Well, I am in one of those moods where I am thinking about which gen of Maxima I will purchase next.....This won't be for a long time since I need to get a new job that pays more. Overall, which would be the better pick by whatever reasons you have? Also, what are good prices for and what would be the average amount of miles that would be expected for one or the other car at this time? This is kind of a put your thoughts in for both 4th and 5th Gen

 

I'm a little biased towards the 4th gen, cause I own one. I chose it because of the cheaper price and the more conservative styling. The 5th gens are really nice though and sometimes I kinda wish I could get one too! Of course, they have more horsepower and they're more roomy but the price will be higher. I've heard they aren't quite as reliable as the 4th gens but I'm not sure if thats true or not. As for mileage, I know the so called "average" in Canada is 20,000 km. (approx. 12,500 miles?) Of course with the amount of driving everybody does now, most cars will have more than that. Prices will probably depend on where you live. I got my 99 in October and I think it had around 56,000 miles or so and it was about $9900 USD. It's a Canadian model kind of like an SE, but with a few less features.

 

I'd very much recommend a 5th gen. That said, I've seen some really amazing looking 4th gens on this board..its hard to say. My brother got his 4th gen for $2500. Its a 6 speed, spoiler, black, wheels ect. 70,000 miles on it. Great deals to be had.

If you wanna step up, go with the 5th gen. I've had mine going on a year, sitting around 58,000miles. I've put about 8 thousand miles on it. I've had zero problems, and the car is strong. My love for the 5th is forever. If I ever had to (wrecked my car) I'd get another 5th gen, although I'd probably get a 03.

 

I have a 4th gen. You get a lot of car for what you pay. There just isn't any other reliable V6 sedan that comes in stick for that cheap. However, it is getting dated, so if you are upgrading, I recommend the 5.5 gen, 6spd 3.5L. That way you'll keep up with all the new cars coming out, style-wise and performance-wise. As a 4th gen, you'll need most of the basic mods (I/Y/E) just to barely keep up with a stock 5.5gen.

 

6 speed 4th gen?



Anyways, I would go with a 4th gen, then the next time you're in this "mood" get a 5th, and so on and so forth

 

I personally would keep your 3rd gen for as long as it runs and when it breaks, swap the motor and fix it. That car is absolutely beautiful, i wish i had a 3rd gen like that. 4th is cool, but 3rd is better in my eyes.

 

4x4 Max has a point there. It strikes me that most 4th Gens will be getting a little long in the tooth by the time you're ready to buy one. Perhaps you should keep the 3rd Gen going for ASAP, skip the 4th Gen and buy a 5.5 Gen (2003SE, titanium edition, 6-speed) when you're say 25. I know that sounds like a long time from now but it would cost you money going 3rd, 4th, 5th is all I'm saying.

I get the sense your 3rd Gen runs fine and doesn't need a lot of money spent on it in ther near term, you're just getting bored with it. I would find this exercise you are going through right now rather frustrating and would forget about it since you're not in the position to do anything anyways.

 

Is it supposed to be a five speed? If so, thats probably what it is.

 

lol yah

 

Except when you swap a 3.5.

If money is an issue, go with the 4th gen. I would also go with a 4th gen if you're concerned about modding potential. They have by far the most potential/aftermarket.

5th gens are pretty nice but I think this is where maximas started to get a bit too big.

 

i think that even when he decides to buy a car, buying a really high mileage 4th gen, and swapping in a 3.5L will be cheaper than buying a 5.5 gen...

 

in the end its still a 4th gen

 

He may have a new/low mileage engine but will still have a high-mileage car with all the problems and costs associated with it. I wouldn't go that route! :attention :attention

 

Dont buy another Maxima, run...run...run...

 

I love the maxima, but why so many? There are other great cars out there...

 

I wont buy another maxima till they put the vh45 in it
nissan salesman at several locations have told me for years it wont be long
but that was 6 years ago dont want to wait any longer maybe I can shoehorn in a 94 q45 motor!
would offer a lot more torque and hp advantage over enlarging there current
v6 engine plus be ultra silky smooth idle
so I guess I will hold on to my 94se

 

If money is no issue, Get a 4th Gen... Then swap in a 3.5, then add the neccessary performance mods.. And you'll have a deep sleeper to wow people with

 

wrecked my 3rd gen back in late Feb, i want a 97-99 SE...badly, sadly...i'm broke.

 

If I had to get another Max, I would want the 5th gen for its power, but am in love with the style and comfort of the 4th. I would go with a 4th gen again, just a later year. Still can find rthem cheap, and a fun car to mod and drive. PLus the tails on the 5th are soo ugly

 

The only Maxima I'd consider to replace my 3rd gen is a 5.5 gen 6-speed.

 

and even then, it would be nice to get away from FWD family sedans

 

what else is new?
i want a 4th gen 5sp. for my short commutes. When my payments are gone they should be mad cheap yo!

 

this is how i see it.

5.0>4.0
5.5>4.5
4.5>5.0
*>4.0

no flaming....

 

could you make any less sense?

 

you know it's bad when "MaximusWorstestExplainis" can't decipher it

 

Even though I am biased towards 4th gens obviously I still think it is a better pick because you can still find a granny drivin a 97-99 with low miles for a great price.

 

DAMNIT...schools out!! 4th gen is obviously the best.......

 

If you asked me 2 years ago I'd say 4th gen, because I think the 5th gen is ugly.....BUT now the 4th gen is getting very old and as you can see on the forum the repairs that it needs are common to everyone--since the Maxima has poor resale value, it's very hard to ignore what you get with a 2k2. The price is dirt-cheap, sometimes 12-14 grand, and you're getting the 255 HP and xenons. Try buying a Honda or Toyota for that little, you'd be lucky to find a Civic or Corolla.

 

Go with the 2005 I love mine