Difference between '04 & '05 Maxima
#1
Difference between '04 & '05 Maxima
I'm planning on buying a used Maxima. Can anyone tell me the differences between an '04 and '05? I'm planning on buying a SE model. Thanks
#3
Interior Chrome doorhandles instead of a silver paint (I dont like the chrome). A Cigarette lighter plug right on the center console on the corner opposite the hazard buttons...(a chinzy plastic cover on it with '12V' printed on it..looks reeeeeal nice
) There is something added to the flashing light on the dash for the security system...someone will chime in on what thats for..and of course the more metallic looking dash accents...It looks like more of an afterthought to me, sure its more durable, but I dont think it looks as good. Thats all I noticed.
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
#8
Originally Posted by RHMax
Exhaust tips (inner, not outer chrome) are smaller on the '04's. I noticed it when I parked next to an '04. And '04's don't have the all-important grocery bag hooks in the trunk.![lamer](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/lamer.gif)
![lamer](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/lamer.gif)
#10
Originally Posted by 04BlackMaxx
Interior Chrome doorhandles instead of a silver paint (I dont like the chrome). A Cigarette lighter plug right on the center console on the corner opposite the hazard buttons...(a chinzy plastic cover on it with '12V' printed on it..looks reeeeeal nice
) There is something added to the flashing light on the dash for the security system...someone will chime in on what thats for..and of course the more metallic looking dash accents...It looks like more of an afterthought to me, sure its more durable, but I dont think it looks as good. Thats all I noticed.
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
#12
Originally Posted by 04BlackMaxx
...and of course the more metallic looking dash accents...It looks like more of an afterthought to me, sure its more durable, but I dont think it looks as good. Thats all I noticed.
#13
Yeah thats probobly it, I remember sitting in an 05 at last years auto show and thinking the 'improved' dash material didnt look right. Thats pretty cheap of them to not change the wheel pieces and make it all match on a $30k car. The original stuff is fine if you are careful with it.
#15
Originally Posted by dopestar129
actually I have the grocery bag hooks in my 04. THANK GOD![Big Grin](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
![Big Grin](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
The big difference is that Nissan seems to have fixed the wheel shimmies that were a problem for many 04 Max's -- although my Max has never had that problem.
Some 04's also had problems with their front struts failing, so Nissan replaced the front struts with what was supposed to be better struts -- at least a different parts number. I still have my original 04 struts and have about 43 K miles on her.
If you're buying used, I would pay much more attention to the following: Mileage, overall condition, tires (were the RSA's replaced), price, etc.
#16
Most of the changes are minor. The biggest difference in the early 04sl models is the four speed transmission. Later that year the sl got the five speed. The se auto's were always 5 speed. A few things were addressed as far as the other problems the guys were telling you about. Just shop carefully.
#21
Nations 1st 6th Gen Turbo
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Originally Posted by RHMax
Exhaust tips (inner, not outer chrome) are smaller on the '04's. I noticed it when I parked next to an '04. And '04's don't have the all-important grocery bag hooks in the trunk.![lamer](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/lamer.gif)
![lamer](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/lamer.gif)
Don't know what you were looking at, but I disagree with the exhaust size difference and my trunk came with hooks and grocery netting. The big difference to me was the cigarette lighter on the center console added and interior materials changed from silver to chrome. Also earlier 04 models did not have traction control available as an option. 04 manual 6th speeds also offered an optional Limited Slip Differential.
#22
Originally Posted by chernmax
Don't know what you were looking at, but I disagree with the exhaust size difference and my trunk came with hooks and grocery netting. The big difference to me was the cigarette lighter on the center console added and interior materials changed from silver to chrome. Also earlier 04 models did not have traction control available as an option. 04 manual 6th speeds also offered an optional Limited Slip Differential.
Stock mufflers. I had my inlaws' 04 parked next to mine.
#23
Nations 1st 6th Gen Turbo
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Originally Posted by RHMax
Stock mufflers. I had my inlaws' 04 parked next to mine.
#28
wmeacham - Yes, Traction Control, as well as Vehicle Dynamic Control and full size matching spare tire on matching alloy wheel were all available in '04, and I have them all on my '04 SL.
jaydabee - I think they may have adjusted the heated seat wiring during the '04 run. My '04 SL was assembled the last week of May 2004, and my wife absolutely loves the heated seats.
Purely guessing, but the change may have happened around Feb 6, 2004, when they changed the SL from a four speed auto to a tiptronic tranny exactly like the SE, and added coral sand and smoke as new '04 colors.
jaydabee - I think they may have adjusted the heated seat wiring during the '04 run. My '04 SL was assembled the last week of May 2004, and my wife absolutely loves the heated seats.
Purely guessing, but the change may have happened around Feb 6, 2004, when they changed the SL from a four speed auto to a tiptronic tranny exactly like the SE, and added coral sand and smoke as new '04 colors.
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