Looks like I found the right place to get information from you guys/gals. I just bought a '89 Maxima with 135K. It was a two owner car, but from son to parents, so within the family. It started life in Atlanta and moved to Hilton Head, SC. A southern car. What is the best way to know if I have a SE or GXE? It does have chrome around the side windows. Next, the antenna will not fully extend or retract. The antenna motor is running with no results. Is there any problmes that I should be looking for with this year Max. If anyone can help I would appreciate it. I'm sure I will have more questions in the future.

Martha

 

SE = White Speedometer Gauges
GXE = Black gauges & Chrome on the windows

The antenna is more trouble than it's worth. Most of us usually just leave it alone. Mine's been broken for about 4 or 5 years because i don't even use the radio even since I got a CD player put into my MAX. The only other problem you might want to worry about is a weak transmission. Early signs of that are rough/late shifting and/or "chirping" the tires on a shift. (I'm assuming this is an automatic transmission?)

-scott

 

Thanks for the help. Now I know I'm the proud owner of a '89GXE. It is a automatic transmission, but not because I'm female. I own 6 cars right now and two of them are stick shift. I prefer to drive those two. So far there doesn't seem to be a problem with the transmission, but thanks for the notice. A older couple had the car and probably drove pretty slow.

Martha

 

The antenna is a big pain. On my white SE, I took it all apart, bought a new mast, and it still didn't work right. So, most just leave them alone. I'd keep an eye on the exhaust manifold studs. You can test them by starting up the car when it hasn't been run for awhile and then driving off normally. If there is a "ticking" sound, one or more is probably broken. It's a cheap part, but a difficult fix. Take a look at my site if you want to distinguish between the SE and GXE. Welcome aboard.

 

This has to be the best place I have found for my '89 Max. After hunting on the internet I'm glad I found you. A lot of my questions are being answered. Plus, a lot of things to look for. I'm hooked. Your site is great. Thanks!

Martha

 

Glad you like it. There's also the 3rd generation specific bbs that is heavily used. There's a link to that page on my site also. You may want to drop by over there.