I've driven an '02 SE quite a bit, but can't afford to buy one. I'm thinking of a mid 90's, possibly early 90's SE 5speed. I know that '95 was the first year for the torsion beam rear suspension...any objective opinions on this? It's odd to think Nissan went from A arms to a beam rear. I'll be autoxing this car often, and looking for opinions from folks who've driven more than one. Thanks!

 

An old boss of mine had a 96 auto for his daily driver and loved it. Then he drove his brothers 3rd gen 5-speed (I dont remember what year). He said they both handled well, but the 3rd gen was incredible at the corners. I would take a 4th gen personally just because I like the looks better, but its up to you.
Good luck,
Dan

 

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen - Independent Rear Suspension.

4th and 5th Gen - No Independant Rear Suspension.

They tried to make it sound cool by advertising it as something cool. "Multi-Link Beam"....but it just sucks.

If all you want is handling, then get a 3rd Gen.

IanS

 

i have a 4th gen, and i think its one of the worst handling cars. it feels like a boat. if you're going to use this as an autox car, i'd look around and compare to some different cars other than maxima's.
i have ground controls, rsb, fstb and the handling is OK, but nothing to brag about. i think a prelude would be a good cheap car for autox.

 

I hate the rear suspension setup on mine. The independant suspension is so much better.

 

If you think the 4th gen is bad, the 5th gen is even worse..

ED

 

each gen the max gets bigger and better, the suspension on my max is horrible. i have a FSTB and RSB and my sister's corella 97 can still out handle me

 

Put the right struts/shocks in and the boat becomes a 4 door sprots car.

 

 

KYB AGX/ Sprint/ FSTB and my car now takes the curves like a cake. is like day and night!

 

I rode in VYRUS's car..and i dont remember exactly what he has but the handling was Soooo much better..its sucks prety bad stock but i guess it just goes to show that our handling can be improved by a lot..he had so much less body roll than me and everything it was just weird because im so used to my sucky handling, after riding in his car, thats what im saving for now...the only thing i dont want is to sit as low as he does.

 

yeah if you want best handling, just add on FSTB/RSB/coilovers
you'll get better than ANY OEM Maxima for sure....

 

Agreed, although i'm still unsatisfied with my handling and i have almost everything recommended for handling except a rstb. I have fstb, sprint springs (2 inch drop), kyb's, rsb, and bigger than stock rims/tires and my handling is much better but i'm not touching many 4 door sedans out there when it comes to handling...

 

right now i am doing the RSB, FSTB combo, but i am still stuck on lowering the car.i really want to lower it for looks and handling, but i just cant bring myself to spend $300 on kyb's.

i need a magical spring! something that gives a great drop, doesnt sacrifice ride, and does not require to upgrade struts

 

no spring requires to upgrade struts... its just recommended. I dont plan on upgrading struts when I put my eibachs on.

 

Doesnt the 2004 max have an independent rear suspention?

 

I think my 4th gen with its suspension setup could take a 3rd gen at the track no problemo

Kei Office Coilovers bebe

Maxima isnt the best choice for auto-x anyways.... unless you like playing soccer with one leg, or playing basketball with one arm

 

Have you guys ever noticed the stiker on the 3rd Gen Maximas that says 4DSC Four Door Sports Car, I want one of those after I get my suspension