PrecisionX

I just sold my 2004 Nissan Pathfinder SE. I need a rock solid daily driver that can get me by on basic maintenance and can handle spirited driving. I owned a 2000 I30 with 170k on it and aside from wearable parts I drove the crap out of it and it seemed to hold up well. I'm looking at Maximas and I35s (they look so much better than i30s) but should I stay away from the VQ35?

I'm pretty much looking for reliability feedback. What should I make sure is done for servicing?

2000-01 Maxima or 2002-03 Maxima/I35? I'd love to have an i35 but oil consumption issues are worrying me.

Also which transmission do I want? I'd obviously rather have a manual but if they are weak I'd rather have the least problematic option and Ill be in heavy traffic so an auto wouldn't be terrible.

I want to spend $5500 or less which seems to get me into a good one.

2damax

5.5 gen may or may not have oil consumption. That is a gamble you need to decide on your own. It is common enough.

I guess reliability goes to the 3.0. My 3.5 has treated me GREAT even though I have been way behind on maintenance.

Obviously, spirited driving is better in the 3.5. I have manual and an automatic and LOVE the 6sp. Reliability here goes to standard even though some have a 3rd gear crunch.

My advise is 3.5. I have two. Both are reliable (although one is new to me) and they are fun to drive. However, if reliability and zero oil consumption are high priorities...3.0 it is!

PrecisionX

Is there any way to check if the i35 or vq35 maxima is an oil consumption car? Other than that the vq30 6 speed is the most reliable of the group? Someone mentioned the 6 speed being fragile? How many miles does a stock clutch usually last?

SSJRICH

There is no absolute way of know if the 3.5 is going to consume oil. Just assume it is going to. Again there is no way of telling how long a clutch will last. It all depends on the driver. I have a 5.5 6spd with close to 220,000km and it has the original clutch. I am sure its on its way out, but still holds strong. But I am very confident I could burn out the clutch in a night or make it last another year. I am pretty sure that the 3.0 only comes in a 5 speed. The 6 spd like every other part of your car needs to be maintained. If you are worried about the tranny in the 6 spd, again its all about if maintenience has been done. If none, then yes more then likely you are going to have problems. Best bet is find an actual lady driven maxi with low km.... OR take a chance and buy a cheaper one and be prepared to spend some money.

PrecisionX

I don't care if a car burns oil if its a tendency, s2000s do, my 330ci did, as long as its not serious or going to hurt me or the car if I plan to keep it for a while I don't mind. If it is a terminal issue than I'd rather not risk it

Maverick4189

iTrader: (7)

3.5 6MT. :win: