Since I know I'm gonna shell out at least $100 on a new power antenna mast w/ labor, would it be cheaper to put a fixed mast in place of the power mast or do I have to replace w/ a power mast?

And at the time was the power antenna std. or an option for all 4th gens?

I've been wondering this also. My power antenna broke and I want to get a fixed mast (all black) for less hassle. Anyone have experience with the ebay antennas for like $20? Reception is really no big deal to me, I listen to CDs 99% of the time.

ive read people have good luck with the ebay masts, its just a nylon wire with threading so that it can retract and etc, and its not a $100 for labor, the mast you can remove and replace in less than 5 minutes, it requires two people, one pressing the power button the other holding the threading of the new mast in the direction of the back of the car, when you press the power button after removing the washers that hold everythign in place, the antenna will pop out, you then take the new antenna and insert the thread in the direction of the back of the car while the other person presses the power button, itll take the mast in, put the washers and stuff back, if you want grease the antenna that'd help in the winter time, your done, took me 5 minutes,

Was it one of the cheaper ones on ebay? As I said I'm not a radio person so I'm not going to spend that much on an antenna. It's just a cosmetic thing to me right now and not slicing my arm on the broken end every time I wash it. It does sound pretty simple to install.

who needs a power antenna? mine wouldn't go up or down after this winter, so i just put it at the height i wanted it at and disconnected the power to the motor. no point to the power antenna besides for looks.

Get it for $20 on ebay and do it yourself. If the mast is bent the procedure above will be fine, but if it's not going up/down then part of the plastic cord is probably broken off down there and you'll have to take the motor apart to get it out. Don't get scared it's not hard at all even if you do have to take the motor apart. The ebay mast even comes with instructions.

If you can replace your mast, that is the best option. "universal" fixed antennas just do not seem to fit our 4th gens well at all. The angle to the sheetmetal is too acute and no universal antenna seems to have that kind of setup in mind. I believe 1997+ did have fixed antenna's for the GXE models but ordering the parts from the dealer is expensive. Occasionally, you can get a junkyard power antenna for around $40-60. Personally, I got a junkyard power antenna after I destroyed the motor unit trying to remove the mast that was stuck in the housing and then disconnected the replacement because I solely listen to MP3s. If I could get a fixed antenna, I definitely would.

the 2k maximas have internal antennas? Or do they even have antennas?

Re: 2k+. Not sure but a lot of newer cars have antenna tracings in the rear glass, alongside the defroster tracing.