Hi
I am new here, and have not had my Maxima for very long (less than a week). I really like it so far. Its a 1995 5spd SE. I am wondering what some of the common problems are with them, if there is anything I should check out, preventive maintenance type things. Also I am wondering what some of the common modifications are on these cars.
It has had the suspension replaced recently by the previous owner to Tokiko Illumina Adjustable Shocks and Tein Luxury Master springs, and it had the clutch replaced recently. It also has larger rims than stock on it, I think he said they where 17's. I traded for this car for a daily driver.. something easier to find parts for and cheaper to fix. I do not know anything about them other than I have heard they are good cars and last forever and that parts are easy to find.

 

Read the FAQs.

Were you provided any work history for the car?

How many miles are on it?

The cheapest bang-for-the-buck performance mod is an aftermarket y-pipe. I recommend the Budget stainless steel y-pipe (see www.lssexhaust.com).\

Do you know when the oil was last changed?

Use only NGK spark plugs, ie. laser platinums, V-power coppers.

I would check out the condition of the radiator coolant, as well as the belts, hoses, brakes, air filter, fuel filter.

Read up about cleaning the throttle body and idle air control valve.

Check out the suspension, including CV boots, exhaust etc.

 

^^^^ very nice reply, i would also say you might want to change the gear oil to get a smoother shift

 

Perhaps the gear oil was changed when the clutch was replaced.

 

You can see the size or your rims by looking at the tire.

It will say something like 235/45/17 or something like that.
The 3rd number is the rim size in inches.

 

Check all fluids and belts. Other than that, just start reading through the stickies and browse the forums and you will learn quickly.

 

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=536040

 

thats right.....you should be good man.As other orgers said, check fluids & belts.Gear oil sounds interesting too.

 

Thanks everyone for responding. The car has aprx 168k miles on it. He said the oil was changed recently, but I am going to have it changed again just to be safe. It looks a little dirty.
The coolant looks good, and all of the other fluids look good. The belts definately need replaced. They look pretty old. And I will also change out the spark plugs. Does this car have a timing belt or does it have a chain??
I may have the gear oil changed as i do not know if they did that with the clutch, I would assume so, but better safe than sorry later. The transmission feels harder to shift than in a lot of other manual cars I have driven, but my father inlaw used to have one of these and he says it feels like his old one did.

 

The car has a self-adjusting timing chain that doesn't need replacement. Typically, it should last the life of the engine. Sometimes the tensioner might need adjusting or replacement.

Remember, only use NGK spark plugs.

Most members use 5w30 oil. Castrol GTX is quite liked on this website. Whatever you do use a quality oil filter, eg. OEM Nissan, Purolator PureOne, WIX, Napa Gold. Do not use a Fram oil filter.

Only use GL4 gear oil in 75w90 or 80w90 weight. DO NOT use GL5 gear oil as it will eat away at the brass bushings/synchros in the tranny.

You might not be able to find GL4 dino gear oil. If you can't use Redline MT90 or Amsoil.