Most of us in the forum have had good and bad experiences with the 6th generation. along with most I've been thru the shimmy,the A/C hose issue, the timing chain,the transmission. Once you get past all the issues it feels like best car in the world. Question is what is the reliability in the long term of these cars in the 6th generation after they reach over 100,000 miles? anybody out there got one with 200K on it?

 

what is your question? you want to know if it is a quality vehicle? the asnwer is no it is not. is it overpriced (33K sticker)? yes

 

acercomp71 well I'd have to say I agree and disagree with your question its 50/50. I agree with you on paying 33,000 dollars for a car that you have so many repairs in the first five years of ownership, but I disagree with it being overpriced all the features make it well worth the money. Coming from a 5th and 3rd generation Maxima I expected the same reliability, but the overall question is when this car gets up in age and over 150,000 miles on it is it gonna last. I dont seem to hear many complaints with these cars after the 100,000 mile mark its before hand that i hear the most.

 

Once you get the major issues out of the way, trans if its auto, timing chain etc, it seems like a very solid car. Like you said most of these things happen within the first 100k miles, so after that as long as they were repaired properly you should be fine. I also came from a 5th gen before this with over 150k on it by the time i sold it. Had it for 2 years or so, only thing i put in was brakes, and about $500 total to have it certified when i sold it. Hopefully this 6th gen i have holds out just as well.

 

Jonwall I own an 06SL my parents have an 06SE my uncle has an 04SE. Out of the three 6th gens in our family. My Uncle's 04 has fallen apart it just hit 190K and its just now running right. My parents 06SE have never had any problems with it My 06SL the first year ownership was hell, it started with the shimmy, then the mounts,and then the timing chain. Every since that chain was replaced it feels like a brand new car, I see a big difference in ride quality for some reason. the 93 we brought it brand new when i was in the 2nd grade just sold it this year its still running strong. The 02 we traded it for the first 06 we have but it was bulletproof reliable.

what i've gotten out of this is alot of people seem to have the most issues out of the 04 then some with the 05 and then minimal problems with the 06, but then I dont hear hardly any complaints about the 07 and 08s

 

Peoples biggest complaints about the 07/08 is the cvt and no manual, but the cvt seems pretty solid and doesnt have many issues at all. Kind of makes me with i got an 07 instead, but ill probably upgrade to a 7th gen 2 years after this one is paid off.

 

I got 214K on mine right now. I use it in the winter,car shows,tracks and daily driven. She gets like 85km a day to and from work but she's holding in there. Besides all the mods I added to it the issues I have had was the timing chain(I just keep checking the oil" no tranny issues,replaced brakes,left contol arm,and rotors.

I mean every car will have it's fair share of problems but for the price you can't go wrong. The maxima's are probably the best in it's class,easy to fix,wide range of aftermarket parts,luxury,performance and the list goes on and on.

Why am I still modding a car with 214K on the motor???It's just the love for the game

 

I got under 100k miles and my posts are noted here on the boards...My Op and my Op only ...Crap car...period...Sell Sell and say goodbye

 

How does a maxima die on you with less than a 100K Did you do regular maintenance?service the car?check the oil to see if the level is good,regular oil changes? I have to disagree with you because mine is still running strong and I barely did any maintenance like gas kit,O2 sensor,PCV valve,MAF sensor,sparks plugs. I plan on doing all that as soon as the temperature warms up a little.

Just out of curiousity. What would you sell the maxima to buy???

 

Once all the maintenance flaws are corrected it feels like the car of your dreams. When I first purchased in January of 2011 up until I got the timing chain replaced under warranty the car always had a lathargic feel to the ride. As of now it feels like a completly different car. I've had a few individuals with far more expensive vehicles approach me and say they've always wanted a 6th generation Maxima. Overall it is a great car and is well worth the money.

 

I've got an 07, not one major problem. 92000 on it

 

dee.signs The 07/08 when they first came out I didn't have a taste for them, but when you drive one then you start to want one. I just got turned off by the downgrade in HP 255 takes us back to the 03 Maxima. 265 is more competitive that extra 10hp makes a big difference. Far as reliability I haven't heard anything negative about the 07/08's. When the 2004 Maxima debuted they moved all the production to Tennesee out of Japan thats when I noticed a change in quality and reliability.

 

 

I agree with your post except for the above. There wasn't a detune from 265 hp to 255 hp. It is due to the change in the formula that is used to calculate the HP to be a more realistic number than what was being used before. The engine in an 04 makes the same HP as an 08.

As to whether the Max is a great car; it has a great list of upgrades at a reasonable sticker price: HIDs, heated steering wheel, power entry/exit, power folding mirrors, etc and STRONG engine and a ton of room inside. The ride on the highway or smooth roads is great but on broken pavement the suspension is very harsh. The Max has many issues with quality and I won't list them as they have been beaten to death already. I had 2 Honda Accords, an Acura TL and currently have a 2010 Acura MDX; the amount of time ANY of those cars were in the shop for anything other than general maintenance? Zero. Nada. Zilch. Zip. The 6th gen Max was great in concept but terrible in execution. I have had mine for almost 7 years and spent a lot of money and time on it but for some reason I can't get rid of it. I plan to drive it another couple of years and then pass it on to my son when he turns 18.

OT. I do like the more "traditional" front end of the 6.5 Max over my 6th gen. I keep waiting for someone to smash my front bumper so I can upgrade it to the 6.5 bumper.

 

you'd need more than just the front bumper to do the 6.5gen conversion. FYI

 

BadBlackMaxSL How about that, I learned something new so their wasn't a downgrade in HP. Far as ride quality with the 06SL the ride I get is a smooth glide in the city and bouncy ride over harsh roads you can't really any bumps just a soft up and down hop. On the highway I get a fair amount of body roll. When I added the 22 inch wheels the ride quality got way better the handling too , but with the standard 17s I felt alot of bumps on harsh roads. and the interior room I love it, my best friend is 6ft4 and believe it or not he has ample head room and plenty of legroom in the rear seat. Far as the 07/08 Maxima I thought it was a backwards decision when Nissan added the 270HP to the Altima and gave the Maxima only 255 the other way around.

 

There is a a member here that has made an aftermarket hybrid bumper that has the top half made from the 6th gen and the bottom of the 6.5. No need to switch out the headlights, hood and grill.

 

Unless the parts were made in the USA I doubt it, but just maybe.

I got my car at around 65k miles a misdiagnosed clutch that got replaced turned out to be a master cylinder. That’s where it all began, at 67k the plastic ramp guides were replaced, a known defect that Nissan knows about just like the crappy automatic issues. Oil cooler O ring gasket seems to have to get replaced every 10k miles because it’s defective. Motor Mounts that are inferior in design and BTW add no positive feel to the car, I replaced all but one on my mine and no change in feel or better shifting from the 6 speed. The car feel like an effin tank and even my mechanic who drove the car stated that, but I know I bought a luxury sedan and not a race car, because this is not a race car. A lot of nickel and diming from this car….I already put money into the mounts, brakes, and now it seems I have a PS hose leaking, ac hose leaking, oil sender unit needs replacing, Nissan reliability or Tennessee charm?

Like the post says Good or Bad car? Just stating my op and for this being my first Nissan and I totally respected Infiniti, which is now out the window because of the my experience with the Maxima, I just expected more from Nissan.

 

FenderGuy I had 64919 when I bought mine on January 28 2011, I'm dealing with the A/C hose problem as we speak. Once you get everything fixed it is truly a remarkable car I felt upset in the first few months of ownership and stressed out by repairs but now its all over and the car feels like the best ever.

 

The A/C hose and motor mounts are job security! Not to mention oil cooler rings.

If the trans lasts and you don't have the timing chain issue, keep your maintainence schedule on time and the car should treat you well.

 

CenTexSS The Transmission I got lucky and that got fixed 3 weeks before my purchase, the Motor Mounts I didnt know mine were bad until I went to get an oil change, but the A/C hose thing I live in Texas and I aint about to sweat to death I been blowin up them Nissan People's phones all week I'm not paying for no hose.

 

I dont feel the same, I wonder why we are experiencing the same issues?

 

FenderGuy Since I was born in 1986 we've owned 5 maxima's. the 06 I just bought I fixed alot of stuff first year ownership. Somewhere in that time period(2003 to 2011) I ended up owning a Ford Contour, it was the worst car i've owned, and after driving that and jumping to an 06 Maxima i'm feeling a bit lucky. I drove that Contour for a while I wanted to go back to a Maxima. When I added the 22 inch wheels to my 06 is when everything changed, the car now seems to have a better personality it rides and handles good. Over big bumps the rear end pitches up and down softly.
. First year 2011 I had to make extensive repairs but its better to fix all that stuff now then when the car is 15 years old out of warranty.

 

Chris I understand your point of view, I use to own a Chevy Cav back in 2001 great little car but when it reached 95k miles the car just feel apart and thats what I expected from Chevy. I dont expect that from Nissan espec at 65k ...this car is prone to extensive repairs even if you follow the main schedule...I think thats what pisses me off about this car...to me i am just throwing money into a car that I get no joy out

 

04 6spd bought 7 months ago. Had to fix timing chain issue and replace a/c compressor immediately. Last week the compressor locked up again, luckily it was still within the years warranty so the shop replaced(if it goes out again im getting a new one). I got it with 62000 miles and im at 69 now. First few months were depressing but cant complain now. Just treat her like your girlfriend...if you treat her well she will do the same in return.

 

FenderGuy It's all in how you maintain your vehicle. My father did 20 years in the Military and on their silver 06SE he's changed all the hoses out early on,the transmission fluids for preventative and its now at 90k and never had a problem. On my white 06SL it seems like the previous owner drove it sort of hard and with this engine you gotta take it easy, Its hard to do that with 265hp but you learn to manage.
smplyamzng I was upset first year ownership all the problems made me comtemplating getting rid of it in the first few months, but the car is so amazing its well worth the money once you get passed all the repairs the car is great i'm just now at the point where I got most of that stuff fixed and he car feels a whole lot better.

 

Alot of stuff I started doing differently, I switched to Synthetic Oils, I only use Chevron 91 octane, upgraded the wheels and now the car operates a whole lot better. Alot of people buy these cars and have the same expectations you'd get from a 2.5L Altima.

 

Sorry did I miss something here but how is this damn car any more special than a ALTIMA? Because it has a 265HP engine that the car can't even handle anyways? I did jackrabbit starts to see how the car pulls and it pulls to sides unless you got a grip on the steering wheel.

The point some of you have missed is I have done my maintiance on the car, regular oil changes, filters, etc I wanted to change the plugs but Nissan told me, dont those last till 100k. Well we all know that is a lie.

The parts that needed replacing should have not have to be replaced so soon, I dont drive this car as a sports car. Its not a sports car, its a luxuary sedan. I felt that right away when i got into it, i drive it diff from my last car, it bores me to be honest.

It acts like a domestic POS that requires too much $$ to get it right

 

This thread should be in two parts. 04-06 and 07-08 is good cars or not.There's alot that's different between the two cars.

 

FenderGuy Yeah I agree 100% I was pretty upset all last year with the stuff I had to fix, you have cars out there with far worst problems than this stuff on the Maxima AC hose,mounts,transmission. Take a look at the 2002 Explorer and you'll see how good you've really got it http://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2002/. http://www.carcomplaints.com/Nissan/Maxima/2006/ It's really a fantastic car. Far as it being no different than a Altima i've gotta disagree with you there grandmother has a 04 2.5S, and I rented a 2010 2.5 when I had the Max in the shop 3 weeks ago, only thing better about that car is the 1-2 more MPG it gets on the highway.

 

Prior to My 07, i had an 04.. I had the ac hose issue to attend to, but it was covered under warranty. And i did notice the tranny doing weird ****. But i wrecked it out before i had to put too much money in it. I guess it was a good thing

 

dee.signs So how do you like the 07 compared to the 04 you had, and your hose was covered under warranty? Was it factory warranty, because I have the power plus and I've been fighting with Nissan trying to get them to pay to fix my hose.

 

My uncle owns a 04 SL 4at with about 210k, Not one tranny fluid change since he owned it and he is just now experiencing tranny failure but he swears he isnt but I have driven it and it is going to go eventually. Everything he has done to it since he bought it brand new in 03:

Alternator, Recall for the glass roof, brakes/rotors, oil change/filter, cam sensor, Cabin filter, air filter, power steering hose (top), battery.

What he hasn't fixed as he thinks its minor.. LoL

Rear struts blown, CV joints, Oil leak, timing chain (its fkn loud lol), smokes at cold starts, power steering leaking somewhere lol, and obviously the tranny at this point in its life needs baby jesus...

Withing everything said this car still runs with no problems, hasn't left him stranded not once! So its reliable even with minor maintaince as u can tell...

 

esco115 man the funny thing about that is my uncle has a red 04SE thats falling apart but that car hasn't broke down either it has 190K and that car is still on the streets, thats why these Maxima's are worth it. The 04' was probably the worst year for the Maxima, 05 and 06 slightly better and 07 08 big improvement.

 

I may be wrong but i thought they were all the same..

 

04 thru 06 yes, 07 thru 08 got the CVT. But after the 2004 year for 05 and 06 Nissan addressed a few customer complaints and made small subtle changes for 05 and 06 model year before doing the full makeover for 07 and 08. It's a awesome car. For future references anyone planning on upgrading to the 7th generation your gonna take a increase in Horespower(290HP) but a big downgrade in space. No Power folding mirrors,smaller interior,no folding rear seat.

 

Its a smaller car over all, but the interior isnt cramped the major difference between the 6 and 7 interior space wise are the rear seats. Depending on the model you get with options there are rear seat fold downs.

 

My car is now 8+ years old, and has 45K on it. A weekend driver, but still in excellent condition. Totally stock. Some describe it as a luxury sedan. I would add that it is a great touring car--fast, powerful, and roomy. I find the SL ride to be excellent and not too soft. Would definitely recommend. However, I hope when my Max is ready to be traded, I can afford something like the Tesla Model S sedan...

 

Even though our 6th generation has flaws you guys gotta admit its a pretty amazing car, nowdays where can you get something in that class with the looks, all the power and its features. It's hard to find a car under $30,000 with power folding mirrors. The biggest lesson I learned is I went thru a hoist of problems and now most are fixed I can truly enjoy this car. Once the timing chain got replaced everything changed this car feels nothing like the one that went to the dealership 3 weeks ago. It feels like they gave me a new car but hang in there guys once its over you wont regret keeping it.

 

Bought my 06 with only 26 k on it last year.

Nothing but oil changes and so far I love the car.

I bought a 100k extended warranty so Im not to worried about issues as long as there is not alot of downtime.