't own a Maxima but I'm looking to buy one. 92-94 SE. I've been reading the FAQs and links etc and was able to figure out what car I was looking for.. but I have really no experience with these cars at all. I'm just looking for a decent daily driver. My last daily was a Nissan Sentra, too small for my tastes, but for a little econobox it ran well and gave me no problems. I'm pretty good with cars, been working on them for 12 years or so.. but mostly Camaros and Firebirds.
Basically I'm just wondering if there's any specific problems these cars are known for that I should be looking out for when looking at cars I might buy.
Any help would be apprecaited. Thanks

 

Hi,

You can expect some and all of the following over the period of time:
Injectors, window regulators, These two are the main ones.

good luck

 

As far as I know, my injectors and window regulators are doing fine.

Arguably bigger headaches are the failing VTC and broken/breaking exhaust manifold stud problems. When I got my car I made sure the VTCs worked right, and luckily for me the studs had all been swapped out already. The power locks could act up too, but it's not a huge problem. Bose stereo is failure-prone on SE models I understand (I don't have one ).

 

I have owned two 92 Max SE 5-speeds, so I can tell you the problems I have had.

My first one I drove to 160k (traded it in) and no VTC ticking. The clutch slave cylinder went out and that was it. I should have kept it

My current car has 147k and I bought from my brother, who liked my first one so much he had to have one. I have replaced the driver side front window regulator, the water pump (at 140k) and the VTCs clack frequently. However, they have been noisy since about 110k-120k and I haven't had any kind of catastrophe (yet). Also the clutch bracket went out, but my brother found one at a junkyard and I had it installed and reinforced. I also had an exhaust leak that turned out to be worn o-rings. I replaced the whole y-pipe with an aftermarket one for the hp upgrade while I had the old one off.

Right now I am experiencing a glitch with the electronics -- sometimes at wide open throttle (WOT) the car will act like it hits the rev limiter, even at like 3k rpms. I am currently trying to fix the problem. It still runs and drives fine, I just can't stomp on the gas. There are some others on this board who have had similar problems. Most of the time, it's solved with new coil packs. Mine is being a little more difficult. I have replaced several things and still the problem persists.

If you are looking to buy one, I would try to listen to the motor and see if you hear what sounds like lifters sticking. If you hear it, it is the VTCs. If it is cold and you hear an exhaust "ticking" you can be pretty sure it has broken manifold studs. I wouldn't let those things discourage you from buying the car, just be aware that you might have some work to do. It can also be pointed out to the seller for a possible reduction in price. Rebuilt VTCs aren't extremely expensive, but the job is labor intensive (that's why I haven't done mine).

I would also recommend a 5-speed. IMO, they are more fun to drive and also more rare.

 

Regulautors :
VERY Common
Injectors:
common but much better than the VG
VTCs :
No biggie, mine don't bother me
Knock sensor:
Heat soak f-s it up and kills bottom end power big time when warm. That is a pain to replace.

 

thanks
I'm not afraid of a little work, just firgured it would be best to get some ideas from people here.
I've done V6 to V8 swaps, auto to 5 speed, upgraded from older MAF ECMs to Speed Density ECM, completely rewired an entire 86 S10 to swap in a 93 Vortec drivetrain.. I always seem to be working on something.. lol which is the problem.
I need a car that I'm not constantly working on