I'm thinnking of purchasing a 4th Gen Maxima, but first wanted to know the Pros/Cons of the autmobile. I've owned a few hondas and love their dependability. Do the Maximas hold that same type of reputation as they are Nissan? Please help a newcomer into this scene. All of the comments I receive will end up leading into my purchase.

THank You

REne

 

Hey man -

I'm in the same position as you. I've been on this board for about 1.5 months, and have absorbed tons of information. The guys (and gals) here are truly great. Just keep reading threads and you'll pick up everything that you need to know.

To answer your question, Maximas have great reliability - nearly identical to Camrys or Accords. The major differences are that Maximas have better engines (the 4th G V6 is referred to in posts as the VQ engine) because of their power and durability - people are easily pulling 200k-300k+ in these engines. In terms of fit/finish, most people say that the Maxima fit isn't as perfect as what you see in the Honda/Toyotas, but is really close and after your first 5k miles you forget the difference. The other difference people talk about is in the styling of the Maxima - probably part of the reason that their resale isn't what Hondas have. Not that the Maxima styling is boring - it just isn't as forward thinking as the 6G Accord Coupe. But, everyone has their own style preferences, so to each their own. In terms of aftermarket stuff - Maximas don't have what Hondas have, but there is still a pretty good market and the standard mods (FSTB, RSB, lowering springs, intakes, exhaust) are all available. Even superchargers are available.

I am in the process of selling my 6th G Accord Coupe and buying a 99 Maxima SE 5 speed. VERY much looking forward to having a car that has some real horsepower combined with the 5 speed. Also looking forward to having a car that not a ton of people have - at least the modded versions. If you want more info, please feel free to email me. Also, use the search function if you have questions on anything specific, like engine durability or any mods that you may want to make - the search will provide an amazing amount of information. You'll find stuff from changing the cabin to Micron Air Filtration to changing the interior door handles from stock plastic to chrome.

Good luck.

 

i say get a nissan maxima, preferably 4th or 5th gen...reason being is because they are faster than all honda's and some acura's in their class (95 max vs 95 accord or 95 prelude or 95 civic) plus they are a lot roomier...i have never had a problem with my automatic and those wit 5 speed have had only one problem and that's some slipping...but u can easily well, not easily but u can fix that by getting better clutch kit (ACT) and stuff but i would definitely love to have another maxima owner in this spot...