I'm new to the board and have some questions. I'm in the market for a 3rd generation Max and I would just like to know more about it.

1. What mileage should I look for?
2. How much should I be looking to pay?
3. What indicators should I look for that the car is in good condition?
4. I was told these cars have timing chains. Do they need to be changed?
5. Are there any reoccuring problems with these cars that I should expect or ask about before purchase?
6. How many miles do most people get out of these cars if they take care of them?
7. I realize this isn't a new car but reliability is huge to me. How would most people rate the reliability of this car?
8. Are there better years than others for the third generation?
9. Does this car run on regular Unleaded? Gas prices!


The reason why I'm buying this car is actually sad to me. I have a 03 G35 that I've had for almost two years. I had to move to the DC area due to a military assignment. I lived previously in Vegas. I have had a kid run into the front/drivers quarter panel with his bike, the car keyed at the metro station and a door ding at the metro station. All this damage was on the left side of the car at once! If the car was paid off or older I wouldn't be as concerned although I would still be concerned. For a relatively new car (still under 27,000 miles) I can't take this. The car has been sitting since it came back from the body shop and I have been dropping my wife off at the metro station. The G35 is for sale and I want something without a payment until I move out of this area. I was going to look at an Acura, Accord or older Infiniti. They are either too expensive if something happens (Acura, Infiniti) or too expensive for what you get (93 Accord coupe). I want a Maxima because I like the look and I still wanted to have a V6.

I would appreciate any general info anyone would be willing to give. Thank you.

 

Your search might take some time if you want the "best" 3rd gen. IMO, a 92-94 5-speed SE is the way to go, but it is somewhat difficult to find them in a 5-speed.

The 92-94 has the VE30DE engine with 190 hp (and a timing chain), while all other 3rd gen models have 160 hp (timing belt). IF you find a VE engine car, you have to listen to the motor and see if it has the VTC "tick." There is more information about this in the stickies. Even if it does tick, it is not something that desperately needs to be fixed, but it is annoying.

1) I would think any mileage under 120k is pretty good for a 10+ year old car.

2) I would say between $2k and $4500 for a pristine one

3) Usual things -- uneven tire wear, signs of damage, worn out interior, rust. Maintenence schedules are nice if the previous owner has them. Regular dealership oil changes often suppress the VTC problem I mentioned.

4) only the VE engine has a timing chain, and I don't think you need to replace it until well after 200k. The VG engine, though has a belt and you do it every 60k because it's a "no clearance engine."

5) VTC clacking, window regulators fail (easy fix, too). AT on VG engine are suspect (crap out a lot) and expensive to fix.

6) Easily 200K + if taken care of. LOTS of .org members have 150-200k with few problems. I have 148k on mine and I still take it to the drag races.

7) excellent -- I would easily rate it up there with any honduh or toyota

8) depends on your likes. 92-94 SE has more power, but I think the earlier SE models are nice, too. Less power, but no VTCs to worry about and still can get a 5-speed.

9) I think the VG engine is OK with regular, but the VE (92-94 SE) is recommended you use premium. There are some guys that run regular or plus and don't have any problems, but I have always used super.

I am sure there are other things guys could add, but that's all I can think of right now.

Good Luck!



BTW, if you want, I'll trade you straight across for the G35

 

Sure, I will even give you $2000. Of course you will get the car payment!

I just want to get this straight. Do all 92-94 models (GXE and SE) have the timing chain and the VE (190hp) engine or just the SE? I just want to know what I should be looking for. I will have to look at the sticky about the VTC. Thanks.

 

89-94 GXE = VG30E 160hp timing belt
89-91 SE = VG30E

92-94 SE = VE30DE 190hp VTCs timing chain

 

Basically a car from 89-94 with 100K miles, regardless of brand is going to need some work-suspensions wear, brakes wear, etc. I don't think the Maxima has any really weak areas compared to other vehicles or any really expensive parts, but obviously you need to have the car checked out by a mechanic and figure out what needs to be done on any brand of 100K mile car. Obviously a full set of maint. and repair records will show that someone has kept the car up to date.

 

GXE = **** trans
all:
Window regulators
Fuel injectors

 

And dont forget those god damn exhaust manifold studs.

 

oh yeah, haven't that problem yet so forget about it

 

I understand the problems that could accompany a car this old. I guess the main and most important question would be, would most of the people on this board reccomend this as a used car purchase? I know I'm picky and I want the best mix of reliability, looks, speed (remember I'm selling a G35) and economy. That is a tall order but it seems like the Maxima is as close as I know of right now.

 

92-94 SE is the one to get then
oh yeah, the knock sensor issue too.
Still it's fun to drive even with all of it's quirks.

Just to give you an idea.
I bougt the car to sell it originally, had it sold.
I needed a car to drive while my truck was being worked on, so I took the maxima (with 2 bad control arms) for the day.
Car never did get back to be sold
So much for my $1800 profit