I’m hoping that someone on this board can help me get some information straight. I have a Consumer Guide Used Cars & Trucks book for 2002. Inside it lists average repair costs for each model reviewed. For the fourth and (fifth) generation Maximas it shows the following costs:

A/C Compressor $625 ($705)
Alternator 450 (290)
Automatic Transmission or
Transaxle 1080 (1310)
Brakes 210 (455)
Constant Velocity Joints 1145 (740)
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearings 515 (635)
Exhaust System 375 (480)
Radiator 445 (380)
Shocks/and or Struts 1530 (470)
Timing Chain or Belt 1305 (460)

I was under the impression that the fifth generation Maxima is a revision of the fourth generation chassis and mechanicals. So it seems surprising that repair costs on CVJ’s, Struts, and Timing Chains fell so dramatically. Does anyone know if these numbers are reasonable, and if so, why?

On a different specification I remember reading that my fourth generation Maxima has a turning diameter of 34.8 ft. while the 2000 Maxima’s number was 35.7 ft. I’ve been interested in buying a 2002 Maxima SE 6-speed, but just saw that it’s turning circle is 40 ft! Could this be true? And what would account for the huge change in the same generation?

Thanks in advance to anyone who might be able to help with these questions!

 

It has to do with different wheel/tire size, you probably have 15" or 16" wheels while the 2k2 is most likely with 17" and wider tires.