hey everyone, iam in the process of buying a 98 maxima (not sure what exact type yet). i would like to know the ups and downs of the car, hows the mileage, does it come in manuel etc....any information would be greatly appreciated. thanks.
- Tyler

 

they do come in manual but they are hard to find.

if you want a manual, look for a GXE or SE models. GLE models are all auto

GXE is the base model
GLE is the most luxurious model
SE is the sporty edition with ALL of GLE's options such as leather seaths, heated seats, bose stereo.

the best maxima's are fully loaded SE's with ALL of GLE options. look in the sticky on top of this fourm. u gonna find lots of good info about maximas.

btw, i would look for an se edition if i was u


"The 4th gen Maxima was offered in three trim levels for the US market:
GXE "The essential Maxima"
SE "The Sportiest Maxima"
GLE "The luxurious Maxima"

All trim levels have the same engine, so performance differences between them are pretty much nil. The best way to tell which trim level you have is to decode the VIN Plate. This is due to much part swapping and trim upgrading, even transmission swaps that can be done.

TO DECODE THE VIN PLATE:
Raise your hood. Look for a shiny metal identification tag fastened to the passenger side of firewall. The top row is the Vehicle Identification Number, starting with J. The second row is model information. The first five characters are BLHUL. The sixth character is the trim level designator, defined as follows:
E = GXE
G = GLE
V = SE

There are some feature differences that can help you determine the trim level on site. Keep in mind that most of these can be changed aftermarket by the owner, but as we know the VAST majority of Maximas on the street are bone stock...

GXE
Black guage faces
Cloth seats
Basic stereo (BOSE optional but extremely rare)
Probably no sunroof (optional but very rare)
Chrome outer window trim and door handles
5spd or Auto trans
No spoiler
No fog lights
Steel wheels with hubcaps
Chrome grill on 97-99 models
Manual A/C


SE
White guage faces
"Sport" Cloth or leather seats
Basic or BOSE stereo
May have sunroof
Black outer window trim
Body color door handles
5spd or auto trans
Spoiler
Fog lights
15" blade-style (95-96) or 16" 5 spoke (97-99) alloy wheels
Body color grill on 97-99 models
Manual A/C or climate control
"Sport" suspension
Electronically controlled front engine mount on automatic transmission cars
Liquid filled rear shock mounts

GLE
Black guage faces
Leather seats
BOSE stereo
Sunroof
Chrome outer window trim and door handles
Auto trans only
No spoiler
No fog lights
15" honeycomb (95-96) or 15" blade-style (97-99) alloy wheels
Chrome grill on 97-99 models
Fake wood color dash and door trim
Fuzzy A-pillars on some years
Pop-out drawer (not flip-down) below radio on some years
Climate control only
Electronically controlled front engine mount
Liquid filled rear shock mounts

Keep in mind that spoilers, foglights, mudflaps and wood dash trim could be had as dealer-installed options on all levels.

Other options like heated seats, traction control, ABS and the like were offered on more than one trim level, so they are not a reliable indicator.

Send me a PM if you think of things to add to the list."

 

The Maxima is a very underrated vehicle. Whatever year or trim you get, you will not be disappointed.
It does come in a 5spd so if you're into some enthusiastic driving, make sure to get a 5spd.
The engine is just spectacular. I am at 148K miles and it's running better than when I got it at 112K. Expect 200K+ mileage.
Unfortunately, transmissions are a slightly different story. Don't get me wrong though, the transmission is fabulous as well, but it tends to give out before your engine. Many people have rebuilt their transmission or swapped for a different tranny (auto to manual) depending on their preference. Either case, you still won't be disappointed.

The handling of the car would be it's weakest point. Without aftermarket struts and springs, the car is great when going straight. Don't try to turn quickly, it won't.

There really isn't a downside to a Maxima. But then again, this is a Maxima Enthusiast site. EVERYBODY here LOVES their Maxima's. But it not because we're dumb, or uneducated, it's just an awesome car. Period.

 

I agree it's underrated, but I'm biased (because I own two). Or, do I own two, because it really is underrated?

Eitherway, the Maxima is a terribly good buy if you get one used. Never buy one new. Their resale is horrific, which benefits the used car buyer. I just bought a 97 fully loaded SE 5 speed w/77k miles with a couple of minor scratches on the paint for $6k. I think I got an unusually good deal, but the point is that they can be had for a song.

Their V6 has been consistently rated among the best you can buy. Nissan quality isn't up to par with honda and toyota, but it's not far off, and unlike a used honda/toyota, you get more for your money - plus nissans are typically a lot faster for the price. The maxima is no exception.

95-99 have 190 horsepower and produce about a 7 second flat 0-60 in the 5 speed and add .4 or so for the auto.

2000-2001 have 222. 2002-2003 have 255. 2004 have 265.

Mileage on the 4th gens and early 5th gens are around 21-27, varies by one mpg or so depending on auto or not. The cars are reliable, comfortable at high speeds on the highway, and fast for what you get. Why buy a sluggish accord or camy?

Go to edmunds.com and look up whatever car you're considering and you can read the consumer reviews. They will be overall very positive.