5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

400,000 miles achieved!

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Old 10-03-2012, 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by MrEous
Out of curiosity, are you/son the original owners? Or did you buy it with miles already?
Yes, my wife and I are the original owners. We drove it off the lot back in 2001 with only about 200 miles on the clock. I got a speeding ticket in it a couple of days later
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Old 10-03-2012, 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Thorzdad
The engine started life getting full synthetics. If I recall, it was usually either Syntec or Valvoline (whichever was priced better) 5w30, and a Pure1 filter with each change, usually between 6000 and 8000 miles. Somewhere after it hit 100,000 miles or so, I went back and forth between MaxLife full-synth and MaxLife synth-blend. By the 200,000 mark, it was getting the synth-blend regularly, mostly for cost reasons. And always a Pure-1 filter.

I've always done my own oil changes, and I've learned to praise Nissan's designers for making this Maxima so easy to do the oil service. I also own a VW GTi, and I can't tell you what kind of special hell changing the oil on that thing is.

Since it's a manual tranny, I haven't really done anything with it specifically, lube-wise.
You haven't changed the gear oil in the transmission in 400k miles??

I change mine every 30k! haha. And I have a GTI as well, so i know what you mean. The maxima is perfect for oil changes. I can do it without getting a drop of oil on myself.
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Old 10-03-2012, 02:34 PM
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The gear oil may have been done at some time. Maybe during one of the clutch jobs? I really can't recall. I've not done it myself, though. I'd remember doing that.
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Old 10-03-2012, 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Thorzdad
The gear oil may have been done at some time. Maybe during one of the clutch jobs? I really can't recall. I've not done it myself, though. I'd remember doing that.
Ah yes, definitely requried during a clutch job (or any time an axle has been removed)
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Old 10-03-2012, 02:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Thorzdad
The engine started life getting full synthetics. If I recall, it was usually either Syntec or Valvoline (whichever was priced better) 5w30, and a Pure1 filter with each change, usually between 6000 and 8000 miles. Somewhere after it hit 100,000 miles or so, I went back and forth between MaxLife full-synth and MaxLife synth-blend. By the 200,000 mark, it was getting the synth-blend regularly, mostly for cost reasons. And always a Pure-1 filter.

I've always done my own oil changes, and I've learned to praise Nissan's designers for making this Maxima so easy to do the oil service. I also own a VW GTi, and I can't tell you what kind of special hell changing the oil on that thing is.

Since it's a manual tranny, I haven't really done anything with it specifically, lube-wise.
But...but...dyno oil would do 400k, too, with little wear!

Says every dino oil apologist on earth.

I have no doubt that a 3.0 could do 400k on good dino, but I highly doubt tolerances are still going to be tight as is the case with syn.

Last edited by Child_uv_KoRn; 10-03-2012 at 02:49 PM.
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Old 10-03-2012, 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by LA02MAX
Ah yes, definitely requried during a clutch job (or any time an axle has been removed)
Well, there you go, then

For the record, this Maxima is bone stock. The only additions are a sunroof deflector and a strut tower brace. I did try a K&N drop-in air filter briefly, but the MAF died very soon after, so I went back to paper filters. I'm not saying there was causation, but...

Right after we got it, I had the dealer install (under warranty!) the rarely-seen fuel-filler pipe protector. It goes over the fuel pipe that sticks-through the rear wheel well. A lot of Maximas left the factory without this piece installed, but it's on the parts list (or, at least it used to be.) 74844P, if anyone's interested.

Last year, my wife went to adjust the rear-view mirror while driving, and the mirror assembly fell off the windshield, taking a large chunk of the glass with it. So, there's a new windshield. I think it's the second windshield, actually.

Amazingly, the car has been involved in exactly one fender-bender. A hit-and-run bent the driver's front fender while the car was parked. Had a new fender installed. No other damage.

This car has also had the 0420 trouble code practically from day-1. It's never seemed to cause a bit of trouble. Luckily, we don't have inspections where I live, so a CEL that's always on isn't an issue. I get the codes pulled occasionally, just to make sure there isn't something else wrong, but it's always just the 0420.
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Old 10-03-2012, 02:56 PM
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Holy snaps, two very big thumbs up!
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Old 10-03-2012, 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Child_uv_KoRn
But...but...dyno oil would do 400k, too, with little wear!

Says every dino oil apologist on earth.

I have no doubt that a 3.0 could do 400k on good dino, but I highly doubt tolerances are still going to be tight as is the case with syn.
My 4th Gen's Auto has never had its ATF changed during my possession and im not sure about the previous owner, around 450-475K on her.
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Old 10-03-2012, 09:51 PM
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Oh wow 400k? And I am close to 250k with a short list of trouble parts needing replacement.
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Old 10-03-2012, 11:36 PM
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400k. Congrats! I guess some people are luckier than others. I consider myself lucky with my 124k mile '02 even though I've had to replace a power window motor, the HVAC motor, the obligatory power steering high pressure hose, and the radiator. 70k miles and 6 and a half years of service and I don't consider the above repairs bad at all for that time frame. Considering you haven't had to replace any of those after all those years and mileage though? Go buy a lottery ticket.

I really wish my rear trailing arm bushings weren't leaking and my VQ doesn't like drinking oil like Tara Reid does alcohol though. I'll never put anything but Castrol GTX in it because of the oil use, and that's a shame as I would prefer to run synthetic.
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Old 10-03-2012, 11:44 PM
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Respect, sold my first 4th gen at 380k and to my knowledge it still runs today. VQ for life.
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Old 10-03-2012, 11:57 PM
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lol ima beat you guys. im at 196 right now. long way to go
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Old 10-04-2012, 01:00 AM
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6,813 miles on Trip A, quite the commute if it was a "trip".
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Old 10-04-2012, 05:45 AM
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Originally Posted by eddie982
6,813 miles on Trip A, quite the commute if it was a "trip".
Heh. I doubt he ever re-sets it.
My wife had a considerable commute, which is why the mileage is so high. Her daily commute was 120-140 miles round-trip. Mostly interstate, luckily.
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Old 10-04-2012, 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by kbohip
400k. Congrats! I guess some people are luckier than others. I consider myself lucky with my 124k mile '02 even though I've had to replace a power window motor, the HVAC motor, the obligatory power steering high pressure hose, and the radiator. 70k miles and 6 and a half years of service and I don't consider the above repairs bad at all for that time frame. Considering you haven't had to replace any of those after all those years and mileage though? Go buy a lottery ticket.
If you look through my posts here, you'll see that I've had to do more than a few jobs on this car over the years. In addition to the things mentioned in this thread, I've also replaced the radiator. At least one CV joint. I think I've mentioned replacing the steering rack last year. Replaced the HVAC blower and fan assembly. Both front strut mounts.

We had the horrible front brake shudder right after we got it. The dealer just kept replacing the rotors with new Nissan pieces (yay warranty!) but the shudder always came back. We finally switched to aftermarket rotors (nothing fancy...just not Nissan) and we've not had the problem ever since.

The foglight buckets are held in-place with zip-ties because the factory bolts and their receivers rusted apart

And, we're starting to see the beginnings of rust around the rear wheel arches. Time does take its toll.
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Old 10-04-2012, 07:29 PM
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Pics of the car!
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Old 10-04-2012, 07:36 PM
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Congrats to you Bro!!!! That's alot of freakin driving! You must be afraid of flying....LOL?
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Old 10-04-2012, 08:43 PM
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If you ever reach 1 million miles, hopefully Nissan gives you a brand new maxima. Just like honda gave million mile joe a 2012 accord. Haha!
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Old 10-04-2012, 11:13 PM
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Anyone whining about a 100-150k Maxima... :matt93se:

My family has owned several 100+mile Nissans with zero issues.

We currently have:
-06 Frontier with 140k
-04 G35 coupe (mine) with 235k
-04 G35 coupe (mom's) with 127k
-05 G35 sedan (sister's) with 110k(?)
-03 350z with 150k

No problems from any of them. Previous vehicles were two Maximas, and an Altima. With no issues from them, either.
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Old 10-05-2012, 04:30 AM
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Originally Posted by BigLou55
Im at 180K now but I plan on being that guy lol
same here. 186k and no trans issues. knock on wood
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Old 10-05-2012, 08:08 AM
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Originally Posted by hockeydoody
Pics of the car!
You had to ask when it's pissing rain and all I have is my crappy old flip-phone camera

Here you go for now. The interior, having been used by a 23-year-old for over a year is looking a bit...lived-in. It'll have to be swept-out before pics of that. For the record, the interior is grey cloth.

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Old 10-05-2012, 07:52 PM
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well, IT'S STILL LOOKING GOOD!
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Old 10-05-2012, 08:08 PM
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Car looks great! Your story is very encourageing.
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Old 10-06-2012, 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by hockeydoody
well, IT'S STILL LOOKING GOOD!
Thanks.
Of course, the rain and crappy camera help hide the peppering of tiny stone chips all along the nose and front of the hood.
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Old 10-06-2012, 12:44 PM
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400k and it looks better than a majority of 5th gens out there, wow. Congrats on the milestone!
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Old 10-06-2012, 01:47 PM
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If I saw that Maxima in a parking lot I'd never guess it had 400k on it that's for sure.
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Old 10-06-2012, 02:20 PM
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how about the common issue of the high pressure power steering hose going, and the radiator getting a leak on top and having to be replaced. Has that happened over the 400K miles??
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Old 10-06-2012, 03:24 PM
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Yes. I replaced the radiator about 2 years ago, due to leakage at the top hose connection and various joints. Haven't replaced the high-pressure steering hose. But, I did just replace the vacuum hose yesterday (that's the hose that runs from the reservoir down to the pump)
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Old 10-06-2012, 04:39 PM
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congats man my 4th gen is at 203 and is settin in the yard as im putting a new tranny in it now
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Old 10-06-2012, 05:17 PM
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that high pressure hose doesnt even last 100k cant believe its not leaking, u should have been through 4 of those hoses by now
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Old 10-10-2012, 05:33 PM
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Very cool! This gives me hope! I have 125k and I am now thinking I can give to our daughter in 5 years. Had some problems but in great shape. I love my max.
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Old 10-11-2012, 06:17 AM
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Originally Posted by nishfish871
Congrats! Id find kind it really challenging if an auto made it without a rebuild trans.
Auto's > Manuals.

I find this crazy because this car is manual and it lasted that long, the auto? Mannnnnnnn, not even a problem.

Originally Posted by Thorzdad
Since it's a manual tranny, I haven't really done anything with it specifically, lube-wise.
See! That's what's so nuts!!!
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Old 10-11-2012, 10:54 AM
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WOW, that a MILESTONE..........on that mileage, I'm amazed by the engine's feats that can last. I suspected what I have been told by Nissan salesperson when I got mine brand new that they say it can go 500k miles without any major issues. It all depends on how it was service and care after. Mine is only 79k on the odo, i guess I don't drive her much as I used too since I got a Jeep GC driving that a lot.
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Old 10-11-2012, 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by aackshun
Auto's > Manuals..!
Say it isn't so!!! Autos may be more reliable than the manuals, but manuals will always always always be more fun.

And, about your "bored at 4 AM" video?
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Old 10-12-2012, 09:08 PM
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Auto more reliable than manual? How?
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Old 10-26-2012, 09:49 AM
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Wow, just had a future resident come in the Rental Office and he's got a '96 with 472,329 on it and it's his D.D. Says it burns a little oil but other than that it's perfect.
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Old 10-26-2012, 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by clintb3astwood
Auto more reliable than manual? How?
I think he means in terms of maintenance...no clutch to replace. Personally, I have my original auto tranny and have over 230,000 miles on it. I think modifying my valvebody, putting a tranny cooler in, and using sythetic ATF are keeping it running smooth with no issues.
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Old 11-02-2012, 08:41 PM
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Congrats! my 2000 now has 386,000 miles, original engine and auto. Radiator is leaking again though so I guess they only last about 180k! I'll keep that car till it dies. 02 next to it in the driveway now has 191,000. Ok car, hate how it uses oil and it's not as well put together as the 00, more rattles etc. Had a 97 I drove to 278,000 it was running fine when traded it for the 00. Not sure what to replace the 02 with as not a fan of 6th gen. Maybe an Altima.
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Old 11-03-2012, 04:48 AM
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Sounds like you have a similar history with Maximas as we do. We originally had a '91 SE that we drove to 314,000 miles before we sold it and got the '01. That 3rd gen was built like a tank.
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Old 11-07-2012, 04:48 PM
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1/2 way behind you

Congrats on the 400K! I just crossed 200K tonight, so I should plan on a few more years service ( averaging about 40K per year).

Chuck
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