Looking into buying a new car (well, newer), and I've absolutely fallen in love with Maximas.

Is there really any large differences between a 6.5 gen and a 7? Getting a used 2009 is a bit heftier of a price tag, especially if I'd like some of the goodies included (leather seats, heated seats, etc.)

I know that Nissan recently extended the warranty on the CVT transmissions to 10 years/120,000 miles. I've been able to locate some 2007's and some 2008's with low mileage, fully loaded, and it's substantially lower of a price than it would run me for a 2009 version. And to be 100% honest, I actually feel like the 6.5 gen models look better.

My biggest concern is durability and reliability. I know that this may actually be the wrong place to be asking this, since many of you don't have experience with the 7th gen models, but I'd imagine you follow the 6.5 ones pretty closely.

Can I expect an 07/08 to be reliable? Are there any known issues? I've scoured the internet and have seemed to be pushed away from the 04-06 models. I haven't found too much on the 07/08's, but then again, most people who actually go out and post something on the internet only have negative things to say.

Basically what I'm asking.. should I be worried about anything in particular if I end up finding a fully loaded 07-08 model in my price range with low mileage? And is there anything that I'm going to be missing out on? Is the CVT transmission any different in the 07-08 models as opposed to the 7th gen models? For obvious reasons, these years are more readily available than a 2009 or 2010, and obviously cheaper as well.

Any and all input would be greatly, greatly appreciated. I really appreciate it. I look forward to my soon to be purchase, and look forward to learning and chatting with you guys in the future.

Thanks again.

Jay

 

In my opinion, the:

4.5
5.5
6.5
7.5 gens look better when they first debuted. So I don't blame you for liking the 6.5 gen.

Carry on.

And yes, the 6.5 and 7th gen are different. Different chassis, upgraded VQ35, upgraded CVT, etc.

 

The question is, is it that much of an upgrade where I should consider financing and spending the extra money? Are 2007/2008 models known to run into any common problems? My big worry is all around dependability, that's all it really boils down to.

After exploring a bit around here, seems as if people have gotten some good results and had good experiences with the 6.5 gens.

I mean I'd obviously assume the 7th gen have upgrades, but do those upgrades really warrant spending the extra money?

 

You can get a 1996 that's dependable. Dependability is not just based on the year model. Each car is different. 07 and 08 are good choices with CVT included. Mileage is important. The more miles the car has, type of driving done, maintenance plans, and weather exposure are key elements to a dependable used car. If you are purchasing through a dealer, get and extended warranty bumper to bumper. USAA has an amazing extended warranty program. Late 06 early 07 is when nissan finally got it right for everything in this model. IMO the only thing that makes them the worst year is the CVT. Not a fan of CVT. If you want a 7th gen, wait until the new maxima is released, price will come down quite a bit. Should be real soon.

 

6th and 6.5 gen maximas with the 5AT are something yo might want to stay away from, due to the well documented issues with the trans.

 

6.5 are CVT not 5AT

 

all of them? If so, then never mind

 

Yes everyone

 

OP, I'll advise a 6.5.

 

Depends. If you want M/T, the 6 gen was last to get it. 6.5 on is CVT only.

 

i had a 6.5 not since Sept 08 to Apr of this year.... i went from 8 miles to 67k before i traded her and that was only because someone made me an offer i couldnt refuse... proper maintenance and i had no issues, and i drove her in the sport mode frequently upshifting, downshifting, etc... no neutral drops though..could be what preserves the life of my CVT..my 08 had all the option, heated steering wheel, heated seats sunroof...just no nav...
i was fortunate to find a completely loaded 10 with 47k and my payments went up 40$, for another two years...i am much happier in my 7th gen as it has all previous features and some new ones.. since April i have put 18k on the car and she still is moving fine... my battery is about to die, so i do need another..but other than that, the engine is more powerful, its roomier...and its warranty runs to 100k rather than the 60 on my 6.5 which was another reason i decided to upgrade...

 

I have a 6th gen with the 5 AT. Got it about 1 1/2 years ago, when it had 35,000 milles on it. I didn't know anything about the tranny issues with this tranny til after I got the car, and began reading this forum. So, I changed out the tranny fluid with Amsoil within 2 weeks of purchase, and the shifts smoothly, both in auto or slapstick mode. Thanks to this forum, I am aware of any issues, so will be alert. Anyway, so far, so good. Love the car anyway.