I own a 2009 Maxima S with about 126K on it. My Maxima has never failed me (or been in accident), but it is currently in pretty bad condition (suspension-wise/aesthetically). I recently took it into my local Nissan dealership so they could tell me all that is wrong, and the list is quite extensive:

Strut Mounts (2)
Strut Bearings
Stabilizer Link (2)
Lower Control Arm (2)
Front Struts (2)
Rear Spindle (2)
Rear Lower Control Arm (2)
Rear Struts (2)
Engine Mount (4)

This is in addition to my car needing a new front end (bottom cracked); which would need to be painted as well.

This will be the 3rd time I change the front/back struts on the car, and 2nd time I change all 4 engine mounts (I live in south Texas and travel to Mexico on occasions; roads are in horrible condition in both places).

My job requires for me to travel often and have a presentable vehicle; which my Maxima no longer is. Should I go through the trouble of replacing all of these parts and keep the vehicle for another few years, or should I just get rid of it? Any advise would be highly appreciated.

 

So from what you describe, you require a vehicle that will tolerate roads in poor condition. Don't think the Maxima was designed for this. Sounds like you need something like a sports suv / or jeep type vehicle, Xterra perhaps?

 

+1 on an SUV type vehicle. Replacing all that will probably be in the vicinity of $4,000. Way to much to be putting into a vehicle that is going to get pounded on again. You will be at this crossroads again in another 18 months.

 

I agree with the others. If the roads are that bad you'll eventually have to get it repaired again.....and again. Now would be the question on which vehicle would be ideal? If you stuck with Nissan, I would say go with either the new 2015/16 Muranos(classy=), love the new look on these), or go with the Nismo Juke RS(I'm not a fan of the Juke, BUT the Nismo editions would be the ONLY versions I would own, if I had one) and the vehicles would do well on those poor road conditions IMHO and both within the same price range.

 

Yeah, I am afraid that if I repair the vehicle I will be in the same spot in 18 months. Looks like I am leaning even more towards getting rid of the car...

 

I would, you'll save yourself from more potential issues in the future. And I don't know about you but looking at a 4k bill every time, I'd rather get a new car(or used) and put that 4k towards something else...*cough* mods...lol

 

4k toward your down payment on a Jeep grand cherokee my friend. That's what you need!

 

Jeep SRT is the way to go, but if you dont want to spend $60K+ get a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Edition(4-door =) would be my choice). Front-end replacement, 4-6in lift. 17in rims with 37 maaaybe 38in tires, 10K winch synthetic rope, soft top, quick release front sway bar, nice off-roading suspension, a nice LED bar at the top and BAAAM! crappy roads? what crappy roads?! =D!

 

I have owned a jeep.....I would steer you away from a jeep.

 

Wow must be luck of the draw then. I am on my second grand cherokee (2014) and I love it. I have had no issues at all and its cheap to service. Thats Just my experience though.

 

I agree, not a BIG Jeep guy myself. I wouldn't want a 12.8 mpg(depending on if you baby it) off-road gas eater haha. I'm not much of an SUV or Truck person so I'm the kind that would settle with a 2015 Murano or a Nismo Juke RS(ONLY the NISMO RS lol nothing less) if I needed to haha.

 

I disagree with getting a juke. Thats not an off road vehicle... He needs something with a few inches of suspension to absorb the road. And at the same time something with non-skinny tires...

 

I wouldn't recommend a Juke for an off-road vehicle either, I just gave him an extreme suggestion for the Jeep lol. The Juke and the Murano were just suggested vehicles if he stuck with Nissan. I doubt he is off-roading to work everyday so those cars would do just fine and a Juke being a crossover is actually fairly decent. Would last longer then a Maxima in bad road conditions IMHO.

 

Xterra or 4 runner would be tops on my list if I were in your shoes. Tahoe or Yukon as a wild card.

 

Good to hear just picked up one of those certified pre owned we love it and gas mileage is amazing 27-29 on the hwy!......the 4 runner is pretty nice as well

 

I picked up a 2014 Jeep Compass so I didn't have to drive my Maxima so much and I am very impressed with it. The ride is far beyond what I expected for a cheap small SUV and I get 28-29mpg consistently.

 

I am going to have to fix some of the issues in order to sell the car, I don't think I will be able to sell it "as is". I am thinking of getting an SUV though; our roads are horrible...