Been lurking for a couple weeks, picking up some good info.

Recently sold my last car and am quickly searching for a used 4G Maxima. Also looking for a 5 speed SE, which is making things difficult.

I know the basic features are the same, but I was wondering if anyone could run down the changes between the 1995,6,7 model years of the Maxima. I know they're minor, and price/mileage is what will really drive my purchase. Just curious if there's any compelling reason to purchase one over the other.

tia,
--jgn

 

if yu buy car, do not buy 1995/1996 maxima, buy 1997/1999 maxima, since they are a bit different then 1995/1996 and do not have their plms with starters and alternators and less worn out and have remaining powertrain warranty till 60k if you find car with less 60k miles.

 

its all about your budget bro. I JUST bought a '95 Black Maxima SE, w/ only 50k miles ! For 10,000 dollars. This thing was LOADED except for leather. (which I dont like anyways). The diff. between 95/96 and 97-99 is the 97-99 have a little different styling to them. And maybe some minor fixes...Bottom Line. Im very happy with my 95'. It is a GREAT looking car. (especially after the mods ive put on it ) If your willing to pay 2-7,000 more for a "newer" car, than go ahead, but if your like me, GO WITH THE 95-96. Anyway you go tho, you'll be pleased.

 

Scroll Down To what Vyrus said. Describes everything perfectly.

 

From what I've heard, the early 4th gen's are faster than the later ones. I like the looks of the '97-'99 front bumper better than the '95-'96. The '97-'99 have much better bumper crash test results.

 

i agree. but there is one thing though, if u are thinking of exterior body mods like a stillen aero kit, i'd suggest getting 97+ cos it just looks phat! if only the 95-96 came with that kind of bumpers! but then again u can always do a conversion. more money? yep!
another side of the coin is that as of now, if u wanted to get an ecu upgrade, i believe 97+ still revert to using the modified 96 ecu AND new O2 sensors. but i'm sure this is not going to be the case for long. once again as others said before, it depends on how much u want to spend. i got mine for 10 g's loaded, and i just LOVE IT!

 

95/96's are faster than the 97+'s. The 97-99 have a little more refinement in their design, but I feel aren't as sporty as the 95/96's in the way they drive. Plus, there are more mods for the earlier years (ie. ECU's). Definitly get a 5spd, it makes all the difference. The only problems I've had with my car was the tachometer not working ($150 for a used instrument cluster-fixed myself in about an hour), and recently the O2 sensors (which wear out over time anyways). I suppose it all depends on what you are looking for...

 

from what i know i have a friend that is a stillen representative and he told me thatthe 95 se is the only year from 95-99.5 that came with no restrictions just look at the motor near next to the manifold you will see whati meanlookat the diffrnces in that area and also i think the 95 se comes with poluretyane bushings but not sure i think thats not true


o yea my car is great this is my third max
90 se 5spd
96 se auto
now 95 se 5spd

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cg...item=593126113

IMO: Just get the newest one you can afford; don't worry about the starter problems with the 95's bc by now they've more than likely been replaced. Definitely get a 5 speed.

 

GET A 99 SE
NEWEST OF THE 4 FAM

 

If you want a stillen kit, get the 97-99. If you want more performance get a 95-96. I personally like the way the 95-96 front looks, but if you like the 97-99 maybe you should get that. However, let me remind you that the 1995 is the only one with NO RESTRICTIONS on engine power. This car will have the most potential, but on the other hand is also the oldest. I bought my car because I wanted that exact model with those exact options. I didn't want leather because I am hoping to change my seat to racing seats. I didn't want the BOSE system because I wanted a new reciever, etc. Don't forget to think of it like this. The only thing I wish I had that I don't is a sunroof, and that's no big deal for me. Like I said, Stillen makes a better body kit for the 97-99, but the 1995 has the most potential by a long shot. Just trying to help.

 

hmmm well i'd say go for the 97-99 cuz i think they look better
and all '95 cars were supposed to come with OBDII emissions but i heard that sum '95s weren't equipped with it... the 95-96s are faster cuz they're lighter as the '97s added more safety enhancements to the body...
and i think all SEs and GLEs have polyurethane bushings that make them handle alot better than GXEs... stock that is... by the time u mod it it wont make a diff... i got a '97 GXE 5spd for ~10,500
and go for the GXE its lighter so therefore faster than SEs of the same year!!! haha

g'luck with ur purchase... may i suggest the use of www.autotrader.com
and yea if you like Altezzas by any chance go with the 95-96

 

Nice Wheels plrod Black 95 SE, I envy you.. I want my 96 to look as sweet as yours.Someday....Someday

 

You guys are making it sound like 96-99 doesn't even come close to 95's perfmance... hmmm
Wasn't it only recorded faster mostly for it's lighter wheels as compared to 97's heavy rims?

 

Hey thanks man. Funny I was just at a furniture store where w/o my knowing it, my wife decides to follow me to, as I was looking for a place to park, I see this sweeet Maxima pull up and I do a double take, keep in mind that right now I'm running my OEM wheels, and I say to myself, man that's sweeeeet.

I then realize it's my f'ing car.

 

I agree with Vyrus. I like my '99 nose. Without any mods, the '95 is the fastest. I don't have any engine mods. I thinking of getting a '95 ecu.

 

I'm not sure if that will work w/o setting off some MIL codes.