By tommorow I need to decide on either a 91 maxima v6 or a 92 civic lx. The maxima is $1k higher. Both have almost 200km on em (thats about 125m) and both are in decent condition. Im hopin to crank out about 100000km from the car. Both are auto bty. Please let me know what u guys think, since I dont have any experience or much knowledge of 3rd gen maxima's this decision is hard for me.... realiability is important cuz ima broke azz student and i cant afford any major repairs after i get the car...

Thank You.

 

The Maxima will last longer and will probably be less expensive to maintain. I've heard of Maximas getting passed 300,000 miles, haven't heard too many Hondas doing that.

My '90 Max is at 166k and still running great.

 

same here. I have a 93 w/ 162+k on the odometer. Still running great. I've had to replace the bettery, altenator and now the cv axils. Other than that..the engine and tranny should last me for a few more years. Get it checked out by a mechanic too....if you can or money permits. Noone on here like hondas too much...so just get the max!

-Blake

 

running like a top. I did have to replace the tranny at about 200,000 so you would do yourself a favor to ask if its been rebuilt that year car has the vg motor ,one of the most dependable motors ever made .you would find the max alot more powerful and comfortable than the honda but the honda has ever aftermarket thing in the world ,but I think if I had it to do all over I still would go with the maxima

 

i think maxima is more powerful then civic and if it was me i would choose Max..

 

You really like the smiley's huh? I've seen those three smiley's on each of your posts.

 

 

thanks for the input guys, it really helps

if anyone else has some thoughts please let me know

 

all product loyalties aside, it depends most on the condition of each car.

on the maxima watch out for tranny problems, exhaust leaks at the head, cv(joints)boots

 

As far as motor reliability goes they are about the same. If you are looking to buy from that view, you prob want to go with whichever has better maintenance. If you are gonna get nit-picky, I'd say honda got most of their kinks flattened out with the 6th gen model (That's the gen after the one you are looking at now) and nissan, the 4th gen.

 

I agree...condition is totally a factor!

but if you are looking for a decent, daily driver with no special perks or anything(luxury, power, distinguished look) go for the Honda, its cheaper and it'll get you from A to B! and I gotta admit the older Civics and Accords just don't die, its a known fact!!!

 

well at least he took off the "MAXIMA ROCKS!!!" sig

 

237k here on modded VE power. Can anyone beat that?

 

I'd have to agree with DA-MAX here about the older civics not dying.

Oh - by the way - did I mention I have a 1993 Civic for sale??

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ght=1993+civic

 

well i do and didn't i have this conversation with someone else about the smily faces and it is also correct that i stopped writing Maxima rocks but maxima does rocks. later...

 

No way a max is less expensive to maintain than a civic. If you are tight on cash, get the civic. If you can do repairs and maintanence yourself, by all means get the Max. Mine has 140k mile and runs strong. THe vg motor is one of the most reliable engines to come out of Japan..ever. Watch oout for those Auto trannies though..problems abound. Also, motor mounts and exhaust manifold studs (related problems) tend to break. The tranny is what would concern me the most. Civics are much more common than maximas, so the relative prices and parts availablity (that is KEY) are much lower. Best of luck.

--Mike

 

just rolled over 230,000 and still kickin...89 auto

 

Does your valvetrain (lifters) make noise..my car runs great but the valves go tappy tap tap...140,000 on it

 

I've got an 89 with 210,xxx miles. As long as you maintain the car it will run forever. My only concern is the auto tranny, of which I have no experience. If the prior owner failed to change the tranny fluid or towed a trailer of some sort I would have my reservations about buying the car. These cars are not meant to tow more than 1000 lbs and I have seen people pulling 18 ft mastercrafts. Good luck!!!!

 

DOH!!

 

All other things being equal, the Civic should get better gas mileage, and "might" last longer with a few less repairs, or less expensive repairs. But try getting 4 of your drunken friends into the Civic in air conditioned comfort (one or two more in the trunk), and then try to pull out into traffic. (you are the designated driver in this case)

 

Obviously I would go for a 5 speed Max anyday over a Civic. I almost bought one when I was looking at cars, but their resale value is rediculous and I'm very glad I didn't buy a Civic. Everyone and their mom owns a Civic, and they have no power unless you get an SI or do an engine swap. Like DA-Max said if you want reliable cheap transportation and don't care for looks, comfort, and distinction then go for a Civic. A Maxima is hands down a safer car with the features of a German car, I love the build and the tightness that it still has for having 150,000 miles. Both cars will be reliable as long as you stick with a 5 speed Max. Good luck man.

 

Thanks everyone for the response - I got the papers already, im goin for the Max!

 

?!?!?! what are you doing get the civic.... GAS Efficiency.,, plus Civics are just flat out cooler to have.

 

HOLD ME BACK!!! hold me back...

 

Go with the maxima i have an 89 with over 200,000 and it runs fine. The only thing i need right now is a couple of injector pigtails. Beside that its a great car. Maximas RULE!