Here's the scoop: Until last Thursday, I drove a 93 VW Passatt GLX with the VR6. LOVED it.

Notice past tense. It got totaled Thursday night. So I'm at the dealership today, salvaging my stereo and other valuables from it, and I take a walk around. After a while, I end up taking a 96 Maxima for a spin. My thoughts:

Nice size- fits 5 adults with reasonable room. This ain't my friend's Probe, which shouldn't even have that back seat!
Handles nicely, but not as firm as the VW- more body roll.
Reaonably quiet, but more road noise than a Camry I've been in recently.
110K miles
$8950 asking
I don't know the trim level, but it doesn't have a rear spoiler, in case that's a hint...
But the real reason I'm interested: It can pin me to the seat on launch, and keep on going to 90 and beyond

So let's talk about me. I'm 29 and married. I expect to tote kids around in this car in a few years, as I keep a car until it's repair bills are greater than it's resale value. I like sleepers- cars that don't look fast, but are sporty (my dream is a GMC Typhoon...)
But most importantly, my wife likes the Maxima.

I know you guys love your Maximas- that's why you're here. But from the threads I've skimmed, performance is a prime motivator for being here. I'm motivated by value, reliability, comfort AND performance. So from what I've told you, do you think the Maxima would be a good choice for me? What's your reaction to the mileage/year/price combo?
Also, what's bad about your Maxima? For example, my Passatt had those stupid seat belts on a moving rail, and the ability to lock the doors and set the alarm, with the parking lights still on. Why on earth would I ever want to do that?

So that's my take. I'm interested in the Maxima, but will it work for me?

TIA,
Yuri.

PS- I'm reading the FAQ as I go right now.... that part about using 93 octane in a 4th gen Maxima is a real blow against it!

 

i cant really say if it is a good deal or not. good condition, bad? GXE, SE GLE? its hard to say without seeing it myself but i know someone here has a link to free carfax's (maybe they'll post).

alright, everything i said really didnt help you, but here is what i got for mine. i bought 1997 GXE with 60k miles a little over a month ago in great condition. the interior (black leather) was perfect and there was only 2 minor dings and regular chips in the paint. the car was loaded. the old gandlady who sold it to me gave me a great deal for only $9700. there was no way i could refuse.

maybe you can bring the price down but i think $9000 is a little too mcuh, but maybe i just got a really good deal.

 

I'm 19 and drive a family sedan too for the sleeper/roomy/luxury reasons. My mom drives a 98 Camry v6. Here are my honest thoughts. Well first off you drove probably a GXE. Take a spin with an SE (spoiler, sportier model), and you will notice that the suspension is tighter. Definately add a sway bar no matter what model you buy, that will cut down the body lean you describe.

The camry is definately more of a family sedan, but it is much better built. I cant speak for the 2000 and up Maximas but I like the build of my mom's camry so much better then my maxima. THe build quality I think is downright ****ty for a import "flagship" family sedan.

The Maxima does have faster power windows, but my mom's sunroof is 1 touch. The cruise control also is easier to use on the camry.

You'll find reliablity in both models. As for value, if you're buying used the Maxima is a better choice. It has less resale value.

For handling I hate our rear beam axle suspension. I think your VW might have had it too. Independent is definately the way to go.

As for serviceability, its just like a toyota. The sparkplugs are easier to change though.

Consider getting a 97-99. They look better front and rear (no offense) and performed better in the offset crash tests as well as the low speed impacts.

If I were to do it again, I'm not so sure I'd get a maxima again. Bottom line, test drive and see what you like...

 

Originally posted by ericdwong


Hmmm... would you say that "build" and "fit and finish" are similar/same topics, or are we thinking about different things?

Unfortunately, we didn't come across the Maxima until the sun set, so I didn't get a great look at it, but from what I could see, the styling did not excite me. It was acceptable, but not much more.

Interesting. I didn't expect my second poster in this thread would be someone who wouldn't buy one again. Thanks for your input.

Yuri.

 

i just bought my 95 maxima from a person.
85k miles for 6500$.

yours sounds good too but a lil expensive. but got to expect that from a dealer. try to get it to 8k or so if possible.

my car has given starter problems
110K miles
$8950 asking
I don't know the trim level, but it doesn't have a rear spoiler, in case that's a hint...
But the real reason I'm interested: It can pin me to the seat on launch, and keep on going to 90 and beyond

So let's talk about me. I'm 29 and married. I expect to tote kids around in this car in a few years, as I keep a car until it's repair bills are greater than it's resale value. I like sleepers- cars that don't look fast, but are sporty (my dream is a GMC Typhoon...)
But most importantly, my wife likes the Maxima.

I know you guys love your Maximas- that's why you're here. But from the threads I've skimmed, performance is a prime motivator for being here. I'm motivated by value, reliability, comfort AND performance. So from what I've told you, do you think the Maxima would be a good choice for me? What's your reaction to the mileage/year/price combo?
Also, what's bad about your Maxima? For example, my Passatt had those stupid seat belts on a moving rail, and the ability to lock the doors and set the alarm, with the parking lights still on. Why on earth would I ever want to do that?

So that's my take. I'm interested in the Maxima, but will it work for me?

TIA,
Yuri.

PS- I'm reading the FAQ as I go right now.... that part about using 93 octane in a 4th gen Maxima is a real blow against it! [/B][/QUOTE]

 

Another negative is the insurance quotes... Maximas are higher than Accords or Camrys. But, they are also more of a driver's car and won't lull you to sleep like the others. It's personal preferance. In reality they are all good cars. If you want more of a family car, you can always buy a 92/93 Q45 for around $12K or so. NIce and big with a great engine and all the comforts. Ask, if you have any more ?????

 

Yuri,

Here are my thoughts on Maximas, 4th and 5th gens:

PROS:
- Fantastic engine...lots of torque and excellent acceleration...step on the gas at any rpm past 1500 and the car will boogie!
- Decent to good gas mileage...I've never gotten worse than 21 mpg, usually 24 mpg, and have gotten 33 mpg on high-altitude highways before
- Bullet-proof reliability...Maximas are probably more reliable than Camrys...you can drive the car very hard and they will not break...every car will see the occasional bad starter, bad window motor, etc, but by far most Maximas are very reliable. Look at the reports from various consumers magazines and let the data speak for itself
- Lots of interior room as you eluded to

CONS:
- Interior squeaks/rattles...not a big issue, but annoying and makes the car seem cheap...I personally don't have any problems except one rattle when it's cold, but rattles in general seem to be common
- Handling...not that great...spring/shock/etc handling upgrades realllly help, but the car still doesn't handle like a BMW...the car is begging for a wider/lower profile wheels/tire package
- Steering...wayyyyyyy overboosted, like driving a 70's Cadillac...something you have to live with
- Transmission...the automatic trannies aren't very responsive (slow to kick down a gear, slow gear changes), and the 5speeds are notchy and quite frankly, are not capable of really handling the engine's power...my original 5speed transmission died just 6 months ago, and I have no major power upgrades (supercharger, nitrous, etc). The transmissions are fine if you don't hammer the gas all the time, though.

I enjoyed my car a lot in the 3.5 years I've had it. It's been totally reliable except for the transmission, which was either a lemon or just due to bad driving habits on my part. The car has been what I wanted it to be...a sleeper...but I'm ready to move on to uncompromised vehicles: a truck and a sports car, each built to perform a specific duty very well. The Maxima was a great car, but was compromised. Not really a quiet family car, not really an all-out performer, not really a utility vehicle, although it had all those aspects and performed those aspects quite well.

 

Originally posted by ericdwong


Hmmm... would you say that "build" and "fit and finish" are similar/same topics, or are we thinking about different things?

Unfortunately, we didn't come across the Maxima until the sun set, so I didn't get a great look at it, but from what I could see, the styling did not excite me. It was acceptable, but not much more.

Interesting. I didn't expect my second poster in this thread would be someone who wouldn't buy one again. Thanks for your input.

Yuri.

 

My Max was my second car, a Camry was the first. There is a BIG difference between the two. The Maxima will put a smile on your face everytime (if you like driving). A Camry....well, its a great moving appliance, reliable and trustworthy till the day you sell her. I've never had any problems with the Max and trust me, I drive pretty hard. Add some new struts or front strut tower bar and handing is pretty good. You can also look at a Honda but I like torque in my cars (and Honda transmissions suck worse than Nissans). A Maxima will definitely be a contender for my next set of wheels (but not if it gets any larger!).

EZ

 

I dont' know what you all are thinking talking about the Maxima having poor build quality. It has excellent build quality and fit and finish. Your car must have been severly abused. Once I saw a review on the Maxima and a quote said "Fit and finish is as good as the best luxury car.", and I believe it. There is not one square inch inside my car that does not scream "quality".