My 91 maxima SE died this morning with 340,852 miles. I need a replacement fast and found a 01 SE 5spd 3.0L and a 02 6spd 3.5L. I don't get on here enough and I'm short on time, as I plan on buying one tomorrow. Which one is better as far as dependability is concerned? I read about some oil consumption problems but I dont know VQ30 from the next engine. Please help fast with any info.

 

You can also get a 6th gen 3.5 since they've fixed the oil burning problem so I've heard, someone that owns a 6thgen will clarify. Unless you can find a DE-K with low mileage with no problems. But most people just drop a 3.5 in their 3rd gens. Also price range whats the price range between the 2 you want. If the price range for the 3.5l is a couple of hundreds more Ill say get the 3.5l.

3.5l 5th gen - 255hp - known for oil burning
3.0l 5th gen - 222hp - Upgrade from the 4thgen 3.0
3.5l 6th gen - 265hp - havent really heard anything bad about it

 

Seems like a bad idea to as such an important question about an investment on an internet forum where there will or at least is the potential for 100's of different opinions.

Make an informed decision.


If it were me, I'd get the 02 6MT.

Also for the record,
Most people don't just drop a 3.5 in their 3rd gens.

 

Thanks. I use a Sportbike for my speed needs.The Maxima fits my dependability role as well as towing my bikes. My 94 had 274K miles before my daughter ran it hot and killed it. I didn't replace the timing belt...100k on it and I think it went this morning. I can't see spending money for a repair with so many miles. I found the 2 Maximas today and liked them both.I just ran home to do a little research here before purchasing. I really love the 6 speed but wasn't sure about engine issues. my 91 burned no oil and I only changed the oil every 10k miles.

 

Well some do around where I live.

 

That was on my todo list before my crashed my 3rd gen several times

 

Some or most?

 

He said some

 

Which time?

 

Well the first person that replied to the most said that doesn't happen which was you , but in NY is mostly happens, but in other areas it somtimes happen. Either way its both in many cases. No biggie.

 

Timing "belt"? What timing belt? I thought they had chain

 

His 94 Maxima had a timing belt.

 

Get the 02!

 

02 for sure

i drove both and liked the 02 better... add some lucas and you will burn less oil (if the engine even really burns it in the first place)

 

This is an obvious decision, granted they are both reasonably priced and well taken care for. Go for the 02 6mt, you will not be disappointed.

My 2002 does not burn any oil with 100k on the clock.

 

Sounds like biased opinions as the ones responding seem to have oil burning engines, but say get them anyway!

If you don't want to worry about burning oil then go for another generation max, either a 2k, 2k1, 2k4 or later. The 2k2 and 2k3 years have the burning oil issues.

 

What is specific on the 02?

 

The fact that it's on 02 vs 0x Ironically, can you try and be more specific.

 

My 2002 6 speed burns some oil but I still love it. I guess it is up to the buyer on whether he wants to worry about filling his oil in between changes. I had a similar choice between a 2001 5 speed and a 2002 6 speed, and since I've already experienced a 92 5 speed maxima with a VE30DE, I wanted to try something with a little more power.

 

Mine doesn't burn IBanotehr whosisburningoilthread

 

Some 04-08's have the burning oil issue as well as well as 03-06 350's, G35's etc..... and even some of the 3.7 guys are complaining of excessive oil burn. Several guys in the 370z and G37 forums has had ther engines replaced and many are burning oil. When Nissan bored out the VQ with th e3.5 I dunno what happened as the prior 3.0 VQ's, VG's or VE's dont really have that issue.