I'm usually a denizen of the 3rd Gen forums, but since my car is out of commission, I'm looking for another Maxima. I was wondering which year out of the 4th Gen would be the best to get. I've seen a couple of very clean 98's, and a few 96's, but I wanted to get some input from the ones that know the best. I also test-drove a 2002 SE, but that one might be out of my price range at the moment...

Also, what should I steer clear from, and what should I be on the lookout for? I've heard all about the VTC problem in the 4th Gens from guys on the 3rd Gen forums, so I'm aware of it, but I have to admit that I'm not all that familiar with the problem. [B]Also, what's the deal with the flaw in the 4th Gen transmission?[/B] I remember reading about it somewhere that there's a flaw in the manual tranny or something like that that is a major issue. Can someone please clarify this and any other issue(s) you think I should be aware of.

As always, your advice is greatly appreciated and highly regarded!

BTW - Does anybody know if the y-pipe from a 3rd Gen 5spd would fit a 4th Gen? I bought a WSP aluminized y-pipe, but never got the chance to install it. Figured I'd ask before I get one for a 4th Gen and sell mine off to a 3rd Gen .org mate.

Thanks!

 

i'd say either a 97 or 98 maxima would be the best choice... watch out for coil packs on the 99s...

 

I love my 99 SEL, but 97-98 would also be a nice choice too. I'd stick away from the 95-96 unless your on a budget, because they seem to have a lot of transmission failures. Of Course, the 99's seem to have coil pack failures too, but fixing a coil pack seems a lot easier than a transmission. IMO

 

Go for a '97. If I could turn back time, I would have spent more time looking for a '97 instead of buying my '99.

 

And dont fret too much about the trim level. Just find a 5-speed in your price range that's a good color and in other wise good shape.

 

I'd say go with a 97-99, I have a 97 SE and I like it. There's always the possibility of having problems with any year, just do your best at checking it out before you buy one.

 

If I knew then what I know now I would've bought a used 3rd gen. The 4th gen choice is tougher. 95/96 GXE w/o sunroof for lightest. 97 for steering and grill. None of em for the dreaded tranny of course.

 

98 Max.

what type of mods are your planning/want to do? that could also help determine and save money. ECU? GenIIs? sp2? etc. . .

 

You guys are truly helpful. I'll keep all of your advice in mind while I continue to shop around and see what's out there. I did see a nice white '98 that looked like it had a front If I wind up with a 4th Gen, you'll be hearing a lot from me - just ask the 3rd Gen guys when I first got my '89 SE...

I noticed that the 5spd was mentioned. Is there something about the auto that I want to avoid? And what's the deal with "coil packs" on a '99 - I've never heard of that issue before...

It seems as though there are a lot of aftermarket parts to fit the 4th Gens - much more than the 3rd Gens. Will I have any issues with the wheels that I'm going to be transferring to my new ride? They are chrome 18" MKW M12's with Dunlop Sport 901's (215/40/ZR18)...

Thanks again!

 

werd. get the 98. the coil packs on 99s go out quickly and misfire a lot

 

Stay the hell away from the 95-96 manual tranny. Most have transimission bearing failure that cause a massive gear oil leak and a crazy amount of play in the axel. The problem is that the bearings were not properly shimed at the factory and they strech the seal apart. It is entirely Nissan's fault, if you drive soft or hard, the end result is the same. Replacing the seal will only stop the problem temporarly as it will begin to leak again in a matter of weeks. Only the REVISED bearings will solve the problem, and having a shop correct this will cost about $1500-$2000, or if you do it yourself, the entire tranny must be disassembled to get access to the relatively cheap bearings.

99s have had a lot of coil pack problems, which require replacement of some or all of the coil packs, with no short cut around it (to my knowledge). This is very expensive unless you can find some used one on the org.

Go with a 97 or 98. Those years are rock solid with only the knock senor issue that ALL 4th gens suffer from.

 

I replaced all 6 coils for $300, they're very easy to do yourself and much easier than messing around with a transmission. If I were you Id get a 97-99, and of couse people reccomend the 5spd bcause its a little quicker. The automatic seems to hold up decently well, but under boost you will have some trouble.

 

Any 4th gen is a good buy, not much changed within the years except some option packages, extra features, colors and trims

4th gens don't have VTC, therefore no VTC sprocket issues. 4th gen transmissions IIRC have bearing issues. 1999 models have coil pack issues


No, a 3rd gen Y-pipe won't fit in a 4th gen. Good luck on your search

 

Wow... I knew I came to the right place...

I'm not planning to boost it at all, but I would go with the general bolt-on improvements (CAI/Y-pipe/Catback/ECU/Ignition/etc). Don't know much about the headers on the 4th Gens, or if they're even recommended. Been driving a 5spd for the last 4 years, so I guess I wouldn't mind another one. Sounds are a definite must, since I installed the one in my current Max myself, but will likely go with a single L7 rather than have a huge box in the trunk. Would like to score a moonroof while I'm at it too, but could do without the tint since I'd rather make sure of the tint I have & get it done myself.

Do you guys have that problem with the factory wing coming unglued from the trunk from age? Any fixes or possible replacements that don't look like I'm trying out for the next edition of "2Fast-2Furious"?

You guys are great! Thanks for all the advice. I guess I'll go investigate this '98 I saw advertised for about $7K and let you guys know how I make out...

 

sorry but that was toooooooo funny.. only turd gens have that problem... we dont

As far as the actualy REASON why 99's had bad coils was because in 99 we had a different manufacturer make our coils... which ended up being defective. Not a big deal though since all 95-99's use the same coils.
As for mods.. basically the same as your old car. Y pipe, intake, exhaust, ECU.. you cant change your timing like on your 3rd gen though. But thats the least of your worries right now...

Find one in good shape... and as for transmission failures... ask all of those whos transmissions failed how badly they beat on them...

 

95s have the most potential. A base Gxe weights less than 2900 pounds. I believe 96-99 have more emissions equipment.

Damn right. Haven't had any problems with the tranny yet. I know someone who has a 5-speed 96 and he bought it back in 98 with 55,000 km (33k) on it. It now has 148,000 km (91k). Same tranny. And he doesn't baby it.