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Any high mileage 8th gen owners here? How’s your car chugging along so far?
How many miles does your Max have and how has it held up (especially the transmission)?
I know that Maximas have lost their spunk and reputation in the car world since the 1990s and early 2000s, and the CVT in the first half decade of its existence was really hit or miss.
That said, despite Nissans woes I feel like the 8th gen Maxima, which I became an owner of last year, is a diamond in the rough for an otherwise struggling company. The car is not a Porsche or Ferrari by any means, but I’ve found both the exterior and interior is still a head turner especially for a company that’s been blasted for lack of innovation.
I actually did get my trans fluid changed at 40k, despite the dealership rep reassuring me that unlike other Nissan trans, the 8th Gen Max cvt would do just fine following the manual of 60k (and this is coming from a guy whose very job it is to sell MORE service).
Last edited by The Wizard; 06-23-2020 at 12:08 AM.
Your not likely to find too many of us here with over 100k miles yet, save for a few who got theirs back in 2015. I figured the best way to answer this was to ask in the last generation forum... which I did in this thread below....
the 7th gen also had a CVT, nearly the same horsepower and engine, and presumably a little less refined then the current generation. The responses were generally positive
How many miles does your Max have and how has it held up (especially the transmission)?
I know that Maximas have lost their spunk and reputation in the car world since the 1990s and early 2000s, and the CVT in the first half decade of its existence was really hit or miss.
That said, despite Nissans woes I feel like the 8th gen Maxima, which I became an owner of last year, is a diamond in the rough for an otherwise struggling company. The car is not a Porsche or Ferrari by any means, but I’ve found both the exterior and interior is still a head turner especially for a company that’s been blasted for lack of innovation.
I actually did get my trans fluid changed at 40k, despite the dealership rep reassuring me that unlike other Nissan trans, the 8th Gen Max cvt would do just fine following the manual of 60k (and this is coming from a guy whose very job it is to sell MORE service).
It is a fantastic car, mine has around 35K and is still like brand new both in performance and externally. I have to say though I am disappointed with how easily the bottom engine splashguard comes off anytime debris hits it.
My 2017 with 40k seems to be mechanically sound, but it clearly stopped feeling new after the first year. The transmission is whiny and the car has had an undiagnosed noise during moderate acceleration for the last two years. There's also a fair amount of creaks and rattles, depending on the time of year. The original battery died at 37k, too early I think. Finally, the driver's side floating roof trim seems to be getting loose and will likely need replacing. I own the car so I'm trying to keep it for at least five years, but the build quality has been disappointing.
No problems so far but only at 54k with mine. I've talked to the service tech at my local dealer when I had them fix an issue with the trim next to the windshield that Safellite messed up. He hadn't seen any 8th gens come in for CVT issues.
No problems so far but only at 54k with mine. I've talked to the service tech at my local dealer when I had them fix an issue with the trim next to the windshield that Safellite messed up. He hadn't seen any 8th gens come in for CVT issues.
The trim must be a common problem it happened to someone I know after they had the windshield fixed. Mine was loose and didn't have my windshield removed.
The trim must be a common problem it happened to someone I know after they had the windshield fixed. Mine was loose and didn't have my windshield removed.
Yeah the Safellite guy explained to me they do that trim piece A LOT. Apparently it's because the tolerance between the windshield and the fasteners and the trim piece are so small that if the windshield isn't set just perfectly, the piece doesn't hold on correctly and will unattach. I had my original trim piece fly off on the highway lol. So they replaced it and then that second one undid itself too and got loose. Third one is holding on now but I think its a little loose cause I can hear a slight intermittent rattle from that corner of the windshield at highway speeds.
I'm in AZ where you need to replace winshields like once a year or more due to all the rocks on the highway so I'm just gonna wait and see if the trim piece still makes the sound after the next windshield replacement.
2015 2016 sr @170k.
so far, i have had valve covers (leak at one spark plug seal) replaced, both lower control arms replaced (bc lowered w/o camber for 10k), abs recall done, and all fluids xcept coolant drained n filled. same battery, may soon start to fail.
dealer showed me two judder codes recently (forgot the codes), but no issues when driving (need opinion on that from the group). told me $5k+ ... i said, nah...
2015 2016 sr @170k.
so far, i have had valve covers (leak at one spark plug seal) replaced, both lower control arms replaced (bc lowered w/o camber for 10k), abs recall done, and all fluids xcept coolant drained n filled. same battery, may soon start to fail.
dealer showed me two judder codes recently (forgot the codes), but no issues when driving (need opinion on that from the group). told me $5k+ ... i said, nah...
Wow you drive a lot! Good to hear nothing really major happened to ya with such a high mileage, even if you are just one data point.
DO you have any interior rattles or anything? I've developed one or 2 annoying interior rattles. One in the dash and one in the headliner that I think is related to the Pano roof.
2016 SL, 101K, KNOCK WOOD!, no major issues so far. I do my CVT maintenance religiously, and have brakes coming up after 60K on them. It's been a slid car, very comfortable. It's up there with my favorite cars owned.
Other than my reported trim piece issues on my '17 SR, I have had no issues with this car. Nissan did the ABS recall two weeks ago at no cost, and that included a brake fluid flush. Pedal is high and firm. I have 56K on the car now, new rubber back in November and the car is quiet and tight. If one of my sons doesn't buy it I will probably flip it in September for another SR.
Seven previous Maximas since 1990 probably puts me in the 900 K + miles driven range, with minimal issues over that time.
Wow you drive a lot! Good to hear nothing really major happened to ya with such a high mileage, even if you are just one data point.
DO you have any interior rattles or anything? I've developed one or 2 annoying interior rattles. One in the dash and one in the headliner that I think is related to the Pano roof.
The car is built Nov. 2015. And it is lowered, on low profile tires.
Rattles? Yes. I have noticed some smaller plastic panels are not tightly fit, like the rear speaker covers. And, I have seen felt in some areas from factory. I'll probably add them everywhere.
Creaks? Yes. Plastic everywhere. Temp changes throughout the day. Especially my center radio-vents surround (gray plastic), it is slightly popping-out on the left side.
Metal Clanks? Yes. Trunk tension springs, after I open it. And I believe the front springs when I turn the wheel near either ends.
The car is built Nov. 2015. And it is lowered, on low profile tires.
Rattles? Yes. I have noticed some smaller plastic panels are not tightly fit, like the rear speaker covers. And, I have seen felt in some areas from factory. I'll probably add them everywhere.
Creaks? Yes. Plastic everywhere. Temp changes throughout the day. Especially my center radio-vents surround (gray plastic), it is slightly popping-out on the left side.
Metal Clanks? Yes. Trunk tension springs, after I open it. And I believe the front springs when I turn the wheel near either ends.
So far, I have been lucky.
What happened to your last Altima, if you don't mind sharing?
Car was built in Feb 2016, has 97,000 miles. Currently runs great but i need to change the power steering unit and get her a tranny flush. Haven't changed it since i brought the car new. I'm already getting my tune up parts for 100k service and trying to decide how i'm going upgrade the shocks/struts. i will make this car my new project/play car, while i await that new 2021 TLX - Type S.
More than likely was a POS, mine was. It was a nightmare. It was a 2013 also.
That was a particularly bad year for the Altima, first year for the 5th gen and the associated growing pains, a ton of imploding CVTs, and looking back on it, just seemed like a very meh generation for the Altima.
2016 Maxima SV... just hit 100k miles two weeks ago. no problems yet! Plan on doing my CVT flush one of these weekends. Havent had any slipping or stuttering issues from the tranny in even the slightest bit yet.
Just lowered the car on coils and 20 inch offset rims and tires... maybe it may cause some rattling later on but so far the only rattle i have is from the dash frame around the center air vents.. Slight press on the corners with my thumb every couple days actually calms it down. Still rolling smooth as butter!
I have a 2016 SV, it will be 5 years old in August. it's got 135K on it and has had no major problems. With that said, it does seem to be showing it's age worse that previous cars I've owned. Even after getting a tune up and the transmission serviced, it "Clunks" when you go from reverse to drive, the steering and suspension feel sloppy and it occasionally feels sluggish. And of course I have 5 years worth of scratches and dings all over it, plus the front clip is so "sand blasted" from 135,000 hard miles, that it barely has any paint left on it!
I have a 2016 SV, it will be 5 years old in August. it's got 135K on it and has had no major problems. With that said, it does seem to be showing it's age worse that previous cars I've owned. Even after getting a tune up and the transmission serviced, it "Clunks" when you go from reverse to drive, the steering and suspension feel sloppy and it occasionally feels sluggish. And of course I have 5 years worth of scratches and dings all over it, plus the front clip is so "sand blasted" from 135,000 hard miles, that it barely has any paint left on it!
Tommie,
Thanks for the update>> At that mileage, a check of the CV joints in the front axles would be a logical step. Also, the front shocks need to be replaced. I'd do this preemptively and for just a reasonable investment your car should go to 200 K. Bet you could get your front end painted for not so much if you shop that around. Keep the reports coming!
I bought the car brand new back in June 2018, been driving back and forth thru ga-Florida, no major issues just an occasional pop sound from the rear when turning. Had that fixed twice but it’s consistent. Recently added a K&n cold air intake but that’s all I’ve done to the car.
Lowered on eibachs at 78k miles and have had 19s and now 20s on the car.
1 issue I ran into was the delay in acceleration and got the valve body replaced and CVT flushed at 75k. 20" AG M540 Wheels Front - 20x10.5 +45 Rear - 20x 10.5 +35 Rear
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Thank you! Saved me on this one! Since then, nothing major. About to pass 100k miles. So with regular maintenance and care, the car will take care of you.
Still going strong 3 CVT fluid changes, oil changed religiously, valve body changed at 75K for a warranty repair, most suspension parts changed because Denver. Other than than its acting like a Honda/Toyota.
Last edited by Omar Yusuf; 02-02-2024 at 03:29 PM.
Still going strong 3 CVT Tranny changes, oil changed religiously, valve body changed at 75K for a warranty repair, most suspension parts changed because Denver. Other than than its acting like a Honda/Toyota.
My 2017 SL is now at 140,000 miles. Nothing major so far. CVT fluid every 30k miles. Did the spark plugs at 110k. My control arms or something is starting to wear (or so my dealer says)
I do think my alternator is showing some signs of needing to be replaced though. There was one instance of me losing power on the highway with no acceleration so I pulled over and then I turned off my car and then it wouldn't turn on again. Got a jump, changed the battery and it was fine but the battery warning light flashes on and off sometimes under medium to hard acceleration. Then it goes away. This happens every so often.
I recently got a Miata so will be daily driving that so the Maxima probably won't be growing in miles alot going forward.
04-26-2020, 07:42 AM
