Hey guys,

I recently just bought a used 04 Maxima with about 79,xxx miles on the engine. It seems like a really nice car, but I did some research and noticed one of the main problems is the "Transmission"

I just wanted to know your story about your maxima. Like your thoughts when you first got the car, how many problems you encountered, how many trannys you went through, or etc.

 

Hey dude, welcome!

What tranny did you buy it with? Do you have the 4AT/5AT/6MT? Because some of the early 04's still had 4AT, then went to 5AT/6MT. The tranny you have makes a big difference. Oh and congrats on the whip, you got yourself a fine automobile in the Nissan Maxima!

The 4AT tranny, I know to be rock solid and one of the best AT's they've probably ever made. I'm on my second one myself, and I gotta say if you maintain it that thing will go 300k.

The 5AT is known to have valve body issues on the 6th gens. Look that up, there's some nice discussions here on those valve bodies. And the 6MT all depends on how it was driven, maintained, clutch, flywheel, etc. And IIRC the early 04's also came with 5MT before the 6MT right? The 5MT is also a good solid tranny, the 6MT is not as good reliability wise but way better performance.

 

Im not too sure what tranny. It's an AT, but not sure if its 4AT or 5AT. The first owner was from Nissan, one of the owners or dealers, i forgot. But I'll try looking for something to let me know if it is 4 or 5 speed.

Thanks anyway man!

 

I always thought that the Maxima transmissions are decent quality, but who knows. My first Maxima was 98 GXE auto and had 300k on the clock. Original engine and transmission. The only issue oil leak from rear valve cover, which is very common on our cars.