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

Are these reliable cars?

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Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:36 PM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by Child_uv_KoRn
Every single one has precat failure including every single 2.5 altima/sentra from 02-06. A recall was never issued for maximas (afaik) and they never fixed anything. All they did was make the fuel map leaner so it would last past warranties. Typical bull****. Driven like grandmas they will last longer. A lot of them haven't been driven hard or don't have high miles, so they haven't destroyed the engine...yet. In less common cases, the other oil burning issue will clog them up before the motor is ruined. Driven hard they will fail well before 100k. 75k on my old maxi. They disintegrated, literally.
Dude, I drive mine hard and mine already has twice the miles yours did an I have not had engine failure or an overhaul yet, sure replaced plugs and coils but that's normal, I'm just in aw of the fact that you feel you can bad mouth all Maximas just because yours failed... Smh
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:53 PM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by deloa84
Well the obvious reason for a catch can is to keep the intake manifold clean and to prevent the engine from burning or "consuming" the oil.....
That's half correct. The catch can help keep your manifold clean. The oil doesn't get burnt anymore, but it does get tossed into the catch can. So the engine still consumes oil but that catch can "catches" it

Rather than solving the problem, it should be correctly described as a workaround, not a fix.
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:55 PM
  #43  
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Maxima's are very reliable as long as you service it properly...

If you can't work on the car yourself and can't afford to spent tons of money at a shop then let a local forum member do it for you... Gut the pre-cats and install a oil catch can. The oil catch can anybody can do and a simple one is very cheap.
Old Jul 2, 2014 | 12:35 AM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by dwapenyi
That's half correct. The catch can help keep your manifold clean. The oil doesn't get burnt anymore, but it does get tossed into the catch can. So the engine still consumes oil but that catch can "catches" it

Rather than solving the problem, it should be correctly described as a workaround, not a fix.


Sorry you must have misunderstood me. I meant to say that the catch can would help keep the oil out of the intake manifold and from entering combustion chamber.


Oil in the intake manifold not only makes a mess in there but also lowers the octane rating of fuel and thus could lead to knock and decreased performance/fuel economy... http://oilcatchcan.com/
Old Jul 2, 2014 | 03:44 PM
  #45  
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So...much....mis...information.....this place is amusing.


for some of you that would like to learn, read my posts. For the ones that believe that the cats are gutting themselves back into the engine....LOL


Newbie???? ....you have no idea.


if you don't understand the concept of a flippin catch can....Wikipedia will make you a genius around here it seems.

Originally Posted by deloa84
Sorry you must have misunderstood me. I meant to say that the catch can would help keep the oil out of the intake manifold and from entering combustion chamber.


Oil in the intake manifold not only makes a mess in there but also lowers the octane rating of fuel and thus could lead to knock and decreased performance/fuel economy... http://oilcatchcan.com/


this guy understands.

Originally Posted by dwapenyi
That's half correct. The catch can help keep your manifold clean. The oil doesn't get burnt anymore, but it does get tossed into the catch can. So the engine still consumes oil but that catch can "catches" it

Rather than solving the problem, it should be correctly described as a workaround, not a fix.


McMaster carr check valve in the bottom plumbed to engine vacuum. turn engine off, valve opens, oil runs back into valve cover. on supercharged cars we run two wit checkvalves....one for vacuum, one for boost. never needs maintenance.

Originally Posted by Child_uv_KoRn
Noobs haven't heard of valve overlap and high back pressure.


lol...did you even read my post?


Huge duration....leaf blower......go sit and think about it.


NNNEEEEWWWWBBBIIIIEEEEEE!!!!!

Last edited by NmexMAX; Jul 8, 2014 at 11:33 AM.
Old Jul 2, 2014 | 04:11 PM
  #46  
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Originally Posted by WTF?
lol...did you even read my post? Huge duration....leaf blower......go sit and think about it. NNNEEEEWWWWBBBIIIIEEEEEE!!!!!
Old Jul 3, 2014 | 05:19 PM
  #47  
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Cats breaking apart and getting sucked back in the engine through the exhaust a first for me.
Old Jul 3, 2014 | 09:18 PM
  #48  
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Op?
Old Jul 3, 2014 | 09:30 PM
  #49  
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Originally Posted by george__
Op?
Nope. 2 posts and
Old Jul 3, 2014 | 11:08 PM
  #50  
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Originally Posted by Fakie J Farkerton
Nope. 2 posts and
You scared him or her
Old Jul 3, 2014 | 11:20 PM
  #51  
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Originally Posted by george__
You scared him or her
Boo!

Old Jul 4, 2014 | 09:03 AM
  #52  
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Originally Posted by blue_strip
Dude, I drive mine hard and mine already has twice the miles yours did an I have not had engine failure or an overhaul yet, sure replaced plugs and coils but that's normal, I'm just in aw of the fact that you feel you can bad mouth all Maximas just because yours failed... Smh
I guess someone doesn't keep up with the noobies coming in and crying about blown motors and 3 qts of oil used in 1k miles.

And I don't think you know what driving hard is. Every gear was redlined every time until I got to my desired speed. It was a lot of city driving (20 over to double the limit is normal for me). Also, a fair amount of high speed hwy cruising (you know 120) and pulls.
ECU runs it rich at WOT and the pos cats can't handle the heat.
Old Jul 4, 2014 | 09:09 AM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by Child_uv_KoRn
I guess someone doesn't keep up with the noobies coming in and crying about blown motors and 3 qts of oil used in 1k miles. And I don't think you know what driving hard is. Every gear was redlined every time until I got to my desired speed. It was a lot of city driving (20 over to double the limit is normal for me). Also, a fair amount of high speed hwy cruising (you know 120) and pulls. ECU runs it rich at WOT and the pos cats can't handle the heat.
What are you even talking about: confused
Old Jul 5, 2014 | 02:40 PM
  #54  
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Originally Posted by ManualMaxima
What are you even talking about: confused


LOL....he is saying that he is a bad *** Maxima gangster that can outdrive any of us fools, and that we are all a bunch of noobs that don't know understand the depth of his gangsterisms.....He is so fly on the loud pedal, that the ECU is straight up alcoholic and the cats are the livers.....


Basically, he didn't really say anything useful....
Old Jul 5, 2014 | 06:51 PM
  #55  
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Had since new 03, changed, brakes, battery, radiator, accessory belts, tires, coilpacks, plugs, HP p/s hose, passenger side Motor mount.....I've had 2 CEL in 11 yrs both were Camshaft sensors!!!
My opinion Maximas are awesome highway cruisers w/ very good handling and acceleration....I think some people have alot of problems cause they drive them too death and don't do their maintenance or even inspect their cars to make sure everthing is all good! I have 3 Maxima(s) and wouldn't even think about even owning a Grand Prix, Grand Am, Fusion, Taurus, (I Do like Mopar! They've had major issue)problems) Nissan aren't seen sitting on "Road Dead" like those freakin Pontiacs, Fords, chevy alway dead on the highway!
Old Jul 6, 2014 | 12:06 AM
  #56  
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Originally Posted by WTF?
McMaster carr check valve in the bottom plumbed to engine vacuum. turn engine off, valve opens, oil runs back into valve cover. on supercharged cars we run two wit checkvalves....one for vacuum, one for boost. never needs maintenance.
Now THATS a fix
Old Jul 6, 2014 | 12:18 AM
  #57  
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Originally Posted by WTF?
McMaster carr check valve in the bottom plumbed to engine vacuum. turn engine off, valve opens, oil runs back into valve cover. on supercharged cars we run two wit checkvalves....one for vacuum, one for boost. never needs maintenance.


I like the sound of that... I may just do this at least so my intake doesn't gunk up from the PCV. Thanks for the idea.
Old Jul 6, 2014 | 08:03 PM
  #58  
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I would rate the car overall as reliable. Coils, alternators, starters, etc are to be expected on cars of this age.
Old Jul 7, 2014 | 10:27 PM
  #59  
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2000 maxima gle pearl.... bought with 116,000. 6 years later....now has 180,000 miles . Changed MAF sensor once, shocks with 02 infinity ones, tranny sensor, radiator and fans,and regular maintenance. Alternator also went around 175,000 miles original one. Im driving A $32,000 car when it came out for 6 years, and paid $4800 when I got it. Never left me stranded....had to change few flats myself lol. Best car IMO.
Old Jul 8, 2014 | 01:13 AM
  #60  
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^
If the car was worth $32,000 USD in 2001, it would cost ~$51,000 USD today... Nutty eh

^
inflation getting out of hand

Last edited by NmexMAX; Jul 8, 2014 at 11:33 AM.
Old Jul 8, 2014 | 10:48 AM
  #61  
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Still better then a new accord.
Old Jul 8, 2014 | 04:40 PM
  #62  
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Reliable engine and transmission. However, very poor on emissions. These cars are notorious for check engine lights due to cat converter, o2 sensors, etc....
Old Jul 8, 2014 | 06:02 PM
  #63  
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Yes, if you take care of it
Old Jul 8, 2014 | 07:44 PM
  #64  
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there's a 5 spd on Craigslist for $1400 and I'm broke.... Will take paypal donations

Sent from my iPad using and abusin Maxima.Org
Old Jul 8, 2014 | 08:23 PM
  #65  
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Originally Posted by nestorlugo
there's a 5 spd on Craigslist for $1400 and I'm broke.... Will take paypal donations Sent from my iPad using and abusin Maxima.Org
Sell your iPad.
Old Jul 8, 2014 | 09:00 PM
  #66  
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Originally Posted by Fakie J Farkerton
Sell your iPad.
noway my fsm is in there ...
Not to mention my lil girl will kill me
Old Jul 8, 2014 | 09:10 PM
  #67  
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Originally Posted by nestorlugo
noway my fsm is in there ... Not to mention my lil girl will kill me
Old Jul 9, 2014 | 12:11 AM
  #68  
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Originally Posted by nestorlugo
there's a 5 spd on Craigslist for $1400 and I'm broke.... Will take paypal donations

Sent from my iPad using and abusin Maxima.Org
Automatic tranny holds the Maxima record, so sell phone and buy light weight rims for 200 bucks
Old Jul 9, 2014 | 12:30 AM
  #69  
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Originally Posted by BronxSleeperMax187
Automatic tranny holds the Maxima record, so sell phone and buy light weight rims for 200 bucks
You know of an automatic maxima that has over 400k miles? Bonus points for original tranny too
Old Jul 9, 2014 | 05:37 AM
  #70  
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^ Someone needs to buy THIS Maxima



5.5gen SE SPECIAL EDITION!!!!!

Last edited by D.Stillwell; Jul 9, 2014 at 05:41 AM.
Old Jul 10, 2014 | 06:46 PM
  #71  
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If you're buying a higher mileage make sure the ignition coils and spark plugs are new and check that the lower radiator support is good. Those are the major issues I've seen. Faulty electronics inside are a close second in my personal experience.
Old Jul 10, 2014 | 10:38 PM
  #72  
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I'm guessing that every single person who is reading this has or has had a code for a bad cat?
Old Jul 10, 2014 | 11:13 PM
  #73  
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You want A reliable one......don't buy the one thats been beat to death.....look for A rich neighborhood in your area....find A newspaper from that area or even try craigslist......find the garaged one that the daughter drove to college....not the son lol, yep the one daddy takes to the dealer for service and still looks new....my Acura Integra R.I.P was this car, that I beat to death.....MAXY is the family sports car.
Old Jul 10, 2014 | 11:33 PM
  #74  
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Originally Posted by Donkeypunch
I'm guessing that every single person who is reading this has or has had a code for a bad cat?
And soon to the list p0505... ;-)
Old Jul 11, 2014 | 06:57 AM
  #75  
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dot dot dot ...
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Originally Posted by Donkeypunch
I'm guessing that every single person who is reading this has or has had a code for a bad cat?


Old Jul 11, 2014 | 07:36 AM
  #76  
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Originally Posted by Donkeypunch
I'm guessing that every single person who is reading this has or has had a code for a bad cat?
Not even!!!
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