Hello,
My name is Sean and im about to get my first car. Ive look at almost every car on the market except for imports(Honda, Nissan, etc) But a few days ago my dad suggested lookin at a 1998 Maxima. I really didnt want to but after a couple days of research ive really started to like them. They look like they have much potiental for mods. I like the way they look, Kinda Classy, Luxurisous, Sporty. But know i ask you experts! Is this a good first car? I saw ther 4th generationd have 190hp. How are they in the snow and rain? My dad has a 2000 Mustang GT, and the car is almost impossible to drive in the rain and snow. My last question is about insurance. My parents are with Allstate. How much will insurance be? Oh! one more ?... If i do get a maxima what model should i look at more? SE, GXE, or i think its GE. Im not the nissan expert so just give me a little help! Thanks alot

Thanks,

Sean

 

Well, my first car was a 95 max SE 5spd. Then a guy turned out in front of me and totalled it. I searched for a full year before finding a 98 max SE 5spd. I would not settle for an auto or any other import car. I found that the max is the best import in its class, for power at least. The only car that I drove that felt as torquey is the BMW M roadster and still it didn't seem that much faster. If I were you I would find a SE 5spd. The car is great in snow and rain as long as you replace the crappy stock tires.

 

get the 98!

the models are GXE (base) SE (Sport) GLE (top-of-line)

I'm guessing your 16-17? Insurance shouldent be to bad, remember this is considered a family sedan. Maximas respond well to mods and have a decent aftermarket that just keeps growing

 

Im not very familiar with Nissan either as i just purchased my first a few weeks ago.

Anyway, I think a 98 would be nice. Alot of people love the 4th generation Maximas, ive got a 97. I dont think youll have a problem with traction in snow.

Many here will tell you that for performance, you should get a 5 speed. I myself found a pimpin SE with leather, sun-roof, etc. automatic and i just ordered some replacement wood trim as mine was old and coming off. You can click on my home link to check it out.

Anyway, The GXE is the base model, the SE is sporty yet can be had with many luxury items, and the GLE is all luxury but i dont like the wheels. Of course those can be replaced.

Call up Allstate and ask them for a quote.

 

I'm 16 and I have a 95 Maxima SE (5 speed). I pay like 1500 a year for insuarance, and I have allstate. letme ask my parents tonight to confirm that. They called it a "Sports Car" bc it was 5 speed. You might be able to get lower.. but thats what I pay.. Good luck.. As far as the Maxima goes.. They are nice cars.. Drive well and everything..

 

Maxima's are by far the best bang-for-the-buck car!!!

I have a 99SE and have a hard time finding anything to compare it with as far as the interior/exterior looks!

The 3.0 engine spent almost all of it's life in the top ten rankings!!!

Rusty.

 

This is my first car as well, i have a 99 GLE w/ all options. The look of the 4th gen is definity ahead of it's time.

 

Hey guys,
thanks for the help. Is the auto tranny really that bad? I love the 5 speed but its alot to do for my first car. I know how 2 drive one. Humm well thanks agian

Sean

 

Please read the FAQ. It will answer lots of questions for you.

I got my 95 Max as my first car back in 1995 and I still drive it every day...hard.

Get an manual trans car, it will be well worth the extra effort to find. Trim level, at that point, is almost irrelevant if you plan to mod.

 

i bought a 98 fully loaded black on black gle (after a year of searching)for my first car as well, so if everything checks out with your 98, then go for it. they are good in the elements and they are among the very best in their class. u will also have all of your jealous friends laying down some serious hate though(like mine ) as for model of choice, most ppl get an SE 5 spd, but if u r a newbie like me that does not know how to drive a stick then go all out and get a GLE. there are some good deals out there.