I've been looking to buy a maxima for the past few months. I almost got a 96 5spd, but let it slip. My dad's friend has a 2000 (GXE I think) which was just in the shop for MAF and O2 sensor replacements. I could get a good deal on the 2000, about $9,000 (thats a good deal right?), but I've been reading of lots of problems with the early 5th gens. I'd much rather have a 4th gen if its more reliable, even if there is a 30+hp difference.

Please give me your opinions, thanks

 

if u looking for 4gen go with 97-99 ones in 5sp if u can find them..

 

If you're going to buy a 5th gen, you must get a 2k2 or newer with the 3.5 liter engine. Otherwise the extra 30hp in the 2k/2k1 will not offset the extra weight when compared to a 4th gen. I'm partial to the 4th gen myself.

 

96-97 or 02-03

 

97 to the max (pun intended)

I agree with everyone else. I like the 97/98 and 99 SE-L for 4th gen, and 2k2/2k3 for 5th gen only. Spent a very long time searching for my baby and I absolutely love it.

All the scrapes and gouges show up horribly, it shows all the dirt and damn near impossible to avoid even water spots. But I don't care, black is sexy as hell. Here is a pic after a 5 hour wash/wash/polish/wax session; it was so glossy I couldnt even see the gouges I knew were still there, too much reflection from the scenery



look at that shine...

 

4th gens own all

 

yeap. get 4th gen

 

thanks for the responses guys. I'm not much worried about the power/weight ratio -- I drive a 4 cyl Toyota pickup right now, so whatever max I get will be running double the horsepower. What I'm REALLY concerned about is the durability of this car, over its performance. I can't be spending my life's saving on a basket-case of a car, you know

 

Well said
97-99 SE
or
02/03 if you want late model sporty goodlooking Max.

 

So for a 4 gen you guys wouldn't recommend a 1995 or 96? Why?

 

I got to actually drive the car today, t'was a lot of fun I've only ever driven two maximas, totalling about 16.3 minutes of drive time, so I'm in love with the car. What I really am trying to get out of you guys is whether or not the 2000's are problematic.

By the way, the car was in the shop getting ignition coil(s?) replaced just a few weeks ago, its got 92k miles on it.

Thanks guys.

 

Sounds to me that if the coils, maf, and o2's are new then you have most of the problems out of the way.

IMO, I'd take a 5th gen over a 4th gen because it is newer.

 

Yea I always wondered this too, since the fastest (modded) and lightest Maxes are these years. I guess we are just assuming newer = better condition.

 

Well for the 4th gens,most people like the 97-99's for the updated more agressive look. For the 5th gen the same applies to the 02/03 but it recieved alot more features, more power and whole lot more torque, thats why they are preferred in there perspective generations.

 

I guess its all relative. I've been driving a 4 cylinder pickup, which barely goes up hills, and tips like crazy on corners. I think that doubling my hosepower for my second vehicle will be more that adequate.

Are the problems with the coils, and o2/maf sensors recurring, or more like 'once-time' problems (bad factory equipment?) I think I over-analyse everything....