i am looking at 2 cars right now. i havnt driven either yet, but assuming both are pretty decent and close to one another, which do you think is better.

first off, do you think 128k miles is too much for a maxima?

both a dark green with leather etc.. fully loaded.
one is a 95SE with 128k miles 5speed for $4800

the other is a 98SE with 128k miles 5speed for $6400

so assuming both cars in similar condition, do i get a newer 98 with same miles more money, or go the cheap rt but end up with a 95'

just looking for opinions.

thanks

 

I can't say much about the 98, but if you are looking into major moddin, particularly with the ECU, the 95 would be the easier way because there is already an aftermarket ECU readily available. BTW I have a 1995 SE with 203,xxx miles, and she still runs strong.

 

128k on a maxima is nothing in my opinion. These engines are extremely durable, and easily one of the finest engines in America still today. There are people on here with 200k miles easy, not to mention several with over 300k. I also believe one has over 350k on original tranny and without any major engine work. They are durable and powerful, basically you have to decide if having a 3 year older car will bother you or not, and also what condition both are in. I have 94,000 on mine and it runs excellent, no real problems at all.

 

I would try to get the 95 for $4000, It doesn't make too much sense to spend an extra almost $2k for almost the exact same car...yes there are differences, but that just cosmetic. I would go for the 95 then convert the body with the saved cash and be a happy camper! I've owned both a 97 and currently a 95 converted to 97 and the 95 feels lighter or responds better. BTW same engine and tranny in both cars (swapped).

 

Go with a 98 my friend.

Andrei

 

Go with the 98, it's newer. The headlight lamps are clearer. The front end looks better. 99% of 4th gen bodykits are made specifically for 97-99, 95/96 always need to buy a 97-99 grille. Red/clears on 97-99 look better than 95/96 and you can buy them whenever you want(group deal by redlinemax for $100 for red/clears 97-99). The only bad things about the 97-99 is the whole ECU upgrade thingy and the needles on the SE gauges are red instead of white like on the 95/96.

The best part about going with the 95 would be you'd save $1600. Which may or may not be a big deal to you depending on if you're rich or not.

 

Id go with the 95. Yes, the 97-99's have a nicer front end but thats cheap to convert. If both cars have the same mileage go with the lower mileaged one. Its cheaper. Also, some say the 95-96's are lighter and a bit quicker. Ecu upgrades are also their for the 95-96 5 speed.
Only bad thing is their arent any real easy tailight options( red clears) for the 95-96's other then alteeza's

 

Its not worth 2 grand more imo..if you really want red/clears you could do a conversion for 1/4 of that.

 

can't go wrong w/ either but if it were me i'd pick the '98

 

get the 98 cause it looks better, Clear headlights, agresive stock kit, and it just looks beter!

 

oh words of wisdom.....if that 98 has the same miles, its been ragged on vs babied like the 95. plus, 95 rocks

 

I personally like the look of the 95 and 96 better. I don't like that chrome thing going across the grill on the 97 and up. I also like the more closed front end look of the 95 & 96 (front end looks more meaty). On my 96 the whole front end is black , except the Nissan emblem, I also have no fog lights, this gives the car a mean look .

In the end whatever car you go with, I believe will be a good choice. The Max is a nice car .

 

I was about to go with a '95 because of the price... Then I decided to go with a '97 and with the way the cash flow is working: I think I'm gonna go with a '98.

Would it be worth the wait to go with a '99?

 

Iono, its kind of hard finding a stick maxima no matter where you live, except in Canada, They have a lot!!!

 

Just one warning on the 95 5-speed. Quite a few members have had the differential bearings go out (a whirring noise) on 95s due to improper shimming at the factory. It is believed to be resolved in the laters years, and hopefully the 98s should be fine.

Just something you might want to take into consideration.

 

drewn, awesome car, i love the dark look.
how much does it usually cost to fix the differential bearing?

i am going on my 3rd maxima, lol. they are great cars, but this time i REFUSE to make the mistake of buying another automatic. i am going on friday to look at a 95 SE 5speed with dark green ext. and tan leather int. its only got 94k miles and they are asking $5400, so i figure i can talk them down. i hope it doesnt sell, if its in good condition its MINE!

 

The differential bearing problem is on all 4th gen Maximas to my knowledge. Its just not a issue with the 95's.

 

get 95, they are lighter and less emission restriction, therefore a tiny bit faster. front-end convertion can be done cheap. and good luck finding red/clears for the rear

 

I got a question, how is the 95-96 considered to be lighter? I haven't looked in the books for this info, but the weight on the 97-99's is 3020, am I not correct? At least that's what my owners manual said.

 

get the 98, the miles are probably mostly highway miles where teh 95 might be more of stop and go which MIGHT mean more wear on the clutch and other stuff. Just do a overall check on both cars in and out. The price of the 95 doesn't look that bad either. If you get the 98, you're paying almost 50% more than the 95. Tough one.

 

the chrome thing is only on GLE and GXE's