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-   4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999) (https://maxima.org/forums/4th-generation-maxima-1995-1999-6/)
-   -   so I'm broke but when I get money. Should I save for a Gen 5? (https://maxima.org/forums/4th-generation-maxima-1995-1999/665014-so-im-broke-but-when-i-get-money-should-i-save-gen-5-a.html)

S1cTech Apr 26, 2013 02:07 PM

so I'm broke but when I get money. Should I save for a Gen 5?
 
MY gen 4 has issues, Shes 14 years old. I bought her 8 years ago in 2006 so that made her 8 years old when I got her. Now that Gen5's are cheaper now. I am hoping probably cheaper than I picked up my gen 4 for. Would that be worth it? I know. I really don't want a Sedan again to be honest or just a slightly upgraded maxima all that much but this maxima started up every day except once when it had a dead battery recently, and I haven't had too too many issues with it.

I had a good amount of small problems with it tho and rust and the Transmission Input shaft bearing. Lots of CV axle issues but the motor has been legit nothing but mint. I never replaced any real components either other than I need an ac compressor. I would say that my maxi has been fairly reliable through eight New England winters and I think since I can't think of a faster nicer (slightly newer 2000's+ car under $3-4 grand. Should I just spring for a Gen 5? 2001-2002? of course I want the VQ35 lol

I just hope since they are all American made now. Will they not be as good as reliable as our Japanese made ones?

How much can one be had for now a days? With relatively low miles? I got mine with 139miles and now its at like 235ish. (I've always had a close job commute)

MoncefA33 Apr 26, 2013 02:43 PM

4th and 5th gens are pretty much the same. The stuff in the engine bay is in the same spots, suspension is setup very similarly, and the same common issues are there also.

I wouldn't...

max ride 41 Apr 26, 2013 02:59 PM

plus the 3.5 vq's burn oil and eat up some gas. maybe a low mileage one, maybe

Climaxx Apr 26, 2013 02:59 PM


Originally Posted by S1cTech (Post 8779372)
Shes 14 years old. I bought her 8 years ago in 2006 so that made her 8 years old when I got her.

So you're telling me 8+8=14?

I've been lied to all my life.

S1cTech Apr 26, 2013 03:21 PM

lol my bad shes GOING on 8 years I've had her. and going on 15 years old this summer.

Trini Boom Apr 26, 2013 04:17 PM


Originally Posted by MoncefA33 (Post 8779391)
4th and 5th gens are pretty much the same. The stuff in the engine bay is in the same spots, suspension is setup very similarly, and the same common issues are there also.

I wouldn't...

Common issues with IACV, ECU and Electronic Engine Mounts??? Don't see this as a common issue on a 4th gen and it is very pricey...

max ride 41 Apr 26, 2013 04:52 PM


Originally Posted by Climaxx (Post 8779403)
So you're telling me 8+8=14?

I've been lied to all my life.

lol and 2+2 does'nt always equal 4

1996blackmax Apr 28, 2013 01:40 PM

I've had both a 96 GXE & a 2002 SE. Both cars were very reliable.

jenokh7 Apr 28, 2013 02:07 PM

My brother has a 96 5 speed. I have an 02 6 speed. The 02 is much better imo. 4th gens just look old now.

I bought mine for 4500 with 127k on it.

Fatboy98maxima Apr 28, 2013 04:10 PM


Originally Posted by jenokh7 (Post 8780318)
My brother has a 96 5 speed. I have an 02 6 speed. The 02 is much better imo. 4th gens just look old now.

I bought mine for 4500 with 127k on it.

I dissagree a 4th gen looks 10 times much better then a 5th gen if the 4th gen is nice and clean. and thats coming from a me and i have a 2k2 GLE max

Blue Mesa Apr 28, 2013 04:19 PM

Im on my 2nd 5th gen now, and have driven a friends 4th gen. I love my 5.5gen 6mt, but my friends 4th gen 5 Spd was adequate to me. I personally dont think its that much of an upgrade. My general impression after driving both cars is the 5.5 gen is a lot torquier but the 4th gen seams to be an all around smoother, dare I say more comfortable, car.

Would I give up my 5th gen for a 4th gen? No.
Would I recommend buying a 5th gen to someone who already owns a 4th gen? No.

One thing that you will definitely will hate about the 5th gen is the turning radius.

max ride 41 Apr 28, 2013 04:57 PM


Originally Posted by Fatboy98maxima (Post 8780372)
I dissagree a 4th gen looks 10 times much better then a 5th gen if the 4th gen is nice and clean. and thats coming from a me and i have a 2k2 GLE max


there you go, more reliable, timeless body style, old school is the best!!!!

jenokh7 Apr 28, 2013 05:44 PM

Its only "timeless" if its been well kept (no rust). Which is often rare, especially if you live in the Midwest like me.

Which one looks better is purely a matter of subjectivity. That depends on you...

But the 5.5 gen offers certain things that the 4th gen doesn't. (Heated steering wheel and the 3.5L engine)

jenokh7 Apr 28, 2013 05:54 PM

I admit tho, the 3.0 is much smoother and just an overall better engine than the 3.5. I wanted to sell my car after I found out it burned 1 qt every 1000 miles.

Also the drive by wire crap in the 6 speed is complete crap. Especially in Chicago traffic. Feels like yr getting punched everytime you let off the throttle.

1996blackmax Apr 28, 2013 06:09 PM

I didn't have any oil burning issues with my 02.

S1cTech Apr 29, 2013 02:40 AM


Originally Posted by jenokh7 (Post 8780411)
I admit tho, the 3.0 is much smoother and just an overall better engine than the 3.5. I wanted to sell my car after I found out it burned 1 qt every 1000 miles.

Also the drive by wire crap in the 6 speed is complete crap. Especially in Chicago traffic. Feels like yr getting punched everytime you let off the throttle.

ugh the gen 5 has drive by wire? Wow that is a HUGE turn off for me. I am very particular on how my throttle feels also love the pressure as I can feel the throttle actually open.

Aflion Apr 29, 2013 03:51 AM

In my opinion, the 4th gen is a better car than the 5th. Looks better, rides better, and is a better built car in general. But if you don't want another sedan, why get one? There are some reliable coupes out there. Camaro, Firebird/Trans Am, Corvette, SC300, SC400, Solara, TC, Celica, 350z, G35. Plenty of coupes to choose from if that is what you're really wanting. And they will be just as reliable as our cars. :)

Blue Mesa Apr 29, 2013 02:29 PM


Originally Posted by S1cTech (Post 8780588)
ugh the gen 5 has drive by wire? Wow that is a HUGE turn off for me. I am very particular on how my throttle feels also love the pressure as I can feel the throttle actually open.

It doesnt make that much of a difference honestly. The pedal feel is basically the same. Sure theres more input lag, but you are talking about milliseconds here, its almost imperceptible.

Main difference you will notice is the 5th gen takes a long time to wind down from higher rpms --ie shifting from 1st at 5k to 4th takes a long time (much longer then a 4th gen) to properly rev match.

RA030726 Apr 29, 2013 05:41 PM

The 5.5 gen is better in some areas, but its still very 4th gen like. It's also getting old. Most on the road are starting to rust, at least up here. If I were to buy an A33 right now it would be an 04 I35. I'm fine with an auto. I also like the 2001 AE.

If you want a newer FWD with a VQ, look at some Altimas. I'd love me an SE-R!

1996blackmax Apr 29, 2013 05:56 PM

I actually was driving behind an Altima SE-R today. I thought to myself....that's a nice ride.

Blue Mesa Apr 29, 2013 08:32 PM

Thought about getting an SE-R myself, except for that they usually cost more then a comparable Maxima, and the Altima's interior is kinda :o

kingofny1997 Apr 29, 2013 08:54 PM

Buy a new sentra 2.0 and do a 3.5 swap 6 speed, can't nobody see YOU

Borker Apr 29, 2013 11:14 PM

In my opinion the redesigned 4th gen (5th gen) appears to look more like a car a girl would drive.

plugeye Apr 30, 2013 08:52 AM

no, buy my 99 SE instead.
please


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