Hey guys I've been on the market for a new vehicle for the past week, as my last one(99 Grand Prix gtp) is done for!! I've narrowed it down to a 2004 Maxima 78000 miles http://southbend.craigslist.org/cto/4862892751.html, and a 2002 Pontiac GTP. The Nissan has all its maintenance records, nearly perfect interior, and isnt driven in winter. I havent test driven the Maxima yet but I have test driven the GTP. The GTP has 110000 miles, but these are extremely reliable vehicles with no transmissions issues. My questions to you Maxima owners is if I were to purchase the Maxima how would you rate the reliablility? I've done extensive research and Ive notice a LOT of people needing new Transmissions pre 100,000. The purchase price is right around 5800 for both vehicles. Yes that is overpriced for a GTP, its from a dealer though the Maxima is a private owner. I like the Maxima MUCH better but I do not want a lemon with high repair cost!! I'm testing driving tomorrow, and I really need to make a purchase. So your responses will indeed play a part in my purchase decision. So from your personal experience should I take the shot and purchase the Maxima?? Yes, I do realize this is a Maxima forum. Any serious responses will be much appreciated.

 

What has indeed made the 6th Gen infamous has been transmission issues. But indeed it has a solid transmission, it's weak point is the valve body. Thankfully, that issue is now easily resovled by either changing the valve body or, less expensively, the three pressure solenoids in the valve body. If you feel you don't want to go through that pass, then if must buy a 2004 Max I'd suggest you get a 4speed transmission. The 4speed is available only in some SL of the 2004 model. The 4speed has no notoriety for which its 5speed counterpart is famous.
Perhaps one other issue is the timing chain damage. Speaking from a personal experience, that appers to have been forstalled by the use of a high viscous engine oil. The manual recommends 5W-30, but I use 20W-50. I should add though, that I'm in the tropics, and that the high viscosity is perhaps balanced by the constantly high temperatures. Anyway, the point is when my car arrived from the US in 2010, I began to notice the timing chain whine at cold start soon afterwards. I was a bit peeved, and stopped the use of the expensive Mobil 1 synthentic. I opted for the standard (dyno) oil 20W-50 which is what is more commonly used here and less expensive of course. With it the timing chain whine disappeared.

 

Don't get the Pontiac. American cars are junk. That is a heck of a deal for that Maxima!!! In my area, a Maxima like that would cost at least $10k and that looks like a pretty darn clean Maxima. I would jump at that instantly! Plus, you get 25 more hp with the Maxima. What's hilarious is that the GTP has a little bit bigger displacement, plus it's supercharged and it still has less hp. Just shows you how much more efficient Japanese cars are. Plus in my opinion, the Maxima looks WAYYYYY better.