View Poll Results: What should I do?
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 36. You may not vote on this poll
Thinking my 4th gen auto is getting old, should I get a 2k2 5-speed?
10-16-2004, 06:27 PM
#1
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Thinking my 4th gen auto is getting old, should I get a 2k2 5-speed?
Sorry for the lengthy post, but like to hear some opinions about what YOU would do if you were in my shoes.
My 1995 SE automagic has been my faithful for a good 3+ years now. I've babied it so it looks as good as the first day I got it, if not better and runs just as well. There is a high possibility that I will cross paths with a well kept 2K2 6-speed (non HLSD) in less than 6 months, which has gotten me thinking as to what I should do.
My '95 SE automagic has just under 100k miles, pearl white exterior w/ sunroof and dark gray cloth interior, both in close to perfect condition. Ziebart 35% tint (lifetime) and annual Ziebart rustproofing and underbody coating which is quite ironic since I store it for the winter anyway and just use my winter beater. All original panels (VINs matching) and no accidents, clean title. Everything works perfectly with some small cosmetic mods (see sig).
Just had a comprehensive transmission rebuild (including solenoids) that costed a pretty penny, new starter motor put in at the dealer just this year. Suspension is stock, only needs front strut mounts. Rust is starting around the spoiler mounting (paint bubbled), making me contemplate a trunk lid change or a 97+ conversion but it's not noticeable yet so I'm holding it off.
I was planning to keep the car until she croaks, so was going to upgrade the suspension next year with Tokico springs and Illuminas all round, FSTB, LTB when I change the strut mounts out and switch to 17" wheels with some nice ZE512s to improve her appearance and ride. Powertrain, I'd keep stock because it's an automagic and I don't race, it's got enough get go as a grocery getter. With a 2K2 in my possible future path, I'm not sure if I should hold off and just mod the he*l out of a manual Maxima.
Here's my car situation right now:
1995 Maxima SE automagic for summer
2000 Escort 5spd for winter and all year round (just got it 1 month ago to replace my previous winter beater; a '91 Escort Pony 5spd)
I plan to get a 94-95 RX7 5spd as my "welcome to 25 years old" car since I've wanted one for 7 years now. It's a high maintenance car, it's something I want to own for a few years before moving on with life. However, getting a 2K2 will slow that down in the short run but in the long run I'll probably keep the 2K2 since Maximas are keepers.
What would you do:
1) Sell 4th gen auto, get 5th gen manual. Keep Escort as winter beater. Hold off RX-7 for a while.
2) Sell Escort, keep 4th gen auto as winter beater, get 5th gen manual. Hold off RX-7.
NOTE: Only problem is that I value my 4th gen too much since it's in such great shape that I don't know if I can doom its fate and use it as a winter car, take it downtown or crowded parking lots, leave it parked in questionable neighborhoods, etc. That's why I love the Escort, cheap, great mileage (regular gas) and no worries about where to park.
3) Keep 4th gen auto, forget 5th gen manual. Keep Escort as winter beater. Get RX-7 in the next couple of years.
As a sidenote, if you think I should sell my Max, how much can I probably get for her? I want to sell it on the org only who will appreciate Maximas.
I do appreciate any comments and reasons for them. Thanks
My 1995 SE automagic has been my faithful for a good 3+ years now. I've babied it so it looks as good as the first day I got it, if not better and runs just as well. There is a high possibility that I will cross paths with a well kept 2K2 6-speed (non HLSD) in less than 6 months, which has gotten me thinking as to what I should do.
My '95 SE automagic has just under 100k miles, pearl white exterior w/ sunroof and dark gray cloth interior, both in close to perfect condition. Ziebart 35% tint (lifetime) and annual Ziebart rustproofing and underbody coating which is quite ironic since I store it for the winter anyway and just use my winter beater. All original panels (VINs matching) and no accidents, clean title. Everything works perfectly with some small cosmetic mods (see sig).
Just had a comprehensive transmission rebuild (including solenoids) that costed a pretty penny, new starter motor put in at the dealer just this year. Suspension is stock, only needs front strut mounts. Rust is starting around the spoiler mounting (paint bubbled), making me contemplate a trunk lid change or a 97+ conversion but it's not noticeable yet so I'm holding it off.
I was planning to keep the car until she croaks, so was going to upgrade the suspension next year with Tokico springs and Illuminas all round, FSTB, LTB when I change the strut mounts out and switch to 17" wheels with some nice ZE512s to improve her appearance and ride. Powertrain, I'd keep stock because it's an automagic and I don't race, it's got enough get go as a grocery getter. With a 2K2 in my possible future path, I'm not sure if I should hold off and just mod the he*l out of a manual Maxima.
Here's my car situation right now:
1995 Maxima SE automagic for summer
2000 Escort 5spd for winter and all year round (just got it 1 month ago to replace my previous winter beater; a '91 Escort Pony 5spd)
I plan to get a 94-95 RX7 5spd as my "welcome to 25 years old" car since I've wanted one for 7 years now. It's a high maintenance car, it's something I want to own for a few years before moving on with life. However, getting a 2K2 will slow that down in the short run but in the long run I'll probably keep the 2K2 since Maximas are keepers.
What would you do:
1) Sell 4th gen auto, get 5th gen manual. Keep Escort as winter beater. Hold off RX-7 for a while.
2) Sell Escort, keep 4th gen auto as winter beater, get 5th gen manual. Hold off RX-7.
NOTE: Only problem is that I value my 4th gen too much since it's in such great shape that I don't know if I can doom its fate and use it as a winter car, take it downtown or crowded parking lots, leave it parked in questionable neighborhoods, etc. That's why I love the Escort, cheap, great mileage (regular gas) and no worries about where to park.
3) Keep 4th gen auto, forget 5th gen manual. Keep Escort as winter beater. Get RX-7 in the next couple of years.
As a sidenote, if you think I should sell my Max, how much can I probably get for her? I want to sell it on the org only who will appreciate Maximas.
I do appreciate any comments and reasons for them. Thanks
10-16-2004, 11:41 PM
#6
The max is a great car. As is the Rx. But practicality is a major factor in this, as it has been stated by others. I say Max. Personally, I never drive my max in the winter. That's why my 91 240 is for. Kinda backasswards huh? FWD is my summer car, and RWD is my winter.
10-17-2004, 10:13 AM
#8
In all due respect, I would just keep the 95 and the Escort, modiffy the 95 with a tasty turbo kit and completly forget about the RX-7. RX7s are money pits, my friend had 2 93 R1 RXs and both of them needed engines at around 90K miles and where not beat on. They had simple bolt ons, after a engine rebuild with larger apex seals the motor still ran bad. They are trully nice lookind and handling vehicles, but I would ditch the 13B for a 3SGTE or a SR20- which do fit under the hood too and make the car a really really nice performance vehicle. 02 6spd will not be as reliable as a 95 will be.
10-17-2004, 03:51 PM
#11
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Originally Posted by BlackBIRDVQ
In all due respect, I would just keep the 95 and the Escort, modiffy the 95 with a tasty turbo kit and completly forget about the RX-7. RX7s are money pits, my friend had 2 93 R1 RXs and both of them needed engines at around 90K miles and where not beat on. They had simple bolt ons, after a engine rebuild with larger apex seals the motor still ran bad. They are trully nice lookind and handling vehicles, but I would ditch the 13B for a 3SGTE or a SR20- which do fit under the hood too and make the car a really really nice performance vehicle. 02 6spd will not be as reliable as a 95 will be.
The RX7 is a money pit, that's why I'm not getting one until I have about 4Gs set aside for a new engine. When I do get an RX7 though, I don't think I'll swap out the 13B ... the whole reason I want to get an RX7 is because of the rotary
Why is the 2K2 6spd not as reliable as the 95?
Originally Posted by vsamoylov
i think that the rx7 is not as reliable as a max.
Right now, I'm thinking the same as ohannon7 ... get a faster, more fun daily driver (2K2 6spd) but the FD is still on the master plan (even though I'll probably own it for a few years only).
10-17-2004, 04:14 PM
#12
[QUOTE=pocketrocket]BlackBIRDVQ, I thought about modding my 95 with a supercharger or turbocharger but with it being an auto, I didn't really see much of a point.
The RX7 is a money pit, that's why I'm not getting one until I have about 4Gs set aside for a new engine. When I do get an RX7 though, I don't think I'll swap out the 13B ... the whole reason I want to get an RX7 is because of the rotary
Why is the 2K2 6spd not as reliable as the 95?
QUOTE]
Turbocharged automatics are still pretty fast, just look at the worlds fastest 350Z that runs 8s, the fastest Supras, etc ? Yeah they do not use stock trannies. You do not loose boost between shifts, and can launch alot better with a auto than 5spd- prespool the turbo by brake torqueing the engine, building up exhaust pressures in the manifold/yipe and prespooling the turbo for a launch no 5spd Maxima could match. Personally having rebuild rotaries, doing port modifications to it, I wouldn't want one for reasons like- fragile, hate the sound, gas guzzlers, tend to overheat very EZ. Parts are expensive, and fiding them is not so EZ. There have been alot of quality problems with the 5th gen Maximas, MAFs, trannies (02-03 autos), 6spd tend to make noises, or grind. They also have issues with VTCs that like to rattle at start up, wheel bearing problems on the higher mileage cars. 4th gens are much older but still hold up fairly well. But then again alot of the 5th gen guys are a buncha whinning little pussies. Another thing that keeps me coming back to the keeping of a 4th gen is- its probably paid off right ? meaning no car payment to worry bout or anything. I hate car payments, having one more year left on my 01 I can't wait to get out of paying NMAC every 29th of each month. I thought bout purchassing a brand new M5 when it comes out, but thinking I have to put down alot of $$$ and have a car payment for the next 5 years, just turns me away from it. As awesome as the car is, its not worth me payn for it for the next 5 years. I reather buy a 300ZX TT cash, and mod the shizznit out of it.
The RX7 is a money pit, that's why I'm not getting one until I have about 4Gs set aside for a new engine. When I do get an RX7 though, I don't think I'll swap out the 13B ... the whole reason I want to get an RX7 is because of the rotary
Why is the 2K2 6spd not as reliable as the 95?
QUOTE]
Turbocharged automatics are still pretty fast, just look at the worlds fastest 350Z that runs 8s, the fastest Supras, etc ? Yeah they do not use stock trannies. You do not loose boost between shifts, and can launch alot better with a auto than 5spd- prespool the turbo by brake torqueing the engine, building up exhaust pressures in the manifold/yipe and prespooling the turbo for a launch no 5spd Maxima could match. Personally having rebuild rotaries, doing port modifications to it, I wouldn't want one for reasons like- fragile, hate the sound, gas guzzlers, tend to overheat very EZ. Parts are expensive, and fiding them is not so EZ. There have been alot of quality problems with the 5th gen Maximas, MAFs, trannies (02-03 autos), 6spd tend to make noises, or grind. They also have issues with VTCs that like to rattle at start up, wheel bearing problems on the higher mileage cars. 4th gens are much older but still hold up fairly well. But then again alot of the 5th gen guys are a buncha whinning little pussies. Another thing that keeps me coming back to the keeping of a 4th gen is- its probably paid off right ? meaning no car payment to worry bout or anything. I hate car payments, having one more year left on my 01 I can't wait to get out of paying NMAC every 29th of each month. I thought bout purchassing a brand new M5 when it comes out, but thinking I have to put down alot of $$$ and have a car payment for the next 5 years, just turns me away from it. As awesome as the car is, its not worth me payn for it for the next 5 years. I reather buy a 300ZX TT cash, and mod the shizznit out of it.
10-17-2004, 05:54 PM
#14
In my book, if you have the means, having a beater car and a fun car is the way to go. Unfortunately, both your cars currently aren't worth very much at all. If you get a 2k2 and an RX7, that amounts to quite a bit of cash.
Personally, unless the 2k2 is too good to pass up, I would keep your existing cars and use any available fund you have for your next purchase...that means no more modding too. A 1995 max will start to need numerous repairs too (I know mine has!).
Personally, unless the 2k2 is too good to pass up, I would keep your existing cars and use any available fund you have for your next purchase...that means no more modding too. A 1995 max will start to need numerous repairs too (I know mine has!).
10-18-2004, 11:03 PM
#15
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I say keep the 4th gen as your fair weather driver, its a good car the way it is, perhaps some Illuminas and H&R's and you have a great daily driver . . . and go find a good condition FD , and have fun with it. Those RX7's have a bad rep of their high maint. but they're great cars and you would have so much more fun driving the RX7 than a modded 5th gen IMO.
10-19-2004, 05:56 AM
#16
Originally Posted by BlackBIRDVQ
Turbocharged automatics are still pretty fast, just look at the worlds fastest 350Z that runs 8s, the fastest Supras, etc ? Yeah they do not use stock trannies. You do not loose boost between shifts, and can launch alot better with a auto than 5spd- prespool the turbo by brake torqueing the engine, building up exhaust pressures in the manifold/yipe and prespooling the turbo for a launch no 5spd Maxima could match. Personally having rebuild rotaries, doing port modifications to it, I wouldn't want one for reasons like- fragile, hate the sound, gas guzzlers, tend to overheat very EZ. Parts are expensive, and fiding them is not so EZ. There have been alot of quality problems with the 5th gen Maximas, MAFs, trannies (02-03 autos), 6spd tend to make noises, or grind. They also have issues with VTCs that like to rattle at start up, wheel bearing problems on the higher mileage cars. 4th gens are much older but still hold up fairly well. But then again alot of the 5th gen guys are a buncha whinning little pussies. Another thing that keeps me coming back to the keeping of a 4th gen is- its probably paid off right ? meaning no car payment to worry bout or anything. I hate car payments, having one more year left on my 01 I can't wait to get out of paying NMAC every 29th of each month. I thought bout purchassing a brand new M5 when it comes out, but thinking I have to put down alot of $$$ and have a car payment for the next 5 years, just turns me away from it. As awesome as the car is, its not worth me payn for it for the next 5 years. I reather buy a 300ZX TT cash, and mod the shizznit out of it.
It doesn't matter what car you own, you will always be a
Your 4th gen is a pos. Face it. Deal with it. Accept it.
10-19-2004, 11:28 AM
#18
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Posts: 1,594
Keep the 4th gen and don't buy anything, or use it as a winter beater. It may be in good condition, but let's get real - it's a decade old now. I'd have no problem with brutalizing it in the snow and salt, and really I don't know why you bought an escort. It makes more sense jut to drive that old 4th gen until it's a rust bucket, IMO.
10-26-2004, 03:16 PM
#20
I wish I had your problem. If you got a few extra dollars to spare, why don't you send me a check j/k
It was not wise to have a 9 yr old Maxima and an Escort at first. Your Max is not some collectable car to be in storage. Max is made to be driven, thats why you fixed that tranny. Forget about RX7, it will make you pour tons of money into it but will deliver only a short-term happiness.
I would narrow your choices to the following:
1) get rid of Escort, keep the Max for as long as nothing major breaks down (dude, your Max is old, and it may last you only another 2-3 yrs). Save money for smthg you may like more than RX7.
2) get rid of your 1995 Max and Escort for a nice 2k2 6speed. Mod the shiet out of it so you are happy keeping it for a few yrs. Save the money you would have spent on upkeep and insurance of RX7 and take a vacation near Red Light district of Amsterdam lol.
It was not wise to have a 9 yr old Maxima and an Escort at first. Your Max is not some collectable car to be in storage. Max is made to be driven, thats why you fixed that tranny. Forget about RX7, it will make you pour tons of money into it but will deliver only a short-term happiness.
I would narrow your choices to the following:
1) get rid of Escort, keep the Max for as long as nothing major breaks down (dude, your Max is old, and it may last you only another 2-3 yrs). Save money for smthg you may like more than RX7.
2) get rid of your 1995 Max and Escort for a nice 2k2 6speed. Mod the shiet out of it so you are happy keeping it for a few yrs. Save the money you would have spent on upkeep and insurance of RX7 and take a vacation near Red Light district of Amsterdam lol.
10-26-2004, 08:50 PM
#21
What makes his Maxima old ? is it the AGE ? or is it the miles ? So since my 01 has 100K miles it would not last me another 6 years of driving ? I don't understand how some people can just say- car is old need to get rid of it. I had a 13 year old 300K mile Maxima last winter for my daily driver, it was dependable and all. Investing $$$ into a RX-7 I guess for some people a good experience. I never have been a Rotary fan, simply cause they sound like azz and don't last long. I say do a 97 conversion on the 4th gen, put a MEVI or even better DE-K intake manifold on it, some headers, ECU and keep it that way for a long time.
10-27-2004, 11:50 AM
#22
a car with higher mileage is more likely to have mechanical breakdowns. If you are trying to say that a 9 yr old car with 100K mi is more reliable than a 2k2 with 30K mi you must be smoking. It all depends however, because some ppl have more sentimental value in their cars than other ppl thats why they will say their **** is the best, but would not risk taking their car on a long distance trip. If you out 100K mi on your 2k1 in 3 yrs, it doesn't mean your car will last another 6 yrs. Even if the engine will start and run, you also got many more components in the car that will wear out and make the car unsafe.
10-31-2004, 06:24 AM
#23
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Wow! Quite a read. Thanks for the numerous posts.
While the 4th gen is a great car, I don't deny that age and mileage has and will keep taking a toll on what is now a 10 year old car. Suspension will probably need work soon (it already needs front strut mounts), then comes the exhaust, then who knows. For the long term, that is why I'm looking at snagging the 2K2 6spd w/ low miles. The 6th gen has grown way out of proportion to my liking.
The reason why I got the Escort as a winter beater is because it only cost me $3k for a 2000 5spd in great shape w/ 73k miles. I've seen way too many accidents in the winter time here, majority of them I'd say are due to the number of people that can't drive well in the snow/ice but think they can. I go in to winter every year expecting a fender bender or worse and have only been hit once so far (while parked).
Anyways, I do appreciate all the feedback and opinions.
While the 4th gen is a great car, I don't deny that age and mileage has and will keep taking a toll on what is now a 10 year old car. Suspension will probably need work soon (it already needs front strut mounts), then comes the exhaust, then who knows. For the long term, that is why I'm looking at snagging the 2K2 6spd w/ low miles. The 6th gen has grown way out of proportion to my liking.
The reason why I got the Escort as a winter beater is because it only cost me $3k for a 2000 5spd in great shape w/ 73k miles. I've seen way too many accidents in the winter time here, majority of them I'd say are due to the number of people that can't drive well in the snow/ice but think they can. I go in to winter every year expecting a fender bender or worse and have only been hit once so far (while parked).
Anyways, I do appreciate all the feedback and opinions.
10-31-2004, 12:00 PM
#24
Didn't get to read all of it, but I would sell the maxima and keep the Escort for a few years, save up and buy the sports car of your dreams. You would be surprised how fast time flies. I am considering selling my car until school is over, invest the money now and eventually buy something better.
11-02-2004, 01:00 AM
#26
I think people are morons arent happy with anything always have to have a new car.
People always tell me also "get a new car why spend money on that" And "its gonna cost money for repairs just get a new car"
I find this funny because one i love my maxima more than newer cars and i could drive a 02 rsx thats at home if i choose but my maxima is a far better car. And two if i can get a tranny 01 with 13,000 miles for $500 put it in my car (its in now)then get a engine lets say a 3.150 liter build it up alittle with cams and some secret goodies
for a few thousand and have zero miles on it.
Why would i want to spend 25-35 thousand dollers on a new car that is harder than ever to mod . Latest emissions devices and all new cars soon will have government mandated black boxes that will tell on you.
Im sick of these overpriced bloated cars that are comeing out its a joke .
A 95 maxima loaded weighs around 2950-3000lbs a base 350z which is 15-20 inches shorter weighs 3188lbs
there is something wrong with this picture . But taking the 350 z as an example i love it but i hate what the american public has done to it and all other cars . For example i get in my father inlaws new gtp special edition he starts showing me a huge amount of gadgets like tire pressure moniters ,onstar,power everything ,heated everything. Then he talks about how fast it must be with all the power and the supercharger and im thinking my 96 max with no supercharger and almost a liter less of dicplacement can toast his cars *** but one thing he'll have is a heated ***.
This is why i will never buy a new car ever and if i do it will be a used 350z and it will lose 400lbs before i allow it to be called a sports car but all still keep my max
People always tell me also "get a new car why spend money on that" And "its gonna cost money for repairs just get a new car"
I find this funny because one i love my maxima more than newer cars and i could drive a 02 rsx thats at home if i choose but my maxima is a far better car. And two if i can get a tranny 01 with 13,000 miles for $500 put it in my car (its in now)then get a engine lets say a 3.150 liter build it up alittle with cams and some secret goodies
for a few thousand and have zero miles on it.Why would i want to spend 25-35 thousand dollers on a new car that is harder than ever to mod . Latest emissions devices and all new cars soon will have government mandated black boxes that will tell on you.
Im sick of these overpriced bloated cars that are comeing out its a joke .
A 95 maxima loaded weighs around 2950-3000lbs a base 350z which is 15-20 inches shorter weighs 3188lbs
there is something wrong with this picture . But taking the 350 z as an example i love it but i hate what the american public has done to it and all other cars . For example i get in my father inlaws new gtp special edition he starts showing me a huge amount of gadgets like tire pressure moniters ,onstar,power everything ,heated everything. Then he talks about how fast it must be with all the power and the supercharger and im thinking my 96 max with no supercharger and almost a liter less of dicplacement can toast his cars *** but one thing he'll have is a heated ***.This is why i will never buy a new car ever and if i do it will be a used 350z and it will lose 400lbs before i allow it to be called a sports car but all still keep my max
11-02-2004, 08:50 PM
#28
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Originally Posted by vsamoylov
well i would never spend that much money on a new car but that is me. on the other hand it it snice to have all the options but some of them you rarely will use.
11-02-2004, 09:34 PM
#29
Originally Posted by look2me40
It doesn't matter what car you own, you will always be a Your 4th gen is a pos. Face it. Deal with it. Accept it.
Your 4th gen is a pos. Face it. Deal with it. Accept it.
Originally Posted by Soul Fly
I'd go for the 8th gen 12spd
and it is turning into one!!!! :
11-03-2004, 12:02 AM
#30
lol Krismax,
The weight reduction disease is worsening!
But I agree with you l I would much rather drive an older lighter borderline luxury sport sedan than a bloated, heavy, mod unfriendly, "big brother is in here" sort of car. Technology in the creature comfort department looks like it =weight.
The weight reduction disease is worsening!
But I agree with you l I would much rather drive an older lighter borderline luxury sport sedan than a bloated, heavy, mod unfriendly, "big brother is in here" sort of car. Technology in the creature comfort department looks like it =weight.
11-21-2004, 09:07 AM
#32
I'd drive the car to it's death and then after that think about getting a better car. The reason being, if you do get the 5th gen now it's still not really what you want in the end and you'll be investing in another car that's going to loose value so in the end if you did that, it would take you a lot longer to get that RX7. BTW: The RX7 while being very high maintainence is an amazing car. Back in the days of the Supra TT and 300ZX TT it was the lightest, (slowest stock), but when modded it quickly became the fastest and the best handler as well. The only real reason they can be had for so cheap now is because of the reliability. I think it's looks have aged very well too, still hot IMHO.
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