giugiaro

I am looking at buying a 99 maxima 5 speed. I have been reading about problems with the 5 speed. They seem to be only on 95-97 models. Has anyone had problems with 98-99 models or was this problem fixed for 98?

skeelo34

iTrader: (4)

Its all of them baby.

giugiaro

So if i buy a 4th gen i should get an auto or not get one at all then?

skeelo34

iTrader: (4)

Don't get an auto, get a 5spd. You'll always regret the loss of power. My auto blew at 36k, go figure. 5spd bearing problems are not as expensive to fix as an auto tranny. 5spd bearings wil probably cost you under 1k. I did it myself for liek 150 bucks. Auto trannies on the other hand........

giugiaro

I was kinda hoping the problem would be fixed on the 99 . I don't think i am up to the task of opening my tranny to fix the differential bearings. I would have to dish out the 1k do get it done.

skeelo34

iTrader: (4)

Still, maximas are very reliable cars. Not every transmission falls apart. Think of the bright side, you'll never kill that engine.

giugiaro

I seems allot of v6 powered cars have tranny problems. The 97-99 acura CL, 2001-2003 acura-cl,tl type s, mistubishi 3000gt to name a few. Its odd the car makers haven't sorted out the bugs. The maxima problems seems more like a quality controle problem, so i would guess that only a small % of car would have these preload problems.

CystumMax

I have 99 GLE, i bought it used. it has 51k on it. and runs like brand new. It’s automatic. and i have no problem with it what so ever. Smooth shifts. And good pick up. its your choice. if you like to change gears all the time go with 5 speed. If you like the comfort of just driving go with automatic.

i think the only way you could damage a automatic transmission is when you natural drop, or have a big turbo in your car or supercharger which make your transmission work twice as hard. and it gets over heated.