im getting rid of my 5th gen maxima and planning on getting hands on a 6th gen, not looking for anything in speacial, just black exterior and dark interior, for options im not in a hurry for navigation or heated seats etc, wanna spend about 10k to 14k, what to look for and what not to, like those 2004 4spd auto or anything any year any model not to look for, unfortunately it has to be an auto, high milage 6th gen ok?, anything would help.

 

The 5spd tranny of the SE is known for it's problem, haven't heard any problems with the 4spd SL tranny, if you don't mind having a CVT tranny a 6.5 gen is the way to go

 

wow, so all the auto 6.5 gen have a cvt tranny?

 

The 6.5 only comes in CVT there's no manual option

 

What to look for?

For starters, look for a different car.

All jokes aside, 2004-2005 have been known to develop ugly transmission problems. See the stickied thread here and the class action lawsuit thread. I have an '05 myself which has spent a good chunk of its life in the transmission shop. Not so sure about 2006. Not many reports of problems with the CVT transmissions (2007-2008). If you really want a 6th gen, it'd probably be wise to invest in a 6.5 to avoid major headaches down the line.

 

Pros:
1) 265hp
2) VQ35DE
3) Sport Sedan
4) Upscale look
5) Roomy and sexy
6) You'll love to date with

Cons:
1) Shimmy
2) Suspensions
3) Transmission
4) Timing chain tensioner

 

Don't forget the ABS module that likes to self destruct. $2,000 fix.

 

personally i dont like cvt transmission but i think i can live with it instead of having troubles with 6th gen transmissions kinda like more the 6th gen headlights but love the rear bumper on the 6.5, but the only think is that i didn't wanted to spend more thank 14k but i guess i will have to to get a decent 6.5gen.

 

dont get another maxima?

 

is that a question or an advice?

 

The 2006 maxima has transmission problems too. My friend had his replaced under warranty.

 

Yeah the 06 and now Im hearing some 07's(two people that I know of so far) are having tranny problems but I believe the 07's will have a longer warranty on the transmission.

 

advice

 

I've got an 04 SL 4speed automatic and have had only minor problems to date (41K miles). However, I very seldom accelerate hard or drive it well above speed limits...

 

i would stay away from 04's look for a 05- up i heard horror stories about 04's

 

i question:

how did 6 gen get 5at tranny failure? mistake engineering? wrong fluid?

 

lol, so no 04 for sure, and "Yeah the 06 " so no 05-06, and now 07 so if i want to have a 6th gen i must be ready for some tranny problems? cuz i haven't heard any bad stories from cvts but i rather have a 5spd than a cvt but if im having troubles with any tranny i just get the one i like most, or the cvt is any better when talking about tranny issues? cuz from what ive heard is worth to get the cvt even if i don't like it that much instead of having bunch of problems with 4 or 5spds.

 

I would buy a G35. Infinitis are still built in Japan. I am sure you can pick up a 04-06 for a similar price. If I had to do it over again I would have spent a little more money and got one.

 

kinda agree with phat on this

 

I'd look else where...Maybe a nice MS6 or something.

 

I have to say that it was a little weird for me to go to the CVT after driving a 5spd for over 10yrs. I love the look of the 6.5 and cant see myself going back at this point. I think if you want another maxima like i did, you are going to need to compromise somewhere.

 

Put that $ into your 5th Gen. Seriously.

 

I have an 04 and luckily haven't had any tranny problems. I did have to do the a/c low pressure hose but that was easy. Now I have a fuel leak somewhere which I'm on my way out to the garage to try and find. Also need to replace struts and rotors, but nothing too bad since it does have 105k on it.

 

My 04 se 6 speed was a nightmare. Bought it used w 60k miles. New transmission, clutch, stabilizer links and struts under warranty within the first 3 months I owned it. Replaced the struts under warranty 5 times before they finally got rid of the rattle. The clutch master failed twice. Maybe it was me but I would be looking at another year than an 04'.

 

wow im looking at a 04 and 05....... looks like ill just turn around and run back to saving

 

Yup! Good decision.

 

Do yourself a favor and stick with ur car...i made the mistake of going to the 6th...i loved my 5th generation so much more.

 

There is a lot of talk of faulty transmission 6th gen. I have a 05 max. SL w/ a 5 speed seme-automatic trans. w/33,000 miles. build date 5/05. Smyrna, tn. those of you having the tranny problems, do you have the same as my max. I changed the fluid @ 32,000 mi. at nissan, which comes w/ 36K warranty, from manufact. hoppefully this car will last 100K. thanks to those who know.

 

No offence to any one on here but my advice would be to stay as far away as you can from the 6th gens. I owned an 04 for a couple of years. Nothing but problems and horrific quality. In general I would stay away from any Nissan from 02-06. Maybe look at a TL or TSX or even a Mazda 6.

 

First of all get carfax on the car you looking to buy. 1st problem some people have is that the precat will fail and have to be replaced. Mine crapped out around 30k cost $1200 but dealer changed it under powertrain warranty. 2nd make sure to drive it and feel how it shifts. Use trip tonic since some guys have been having a problem with the tranny getting stuck in 5 gear. Pop the hood and make sure you look at the ATF and smell it. If its burnt then you know the previous owner has not been taking good care of the transmission. Me personally would use my ODB2 scanner and plug it in so see what pops up. Since some dealers and people would erase some codes. Most of us paid 32k+ for our car. So if you get it around 10-12k and have to replace tranny and other stuff it still would be a good buy.