maxnomo

Thinking of buying '97 Max but it has 101k miles. How well do the Gen4's hold together after 100k. In my experience, you can keep any car running almost indefinitely if your willing to pay. Seems like some cars are like a time bomb. Once they reach a certain mileage or age everything starts breaking (i.e, Jetta). Other cars you just keep putting oil in and replace the timing belting every once in while and they keep running (i.e. Accord).

I know you guys are probably a little biased. I just want to get an idea of what Im about to get myself into. What should I look for? What kind of major services should of been performed already at 100k? Thanks

krmaxima

iTrader: (13)

i gave my 95 maxima to my brother and it has about 160k miles and still very strong. i think it will last until 300k haha. but for reals it runs strong even against my 03 maxima.

Tatanko

iTrader: (34)

Since I'm not technically a Max owner yet...I better leave it to those who BOUGHT their Max after 100k

JeffesonM

iTrader: (5)

If this is any indication of the VQ's longevity, currently the fastest NA 4th gen is Nealoc187 with a 13.6x, and his engine just turned over 140,000 miles.

Given your two examples, the Maxima goes with the Accord: change oil and your max will have a long, happy life. Just make sure the previous owner did the same. And we have a timing chain, so you don't have to worry about the belts.

MacGyver265

My 97 GLE has almost 120K miles on it and runs like a champ. I haven't had any mechanical problems with it since I've had it at 111K miles, and neither has my dad who had it since it was only 40K miles old.

However, people say to watch for a bad alternator (often times its a recall), and if you have a 5-speed, for a transmission bearing problem.

I've never had these problems, but my lights keep burning out in my automatic climate control (someday I'll change them to LEDs).

Other than that, the Maxima is an all around solid car that is pretty fun to drive and failry easy to mod.

Here's a link to 60K mile service and what should be done. Obviously its not just for 60k service, but multiples as well. This is about the most complete maintenence service ever needed to be done to the Maxima, and just about every other car, but this page is specific to the Maxima. Ok, enough blabbering:

http://web.archive.org/web/200111091...k_service.html

95maxmadman

I got 107k on mine.
It seems like I've had to do a good amt. of repairs since I bought it 2 years ago. Kinda makes me want to keep it as long as humanly possible. Hell, if I keep replacing it, it'll be new!
How much to buy it?

bb0ys

4th gen maximas use a timing chain, so no replacement there! if the car has been properly serviced and maintained it shouldnt cost you anymore than regular maintenance and service to keep it running another 100k miles. so try to get the service records. what price and what features does the car have?
maximas aren't the cheapest to fix, nor are they perfect, but i wouldn't hold back on the car because of its mileage.

i bought a 3rd gen (89) with 145k miles and put another 40k miles in 13 months on the car and it drove great until i crashed it =/ sold it for 100bucks to a guy who fixed it up and now drives it around today with over 225k miles on the car.

make sure the car has had brakes serviced, plugs done at 60k intervals, 3000mile oil changes, and other scheduled maintenance done on time, and itll drive like a dream. get a mechanic to put it on a lift and check for leaks and severly rusted parts after you test drive it.

the transmission isn't the strongest on 4th gen maximas when they get pushed really hard all the time so if you have the chance, find out if its ever been serviced.
good luck!

maxnomo

Its a '97 SE blk on blk 5spd. Every option. Belts and alternator recently replaced. Original owner always kept in the garage. Older woman driver. Her husband who is selling the car works at the Nissan Design center. 101K miles. No mods. Allegedly its in excellent condition. Whats it worth?

maxnomo

Im debating between this car and a '98 Cobra with only 36k miles. The max costs considerably less but thats what makes it attractive to me.

95maxmadman

Plus you don't have to ride around in a Disgustang

DerekJ212

iTrader: (1)

A 97 SE black on black loaded 5 spd is a very rare find...id say if the price is right, get it because 101K miles is nothing on a well kept Maxima...Rustangs are ugly if you ask me..

Derek

maxnomo

Whats it worth? $7k?

95maxmadman

I would say at least that.

TonyGotSkilz

iTrader: (6)

When you can do an engine swap for less then the price of most of the sensors (not technically but close) i'd say don't worry about it. I've got 140K miles and i've only had a few sensors go, but the next thing that goes on the engine (the water pump just went out this week) and i'm just gonna swap in a younger engine with around 70K

GrkMchn

I bought mine 97 with 82 on it last year, it now has 92 and still running strong, when I first bought it I had the 60000 service done, and have been changing the oil every 3000, the only problem ive had is the altenator and the speakers, but unless you beat the **** out of the speakrs im sure they r fine, i just put a nice ba system in

maxnomo

I just dont want to end up buying a cheaper car and then end up forking up a couple of grand just to keep it running. When I could of just bought the more expensive car with 1/3 the miles, 100 more HP and POSI RWD.

I know you guys are partial to Max's otherwise you would be driving something else. I have a '00 TL now and have been extremely happy with it. Ive always liked Maxima's, there are several in my family (all good experiences). I owned a Mustang for 5yrs and had a great experience with it as well.

Looks are subjective. The TL guys dont like the way Max's look. The TL and the Max's both hate Mustangs. And the Mustang guys hate imports. I like different things about all of them.

GrkMchn

stang is most likely to break down sooner than the max

maximagtr420

ok i paid 6000, + 3000 i still owed on my 4 cyl go cart i mean camry, for my 95 SE two years ago with 84k on the clock. I now have 150,077, I have changed two O2 sensors and my knock sensor. Oh and i got a new flex pipe.( they welded a new piece in) So for the three sensors i have done a $125 flex pipe, and like maybe $300 in sensors. $425 in 66k worth of driving. I think its worth every penny!

NYCe MaXiMa

iTrader: (9)

man,
don't worry!

from how you describe it, the car should be fine.

A black on black 5 speed.. with 101k is a great buy.. I'd ****** it up in a heartbeat given the price is right. especially from a supposed nissan tech owner..


my 97 se has over 130k and it runs excellent except some clutch issues that i am hopefuly going to get taken care of soon.. but that is expected on any car..

there are people with 170k+ and 200k+ still driving and modding..

SlowJoeMax

i just hit 100k 2 days ago, and i bought a y pipe last month, its running great, i love my max, im gonna keep modding it for as long as i have it, im not worried at all about it dieing. and dont pass up on that deal for a mustang

cmac95gxe

iTrader: (1)

196k still strong

NYCe MaXiMa

iTrader: (9)

damn chris, the new front end is looking good!

i'm going to have those tails ready for you by next hopefully gotta make time..

henock

shes been around the block quite a few times

gj with the car makes me happy to know i only have 53k on my 95

Ninos_Maxima

iTrader: (5)

My freind had his up to 220k miles, His dad got rid of it like an idiot though just cause the alternator went out!, He sold it to some mexicans and they fixed it, Its still going strong though

Ceasars Chariot

iTrader: (16)

i have over 100 thousand miles and the car will flat out fly ... 0-60 , interstate showdown ...day in day out the car runs like a dream, actually i would say she runs just as awesome as the day i drove her off the lot ...but cant say that ...she runs better with the addition of the y and b and muffler ... the 100 thousand mile thing must be a myth or something, or just plain out false when concerning the maxima ... AWESOME !


124,000

maxnomo

About to close the deal on the Max. The thing looks brand new inside and out. Unbelievable. $7500. I put a small deposit down already. But Im starting to second guess my decision. The cobra is 13k but thats still 3k under blue book. All aluminum DOHC V8 315hp 7000rpm. Oh man Im really struggling with this decision and I need to make up my mind this afternoon.

Pearl99GXE

150,000 on mine. One bad coil, brake pads and rotors, no sensors(knock on wood) and the muffler is starting to rust out. No other problems.
Car runs like a dream. Plan on keeping for at least 150,000 more.

96SE5Spd

LOL
Haven't seen that one before.

96SE5Spd

With the money you're going to save buying the maxima you can make it faster than the Cobra and it will be a sleeper.

maxspeed96CT

iTrader: (9)

my boy rafel (greenmax95) has 194,xxx and his car is still running stong .

maximachad

We're all biased on here as you said earlier in your post. I would definitely go with the Maxima, and here's why. Then you can make your own decision...
The Maxima will be more reliable, even with 100+K
You can mod it a little with the $$ you save and make it as fast/faster than the Mustang (and have money left over)
The Maxima fits all your friends more comfortably
The Maxima will cost you much less to insure b/c it's not a sports car
Everyone I know who owns a Ford regrets it sooner or later.

Good luck buddy!

-Chad

maxnomo

I have some doubt about modifying a +100k Maxima and making faster than a Cobra. What are the fastest N/A 4gen maximas running on street tires? I know a stock Cobra with 4:10 gears are running low 13's maybe high 12's if your a great driver.

Anyway I have made up my mind to get the Maxima. Its pretty much a done deal. The Cobra would of been alot of fun. But Maxima is such a great car for the kind of money. Money is good. I just hope I dont have alot of problems down the line, sensors or what not.

Max240

I like that one.

jcalabria

Good choice...

My '95 has 148k and engine/trans are as good, maybe better, than new. If yours was maintained and you keep it up it should be good for another 75k at least. My only problems so far have been have been:
• Starter - replaced @ 70k
• Rear window regulator - replaced at 145k
• Bose head unit - lost display at 125k - still worked fine. Replaced with '99 head unit @ 145k
• Clock display dead @ 125k - soldered circuit board
• Bose speaker (right front)- rip in surround... repaired with silicone caulk @ 145k

My '96 (which I bought in November @ 106k ~ $5,700) also had a Bose head unit problem which I also replaced with a '99 head unit. Otherwise its like new... has 109k now. When I was looking for this car I saw many cars in the 100-190k range. They seem to remain "like new" up to about 150k, then begin to show their age somewhat but will easily keep going to 175-190k. I only saw one car over 200k (an I30 actually) and it looked it.

jlsund

gotta 92' max with 216k on it, its an SE (ie, the shiz) and while its power is much depleted. It runs. again, ... 216,000 miles. Thats like to the moon. and my new 98'SE with 97K blew the crap out of my friends riced 2g accord with half the milage. So, in conclusion, maximas are fast, durable, and can carry 5 people and groceries comfortably while raping hondas with fart cans and yellow badges.

svarog

Good choice, I think. Did you already buy the car? If not, I would haggle on the price a little bit more.

I got my 95 GXE auto 72k miles for only $6800 from a DEALER in the Bay Area (read: EXPENSIVE area) after haggling. I would think you should be able to get a 97 w/ 101k 5-speed from a private party for even less in most places. It's a buyer's market right now, even for Maximas!

But even if you pay the $7500, I think you are probably still getting a great deal compared to most cars out there.

jhay

iTrader: (2)

I have a 95 SE I just picked up back in January. It had 114,000 on it. I have since put on another 8000 for a grand total of 122,000. The radio had a bad display (non bose) and the tachometer doesn't work properly (still need to look into). Other than that She barrels down the road with awesome adrenelin! All I've done was a tune-up using NGK plugs and ceramix brakes. The mileage is great too... I'm getting 25 and that's with the cold weather and snow up here in CT. The Mustang you'll be able watch the gas gauge go toi empty as you drive down the road!

96SE5Spd

Who said anything about N/A, a fully modded N/A (this would be I/Y/VI/cams/ECU) would almost be able to run with it, But a Blown maxima should be able to keep up with it if not at times outrun it.

greenmax95se

iTrader: (4)

Just hit 194,000

maxnomo

Suprisingly, he Cobra's DOHC gets 18/26mpg. Thats pretty amazing for a 305hp engine. The '97 max is rated at 22/27.

Common sense got the best of me. I bought the Maxima for 7500. I will take possession tomorrow. I saw alot of maxima's with alot less mileage for considerably cheaper. But a blk on blk fully loaded SE with a 5spd is pretty rare. And it is in excellent condition. Its in as good of shape as my 2000 TL. You would never be able to guess that this car has 100k miles on it. It looks and drives like a brand car.

Thanks for the replies everyone.