Good day everyone. I am planning to buy a 2017 Nissan Maxima as my first car, but I am hesitant because of negative comments about the CVT, car jerking or something at low speeds, cracking noises coming from different locations of the car, engine just stopping out of no where.

I want 8th gen Maxima owners to tell me about their experience, what problems they have encountered and if it's worth it for me to get a Maxima as my first car.

I really wanted to own a Maxima for a long time already, either a 2017 Maxima or a 2017 Toyota Highlander. Thank you guys in advance

 

You really have to take forums at face value... Most of what you see on forums are complaints, and how to fix them. All cars have issues, so don't let them discourage you. I think really the only major issue on here is the one car that shuts off on its own. It's not widespread, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. All cars have rattles that may or may not need to be taken care of, but generally forums help you pin point these things from other owners experiences; so the dealer isn't on a wild goose chase hunting for a rattle. (They hate chasing rattles by the way).

 

Thank you for the reply. Hoping to get more replies. I am going to finalize my decision towards May. Thought I'll get a head start on peoples opinion and suggestions.

 

Other than a FOB that is going thru a battery too soon (dealer replacing no charge), my Max has been flawless. @ 60 years I have owned countless vehicles and this is the best auto tranny I have used. Can't say that for the 7th gen CVT though. Mega difference. Trans engine braking with the shifter is excellent.


My 2016 MAX SV was a value buy. Nothing else in it's price range could touch it. Amazing quality 1 1/2 year in with 2 Canadian winters which aren't nice any vehicle.

 

love mine and you will to. just make sure you get it at the right price from the right dealer

 

Considering this as a first car it's going to hurt you big-time in the lost value...rated 5th worst depreciation in the first year, 34% lost. Buy one with 10,000 miles, 1 year old, you'll save yourself a fortune.


http://www2.forbes.com/business/12-n...sale-values/8/

 

I bought my 2016 max used with 10K miles from the dealer at a great price. They did "certified used" so even got extension on the warranty. My first CVT but I think it is flawless. With 300 HP the car really moves. Also extremely quiet. Great car on the road.

 

I had to laugh at your poll, but surprised you got 1 no vote

Im leaning towards buying "lightly used" as well. I want the platinum but really never imagined spending 40k before. Only downside is it's gonna be harder to find the color I want, but I'm in no rush

 

Thank you guys for your experience and advice. Greatly appreciate all of it

 

yup I would also go the used route, I bought mine at around 9k miles. Rather use the 8-10k I saved on upgrades for the car

 

I had a 7th generation Maxima as my second car. I came off of a 2003 Toyota Tundra before that. I love the Max. It was an amazing cruiser and was insanely comfortable. It's quick but not quick enough to get you into trouble (like a Q50).

Personally, I think everyone should learn to drive in a truck/suv first because it helps you develop proper driving techniques and are pretty forgiving if you hit a curb

 

Brother after owning five Maxima's I can tell you just do it, you will love it. now, I was in the market for a 2016 used Platinum with some miles, I found it for 29,500 VS 2017 New Platinum with Medallion for 32+ TT & Fees. I ended up getting the 2017 new. Just do your research nationwide and bring prices from one dealer to another and you will get the best price. Blessings

 

I must admit I am partial to Maximas (owned nothing but Maximas since October 1984), but there is a reason I stick to Maximas - I like the styling, I love the way they drive, and they have given me excellent service.

I drove my 2009 Premium Maxima for seven years, and loved it. I have now driven my 2016 Platinum for 1 1/2 years, and it is even better than the 2009, especially the CVT.

To my knowledge, there has only been one poster here who had an 8th gen Maxima with an engine that was cutting off unexpectedly. That is a very serious problem, but if it is limited to only one car, I would not let that stop me from buying.

Good luck with your efforts.

 

its a beast, the cvt worries would go away with a test drive

 

I'm not sure why people keep calling the max a 'beast." My '09 CTS-V with 556hp was a beast. The maxima is a fun car, and you won't regret it, but a 'beast' it is not.

 

its a matter of perspective, if you looking for Max more than likely 560hp is not on the mind. 300hp beast

 

lol, it really isn't

 

Well its more beastly than all them Camry clones out there. It's about the best you can do for a 4 door car without the luxury badge price tag. If passenger space weren't an issue, I'd be all over the Camero, or maybe a fun little roadster like the spider.

I concede, maxima is not a 4 door sports car. But Its a 4 door sporty car.

 

Well put. For a natural aspirated V6 in the 3.5 range it is a BEAST. Really hauls. Great tranny.

 

Considering the Max's engine draws inspiration from the GTR, can we agree that the Max is a son-of-a-beast?

 

Yes, we can agree on that. This Maxima will also seem beastly (or son-of-a-beast) to those moving up from stock Sentras, Civics, Minis, Beetles, Fiat 500s, etc.

 

Overall car has a lot of power and is a nice sporty car. Camera, front and back, are nice. However, the memory seats can not keep its memory and our dealer and Nissan can not figure it out (I am having a hard time with this one). The Navigation is lacking in comparison to Google or Waze. On longer trips I have to run my phone map (Google or Waze) to make sure the car Nav doesn't take us way out of our way to get to our location. My main reasons for not purchasing another Nissan is the lack of support received from Nissan on our memory seats (we have had it in 4 and about to be our 5th time) and the lack of support from Nissan when I was questioning the map not being current on our 2016. I continue to get hwy not found when the hwy has been in existence for more than 40 years. Hope this helps when you are thinking of added features which may be disappointing.

 

if i turn back my age to 20, and have the moolah.. i'd buy the sr i own right now.
but with much more of the knick-knacks available.
the car by itself is mean-looking!
drives nice.
sounds nice.
especially when alone.
it jerks at a combination of rpm and speed, so i stay away from that.

 

My 2016 Maxima had been fun so far. CVT might not be my favourite transmission but it doesn't bother me much, perhaps because the engine has power when I need it.
Not a fan of the Navigation, but if you buy a 2017, you'll get the phone connectivity.

My first car was a tiny Fiat Uno - would have loved a Maxima