Do you think the max is reliable in general?

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Jan 27, 2005 | 05:45 PM

#41

MaximaSE96

Maxima Owner

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in general YES the max is very reliable......but in return it is only as reliable as the previous own let it be.........obviously he didnt take care of the maintnence he said he did and treated it like ****........but fix all the little things and u will love it and never want to get rid of it

Jan 27, 2005 | 07:59 PM

#42

FishyMan

Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 888

i didn't bother to read other posts,, but my idea and opinion is that certain cars are MADE better .. i.e. not plasitc radiators and what not.. the difference between a civic and a accord. a maxi and a sentra, altima.. it doesn't lie... price n cost..

Jan 27, 2005 | 08:17 PM

#43

PLUMMAXSE

Supporting Maxima.org Member

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Quote:

Originally Posted by KCMaxima98

Maybe Im expecting too much. This 98 is the newest car I have ever owned (I own a 99 toyota but my wife drives it). My previous cars were all over 100K miles and more than ten years old when I bought them. I thought that getting a newer (for me that is) Nissan would save me money in repairs. And my wifes 99 Camry has not had one single thing go out on it and it has the same miles on it. So I thought the max would be comparable to that car as far as repairs go.

I had a 95 camry before this max and although the camry was reliable it needed attention also(128k). Thermostat, drive axles, rear window stuck shut(motor), and the camry was a slug to drive!! My 99 max with over 100k, 101700 to be exact, has only had to have the rear o2 sensor replaced. Original tranny, clutch,alt etc. Your car is not a lemon!! When you buy a used car you need to set aside some cash to get it right! That will aways be the case.

Jan 27, 2005 | 08:18 PM

#44

Vlasic

RaWr!!! ('''_(o_O)_''')

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From: San Francisco, CA

is the maxima in general reliable? yes, maybe.

is mine? hell no. ive got more electrical problems than an old BMW and more engine problems than a boosted max.

Jan 27, 2005 | 08:22 PM

#45

Wills98MaxSE

1 of few unmodded 4G Maxs

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 2,827

From: Commerce Twp., MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCMaxima98

I bought a 98 GXE about 6 months ago. It currently has only 87K miles and I have had lots of problems with it so far. The guy I bought it from claimed that nothing ever went wrong with it while he had it

. Maybe it just doesn't like me or something. Here is a short list of everything that I have had to replace so far that is not brake pads, lights, general maintenance.
Knock sensor (if this is so common why doesn't Nissan own up to it?)
Alternator (Didn't check if it was under the recall before I replaced it but I doubt it is)
EVAP system vent control valve (set off a CEL and made my exhaust stink)
Rear main seal is seeping oil.
AC/Heat fan only works on speed 4 (I saw good info. in the FAQs on this)
CV boots are cracked.
Trunk doesn't really want to open anymore.
When you hit the gas hard in 5th gear the car shudders and acts like it is going to stall. RPMS don't seem to jump so Im guessing it isn't the clutch...yet.
This may not seem like much to some of you who have owned your cars for years but remember this all happened within six months or so. Every time I fix something a week later something else goes wrong. I expected a better product from Nissan I guess.

If well taken care of, the Max can last for a very long time. Just wish mine was taken care of better, inside & out. My brother was the original owner since '98 before finally giving it back to me spring '04 (had it briefly spring '02 - late summer '02). I think my Max is reliable, and is more reliable than most of the domestics out there

Jan 27, 2005 | 08:49 PM

#46

mishock

Newbie - Just Registered

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 3

i got a 98se 5-speed with 220k and here is the list of things that were replaced
trany as soon as car was off waranty =)
clutch recently (at about 215!; the disk was still good, but release bearing fell apart in 5 pieces right inside)
tie rod ends(recently)
ball joints(at 150)
rear bearings(about 170)
rad fans (200)
and the car needs O2 sensor
...
so i would say that's pretty reliable
the only thing i am not happy about is the quality of paint

Jan 27, 2005 | 08:58 PM

#47

vortechpower

Senior Member

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My max is my baby. I have had 0 issues since the day I put the first mile on her. Boosted at 6,500 miles and at a 106,800 now and have not replaced any parts or had any failures. There are a few small things going to need replaced like the alternator, the starter, ks, but that is to be expected. I think I have been real lucky but I also take extra good care of my max too.

Jan 27, 2005 | 09:09 PM

#48

Armelius

Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 1,327

Is there a better car than the Maxima that is not a deisel?

Jan 28, 2005 | 06:49 AM

#49

KCMaxima98

Thread Starter

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Fontaine

I would say the Maxima is pretty reliable esp. for the original owner. The problem is that the original owner had to make numerous trips back to the Nissan dealer to get stuff fixed under the 3 yr/36, and then some more things with the 5 yr/60. That was really annoying. But once done, it's fine. My car is at 103k now.

It sounds like the one the poster got probably never got any of the stuff fixed. That's gonna add up to a lot of coyne at the dealer now unfortunately. EVAP is an expensive job, and it fails in the mid 50's usually. It's more than just an idiot light being on--it causes progressively worse hot starts, to the point where in the summer the car doesn't want to start after running and excessively cranks. Over $400 at the dealership to fix.

I have fixed most of this stuff. The EVAP vent control valve was only 130.00 with labor at the stealership. I replaced the KS, alternator ect. I haven't messed with the rear main seal yet because it is just seeping. It doesn't leave puddles of oil yet. My weird problem with the hesitation in fifth gear is a phantom issue right now so I don't know what to fix yet. I plan to fix the resistor on the heat/ac fan sometime soon. Dont get me wrong. The car is running fine now but it has already put a sizeable dent in my wallet in six months. I just want the bleeding to stop.

Jan 28, 2005 | 06:54 AM

#50

mzmtg

Minister of Silly Walks

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mzmtg

I spoke too soon

My car died on the side of the road on my way to lunch. I have no idea why...

It was just the cheapo Wal Mart battery that crapped out. No points lost for the Maxima.

Jan 28, 2005 | 07:08 AM

#51

Turk

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Now what kind of question is that. It never left me out in the cold..... Its reliable.

Jan 28, 2005 | 07:10 AM

#52

Frank Fontaine

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 3,879

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCMaxima98

For $130 they didn't replace the boost sensor, because that lists for 151.56. But it's ok because they charge 1 hour labor for it so if you needed it, the labor you already paid wouldn't have included it (I hate paying twice for the same labor). The valve assy is 40.46 and the canister is 46.46--sounds like you got both of those replaced plus 1 hour labor.

Jan 28, 2005 | 07:15 AM

#53

Frank Fontaine

Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 3,879

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Fontaine

I spoke too soon, the entire job is 1 1/2 hr, so if you need the boost sensor replaced, they'd get you for a 1 hr min. but at worst the damage is $55. What I'd like to know is if the boost sensor fails, does it throw the SES lamp or does the lamp stay off? I guess only the former would make sense since the lamp tells you something is wrong in the first place. In the latter you wouldn't know anything is wrong....

Jan 28, 2005 | 07:24 AM

#54

oceancrest67

Member

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 42

I bought my 97 Maxima from a dealer when it had 82k on it. It now has 175k on it. It has always started, even in 0 degree weather. It has performed very well. With this...all cars require maintenance and general upkeep...and as cars age...parts tend to wear out and quit. In general, I have found the life span of Nissan parts to be quite reliable and made to last a long time. Most of my maintenance and repairs have been preventive...belts, hoses, pads, gaskets, cv boots etc.

Unlike FORD (fix or repair daily)...Nissans have a proven long term track record of reliability. I really do not understand domestic car manufacturers and the junk they produce. Sadly, I have owned two fords which only proved to be rolling money pits of constant repairs. My Maxima was a welcome change.

Jan 28, 2005 | 08:35 AM

#55

oTranscendental

Senior Member

iTrader: (4)

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 837

From: Maryland

Its reliable as in it will drive fine everyday, but all the crap that needs maintanance is really draining my wallet. I failed my emissions test by a lot. I have Cattman headers full cat back, high flow cat, and cai. I needed a tune up cuz the last one was 2 years ago. I also started burning oil pretty badly. Last oil change only a quart came out! I switched to synthetic, and the problems seems to have gone away.
Rust is starting to eat through the radiator mount bracket, and I had to replace both front brake calipers cuz the insides froze and wouldn't clamp. My rotors were done too.

Suspension was shot so i replaced all that too.

You tell me if the car is reliable. I know I can rely on my bank to keep track of all the money I spent.

Jan 28, 2005 | 09:28 AM

#56

maxihari77SE96

Supporting Maxima.org Member

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From: Chicago, IL

I bought mine in 99 with 40k. (1996 maxima)

Also bought extended warranty till 100k hehe (now at 135k)
-Had replaced tranny (5spd at 55k or 80k can't really remember)
-1st clutch at 100k, 2nd installing saturday (fidanza + exedy stage I)
-left ball joint
-heated seats went out two years ago (never fixed them)
-Bose went out last year (bought one off Ebay, didn't work

)

Pretty reliable, especially the way I drive.

BUT THE WORST thing about it...

IS THE PAINT!

Jan 28, 2005 | 09:28 AM

#57

maxihari77SE96

Supporting Maxima.org Member

iTrader: (3)

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From: Chicago, IL

I bought mine in 99 with 40k. (1996 maxima)

Also bought extended warranty till 100k hehe (now at 135k)
-Had replaced tranny under warranty (5spd at 55k or 80k can't really remember)
-1st clutch at 100k, 2nd installing saturday (fidanza + exedy stage I)
-left ball joint
-heated seats went out two years ago (never fixed them)
-Bose went out last year (bought one off Ebay, didn't work

)

Pretty reliable, especially the way I drive.

BUT THE WORST thing about it...

IS THE PAINT!

Jan 28, 2005 | 09:29 AM

#58

maxihari77SE96

Supporting Maxima.org Member

iTrader: (3)

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 476

From: Chicago, IL

... ups ...

Jan 28, 2005 | 12:22 PM

#59

KCMaxima98

Thread Starter

Senior Member

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Fontaine

I had two codes. One for the EVAP system vent control valve and the other for the EVAP pressure sensor(or something like that). As far as I know they only replaced the vent control valve. That part plus labor was 130.00. If you are telling me that I got screwed, Im not surprised. It is called the stealership for a reason. But getting screwed at a stealer usually involves much more money than what I spent so you could say that they included some vaseline free of charge. Either way I was happy to leave that place without a CEL. I haven't had anymore hard starts since then either.

Jan 28, 2005 | 06:35 PM

#60

karguy

Donating Maxima.org Member

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 928

Yes, the Maxima is exceptionally reliable!!! I have over 18 years of Maxima ownership (all 4th gen) without having any non maintenance problems at all. I believe in preventive maintenance and use Amsoil products whenever I can. I keep my cars in impeccable condition so I am not driving junk!

Jan 29, 2005 | 02:36 AM

#61

maximaintheface

Senior Member

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the only things ive had to replace were fornt bank 02 . still need knock sensor . and i changed the starter they were very very easy fixes. ive had the car since 90 k i have 139000 right now and still runs like new

Jan 29, 2005 | 02:43 AM

#62

lilaclucymaxima

Team Ramrod

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seems pretty reliable to me

Jan 29, 2005 | 04:43 AM

#63

sterlingmaxima

Senior Member

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From: CT

yes I would rank the max right under the camry we have two in the family both from diff generations and boy are they solid cars no major matinence run great. toyota really did a great job I have to give them that but not the most styling cars. That is were teh max kicks *** it is a hot car.

Jan 29, 2005 | 09:58 AM

#64

gsmith795

Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 259

my 3rd gen is at 165k and still running strong!! i like my new 4th gen and expect a long happy life with it but i think if i could find a 5spd 3rd gn with low miles i would ****** it up in a second!