I want to purchase a 2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SE but I'm a bit worried about a few things. First off, from what I'm reading.. it's an impressive vehicle, but it does have some flaws. It's FWD.. would it be possible or how much would it cost to convert it to RWD or even AWD (nice to know, but i probably wont do it). thanks.

dood, anyhting can be done with $$$$, but if you wanted rwd, get a g35

I cann't afford a G35, I'm only 18 heh... My parent are helping me get a low-end maxima, the 3.5SL i think it's called. Perhaps asking if it was possible was not the right question..

The better question would be.. would it be worthwhile? [oh yeah, any mechanics have an idea what this might cost?]

dont get a low end maxima, why dont you start with a sentra, nothing i hate seeing as a max with no leather, damn shame

Well, I'm not that poor. I like the 4-seater Maxima, so I may get that.. it does comes with leather seating I believe. I'm thinking about doing some basic exterior body work, probably give it some 19" rims.. but the maxima looks so damn nice, even without a kit, but that front grill has to go though.. the hell was nissan thinking..

But, no offence, I kinda need my question answered lol.. I'm really turned off by the fact that is' FWD.... even though it looks hella nice, I was under the impression they were RWD.. what was Nissan thinking... hrmm said that twice already.. heh

ive got a 4 seater 6 speed, have had it about 3 weeks, love it!!...i just posted pics of my new grill, if you look a few below this thread "pics of the new grill"...anyways its a great car, i wouldnt worry about the rwd drive if you truly love the max

Yeah, this would be my first car. Not to sound arrogant or cocky, cause I hate those kids who post on cardomain with some nice rides and claim they're only 16. I've worked the last 2 years , been driving my dad's car for a while and I've got around $20g's downpayment. So I should be ok, for the most part. I really like your car, and it's the exact model i want too hehehe...

Do you have AIM/ICQ/MSN/Yahoo!? I have all.. maybe you could give me some advice.. I'd appreciate it.

you could probably switch it to RWD for about $15,000. buy a used 2k3 G35 if you must have RWD. FWD is awesome for bad weather keep in mind.

Switching it to RWD costs $15k? what the ***** lol... Man.. yeah I know FWD is good for weather and stuffs.. $15k is way too much for me to switch it.. Since I only have $20g's for downpayment lol.. heh, maybe i'll look into altimas... which area also FWD.. but cheaper i suppose, Thanks anywasy.

If you want a RWD Maxima, better practice driving in reverse.

I there a reason why you would even bother swtching the the fwd to rwd. What are you thinking If you want rwd buy a rwd car.... Does anyone know how i can turn my "low End" Maxima into a porsche! I was wondering if it can be done.....I would love to know what you guys are smoking....

The only way to get the 4 seater is to go for the elite package, which adds approx. 6000 onto the pricetag - This is no longer a low-end Maxima

The Elite package adds everything except VDC/full spare and the power moonroof. So you'd have everything, including the 320 watt Bose, leather, 4 heated seats, GPS navigation, everything.

Not saying don't do it, I love mine... Well worth it.

For an additional 6400 dollars, this is what the elite package offers:
• Two rear passenger bucket seats
• Heated rear seats
• Rear center console with dual cup holders and storage underneath
• Rear windows with one-touch auto-up/down and anti-pinch feature
• Power rear sunshade with front and rear controls
• Rear 12-volt power outlet
• Nissan Navigation System with GPS DVD-ROM atlas
• 7-inch LCD color monitor with compass display
• Power folding outside mirrors with memory function
• Driver's seat entry/exit system (A/T only)
• Heated power tilt and power telescoping steering column with memory function
• Driver's seat memory system with two-position memory


Additionally on 3.5 SE models and standard on 3.5 SL, this package includes:
• Leather-appointed seats
• Heated front seats
• Heated outside mirrors
• 4-way power front-passenger's seat
• 320-watt digital Bose® audio system with AM/FM/cassette/in-dash 6-CD changer
• Eight Bose® speakers, including two 8" woofers and two tweeters
• Radio Data System (RDS)
• Speed-sensitive audio volume


And additionally on 3.5 SE models only, this package includes:
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-level xenon headlights
• Rear spoiler

If you can afford a Maxima and put 19's and some body work on it, you can afford a RWD G35.

Are you getting a car basically to commute or are you going to the track every now and then?

If it's primarily for commuting, there really is no inherent disadvantage of getting a FWD vehicle.

As for converting the 04 Max to AWD, if you're willing to do the research and have the cash handy - look at the Murano AWD system and see if you can easily modify your 04 to use the same system (they do, after all, share the same platform - Altima, Maxima, Murano).

The Maxima in it's current guise is not even feasible to switch to RWD. You'd have to gut the interior to run the drive shaft...too many things to do.

You can buy a used G35 at an auction for less than a new Maxima.

Buy a beater and leave the other 15K in the bank so you can buy a house when you are older... you will thank me in 10 years

don't do it..end of discussion.

if you want a RWD car..then BUY a RWD car. if mom and dad can only pony up to a FWD maxima..then let it be. be happy you get a new car to drive.