As some of you know, I'm in the market. I've got about 8k to spend. Of course, I'm looking at 93-94 SE 5sp, but also looking at some 95-96 se 5sp. For the 4th gens, are there any problems/recalls or anything particularly bad with a certain year? I need something that will last me. Thanx.
Jay
ps: VTC kinda scares me, but haven't heard of many bad experiences. I'll try my luck if I get one.
________
JOHN BARNARD

 

95. Good luck!!

 

Doug I disagree with you. The 95-96 were a lot better than the 97-99. Mine doesn't rattle at all..I haven't done a thing to it outside of 02 sensor recal and a battery. Starter needed cleaned and now its fine. I have seen tons of people whining about chipped paint, rattles, starters, fuel injectors, trannys...etc...they have mostly had the 97-99. Mine has 63k and it runs great! Not sure where you got the idea 95-96 aren't as solid though??

SHUMAX

 

Personally, I think the 3-gen enteriors are much more interesting and more detailed and textured than the 4-gen flat dash layout. IMHO only.

 

This is a proven fact, just by safty standards. The 95/96 performed poorly in the crash tests or at least more so than any other year Maxima. I think someone has a link to the results, but this is where the comment originated from.

As for ThurzNite, I haven't had any complains with my 95. . .The A/C went out under warrenty, but that is the only thing unexpected. Just check the clutch on a 5 Sp., they can be expensive to fix, and the starter may start to go (Mine is about to with just over 100K). I really like my 95 though, and has been a good car for my family (who has owned it from day one). If you take care of it it will last you as long as you need it to.

 

I have not had any bad experiences with my 96 Max. I have put about 22,000 miles in my car in about 5 months. No problems what so ever. I just try my best to take care of the engine. When I just got the car it stalled on me but the problem was not with the engine it was the positive connector on the battery. That sh** was helladirty. So I cleaned it up and everything is ok since that first day.

Late

 

I have one of those fast 95's and I love the heck out of it. Just when it's cold though..J/K It's fast, comfortable, and all I've done in 41,000 miles (besides mod) is replace brake pads, change the oil, and flush the radiator. I am at 112,000 miles and not slowing down any time soon!
Oh yea, and I only had one rattle, and I found it.

 

I have a 97 and well, personally, I just don't find the car to be as solid as the old 94. I have driven a 94 and I took pretty tight turns and all--and it gripped quite well on crappy tires. I feel the quality and workmanship was better on the older cars that is missing in the newer ones. Sure the new ones have auto climate control and all the neat things--but qaulity wise--the older generation was better.

I have a 97 and thus far, I have had a check engine problem--which turned out to be a wiring fault, and I have changed the brakes (which squeal like pigs) and have performed the 30K service.

 

I am with SHUMAX. My 95 GLE had the 02 sensor replaced and a battery and has 72,000. No rattles and the tranny is tight as a drum.

 

The max's have a transmission problem though that I would be wary with if I was you.. I myself have had some tranny probs too