I am excited about my new car. I get to pick it up on Friday. My only concern is that it has 68,000 miles and I don't know what maintenance I should do to keep it in good shape. It is a 5 speed manual transmission, so I am a little worried about the clutch. I know that it is a lease car and some people don't know how to drive a standard. I also know that Nissan parts are expensive. Can someone tell me what is the most common problem with these cars? Your response will be greatly appriciated. Thank you for your time.

Yuriy

 

i wouldn worry about the clutch, the stock clutch usually lasts above and beyond 110,000 miles

 

Gratz on the Max. 68k miles? that is NOTHING for our cars, believe me. Many members have 120k+ and still running smoothly.

 

My '99 has 123k and still running strong. Not a breakdown yet. *crosses fingers* Sure there's some small squeaks and rattles here and there, but it's all due to age and use. I love this car.

 

68k is nothing for a max, just regular items such as fluid flushes, spark plugs, and filters need to be adressed with these cars.

 

WELCOME TO THA ORG

 

Congrats on the max...youre gonna love it! My clutch has 80K on it and shows no wear other than a sticky throw-out bearing, and the clutch has been anything but babied. Just do some general maintenance, like fluids, plugs, belts, etc. Many people have had starters go out prematurely...but it is pretty simple to replace for just cost of the part (140). Check your ECU for fault codes occasionally (check the FAQ's for instructions), and dont forget to beat the **** out of crappy honda's, Yuriy!!!

 

I appriciate the feedback. What kind of a timing belt do Maximas have? Is it on a chain or is it rubber? When should it be replaced? I've read reviews on these cars and some people say that the knock sensor and oxygen sensors go quickly on these cars and makes them run crappy. I had a Civic and I had the same problem with the O2 sensor. I'm also concerned about how it handles in the rain/snow. I live in the area where I get a lot of snow and I need my car to handle it. I've read that it Maximas don't corner very well and that they don't perform well in the rain. Maybe it's just a bad reviewer, but I just wanted to make to confirm this info. Please respond.

Yuriy

 

141,000 miles on the chariot ! i say you have nothing to worry about .. get a tuneup .. have the car checked out ..she should last you a long long time !

i had the drivers and passengers side axles replaced at 135,000 i think ..other than that you couldnt beat the maxima up with a baseball bat !

i thought handling was always good, nothing some good quality aftermarket springs and struts couldnt improve .

Rain: tires should aid here, good ones that is. Im not sure what you guys use up north but down south we dont worry about snow and such so the toyo t1-s does great all year round.

enjoy your new max !

 

The Maxima uses a timing chain that lasts the life of the engine. Some people have needed to replace the tensioner, but not the chain. The knock sensors die all the time. Check the ECU for the 0304 code. This code will not cause the check engine light to come on, you have to go looking for it. (You better not ask how to check the codes, you'll be beaten like a red-headed newbie)

Please read all the "Sticky" threads at the top of the forum. They have answers to almost every common question.

My 1995 GXE has 177,000 miles and is going strong

 

If you're concerned about the cornering, get a FSTB (front strut tower bar) and a RSB (rear sway bar). They tighten up the front and the rear and the cornering is better with it.

Don't forget to get good tires and after the suspension gets worn out, get new struts and springs so your car is lowered

You can get a knock sensor on eBay for like $90. O2 sensors are around $60 at http://www.oxygensensors.com and they usually last around 100k miles.

DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT USE ANYTHING LOWER THAN 91 OCTANE IN YOUR CAR!!!
Lower octane will give you gay performance from your car and it might (not 100% sure) cause your O2 sensors to die earlier.

Do a full tuneup yourself (using NGK plugs) and have the tranny fluid changed or something.

 

Why is it so important to use 91? My max has had 89 since we got it and it works nicely. I would say 87 is horrid if you drive a lot of long distances. But to use nothing but 91 could really add up price-wise. I say stick with mid grade, and maybe fill up with higher octane once a month or so. That would keep the car running nicely.

 

my car runs like **** with less than 91, i only put in 94 bc i have my ks relocated and i dont want to run the risk of knocking but overall its a good idea to run >=91 oct

 

Congrats on the new car! I have a 98 5spd too. As for probelms, the knock sensor is a common one. Also, the 5spd trans have been notorious for bad/improperly shimmed diff bearings. Mine has 123k with plenty of life left in the original clutch. But, the input shaft bearings are making noise and there is more play in the drivers side CV than the passenger side, pointing to diff bearing issues as well. The engine itself is bulletproof and should last 250k+ with normal maintenance. There is a timing chain that lasts the life of the engine vs a belt that needs changing every 60-100k. There is no distributor or spark plug wires to replace as the ignition is timed off of a crank sensor and computer. Each cyl has its own coil that runs directly to the spark plug, eliminating the plug wire. Engine block and head are aluminum for good heat dissipation and light weight.

I have no problem runing mid grade 89-90 octane in mine. I don't notice any difference in performance and get slightly better mileage than with 92 octane.

With good snow tires, the Max handles very well in snow. I typically make 2 to 3 long road trips through the Rockies each winter. I ski and snowboard where it snows 500"/yr and have no problem with winter handling and traction. I have tire chains but never needed to use them. I've run out of ground clearance and got stuck once though!

All in all, I'm happy with my car and wouldn't change my purchase if I could go back in time.

 

Yeah that 110,000 might be true, but i all depends on how the people previously treated the clutch...My car only has 90,000 and i need to change my clutch already. So that 110,000 doesnt apply to all people..

 

Oh yeah...Congrats on the new car....

 

welcome to the club. You will enjoy the maxima. Its a great car.. i got a 98 5spd tooo!

 

my stock clutch is JUST starting to slip at 141k mi.

 

oh yeah, i drive the HELL out of my car, this is after countless bottles of spray(50shot), many 1/4 and1/8 runs, and daily driving. But, there are exceptions...proper break in, good driver(not burning clutch up),etc.

 

Anyone know where I can get one cheap?

 

https://maxima.org/links/index.shtml

Seriously, start: Most of the answers you seek are here on this site already.

Do you KNOW you need a replacement clutch, or are you just planning for the possibility?

If you have no plans to go turbo, supercharge, or nitrous, stick with the Nissan OEM replacement clutch. (Avoid the Nissan "Key Value" clutch replacement - it's CRAP). You must specify Nissan OEM clutch, not Key Value when requesting quotes.

Also, http://forums.maxima.org/search.php IS YOUR FRIEND.


Welcome & congrats on the new Max.

 

yuriy
I need to read the FAQ and IMPORTANT threads before posting a question

but congrats on the new max, take care of it. keep it clean.

 

Don't be telling me what to do. I know you're trying to help, but reading the FAQ is a little obvious, isn't it??? Anyways, thanks for the post it.