HI ALL, I currently own a 99 Max SE 5sp and have not been to thrilled with the car. It has had a CEL on for about 8 months of the 2 yrs I have owned the car. Now it is due for NJ inpection. Can you say frustrating!!!!!!!!! I am considering replaceing it with a 2000--2003 Manual trans car. My question is are the Gen 5 car as prown to the same type of problems. IE knock sensor, O2 sensor, Ign coils. I have owned 80s Z cars for ever and they were realiable as can be. I DONT like this OBDII stuff one bit. Any insite is apprieciated.

 

Yep, they're pretty prone to it. I just had my 2 O2 sensors fixed today and ECU updated.

 

Get an '03: better MAF and coils. the 5.5 gens seem to have less problems. I have over 90k on my '03 and haven't had a problem other than replacing the interior blower due to a rattle. If you do, try to find a TE edition. I regret not getting the one next to mine at the dealer. I got a little sticker shy when I bought it...

 

My o2 has been good to me... Many cars these days have the dumb CEL lights and its not just a maxima issue. O2 sensors are common problems. If you like the sportiness of the maxima then the 02 6 speed you will love. If you just want a family ride, maybe look to the Camry or Accord. May have a tad fewer issues, but the Maxima is still recommended by Consumer Reports.

 

BTW: The MAF on the 02/03 is worse than the 01. The 01s are known to have the strongest MAFs, which is why so many people replace their 02/03 MAFs with 01s.

 

Why not get it OBD-II tested at your local autozone, it's free of charge. If you're very handy with cars, as far doing it yourself fix it then it should be painless. They pull the code and tell you so you can get idea what's wrong with the car. It's better that way than trading it in where it's going to cost more out of your pocket. Again, stepping up to a newer Maxima wouldn't be a bad idea cuz there are some things that is better than the 4th gen Max.

 

My 2000 has been running great. Warped rotors and a cracked windshield are my only complaints. Oh yeah, I hanged the plugs a month ago and did Auto tranny service... Good car so far. It's at 93k.

 

Other than my bose, no problems with my 2k2 so far. I don't know about all these MAF problems though, mine seems to be holding up just fine, but then again I have no engine mods or anything.

 

Had my MAF replaced under the TSB for free. It wasn't acting up but it was free and why not?