I'm currently doing research on used maximas and accords(to buy when the market stabilizes a bit). All I want is a Japanese V6 with a sizeable cabin, is that so much to ask??
Apparently it is because they're all made with CVTs now, which haven't been getting the best reviews. In fact they've been getting literally the worst reviews.

In the list of affected vehicles I see the altimas, rogues, etc. cited a lot but I don't see the maximas as much. This doesn't make sense to me because if the issues are primarily coming from heat and being driven hard... you would think that the maximas, especially SR's, would be the first ones to blow up. Those get driven the hardest as they've been purchased specifically for sporty driving. I also haven't seen as many posts about newer(2018+)models, perhaps enough of the new ones haven't hit around 70k miles yet which is when a lot of them are slipping and exploding? Since I'll be buying used and there's no way of knowing how hard the car has actually been driven I have to be safe and assume the worst. All of this is kind of steering me away from Nissan and I've been eyeing the V6 accords from 2017(last models without CVTs).

I'd like to hear from anybody that's been hammering their maximas, or has over 70k on a newer(2018+). Thoughts?

 

Since 2007, I have had five Maximas with the CVT transmissions, for a total of well over 400K miles- four other Maximas, starting in 1990- the last three, including my 2020 have been SR models. My 2017 was gifted to my son with 130K on it, he "hammers" it quite well, I am sure and he just sold it for 4K with 180 K on it, as he just bought a Model 3 Performance from Tesla. I follow the factory service recommendations and have had no issues with the CVT, or any other components. I keep buying Maximas for that reason, my cars have been 100% reliable, with only wear items needing attention. I have a good rapport with my dealer and have never heard of a CVT slipping or "blowing up". Drive the Maxima and then drive the Honda...easy decision...if you do your research, I am sure you will find a strong contender to get you into the Nissan. My SR is a blast to drive quickly, but it's not a sports car per se... Focus on a Platinum if you're concerned about the SRs being driven too hard- Maxima drivers tend to be a bit more conservative than the folks behind the wheel of a Type R Civic or a Subaru WRX...good luck, your patience will be rewarded!

 

The Maximas haven't had many issues with the CVTs like the Altimas and Sentras and I've read it could be because the Maxima CVT is a different unit built stronger to handle the extra horsepower and torque compared to the weaker vehicles in the lineup.

That being said, anecdotal but my 2010 Altima is 150k miles plus and that's just with normal maintenance.. my Maxima is going strong as well.

Also worth noting that the 2.0T Accords have 10 speed autos. Though they are not as nice as Maximas they are just as quick. Even faster with a Hondata tune.

 

I believe your premise is way off base. If you look at the demographic that purchases the Maxima, I would bet it is much closer to the Camry. I see a lot every day..almost always older, to very older individuals driving normally. If not, professionals in their cars driving normally. Your cheaper models are the ones that are going to get hammered daily by the youngins. Older people tend to take care of their cars and perform all maint. Not many people buys a Maxima to be a race car driver. Just my opinion.

 

Why did he sell that '17 Max for so cheap, 4k is way on the extra cheap side even with 180k and especially in this market with used car prices out of the roof?

 

I used to be a die hard honda guy, so I don't just say this because I currently have a maxima, but my maxima is my favorite car I've ever owned. I haven't put THAT many miles on it so I can't really speak to long term reliability, but I can tell you that over the years of having hondas, I had a fair share of issues with them. My wife currently has a 2020 passport and it's already been in the shop for faulty sensors. I'd also recommend looking at new before you decide to go used. The difference between a used max and a new one isn't all that much at this point. You can definitely get the dealer down on the price of a new maxima

 

Why did he sell that '17 Max for so cheap, 4k is way on the extra cheap side even with 180k and especially in this market with used car prices out of the roof?

Car had sustained some cosmetic damage in a minor shunt with a guardrail on Mulholland, needed a right front wing, rear quarter panel and door skin, tires/ brakes were shot and he needed quick cash for the Tesla...car served us both quite well..

 

- I would love a source on that because if it's true that's very reassuring. To all the people citing "regular maintenance" that isn't really a thing when you buy used. There's obviously no way of knowing exactly how much care was taken by the previous owner.

- Oh man I don't know how I missed that you're right. There's a current gen non-CVT accord with 252hp, I thought they were all CVTs. Points for honda still offering options, imagine an ultra-reliable traditional trans maxima. Maybe they would last too long and nissan doesn't want that.

 

I'm sorry but I don't see old timers buying SR's or 300hp cars in general. I see boatloads of old people in camrys.

Also, sentra = corolla, altima = camry, maxima = avalon.

 

truth

 

Gotcha

 

The accord 2.0 turbo is a bit faster than the maxima (I believe). However I still think the maxima overall is a better car. My wife has a 2020 passport and while the infortainment system looks a bit nicer, my maximas is alot easier to use (Imo). Also, the maximas stereo (if you care at all) is 50x's better than any Honda stereo. Even the base factory maxima stereo sounds way better than anything in a Honda (I've had both the base maxima stereo and currently have the bose). Both cars are nice cars, but overall I think the maxima is a better value

 

Would the 2.0 Turbo Accord be faster than the Maxima in Sport mode?

 

[QUOTE=inquisitive;9239423]- I would love a source on that because if it's true that's very reassuring. To all the people citing "regular maintenance" that isn't really a thing when you buy used. There's obviously no way of knowing exactly how much care was taken by the previous owner.

Sometimes you get lucky. When I got my 2010 Platinum it had one previous owner and he kept all records of all the service he had done while he owned it.

 

It's like 2 tenths faster or something like that according to the testing magazines and sites. I'd assume they use whatever is available stock to test the fastest times possible on the cars.
The Accord isn't gonna be noticeably faster (especially in normal operation) but on paper it is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by inquisitive

- I would love a source on that because if it's true that's very reassuring. To all the people citing "regular maintenance" that isn't really a thing when you buy used. There's obviously no way of knowing exactly how much care was taken by the previous owner.

I don't have an official source or study on the Maxima CVT being a different JATCO CVT, but just what my service center has told me based on their experience in the PHX metro area. Also from what I've read online and people's posts online about the V6 paired CVTs on the Altimas and Maxima. And yeah just try to get the carfax if possible or the service records, I got mine with low miles and it had a full service history so I wasn't too concerned.

Quote:

Originally Posted by inquisitive

imagine an ultra-reliable traditional trans maxima. Maybe they would last

I wouldn't be so cynical or conspiracy about the use of the CVT. It's cheaper to use and less moving parts and better on fuel so they used it cause it costs them less to put in their cars and they can advertise better MPGs. Simple as that. Plus if they made it fail early on purpose, not only do you have damaged reputation (which is already the case currently) you have to extend the warranty and lose money repairing all those CVTs (which is also the case already).

 

Buy a Lexus ES 350 F-Sport. Still front wheel drive (if that's what you like, Japanese V6 and nearly identical size to the Maxima inside). Much more reliable than Nissan and no CVT. But more money (you're paying for higher quality).

 

yep

 

I was mostly joking, I believe it's 80% for the cost effectiveness and MPG, 20% for planed obsolescence as the added bonus.

 

ya thats literally twice the price lol. plus who wants to say they drive a lexus, gross

 

I was mostly joking, I believe it's 80% for the cost effectiveness and MPG, 20% for planed obsolescence as the added bonus.


Why not buy a car so we can move on? Your concerns are essentially unfounded and purchasing a car either from a reputable dealer or private party should yield the result you are seeking, or suck it up and BUY NEW!! The Maxima CVT is a proven product, Nissan was using CVTs in commercial vehicles long before use in passenger cars...you're just showing your ignorance while trying to entertain a group of people with far more real world experience in terms of ownership.

 

Why not buy a car so we can move on? Your concerns are essentially unfounded and purchasing a car either from a reputable dealer or private party should yield the result you are seeking, or suck it up and BUY NEW!! The Maxima CVT is a proven product, Nissan was using CVTs in commercial vehicles long before use in passenger cars...you're just showing your ignorance while trying to entertain a group of people with far more real world experience in terms of ownership. [/QUOTE]
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Looks like I struck a nerve hah. Unintended, just doing research for a large purchase.
Also no offense but you do qualify as the definition of a fanboy if you've owned 5 of these in a row.
You also stated you purchased multiple of these Jatco CVTs throughout their problem periods. Maybe you enjoy gambling but I don't, and that's not what most would classify as being a savvy buyer, so I think I'm good on advice from you.

2013's News, consumers and mechanics : "These are failing"
You : "I'll have another"

Glad they worked out for you though.

 

You've owned 5 maximas, obviously you're going to say buy one.
You also kept buying them during the CVT problem years when it was clearly a gamble to do so.
No offense but I'd like to hear from some non-fanboys as well.
Glad they worked out for you though, many others with JATCO CVTs were not as lucky.

 

I mean he kept buying them and they kept working for him through many miles even through the "worst" CVT years so that's still a worthwhile data point to consider. It's not like they kept failing him and then he kept buying.

You've also gotten a few other people saying they haven't had issues with the Maxima CVT both grandma driving and aggressively driving it. Other posts in the 8th gen forum also repeat the same points.

Just keep up with the maintenance like any car and don't thrash it and you'll be fine. No car is immune to failures. My friend's 2 year old Camry had the transmission replaced and that's a Toyota! The most reliable brand out there. Sometimes it happens.

A huge majority of the CVT failures are from the cheaper 4 cylinder cars too or the SUVs that tow/are heavier than a sedan. Last time I asked, my service hasn't really had to deal with the V6 paired Altimas either let alone the Maximas

 

It was never a "gamble" to buy a Maxima with a CVT, there were no specific "problem years" to speak of.. And I have owned a total of nine Maximas since 1990... I really don't give a s**t what you do, and referring to me as a "fanboy" IS offensive- you don't have any real world knowledge of the brand, and continue to display that, at least you are consistent...as a clown..My suggestion would be to buy the Honda, and go away..

 

My experience (your results may vary):
I have 103K miles on my '16 SV that I bought new. I changed the fluid @60K miles based on my dealer's recommendation. I will change it again @120K miles (they don't want me doing it sooner/not necessary from their experience).
I drive a tad "agressive", but I don't race the car, power-brake it. etc. I am a Mechanical Engineer, so I respect the car and what it can and cannot do. However, I will go WOT with it at least a couple of times a day when nobody's looking (shhhhh).
My last car was an '07 Altima 3.5 SE that lasted until 170K miles, then the CVT and VVT went out; but I felt I got my money's worth out of the car.
That being said, I do feel the CVT is this car's weak link; but I also think most transmissions go out anyway and this one's not too different (if you don't kill it).

 

Let me introduce you to Toyota....

 

I’m not sure what the CVT problems on the Maxima are that you are referring to. What are the the specific problems and the model years? I’ve owned four Maximas and the cvt has performed flawlessly on all of them. I did have a ‘13 Altima that had terrible cvt problems … but the difference of the cvt performance in the Maxima was obvious. The Pathfinder also had severe CVT issues back then, but I am not aware of any inherent problems on the Maxima.. ever. What is your evidence of persistent issues on the Max… ? I’d really be interested as I have done a ton of research on this… Altima certainly had problems… Pathfinder for sure…but on the Maxima that is news to me. If you simply don’t like how the cvt drives, fine… but that’s a different complaint IMO.

 

Me 9798 and Max2013, thanks for adding your thoughts on the OP's posts, he is a troll and as you both stated, his research into Maxima CVT issues is misdirected at best...hopefully he will find a great deal on a lightly used Chrysler 200 or a Pontiac Aztek as they have reported no CVT issues...

 

You come in forum shouting with caps lock and exclamation points like a pre-teen... and I'm the clown? Alright tiger.

My research found that JATCO CVTs were having issues for awhile. Yes it's been mainly the senta, altima, rogue, pathfinder... the list goes on. It's been almost everything Nissan touched in those sketchy years. I didn't see as much about the maximas, however they are less popular cars so it's logically possible that they weren't reported as much. I don't know, that's why I'm hear, asking you folks. That's what you do when you don't know, you ask.
Now when I get information from denoose who has a ****ing maxima dealership in his garage, ya I'm going note his opinion, take it with a large grain of salt, and still ask around. Hopefully hear from people who have owned a wider range of vehicles. Of course, that grain of salt gets even bigger when he's typing in caps making an *** out of himself.

 

So easy to be the "voice of reason" here, isn't it? Numerous messages in reply to your original post mentioned that this forum is focused on one Nissan model, and yet you continue to obsess over supposed CVT issues with other models. Other members of the forum have questioned the validity of your "research"., so enjoy your grain of salt, I have had enough of your rhetoric.

 

+1

 

One of more than a few posts that dispute your nonsense- now, go to your room and stand in the corner:

they kept working for him through many miles even through the "worst" CVT years so that's still a worthwhile data point to consider. It's not like they kept failing him and then he kept buying.

You've also gotten a few other people saying they haven't had issues with the Maxima CVT both grandma driving and aggressively driving it. Other posts in the 8th gen forum also repeat the same points.

Just keep up with the maintenance like any car and don't thrash it and you'll be fine. No car is immune to failures. My friend's 2 year old Camry had the transmission replaced and that's a Toyota! The most reliable brand out there. Sometimes it happens.

A huge majority of the CVT failures are from the cheaper 4 cylinder cars too or the SUVs that tow/are heavier than a sedan. Last time I asked, my service hasn't really had to deal with the V6 paired Altimas either let alone the Maximas

 

1.) Nobody claiming to be a voice of reason here but you. I'm here asking questions and have gotten some great responses from everybody else.
2.) Interesting PM you just sent me. I'll just leave it here for everybody to judge for themselves...

denoose : "Oh, and listen, *******- it's easy to be exactly that on a public forum when you have the luxury of anonymity- people on this forum tried to answer your questions- and help you- myself included, and you continue to offend...you'll be gone shortly and we won't have to read your drivel, now go back to your thumb- sucking life, you moron."

Going off his rhetoric, I'd say he's not old enough to have a license yet. Would be a great time for a mod to step in, this guy is just vomiting all over the site, including in my PMs now.

 

I've owned 6 Maximas (94,97,03,12,14,17) and I'd never tell anyone to buy a Maxima. I'd honestly tell them to look elsewhere.

 

huh?
u didnt learn in 6 times?

 

I was wondering the same thing especially since the last 3 had CVTs.

 

Just had a short back and forth with a master tech on Reddit and they confirmed that the Maximas and V6 Altimas use a "more sturdy chain" driven CVT compared to the cheaper models.
Interesting! And thought I'd share

 

That is interesting. I believe it for the Maxima, but not so much for the V6 Altimas. I had a V6 Altima and I suffered with the exact same common problems as the cheaper models... and the Pathfinders. Moved on to a Maxima and the difference in the CVT was dramatic. I've had four Maximas and the CVT has been flawless in all of them.

 

Most were insurance replaced cars, the 97 replaced a wrecked 94. The 14 replaced a wrecked 12. The 03 was traded for the 97. The 17 they were practically giving away, $10K off sticker. Yeah, I'm done, I'm on the Lexus train now, GS 350 F Sport. The car the Maxima should have been. The 03 was the best made/best running (last of the Japan Maximas). The 17 by far is the worst of the bunch, pure garbage.

 

MSRP on the Lexus is 52K,- good for you, nice ride..rear or AWD...totally different architecture than the Maxima..