I know 3 gens are reliable but Ive heard lots of problems with trannys, exhuast studs, electrical, etc and the Altima is also a good car both are somewhat similar in power Alt - 150Hp, 154lb-ft torque
Max 160 and 182, both are slow. Its seems like the only thing Id be giving up is a bit of interior space (mostly in the back). what should I get ? consider the fact that I have a heavy foot(sometimes), Im tired of 5spd (until I have enough $$ for a G35 sedan 6spd)

 

3rd Gen Maxima, there's no doubt it my mind. They're solid.
-Cyrus

 

I have owned both.. I would DEFINITELY get the Max over the Altima. it's a much better car all around. better build quality and more features (and more money spent on it)
You also get a silky smooth VG30E compared to a KA24DE that spends like pretending it's a bumble bee.

I've also had more problems with the Altima than I have the maxima. on the max, the only problems I had to fix in 125k miles are normal maintenance stuff or stuff that I've broken myself like brakes and struts.. otherwise the only non-regular maintenance it required was a new alternator at 90k miles ($90 at local parts store, lifetime warranty). That's still pretty standard on any car though.. You can expect to replace SOMETHING on the car by 100k miles, and an alternator is cheap enough.

On the Altima, I've battled oil leaks, bad gaskets in the engine, bad engine mounts, weiiiird electrical problems such as dash lights that go on and off when they want, headlights that never stay aimed in the right direction, a check engine light that stays on permanently, warped brakes all the time, road noise, squeaks and rattles in the dashboard, and a host of other stupid problems. the left rear door switch doesn't work right and only turns on the dome light about 1% of the time the door is open. thta's a lot of fun when you're trying to get the groceries out of the back at night while it's raining..


If I had $6k to spend on a car again, it would DEFINITELY be on another Maxima. the wife and I are ready to drive this altima off a cliff and buy a friggin Honda.

 

Get the max,get the max,get the max,get the max.

 

just the opposite. i hate my 93 max se 5sp and loved my 93 altima gxe 5sp. altima had a smoother engine, though not as powerful, but adequate. No problems except for a random check engine light that always goes out on its own after 2 weeks. The rocker gasket does leak (there's a TSB for it, so don't wory). Other than that, I loved the car. BTW, I think the altima handles better.
The 93 max...has been a pita. Though it has 200k+ miles, it plain out sucks. Too much road noise. Worn everything. VTC. It does have wider seats, but I don't carry passengers. Feels heavy and like a boat.
It's really up to you and your budget. Personally, I'd go with whichever you find in better condition. It's very rare to find a good VE 5sp (well, you're going VG, so I guess it doesn't matter) but ther's more KA 5sp to choose from. The only reason we bought the Altima was cuz we were short on $. If we had another $1k, we woulda held out for a VE 5sp for my gf.
My bro's VE 5sp is still here...I hate it...unless we can fix the handling, exhaust leak, power steering, and VTC, I prefer my 97 Max 5sp
Jae

 

Go: Stock
Flow: Stock

that's why people mod cars: to improve on the original standards. There are few cars that come "perfect": the new infinitis and the bemers to mention a few. You have 200k on the car: don't you feel something has to be replaced to return it to brand new condition? not bashing you or anything, but that's what my cousin always said about spending money on cars. They are the worst investment you can make but if you want to have a reliable and comfortable car, you have to spend for it and not expect it to drop from the sky. Ask Matt93SE how much he has spent on his car for it to handle that way: nothing compared to the quality and condition he has now.

 

GXE for me ! I dont know why I like stuffing myself into smaller cars(G20) but at 6'5 and 310lbs I deffinetly need a Maxima

 

what year altima you have? my mom leased a 97 altima gxe limited edition, it was perfect no problems, nothing (except your regular oil changes) We turned it in at around 40k miles, so maybe the problems you described start to happen afterward

 

It all depends on what you want it for. If you want straight line power, the Max is the way to go, even the VG will smoke the Altima.

 

Call a weekend to goto SD. I think my gf's Altima will hang. She's bone stock, so bring a unmodded VG. I guess the only advantage she has is ghetto sts (which isn't much help) and non-cali-spec
Jae

 

you think? the VG's are putting down 182lb ft at like 2800rpm would be interesting to find out.

 

We've got all that torque, but die on the top. I could arrange a friendly race with an Altima if you would like to see some results?

 

do it! I think I put my money on the Max though, not cause I am a owner and enthusiast, just stats.

 

I love my 94 GXE and its definitely been extremely reliable through its 4 years with me, however I really lucked out when I bought one because the last owner was an absolute nut who kept track of MPG for every gas tank she ever filled up and the car was only serviced at the dealer for every single service, including even unneccessary stuff. If I was faced with choosing a 93 Alty GLE or 93 Max GXE, present day, I'd go with the Altima hands down. With a used 89-94 Maxima, I can basically guarantee a blown tranny and having to repair defective exhaust manifold studs, front and rear, as well as disabled VTC Total for those two repairs alone should be $2000. Matt, your really in the minority with your 97 Alty because those cars are usually very solid, peppy, and low maintenance. Mechanically I think of the 93-97 Alty the way I think of 95+ Maxima's, without any specific expected let downs.

Yes, my 94 was able to take out my friends 95 GXE Alty auto, but to 60, expect them nose to nose. If you'd be looking at the GLE Altima you can get everything the fully loaded Maxima GXE would have except heated mirrors and digital climate control.

 

I've heard of the 3rd gen automatic tranny problem, but never followed it as I have VE 5sp.
VG has VTC click-o-death? Didn't know that
KLoWnPR109, wanna come over to SD for a weekend meet and friendly race? Maybe I should post in the West Coast forum. What kinda straightline are we talking about? 0-60 and/or 1/4mi? Or 0-100 if we're insane?
Worse comes to worse, I borrow a GTECH and let chaos dictate the outcome.
Jae

 

VG doesnt have click and NYC I can have studs and VTC's fixed for under $1k with money to spare. Jae, Klown is in Texas and I was thinking 0-60mph.

 

<<NYC I can have studs and VTC's fixed for under $1k with money to spare.>>

Yep, notice I said $2K including the blown tranny which will run at least $1200, easily around $2000 in other states which arent as competitive as NYC. We are talking probably $3000 for the car he is looking to get, so an extra $2000+ makes a huge difference. I'm talking out of experience.

 

I'd get a 95+ Max with high miles.

 

I think the original poster was comparing two autos...in that case I'd have to say the Max would definently take the auto Alty. I've driven my buddy's '98 auto alty before and acceleration isn't nearly as "throw you back into the seat" like the VG Max is. but I wouldn't doubt a 5spd Alty and auto/5spd VG Max having a good competition on the other hand.

 

auto vs auto...If the VG tranny hasn't been rebuilt, it will die when it hits the top of 1st gear. Heh.
I've never ridden in an Altima with harsh shifting auto. On the other hand, I've owned, experienced, heard, and read about numerous VG autos getting thrashed. What was Nissan smoking in the late 80s/early 90s?
Man, what other Nissan comes with wood trim as a standard feature?! Gotta hand it to the Altima.
Jae

 

man you guys are really scaring me about getting a 92-94 GXE I might have to reconsider, **** Im going to lose sleep tonight. is the tranny really that bad ? I expected to post this then have all of you Max guy routing for the GXE but its like half and half now

BTW the GLE Altima has digital climate control

 

I'd SR20DET the G20 you have. Forget the autos man.

 

I need a bigger car (6'5 310lbs) A Max deffineltly suits me, if I had more $$$ I get a 95 and up Max and forget about the G20 (Ill take a 99 and up with a DET)

 

get the max - looks so much better as well

 

Foe sheezy!

 

Yeah, the 3rd gen auto tranny is truly a POS, defective and weak. Altima Auto is very solid and I if I were you, I'd definitely aim at a 95+ Maxima with high miles. You would be better off.