Best Year(s) Maximas
07-20-2003, 09:32 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,003
Best Year(s) Maximas
What are the best year Maxima's fo the 4th Gen. I have ~$6,000 to buy one, and I was looking for preferably a 5sp but I keep the options open. NO GXE's...hate the base model. What year would I be able to score for that money. Love the 97+ look, but thats not releavent...wouldnt prevent me from buying a 96. Let me know. Thanks, oh and I would like one with less than 100k miles
07-20-2003, 11:27 PM
#5
i have a '97 GXE. Although its based model, im on the verge of finishing my SE conversion (foglights, spoiler, leather, etc). Its been proven that the 97-99 models have a higher safety rating than that of the 95-96. I dont really like the 95-96 models, but its up to u.
07-20-2003, 11:59 PM
#6
I'm lovin' my 96 SE. It had 116k when I got it, and I paid about 11k (really bad credit). Fortunately I happened to come across a 97 GLE with 32k on it...and the guy is selling it to me for $3000....YEAH! Lucky me!
07-21-2003, 08:30 AM
#9
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 724
Re: Best Year(s) Maximas
Whatever year you get in the 4th gen range, you'll be doing just fine. What really matters the most is the condition of the car. Some people prefer the looks of the 97-99, but you've got plenty of possibilities with all years.
For what you're willing to spend, you'll likely find yourself with a '95-96 model, maybe a '97. And you'll be hard pressed to find something with mileage under 100k. But I'd rather take a car with 120k miles that's been very well taken care of versus a 90k car that has seen a lot of abuse.
For what you're willing to spend, you'll likely find yourself with a '95-96 model, maybe a '97. And you'll be hard pressed to find something with mileage under 100k. But I'd rather take a car with 120k miles that's been very well taken care of versus a 90k car that has seen a lot of abuse.
07-21-2003, 11:23 AM
#10
Re: Best Year(s) Maximas
Originally posted by PoePoe2797
What are the best year Maxima's fo the 4th Gen. I have ~$6,000 to buy one, and I was looking for preferably a 5sp but I keep the options open. NO GXE's...hate the base model. What year would I be able to score for that money. Love the 97+ look, but thats not releavent...wouldnt prevent me from buying a 96. Let me know. Thanks, oh and I would like one with less than 100k miles
What are the best year Maxima's fo the 4th Gen. I have ~$6,000 to buy one, and I was looking for preferably a 5sp but I keep the options open. NO GXE's...hate the base model. What year would I be able to score for that money. Love the 97+ look, but thats not releavent...wouldnt prevent me from buying a 96. Let me know. Thanks, oh and I would like one with less than 100k miles
07-21-2003, 12:57 PM
#11
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 20
I bought mine last year...it is a '98 GLE Black-on Black with every GLE option possible. The goods things were that when I bought it, it had only 17,650 miles on it(it has 18,481 miles on it now b/c i don't drive it that much/far yet either); the guy was 60(whoever made a post on GLE's being for the older crowd is certainly right on this one 
), he kept it garaged, and he only really drove it to his family-owned bakery in the very next town. The bad thing was the price for all of those conveniences was $16,500. Of the previous 4 max's/i30's i looked at, 2 of them were bogus. One '96 I30($13,000/dealer/Black-on-Black/20,000 supposed miles) had a salvage title and a rolled back odometer, one '99 max GLE($14,300/Private Party/Black-on-Black/12,600 supposed miles) had the same problem as well, another '99 max GLE($17,000/Private Party/Champagne-on-Tan/19,000 miles) was sold just after I had inquired about itand the '99 I30($19,000/dealer/Green-on-Tan/20,0000 miles)(the one that got away from me)was perfect, but the insurance was too high($7,000+ a year for full coverage/$5,000+ a year for liability alone). SO I was basically tired of searching, and after a mechanics inspection, I just said **** it and bought this max; after all of the stress/letdowns that i had endured with the previous 3 cars!(I'm glad I did now that I look back).
I was also sick and tired of the bull****ting/rip-me-off dealers in my area(One dealer tried to rip me off by selling me a '96 Black GXE, with 55,000 miles for $16,500, but i instantly walked and another dealer lied about the mileage on a '99 Black-on-tan Max GLE for $16,500....he said it had 43k and it had over 51k...so i bounced from that as well) .
SO there is my ABRIDGED story of how I got my max LOL. I was willing to pay the extra couple thousand to finally get myself a great, low mileage, legit max and get this whole stressful ordeal over with!
......and I heard that the 97's-98's were the best years to buy from a couple of previous post on this forum. The bad thing is that I don't know why those ppl chose those years because they really didnt leave any reasons.
), he kept it garaged, and he only really drove it to his family-owned bakery in the very next town. The bad thing was the price for all of those conveniences was $16,500. Of the previous 4 max's/i30's i looked at, 2 of them were bogus. One '96 I30($13,000/dealer/Black-on-Black/20,000 supposed miles) had a salvage title and a rolled back odometer, one '99 max GLE($14,300/Private Party/Black-on-Black/12,600 supposed miles) had the same problem as well, another '99 max GLE($17,000/Private Party/Champagne-on-Tan/19,000 miles) was sold just after I had inquired about itand the '99 I30($19,000/dealer/Green-on-Tan/20,0000 miles)(the one that got away from me)was perfect, but the insurance was too high($7,000+ a year for full coverage/$5,000+ a year for liability alone). SO I was basically tired of searching, and after a mechanics inspection, I just said **** it and bought this max; after all of the stress/letdowns that i had endured with the previous 3 cars!(I'm glad I did now that I look back). I was also sick and tired of the bull****ting/rip-me-off dealers in my area(One dealer tried to rip me off by selling me a '96 Black GXE, with 55,000 miles for $16,500, but i instantly walked and another dealer lied about the mileage on a '99 Black-on-tan Max GLE for $16,500....he said it had 43k and it had over 51k...so i bounced from that as well) .
SO there is my ABRIDGED story of how I got my max LOL. I was willing to pay the extra couple thousand to finally get myself a great, low mileage, legit max and get this whole stressful ordeal over with!
......and I heard that the 97's-98's were the best years to buy from a couple of previous post on this forum. The bad thing is that I don't know why those ppl chose those years because they really didnt leave any reasons.
07-21-2003, 01:11 PM
#12
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,749
Generally 99s are the slowest years, something about the ECU being more like the 2000-up and not quite the same as pre-99's. There supposedly slower anyways. I only managed a 14.9 with the mods i have, pathetic, since my friend STOCK!! managed a 15.1 in his 99 though...?!?!?...I dont think my driving has anything to do with that either...
I would go with a 97 SE 5sp, that way you get the better safety rating, better looks (IMO), and you can still use the 95-96 ECU, and it would be cheaper. I paid 10K BTW for mine, with 69K miles at the time..
Enjoy whatever you buy...
Eric
I would go with a 97 SE 5sp, that way you get the better safety rating, better looks (IMO), and you can still use the 95-96 ECU, and it would be cheaper. I paid 10K BTW for mine, with 69K miles at the time..
Enjoy whatever you buy...
Eric
07-21-2003, 01:23 PM
#13
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 791
07-21-2003, 01:43 PM
#14
Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 160
I got my 98 SE 5-speed with 80k on it in January of this year for $9500.
Probably slightly higher than I should have paid, but it's in great condition and my quest to find a 5-speed had been going on for quite some time.
My GF has a 95 GLE... gawd does that thing look ugly next to my 98 SE. My vote is definately for 97+... but good luck finding a nice one for under $6k.
Probably slightly higher than I should have paid, but it's in great condition and my quest to find a 5-speed had been going on for quite some time.
My GF has a 95 GLE... gawd does that thing look ugly next to my 98 SE. My vote is definately for 97+... but good luck finding a nice one for under $6k.
Originally posted by 99Maxima5sp
Generally 99s are the slowest years, something about the ECU being more like the 2000-up and not quite the same as pre-99's. There supposedly slower anyways. I only managed a 14.9 with the mods i have, pathetic, since my friend STOCK!! managed a 15.1 in his 99 though...?!?!?...I dont think my driving has anything to do with that either...
I would go with a 97 SE 5sp, that way you get the better safety rating, better looks (IMO), and you can still use the 95-96 ECU, and it would be cheaper. I paid 10K BTW for mine, with 69K miles at the time..
Enjoy whatever you buy...
Eric
Generally 99s are the slowest years, something about the ECU being more like the 2000-up and not quite the same as pre-99's. There supposedly slower anyways. I only managed a 14.9 with the mods i have, pathetic, since my friend STOCK!! managed a 15.1 in his 99 though...?!?!?...I dont think my driving has anything to do with that either...
I would go with a 97 SE 5sp, that way you get the better safety rating, better looks (IMO), and you can still use the 95-96 ECU, and it would be cheaper. I paid 10K BTW for mine, with 69K miles at the time..
Enjoy whatever you buy...
Eric
07-21-2003, 05:00 PM
#15
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 20
Originally posted by chillinmax
i have a '97 GXE. Although its based model, im on the verge of finishing my SE conversion (foglights, spoiler, leather, etc). Its been proven that the 97-99 models have a higher safety rating than that of the 95-96. I dont really like the 95-96 models, but its up to u.
i have a '97 GXE. Although its based model, im on the verge of finishing my SE conversion (foglights, spoiler, leather, etc). Its been proven that the 97-99 models have a higher safety rating than that of the 95-96. I dont really like the 95-96 models, but its up to u.
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/summary_midmod_earlier.htm#95012
....and i also agree that the 97-99's look quite a bit better as well. the chrome bar on the grill, the lip on the redesigned trunk lid, and the taillights-over-the-blinker won me over! I'd say go for a '97-'98. If you don't mind an auto(i know that u prefer a 5-spd but u said that u were keeping your options open), then go for a GLE(like myself
), because historically, they are better maintained and taken care of as well (the majority of GLE owners are of the older generations).
07-21-2003, 05:04 PM
#16
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 20
sorry bout the link..try this one..just cut-n-paste
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_rat...od_earlier.htm
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_rat...od_earlier.htm
07-21-2003, 08:29 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 437
95-96
Originally posted by 99Maxima5sp
Generally 99s are the slowest years, something about the ECU being more like the 2000-up and not quite the same as pre-99's. There supposedly slower anyways. I only managed a 14.9 with the mods i have, pathetic, since my friend STOCK!! managed a 15.1 in his 99 though...?!?!?...I dont think my driving has anything to do with that either...
I would go with a 97 SE 5sp, that way you get the better safety rating, better looks (IMO), and you can still use the 95-96 ECU, and it would be cheaper. I paid 10K BTW for mine, with 69K miles at the time..
Enjoy whatever you buy...
Eric
Generally 99s are the slowest years, something about the ECU being more like the 2000-up and not quite the same as pre-99's. There supposedly slower anyways. I only managed a 14.9 with the mods i have, pathetic, since my friend STOCK!! managed a 15.1 in his 99 though...?!?!?...I dont think my driving has anything to do with that either...
I would go with a 97 SE 5sp, that way you get the better safety rating, better looks (IMO), and you can still use the 95-96 ECU, and it would be cheaper. I paid 10K BTW for mine, with 69K miles at the time..
Enjoy whatever you buy...
Eric
The other reason...So many 95-96's are being converted to look like 97-99's so the look is more rare. I like the trunk on the 95-96, love the concave rear. But the tails are ugly, but that can be changed. I also like the nose on the 95-96 better (more agressive looking bumper IMO), real quality glass headlamps that dont cloud/fog over, the Bose stereo is stronger (better quality too), the cup holder has no lid to break, to name a few things I like more about the 95-96 vs. 97-99.
On the down side it is getting harder to find a 95-96 in great shape. But they are out there.
Good luck on whatever you wind up with. As for the 97-99 being more trouble free, my 95 was manufactured in Aug of '95, and it had it's 1st "unscheduled" maintanence at 122K miles (02 sensor). Talk about durable and reliable.
07-21-2003, 08:42 PM
#19
97-99 has ABS
95-96, ABS is optional. I believe ABS is essential for all cars. I have 95 auto, no ABS, car is light as hell (below 3000 lbs due to weight reduction), with 97+ front conversion etc etc...
I would like ABS over y pipes, catbacks, intakes, 17" rims, etc etc.
I would like ABS over y pipes, catbacks, intakes, 17" rims, etc etc.
07-21-2003, 09:16 PM
#20
if i may say real quality glass headlight, i would not care about that when buying a car. Plastic is lighter by the way, they are cheaper to buy, when messed up. i think the 97+ is better. If you are going to get a 95-96 i would do 97 front convo, make it look much better. but hey all the 4th gens are beautiful, you cannot go wrong!
07-22-2003, 07:55 AM
#26
I bought my Black on black leather 99 GLE for $9700 w/75k from an auction. It has every option available for that year wven the Homelink transmitter! The only thing missing was the "1" button from the bose radio! I didn't give a ****! 97-99s are the best gens IMO.
07-23-2003, 01:18 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 724
Originally posted by oSSjTrunks112o
sorry bout the link..try this one..just cut-n-paste
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_rat...od_earlier.htm
sorry bout the link..try this one..just cut-n-paste
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_rat...od_earlier.htm
I wonder if there are statistics indicating above average deaths/injuries in the '95-96 model years?
Optional side airbags were introduced in '98, which is something to consider.
07-23-2003, 03:41 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 437
Originally posted by Gary95
Actually, I heard that those ratings for the 95-96 are suspect. True, there were some minor structural modifications introduced in '97, but these tests are known to have some quality problems. The article I read stated that Nissan insisted the tests be run again and for Nissan to observe, but this was declined.
I wonder if there are statistics indicating above average deaths/injuries in the '95-96 model years?
Optional side airbags were introduced in '98, which is something to consider.
Actually, I heard that those ratings for the 95-96 are suspect. True, there were some minor structural modifications introduced in '97, but these tests are known to have some quality problems. The article I read stated that Nissan insisted the tests be run again and for Nissan to observe, but this was declined.
I wonder if there are statistics indicating above average deaths/injuries in the '95-96 model years?
Optional side airbags were introduced in '98, which is something to consider.
But, remember the safest of all is not to wreck at all. Be aware of your surroundings, other drivers on the road and know what you and your car can handle. That is the safest...period.
07-23-2003, 08:07 PM
#32
Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 45
I like the 97-98 the most personally
*speaking of which I had a chance to get a 1998 Maxima SE black/black leather, every feature except climate control with 59k miles for 7,200
Im kicking myself in the butt for not buying that car.
*speaking of which I had a chance to get a 1998 Maxima SE black/black leather, every feature except climate control with 59k miles for 7,200
Im kicking myself in the butt for not buying that car.
07-23-2003, 11:04 PM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 155
Hey Sober,
That is one sweet looking ride man!
Im new to Maximas and Nissan in general and your car looks so new!
That doesnt have a newer front clip does it? Man i didnt know the 95's looked so good
Anyway, I got a pretty good deal just a couple weeks ago on a 97 GLE in great condition (i just wish it was white
)
Hopefully i can get a pic of it soon.
Peace!
That is one sweet looking ride man!
Im new to Maximas and Nissan in general and your car looks so new!
That doesnt have a newer front clip does it? Man i didnt know the 95's looked so good
Anyway, I got a pretty good deal just a couple weeks ago on a 97 GLE in great condition (i just wish it was white
)Hopefully i can get a pic of it soon.
Peace!
07-24-2003, 06:22 PM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 124
Originally posted by sanjosemaxima
agreed 97' is the best of both worlds, probaly find them cheaper than 98-99's, newer body style, safer than 95/96's, and you can still take advantage of the 95/96 jwt ecu.
agreed 97' is the best of both worlds, probaly find them cheaper than 98-99's, newer body style, safer than 95/96's, and you can still take advantage of the 95/96 jwt ecu.
Yeah that maybe true...but for us safety people, '98's and '99 have side airbags
but the '99's have the slower ECU's like the 5th gens. Plus according to www.consumerguide.com , the '97's have a few more troublespots, whereas '98's only have minor break noise listed as a troublespot. therefore my pick is the '98 
but S103100F is right...all maxes are good(which is one of the reasons why sites like this one exist)...especially when compared to other cars!
07-24-2003, 06:23 PM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 124
Originally posted by Gary95
Actually, I heard that those ratings for the 95-96 are suspect. True, there were some minor structural modifications introduced in '97, but these tests are known to have some quality problems. The article I read stated that Nissan insisted the tests be run again and for Nissan to observe, but this was declined.
I wonder if there are statistics indicating above average deaths/injuries in the '95-96 model years?
Optional side airbags were introduced in '98, which is something to consider.
Actually, I heard that those ratings for the 95-96 are suspect. True, there were some minor structural modifications introduced in '97, but these tests are known to have some quality problems. The article I read stated that Nissan insisted the tests be run again and for Nissan to observe, but this was declined.
I wonder if there are statistics indicating above average deaths/injuries in the '95-96 model years?
Optional side airbags were introduced in '98, which is something to consider.
oh wow really
07-24-2003, 06:25 PM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 124
Originally posted by Gary95
Actually, I heard that those ratings for the 95-96 are suspect. True, there were some minor structural modifications introduced in '97, but these tests are known to have some quality problems. The article I read stated that Nissan insisted the tests be run again and for Nissan to observe, but this was declined.
I wonder if there are statistics indicating above average deaths/injuries in the '95-96 model years?
Optional side airbags were introduced in '98, which is something to consider.
Actually, I heard that those ratings for the 95-96 are suspect. True, there were some minor structural modifications introduced in '97, but these tests are known to have some quality problems. The article I read stated that Nissan insisted the tests be run again and for Nissan to observe, but this was declined.
I wonder if there are statistics indicating above average deaths/injuries in the '95-96 model years?
Optional side airbags were introduced in '98, which is something to consider.
By the way, can u send me that link please?!?
07-24-2003, 06:28 PM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 124
Originally posted by HopingForAmax
I like the 97-98 the most personally
*speaking of which I had a chance to get a 1998 Maxima SE black/black leather, every feature except climate control with 59k miles for 7,200
Im kicking myself in the butt for not buying that car.
I like the 97-98 the most personally
*speaking of which I had a chance to get a 1998 Maxima SE black/black leather, every feature except climate control with 59k miles for 7,200
Im kicking myself in the butt for not buying that car.
ahh don't sweat it, we've all missed a couple deals like that before..another one(possibly even better) will come along if u look hard enough!