Alright guys I need your help considerably, I currently have a 90 max that im getting rid of and movie up to a 4th gen. Now since u guys have them and should know alot about them what yr is the best to get and what problems should i look out for. Now im going through a guy who buys them at auctions so Im lookin for a silver,gold, or black SE. Sorry guys gotta stick with my SE's and has to be a stick... So u guys tell me what yr is best to get and what problems to look out for also what proces i should know to be looking for. I have been look at kellys blue book but this is an auction a little bit different.thanks guys!

 

95

 

95 is the lightest of them all but i think the 97 and upp maxima look a lot better. the front end just looks better... but thats just my opinion

 

depends man... i personally like the 97-99's because of the cosmetic changes that were made... but from what i've heard the 95-96's a little lighter (faster)... but they are all pretty bulletproof... no major problems... is it possible to get it checked out before you buy since you are buying at an auction? if not, you could be taking a risk... good luck though.

 

Another thing to keep in mind with the 95-96s is that they got really horrible crash test ratings.

 

go for a 97-99, those are better in the crash tests

 

95 w/ a 97+ front end conversion

 

95/96 5spd through and through, get one with low milage, make sure to check tranny, it will probably need a rebuild b\w 60 and 120k mi. also, check knock and O2 sensors, make sure dealer replaces any if they are bad (knock sensor will give a code to the diagnostic computers, but not cause the check engine light)

other points of interest, new plugs (ngk platinums only) and injectors would good to have too.

the 95/96 look the best IMO, of course that is because i have one .

 

AUCTION=BAD IDEA. Auction cars are usually those who were turned down at inspections to be sold at dealeships, they have high as miles. Unless it's a federal, BANK REPO "not open to the public" auction BEWARE...

 

I agree, I dont particurally like the back of the 95s tho. They have that one piece taillight which I dont think looks good. I had a 95 and it was fast and I liked it!

 

1 piece tail light?

i like the stock lights of the 95 much better than 97, the brake lights seem 'heavier' and belong on the bottom IMO.

but there is no disputing the crash tests too

 

If you're going to get an automatic....don't get a 95 or a 96 from what I hear...or atleast make sure it's in good shape.....I have 132,000 on my 95...still running like butter...(after I had my tranny replaced at 110,000 miles...from what I have seen from past posts...this was a common problem amongst the Maxima's from those years. Good luck wit' your new car man.

 

95's dont have one piece tailights. they have the same tails as 96's which are 2 pieces each side.

 

well, I didnt mean 1 piece, you cant take off the outer piece to do the red/clear mod.

 

i got an awesome deal on my max. i paid $7000 for it and its a '95 SE 5spd w/ every option and the interior is in awesome shape along with the body. god, i love my car. i'd say go with a 95-96 SE 5 Speed.

 

If you can find a 95 SE with low mileage 5 speed, I personally would seriously look into it......everyone agrees that they are faster

 

Get a 95/96 max 5 speed. I love mine.

 

BTW.. anywhere I can get instructions on that MOD?.. yes i did a search and didnt find $hit

 

95 had less emission crap on the engines and that also made them perform best of the gen 4's. 97 got heavier and even more emissions crap. I am not too positive about 96, but I think it recieved more emissions junk over the 95.

As for the safer topic, just don't get in wreck. Know what is going on around you, and know what your car can handle. Safer, knowelegable "driver" equals the safest vehicle.

As for appearances, I like the front of the 95 alot better than the busy bumper of the 97-99 (but I like the 97-99 grille though). I like the trunk and shorter bumper better on the 96-96's better as well. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Oh, and the electronic climate controls I like better on 95-96 too.

So, as for my opinions go, find a nice clean used 95. Look for an individual sale in classifieds. My buddy got a like new 95 GLE in pristine shape back in march that had beeen in the garage since new. The thing is showroom condition! Beautiful car.

 

Could you elaborate a little more on the whole transmission rebuild?

Was this under normal driving conditions or under consistant hard driving?

I have a 96 with 99,600 miles on it. What should I look for or be careful of?

Thanks
RL

 

95-96 Maxima Crash Test

97-99 Maxima Crash Test

If that doesn't sway you from the 95-96 then go for them. Also, notice the difference in the rear bumper on the 5 MPH pole test in the 97-99 test... thats a huge difference. I've been rear ended twice and my bumper is fine, no amount of attention will stop an idiot from rear ending you... Would you rather have it buffed out, or wait 2 months to get it from the body shop?

Personally, i think you'd be better off getting a lower milage/newer car but thats just me...

 

If the Maxima is as bullet proof as many say and think it, then a high mileage one is a better deal. It is at the auction because of its high mileage. If you want to buy a low mileage one, then you have to ask yourself why that car is being sold at an auction.