Is anyone else totally disatisfied with their Maxi?
01-15-2008, 11:42 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 96
Is anyone else totally disatisfied with their Maxi?
Before anyone flames me here, I am just wondering if anyone else has had a really negative experience when it comes to their Maxima ownership.
I have an 02 SE which I have had sine the car was almost new. It now has 125000 KMs on it. And I must say that it has been notghing but trouble. So far I have had the following done on the car:
1) All of the windows and sunroof leak air. Even when the car was under warranty the dealer used to charge me for adjusting the sunroof. I have to literally turn the radio up to hear the local sports talk show.
2) O2 sensors. This is a well known TSB with Nissan, but even though it is, the dealer still charged me to "diagnose" the problem, upgrade the ECU software and change 2 O2 sensors.
3) I have had the change the brakes in all 4 corners twice so far.
4) ABS sensors are gone and have to be replaced.
5) Evaporator system leak
6) On separate occasions the rear section of the exhaust and the middle section of the exhaust rusted and were replaced
7) GM like exhaust rattle from the front of the car
8) Ticking noise, replated to wheel bearing failure heard when negotiating turns
9) Power window swich for rear right window does not work for pulling window up
10) Intermittently the heated steering wheel does not work.
11) My car is supposed to be equipped with Limited slip, but I will be damned if it works, or is there.
I am getting rid of this car in the next few weeks, but was curious to know if most people were happy or not. Is this typical of Nissan, or did I get a Lemon made by monkeys?
I have an 02 SE which I have had sine the car was almost new. It now has 125000 KMs on it. And I must say that it has been notghing but trouble. So far I have had the following done on the car:
1) All of the windows and sunroof leak air. Even when the car was under warranty the dealer used to charge me for adjusting the sunroof. I have to literally turn the radio up to hear the local sports talk show.
2) O2 sensors. This is a well known TSB with Nissan, but even though it is, the dealer still charged me to "diagnose" the problem, upgrade the ECU software and change 2 O2 sensors.
3) I have had the change the brakes in all 4 corners twice so far.
4) ABS sensors are gone and have to be replaced.
5) Evaporator system leak
6) On separate occasions the rear section of the exhaust and the middle section of the exhaust rusted and were replaced
7) GM like exhaust rattle from the front of the car
8) Ticking noise, replated to wheel bearing failure heard when negotiating turns
9) Power window swich for rear right window does not work for pulling window up
10) Intermittently the heated steering wheel does not work.
11) My car is supposed to be equipped with Limited slip, but I will be damned if it works, or is there.
I am getting rid of this car in the next few weeks, but was curious to know if most people were happy or not. Is this typical of Nissan, or did I get a Lemon made by monkeys?
01-15-2008, 11:56 AM
#2
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 43
Every car has its quirks but it sounds like you got a lemon
01-15-2008, 12:06 PM
#4
125k km = about 70k miles. I don't see why brake pads should only last you 35k miles each set, unless you really ride them. But I mean, OEM replacement pads at the local auto store should cost less than $100, so what's the big deal?
says who?
says who?
it's a heat shield. Common problem that takes 2 minutes to fix.
who needs the right rear window anyhow? On our 2000 Jetta the window motors went bad something like 5 times in 2 years. Consider yourself lucky.sounds like a loose connection, again.
Anyhow, good luck....
btw, yes I've had issues with my maxima as well, but no more than my Honda Accord, Acura Integra, or any othr car I've owned.
01-15-2008, 12:31 PM
#5
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 6
Wow you have really high expectations for your car (and rightfully so). Although with the Max and other cars like it with this many features you need to really set the proper expectation going in that there will be issues (more features in a car the more that can go wrong). All of these items (except the ABS) could be expected in the lifetime of a car with 125K on it.
If want a car that is truly "matinance free" you need to get a smaller less expensive car (think Civic, or Corolla). Stay away from any luxury (even Lexus) or V-6+ model cars.
If want a car that is truly "matinance free" you need to get a smaller less expensive car (think Civic, or Corolla). Stay away from any luxury (even Lexus) or V-6+ model cars.
01-15-2008, 01:05 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 827
No.
Look at the following brotha.
Look at the following brotha.
01-15-2008, 01:05 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 388
you want to role like a big dog you have to be ready to dish out money like one if needed.
01-15-2008, 01:31 PM
#10
<---
Your problems sound higher than averaged. If the dealer wasn't going to back you up on some of the frequent repairs you should've just traded it for another.
<----maybe its not a good time to mention those 5.5's tend to consume oil?
<----maybe its not a good time to mention those 5.5's tend to consume oil?
01-15-2008, 02:26 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 258
don't have any of the problems on my max its a 2001 has 132,xxx and runs like a dream,
I am extremely happy with the maximas I have had.
01-15-2008, 03:16 PM
#17
I don't have any issues then the typical 8 year old car. only 1 o2 bad and i just bought o2 sim to fix that, MAF went bad fixed, coilpacks went bad fixed. Some cars just have more problems then others, depends on the owner and how it was taken care of during its life, not saying your a bad owner but it just happens. If your not happy then get a different car, you may find that it will have the same issues in 8 years or not. Best of luck my friend
01-15-2008, 03:21 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 109
ive had no problems other than my abusive driving habits that have destroied 3 auto tranny's! as fo the oil burn, ive had no problems with that, besides, when i change my oil i can put 4qt of oil in and my dip stic is completly covered!
01-15-2008, 03:48 PM
#21
Sounds like you just got a bad one and have a crappy dealer to boot.
If you are looking for a non-Maxima replacement (and I am sure you are), you'd probably be happiest with something like an Acura TL. Then go by the Nissan dealer and let them know due to their crappy service, you bought a different brand car. If everyone who got shafted by car dealers would do that, maybe they'd realized they need to take care of their customers better.
Eh...probably not.
If you are looking for a non-Maxima replacement (and I am sure you are), you'd probably be happiest with something like an Acura TL. Then go by the Nissan dealer and let them know due to their crappy service, you bought a different brand car. If everyone who got shafted by car dealers would do that, maybe they'd realized they need to take care of their customers better.
Eh...probably not.
Last edited by Scottwax; 01-15-2008 at 03:52 PM.
01-15-2008, 03:58 PM
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Calgary,AB
Posts: 23
do you live in ontario? it's a car things happen at least it doesn't break down!
01-15-2008, 04:46 PM
#26
I would also like to say i have not had much luck with mine either. Oil consumption, rattle from engine during cold start, sunroof works intermitantly, replaced all shocks and struts, 3rd gear crunch in 6 speed, and the dreaded Bose CD player. My car only has 67,000 miles on it. I had a 98 Maxima a few years ago and loved it. After having this one i dont think ill be buying another. It will be either Acura or Lexus for me.
01-15-2008, 04:59 PM
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
on my bmw cat converter is welded into b-pipe, irregular shape of piping prevents it from being cut out/revelded, it goes for $470 (aftermarket) or $1100 oem and that's for 10-years old car. track pipes instead of cat solution for that car is around $950. On my maxima - $50 test pipe, 4 nuts that hold the cat in place, 15 minutes to replace it. a bmw again? no, thanks. i'm staying with nissan.
01-15-2008, 05:08 PM
#30
Next Time Buy Spend twice as much and buy a MB or BMW if your expectations are that high. But if you are like most on this forum you smile at small OE failures and take them as an excuse to "Upgrade" 
01-15-2008, 05:26 PM
#31
Before anyone flames me here, I am just wondering if anyone else has had a really negative experience when it comes to their Maxima ownership.
I have an 02 SE which I have had sine the car was almost new. It now has 125000 KMs on it. And I must say that it has been notghing but trouble. So far I have had the following done on the car:
1) All of the windows and sunroof leak air. Even when the car was under warranty the dealer used to charge me for adjusting the sunroof. I have to literally turn the radio up to hear the local sports talk show.
2) O2 sensors. This is a well known TSB with Nissan, but even though it is, the dealer still charged me to "diagnose" the problem, upgrade the ECU software and change 2 O2 sensors.
3) I have had the change the brakes in all 4 corners twice so far.
4) ABS sensors are gone and have to be replaced.
5) Evaporator system leak
6) On separate occasions the rear section of the exhaust and the middle section of the exhaust rusted and were replaced
7) GM like exhaust rattle from the front of the car
8) Ticking noise, replated to wheel bearing failure heard when negotiating turns
9) Power window swich for rear right window does not work for pulling window up
10) Intermittently the heated steering wheel does not work.
11) My car is supposed to be equipped with Limited slip, but I will be damned if it works, or is there.
I am getting rid of this car in the next few weeks, but was curious to know if most people were happy or not. Is this typical of Nissan, or did I get a Lemon made by monkeys?
I have an 02 SE which I have had sine the car was almost new. It now has 125000 KMs on it. And I must say that it has been notghing but trouble. So far I have had the following done on the car:
1) All of the windows and sunroof leak air. Even when the car was under warranty the dealer used to charge me for adjusting the sunroof. I have to literally turn the radio up to hear the local sports talk show.
2) O2 sensors. This is a well known TSB with Nissan, but even though it is, the dealer still charged me to "diagnose" the problem, upgrade the ECU software and change 2 O2 sensors.
3) I have had the change the brakes in all 4 corners twice so far.
4) ABS sensors are gone and have to be replaced.
5) Evaporator system leak
6) On separate occasions the rear section of the exhaust and the middle section of the exhaust rusted and were replaced
7) GM like exhaust rattle from the front of the car
8) Ticking noise, replated to wheel bearing failure heard when negotiating turns
9) Power window swich for rear right window does not work for pulling window up
10) Intermittently the heated steering wheel does not work.
11) My car is supposed to be equipped with Limited slip, but I will be damned if it works, or is there.
I am getting rid of this car in the next few weeks, but was curious to know if most people were happy or not. Is this typical of Nissan, or did I get a Lemon made by monkeys?
the exhaust sounds like you live in a snowy area.
the heated steering wheel doesn't come on whenever you turn it on. it powers up and down. don't know if you knew that, but its in the owners manual.
and your lsd, it seems like you haven't checked to see if it worked seeing as you took it to the dealership for everything. if you're supposed to have it, it should be working.... if you haven't check it out, i don't think you should add it to the list.
the list you mentioned doesn't seem that bad to me, but i bought mine used for cheap. im a DIY kinda guy when i can so it saves me money. but looks like you're looking for a no nonsense kinda car with no bs problems. but all cars have their problems. i say go with toyota for reliability and honest warranty.
01-15-2008, 06:05 PM
#34
i think you might have a lemon. i have an 03 with 65k and only thing ive replaced do far was one wheel bearing. and new exhaust since it rusted.other stuff like replacing bose and sunroof fix was done under warranty. my abs light just came on but that was actually my fault. so far it hasnt been giving me much problems.
01-15-2008, 06:05 PM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 309
Sucks that has all happened. I was really happy with my 3.0 didnt really have any issues and got rid of her at 112k miles.
01-15-2008, 06:18 PM
#37
I highly doubt the car is a lemon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_%28automobile%29
Just sounds like you've got the bad end of the stick. You're experiencing many of the common issues all Maximas experience, and being in Canada with a harsh climate, it only makes sense. I wouldn't complain unless you had very odd or unexpected or large problem with the car.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_%28automobile%29
Just sounds like you've got the bad end of the stick. You're experiencing many of the common issues all Maximas experience, and being in Canada with a harsh climate, it only makes sense. I wouldn't complain unless you had very odd or unexpected or large problem with the car.
01-15-2008, 07:36 PM
#39
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 16
That is just an understatement. Their all based off the same model and canadians use the same style driving as us so the car is made identical except for some interior peices.
And for the question w the car it should of been address earlier when you bought the car it would of been considered a lemon
And for the question w the car it should of been address earlier when you bought the car it would of been considered a lemon
