BlackCat

iTrader: (6)

Is there any difference between my '98 SE and a '99 SE? My nephew wants to take a look at a '99 SE this afternoon and AFAIK there should be no major problems with that year, right? Oh yeah, I heard that the asking price was $11,000 Cdn.

Wicked

iTrader: (2)

no differences between the both. Be cautious of the 99s though. They are notorious for their coilpacks going bad which can set you back a couple hundred dollars. I say you look for a 98. You will pay less, and have a better chance of getting a car whose coilpacks won't go bad.

BlackCat

iTrader: (6)

Thanks! Now I remember about those coil pack threads!

ThunderMaxi

But it's only a $300 thing. Get the dealer to put Mitsubishi ones on it and you have a really nice car. How is it equipped?

Wicked

iTrader: (2)

You actually think a dealership will waste money to replaced oem coilpack with mitsubishi coilpacks? Even though it $300 thing, why would you want to deal with that headache. Plus there are no differences between a 98 and a 99, unless its an SE-L.

ThunderMaxi

I would want the newer car. A dealer will do anything to sell a car. I used to work in dealerships. They will swap out wheels and put-on or take off pinstriping. If part of the deal is to replace coils, that is what will be done. Once, to sell a car I had to go out into the world and find a spray that would neutralize the new car smell in a car...and I found it. The dentist I sold it to was thrilled.

Wicked

iTrader: (2)

so if I wanted to buy a maxima, but wanted it with a cai, or turbo, would you go out buy it and install it for me??

adithius

There is no much difference between the cars. However, the 99's have a chip in key so it cannot be hot wired. Everything else is pretty much the same. It's cheaper for a 98.
So if theft is not an issue with you, go with the 98.

Ant96GLE

iTrader: (4)

If its an SE-L I would go for it... especially Crimson Red.

Other than the coil pack issue, if hes planning to mod it, remember theres no ECU for either 98 or 99...

mansurxk

iTrader: (14)

there is a difference, the ECU's arent the same. and the 99 is cali spec. so if anyone is looking to get a MEVI and ECU combo for a 99....its not happening, 98 has the option of using a 95/96 ECU and then can get a MEVI with exception of having a CEL for the o2 sensor.

Wicked

iTrader: (2)

well I guess thats another reason to get a 98 instead of a 99.

BlackCat

iTrader: (6)

Ok guys, I just came back from looking at the car. Its a 1999 Maxima ES, 119k kms on it. Asking $12,800 Cdn. Nephew knocked off $1000. Test drove it and it felt pretty good. Noticed right away that it has a new muffler. Kneeled on the floor and the B & Y pipes are relatively new. Slight rusting on the B pipe. Unusual small Blue and Red dye/spray paint stains on the back seat. Antenna is kinda screwed-missing top half? Needs new hood struts. The engine bay is corroded from road salt. This car must have come from east of the Rockies because we on the west coast hardly use that much salt. I noticed a brand new air filter and ram inlet. Seems odd. You can see that most of the spark plug cover is cleaned but for some reason part of it on the left isn't. Body is really good condition. Just the usual parking lot scratches but no dings. What do you guys think?



Engine Bay:

maxspeed96CT

iTrader: (9)

for a scond i was liek WTF is a es, then i noticed your in canada...

If you dont plan on doin a ecu or mevi then go with the 99, coilpacks are issues on both 98-99 and the chipped key is a nice feature....

BlackCat

iTrader: (6)

Just found this in the Buy & Sell newspaper:

"1999 NISSAN MAXIMA 4DR GLE/GXE/SE, 4dr, Black, Automatic, FWD, 3.0L, Cylinder 6, Gas, Air Conditioning, Alarm, AM/FM Stereo, Driver Air Bag, Dual Air Bag, Rear Defroster, Anti-Lock Brakes, Alloy Wheels, CD Player, Power Mirrors, Fog Lights, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Seat, Power Trunk, All Equipped, Keyless Entry, Power Windows, Tilt Steering, Tilt Wheel, Traction Control, Bucket Seats, in very good shape fully loaded air care inspected financing avail for 238 per months $11,800.00 Aircared insp. Come see our specials @ Automotive Clearance Center: 1842 East Hastings St., by Victoria Dr. & Hastings. "

Looks like $11,800 is the asking price so there is no discount!

BlackCat

iTrader: (6)

Well my nephew likes how I did my car and he's interested in modding (eg. body kit). Now, to what extent I don't know yet.

I noticed a TCS switch next to the Dash Illumination switch. Since its a known fact that all Canadian SE models have limited slip, was this an option on the ES or was it standard?

Bonka

iTrader: (13)

All ES trims have VLSD I believe. Check the firewall for verification.

TCS was an option.

BlackCat

iTrader: (6)

VIN is: JN1CA21DXXT803868

JN1 = Japan car
C = VQ30DE
A2 = Maxima A32
1 = 4 dr sedan
D = airbags w/3 point belts
X=check digit
X= 1999
T = Oppama

Bonka

iTrader: (13)

Oops. I should note that you should be looking at the transmission number. If it ends in "V", then it has LSD. The plate is found on the passenger side of the firewall. You probably will have to check out the car again to know for sure.

Bonka

iTrader: (13)

Actually, looking at the 2nd pic you took of the engine bay, it should be stamped on the plate near the top left corner of the pic.

RockfordMax

iTrader: (2)

haha im glad that the car runs on gas, that should save a lot of trouble....

adithius

If it were me I'd pass. From the picture of the front end, it looks like the driver side fender is high, may have been in an accident. This might be why there is a new air box? or the previous owner might have had an after market intake and wanted to change back to stock. The rust would bother me, and why would the engine cover be half dirty? Oil stain?? Poor maintenence? Too many mysteries. Unless your getting a stellar deal, I wouldnt buy. I've got about 113,000 miles and my bolts dont look all that corroded like those pictures. Most of my miles are from New York City, lots of road salt in the winter. I'd only pay about $7,000 US for that car. About $9,000 Canadian.