I am an altima owner who is trying to help my father decide on a new car. I love nissan and want him to get a maxima. He has the option to get a 96 SE. I have not seen it yet but I know exactly what it looks like. It's tight. I would buy it since the Max will be my next car but he wants more info. He drove a 99 and liked it but wants to look at one less in price which is why he is considering the 96. What are the differences between the 96SE and the 99SE? Also are there any problems to look for? Also, how long have you guys been going without a mechanical problem or any problem for that matter? It only has 51,000 on it, what is recommended for service? I need all the info I can even though I know it's a great car because I am devoted to Nissan. Thanks a lot.

 

I'm the original owner of a 99 SE-L. I picked it up in May 99 and it's 1/25/2001 and not a single problem. I mean nada, nothing, zilch. I just continue to drive everyday to work and I've gone North as far as Boston Mass. and South down to Orlando Florida. 22k miles and still new.

Manny Maximus.

 

My brother has a 97SE and his wife has a 94 Altima GXE. He loves his Maxima and hates the Altima. His car has 60K now (he bought it brand new) and the car NEVER had anything wrong. I just got my 96SE with 98K miles.. so far so good and loving it every second.

 

i got a 1997 max. 80k miles. purchased new. accident at 75k. Even after the accident the max runs as new. Maitence wise...nothing but oil, tires, tune up, and as of tomorrow..front brakes. Great engineering. I expect this car to easily hit 200k strong.

 

I had a 95GXE for two years/ 26k miles and the only problems I had were Starter and both CV boots.

So far I've had the 99SE for five months, it has 37k miles and I've experienced no problems.