OBEEWON

Im thinking of giving up my 95 240 SE for a 97 maxima. I like my 240 a whole lot but I miss the power of V6, and the luxury of a maxima (had a 92 maxima). Also everyone tries to race me in the s14. At first it was funny but now its just annoying.

Anyway I was wondering how many folks would do something like this. The 97 im looking at has 137k miles on it with a pretty good looking interior. Its an SE 5spd. I really wish it had a black interior though. My 240 doesnt have LSD or antilock, and has 168k. Just looking for some thoughts, how much do yall like the 4th gens?

Bobo

The 97SE, 5-speed, is a very good car. Does the one you are looking at have a leather interior? What about a sunroof, ABS brakes, climate control air and Bose or aftermarket sound system?

Can you get a work history on the vehicle?

137K is nothing on a Maxima but is a little higher mileage than I would like on a 97 - 100K would be much better.

Mymax97

iTrader: (10)

I love my car just wished it was 5spd black interior and an i30t with the vlsd
happy 100 posts to me

Frank Fontaine

If your car is reliable, I would keep it I were you. You have a rear-wheel drive car.

By today's standards, a 1997 Maxima is not that luxurious. Rather than lose money making a nearly lateral move, why not stand pat until you can move up? And who cares what everyone else is doing, if they want to race you, so be it.

By the way I toasted a 645i convertible the other day--not that his car could be beaten by my 98 SE 5-spd, as it's not a SiR, but he didn't expect what the SE could do when he made an aggressive move.....

What I described above is true. Now that you see it in someone else's writing, do you see how silly it sounds when you can't let someone else beat you off the line?

OBEEWON

Even tho the S14 is "fast"? Im scared to race anyone cus im used to my old maxima which was FAST. I didnt take very many L's in that car. Dont want to mess up my stats. How reliable is the 4th gen in your opinions?

Bobo

Notwithstanding what Frank Fontaine just said, but if its going to be several years before you can make a leap to a much newer car, a 97 or 98 Maxima may still be a viable alternative for you.

A clean, well maintained 97 or 98 Maxima is still a pretty decent car. It has 4-doors and is relatively roomy compared to your 240SX.

Frank Fontaine

The Maxima is pretty reliable, but that is not to say there are some known issues that cost a pretty penny at the dealership. In 7 years of having a Se 5-spd, I've never been stranded. My friend got stranded Memorial Day with his 2001 Sentra, very strange, almost unbelievable from a Japanese car.

But it's just one of those things, look at the 2k6 Sonata--way better than Altima, and taking a stab at Camry and Accord.

Bobo

Not to tie up the thread, but I just saw your last query. 4th Gen Maximas are reliable, but like any vehicle they require routine maintenance.

I have had my car since new (October 1, 1994). The only thing that I have replaced on the car is a front left headlight bulb, the air conditioning refrigerant, the battery and an 02 sensor on warranty about 7 years ago. I recently had to replace the rear brake calipers and pads because the right rear caliper piston seized as a result of the parking brake not being used for years. My car is unusual, however, because I'm not even at 60K yet and still have the original spark plugs and tires.

As long as the maintenance is done at 30K and 60K intervals as required and the oil and other fluids are religiously replaced on time, the car should last for 250K+.

With the car you are looking at you should determine if the 02 sensors, knock sensor and belts have been replaced. You should also inspect the vehicle - CV boots, suspension, exhaust components etc.