john402052000

I own a 92 GXE that has about 160,000 miles and am thinking of purchasing another car. I thought that the 5th generation would fit my price range. Anyway, I'm not completely sold on getting another Maxima, but am going to consider it. I should explain myself. Here are the things I like about my 92 GXE:
Very comfortable ride
great power
drives very well
nice standard features

Things I don't like (some may be a consequence of age/mileage):
I've had to fix all four electric windows (I'm not a mechanic, so I'm not inclined to ever take apart a car door) to the tune of about $200 a pop.

Mediocre to poor city gas mileage

Suspension seems to be going

interior moonroof ceiling has worn off the tracks

the tape player doesn't work

is starting to leak oil

in the winter the ball joints sound really creaky when going over bumps

Anyway, I guess I'm concerned about getting another used Maxima and having to pay a lot of money in maintenance. How do the 5th generations stack up, expecially to an Accord or a Camry?

thanks for any input in advance,

John

TXT-1

iTrader: (1)

Bought my Maxima brand new in July 2003. It now has 65,000 miles on it. The only major issue was the BOSE sound system cutting out which I finally solved by going aftermarket. Other than that, the only things I've had to do is routine maintenance and replacement of wear and tear items. I would go test drive a 5.5th Gen and see if you like the ride since the suspension is not 4 wheel independent like your 92 is.

ryanjimz

what up john, all the problems you listed seem like its because the car is aged. i own a 5th gen and love it, and im sure most all the guys you talk to about the 5th gens will tell you the same. I havent had a problem with the windows, nor have i heard about problems with them on a 5th gen. same with the moonroof, and oil leaks. If you're that concerned with the minimal up-keep then i would suggest going with a honda...(don't really know too much about the camry).. From what ive heard and observed, they are the least to worry about when it comes to service.However, you will be giving up power...LOTS OF IT. hope this helps.

boondoxmax

iTrader: (1)

Your car is 14 years old. Most of those problems are most likely a age issue. Most cars suspenisons feel like crap after 14 years. Now tape decks in most cars that old don't work. 5 gen is an excellent car. 5.5 even better

frankd121

iTrader: (1)

some 5.5's have had oil consumption issues...

MSchumacher

iTrader: (1)

if you are looking to upgrade your maxima you might want to consider a 4th or 5th generation. I had a 4th generation and now 5th. It all depends on which one u like better. If you want a comfortable ride you should go with the gle. It has softer suspension, leather, bose and rims are standart and is pretty quick. If you decide to get 5th generation you might wanna go with the 5.5 (3.5 engine)because i feel like the body is a little to heavy for the 3.0 engine.

Stewpid

If you want reliability over power and comfort, I would also suggest an Accord over a Maxima. I have both cars, and much prefer the Max. The Honda however, has been more reliable and trouble free, and has much higher mileage. Both are great cars, the Honda just happens to be less trouble, but completely powerless, and boring to drive.(4 banger)

trigger005

iTrader: (8)

IMO the major downside of 5th gen max is the handling and suspension. It rolls like crazy if you have stock suspension.
If you don't plan to upgrade suspension and handling is a big factor, then try something else... v6 accords have a lot better stock handling but with less HP and slightly less comfortable rides.

kbohip

I don't know John, but if you ask me, for a car with 160k miles you don't have anything to complain about at all in the reliability department. I've had 2 generation 3 Maximas and now I just bought an '02. I also had the broken power window problems on my '92 SE, one broke the first night I had the car! My wife's newer '91 (don't ask) hasn't had any problems with windows yet but it will. This was a big problem for the 3rd gens.

As far as the things I like more and less about my '02? I LOVE the engine! It's amazing how smooth the thing is. Not just very powerful, but smooth. It makes the '92 seem unrefined, and that was an awesome engine. The car is also a lot quieter than the '92, as well as a lot more roomy. I've also noticed that so far the gas mileage seems at least as good, if not better than my wife's '91. I'm still on my first tank of gas though so I'm getting this info off of the trip computer. I've been seeing readings of 24-30 mpg in heavy city driving, so I'm guessing the computer is being optimistic.

The one thing I don't like about my '02 compared to even the '91 is the ride. The car still rides very smooth, but the straight axle in back feels much less refined than the '91's independent suspension. It's only something I've noticed going over rough, uneven pavement, and it's not enough of a problem to worry over. The '02 Maxima does handle a lot better than the '91 though.

I'll take a Maxima for maintenace anyday over a Honda, if nothing else than the fact it still comes with a timing chain. On Honda's they have timing belts that need to be changed out every 60-90k miles. This is not a cheap service either, so the Maxima will save you on that point alone. Hell, even the spark plugs on the '02's and above are not supposed to need changing until 105k miles!

irish44j

iTrader: (38)

Get an 00-01 and you'll have no major problems.....and get an extended Nissan Gold warranty. I paid under $1K for mine, and it's paid for itself just fixing a few small things (strut, clutch cylinder, new floor mats).....the VQ30 engine is bulletproof and mine runs perfectly coming up on 100K miles.

If you go for a 4th or 5th gen, you will need to invest in a bit of suspension stuff, as stock they are very boat-like handling.

trigger005

iTrader: (8)

Just adding to Irish's comment, IMO 2001 Anniversary Edition Max's are the best... I didn't get an 02-03 mainly because their headlights get raped by thieves.

My biggest pet peeve about the 00 is that it doesnt have audio controls on the left side of steering wheel where all the other 5th gens do.

edacs1

I've had a 98SE, 00GXE (my current ride) and a 02SE silver aniversary edition. All were manuals.

I loved the power of the 02. The 3.5 engine is sweet but I prefer the 00 with the 3.0 liter. The 3.5 has too much torque steer and the turning radius SUCKS. It felt like I was driving an 18 wheeler when parking. I thought the radius was wide because I had the limited slip option but the dealer said all '02s are like that.

I agree that the GXE suspension is a bit lose - though way ahead of competing 'family sedans'. Everything is relative. If handling is a priority for you, look for an SE. If price is important, the GXE is great. No leather or sun roof but you get everything else the Max has - including one of the ten best engines in the world - at a value.

One caution - you WILL have a coil problem at 60k or so. Either plan on spending $400 to replace all 6 (do it yourself, which is pretty easy) or up to $1,000 if a dealer does it. Or, make sure the coils have already been replaced.

spdfreak

No real problems, other than MAF are common to go every once in a while, and people say the coils don't hold up to well.