hello everyone...

To make a long story short, I'm currently looking for a viable replacement for my recently totalled 98 Grand Prix GTP.

Top on my list are a 99+ Grand Am GT, 99+ Olds Intrigue, and a 4th Gen Maxima. I'm not too interested in getting another Prix because of some serious valve cover/rear main seal problems I was having, not to mention the car had some past oil pan problems. All in all, my 94 Probe GT was far less problematic and better to me than any car I've owned to date.

My choices are pretty much self-limited to a large compact, or midsize-class car... as I got slammed pretty good in my fender-bender and not really keen on getting a small car at the moment, or any time soon for that matter.

I know Nissan has a pretty good reputation, so I figured I'd research it and possibly have a go at something other than my Mazda-inherited Probe. A close friend had a 99 Sentra SE and absolutely loved it... but a Sentra would be too small and uhm... slow... for me.
I'd also like a 5-speed again, and I think the 4th gen of your Maximas are the best looking.

I would almost dare try a Honda, but aside from having "Rice" probably trying to harass me all the time, I think all of Honda's lineup is pretty bland. Insurance isn't too cheap on an Accord, either.

What are some potential problems, and things to look out for, in this generation of Maxima? I have so far picked out that the oil sending unit can be a problem, and the 4th gen 5-speeds have issues. That's disappointing; as it is I'm trying to find the ultra rare commodity of a sporty-performing vehicle bigger than a compact, with a manual transmission.

Any particular years were gems? Anything in particular I should keep an eye for? Automatic times too much different from 5-speed times? How's durability and reliability? I know resale value is good on these cars... as I could probably spend $15k on a 96...

Any feedback is appreciated!

Thanks

 

for 15K youll be able to get something better then a 96 , you should be able to find a 97 or 98 for that much.


I myself own a 99se which i bought USED. I havent had any problems to date at all and ive put 25K plus on it currently it has 55K miles.

Reliabilty is great with these cars, oh they are very very excellent in safety as far as accidents go. Auto's truly hinder the performance of the maxima , i would go with a 5spd if i could do it all again, actually id go with a BMW but hehe im not complaining with my maxima.

All in all it is a great car and im happy i have it.


GOD im tired aim me sometime at Stillnmax , if im not in a bad mood i will respond.

 

For anyone that was curious as to the accident, pictures can be found here:

http://www.angelfire.com/mi/RykrosLanding/98GTP.html

 

DAMN !

 

That wreck looks bad, about as bad as when i was rear ended in my 90 accord. A lady was changing a CD in here CD player while I was at a dead stop at a stop sign and she nailed me going around 45. She was driving a toyota camry so atleast it wasnt a truck, but it hurt my neck really bad, it was sore for a few weeks. Good luck on the new car purchase. Take Care

 

I have no idea what the guy behind me was doing... but he was right as rain, and all he had to worry about was some busted lights and a messed up grille.