I have been looking around to buy a loaded 4th Gen Maxima SE 5sp.

After I bought my significant other a 98 GLE a few months ago, I simply need to buy one for me. The car is incredible. Whatever the cost, wherever I have to travel - I will get one - but I am confused about what year I should get.

Being the speed freak that I am, I have been collecting a long list of mods that I will purchase. I have noticed that many performance parts are for 95-96 or 97-99? I also read that the 95s have the least emissions crap. I am wondering what exactly is changed in 97 besides the cosmetic differences.

I would appreciate any thoughts on this matter...

 

[Personal Viewpoint] - I believe the 1995-1996 front end and back end are more satifying to the eye than the 1997-1999. Due to the fact that the 1995 has the least emmisions and most potential of the 4th generation Maxima, I would go for the 1995 were I you. And you know that's what I really think, because I don't own a 1995 .

 

mine is a 95, they also say the 95s are the fastest bc they are the lightest, also though if you like looks, i liked he sporty front of the 97-99, so i put one on, i also have altezzas and a shaved trunk which looks great together, the 97-99 have better looking but plastic headlights compared t the 95-96 less appealing but glass headlights, other than that and some options thats all the difference

 

Do you know why most performance parts distinguish 95/96 and 97-99? Is it only emissions? I wonder after mods, how much HP I would potentially lose with the later model??

I like the 95/96 look better, but it is easier to find a later model with low mileage... Seems like it is easier to find Leather and Bose CD in the later models too.

I just do not want to buy one and then kick myself for getting the wrong year....

 

The only performance parts that are different in fit between 95-96 and 97-99 is the Cat,some B-Pipes and ECU's. The reason the exausts are different is because of different placements of o2 sensors. The ECU's are not available for 98+{kinda 97 too} because the code has not yet been cracked.

I have a fully loaded 95 Maxima with a 5spd and a fully loaded 98 Infiti I30T with a 5spd, I love both cars but my max definatly handels and exelerates better. The reliability on the 95 has surpassed all expectations so far{97K miles}.

 

The 1995 is the only engine that is different (only slightly in emmisions) from the 4th generation. The 1996 and 1998 (for an example) have the same engine - 190bhp. After many mods, I would not be surprised if there were no differences in power between a 1995-1998 model. When you redo the exhaust system, you will probably rid the car of any emmission limitiations it may have. The 1995-1996 are harder to find loaded because they made less loaded, and of course many have more mileage (Not my 1996! Only 53k miles! ). If you are looking to find a fully loaded 1995-1996, the GLE will be by far much easier to find than the SE. However, you must not forget that you can ALWAYS put in an aftermarket stereo (which will be better than bose) and leather (which will be the same grade, but in color schemes with logos). For the Maxima, you could buy a GXE and turn it into a GLE with the exception of climate control (can be done but too much $$$). Just trying to help .

 

go with the 95 5spd...
But I think the front end and rear end of the 95-96 is not nearly as pretty as the 97-99.... I'd take the 97+ 5spd.

 

I would go for a 97+, since 95-96 did very poorly on crash tests. For 97, Nissan strengthed the front and rear bumpers and reinforced the frame. A government retest showed significantly improved performance in the offset crash, increasing the "poor" score for 95-96 to "acceptable" for 97-99 4th gens.

Yes, 97's are slower than 95's for some reason. But I'd trade 0.1s 0-60 time for a safer vehicle.

 

Uh, ahem,


98 Maxima's were the 1st year to get:

-Digital ODO with 2 trip counters.
-New version of the auto climate control you see in even
the 2000s Maximas.
-Seat airbags as an option.

Even tho the 97-99s look exactly the same on the outside, they have differences on the inside.

Keep that in mind when thinking about which year to get

DW

 

Id say go with the 97's and up, my friend has a 96 GLE with all the options and its a really sweet car, but many people that see our cars parked side by side like my black 97 SE 5speed. Plus i like the look of the front end a little better....but thats only my opinion, no offense guys

 

In 1997 Consumer Reports rated the Maxima higher in reliablilty than the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry...

 

I don't think it really matters which year... As long as its a MAXIMA... just buy what you think looks good... I just like the 97 and up a little better.... and i'll tell u why.. the spoiler kits you can get...

 

Hey Rad, if I had it to do all over again I would find a 99
Se limited 5spd. I love my 97 Se Automatic, but stick with a 97 or 99 5spd. Just from my recollection it seems the 98's had more nick nack problems. Just my opinion. I do not know for sure, I just no you would have no regrets with those two choices.

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