OK guys, need your opinions.

My friend needs a cheap car, and likes the maxima, so ive been looking for around him a little bit, and we eventually settled on two different max's:

Car 1:

1997 GXE, 160k miles, gold, auto, runs good, inspected, new brakes, tires

Car 2:

1992 (unsure of trim, but has a spoiler so SE maybe??) 150k miles, gold, auto, runs good, new brakes, tires, new tranny.

The difference in price is minimal, so which should he get??? post reasonings too if possible!

Please dont just pick one quickly, i know you are all biased, i figure the more popular choise would be the 97, but pretend you didnt have a maxima or something.

thanks

-mendon99

 

The 96 will more than likely be more reliable if the 92 is an SE.

If the 92 is an SE, I would pick that up in a heart beat. Something about the 92-94 SE's, despite not being as reliable, appeals to me. I love how the steering feels, how the suspension feels, and how tight everything is built.

 

Posting a poll to choose between a 3rd and 4th gen in the 4th gen forum. The general forum is just around the corner people! Will get a much fairer response there.

 

i know, i realized this after. whoops, well too late now

 

buy my car.

 

neither cus they arent 5spd

 

I would choose the 4th gen (not only because I'm biased) but because the simple age of the two cars. The engines are the same (as far as I know - both VQ30DE) and the new tranny would worry me a little. (what made the trans need replacing) Other than that, it's the little things that start going after time - interrior pieces, smaller engine things (hoses, sensors, etc.). I would but the newer of the two. just my .02.

 

I believe the 92 is a VE and the 97 a VQ. But as an unbiased opinion, go with the newer car, less problems and more stuff out there to mod it with. But, as someone has stated, look for a 5 speed, you'll be glad you did.
I wish you the best with whatever one you decide to go with.

 

doesn't matter, he can't drive 5spd, he'd said he'd learn if he found one, but hes not gonna go breaking his back looking for one..

others, thanks for your opinions

 

The engines in both cars are NOT the same.

All USDM 4th gens come with a 3.0L VQ30DE engine.

3rd gens come with a VG30 or a VE30 the VE being the later SE engine.
__________________________________________________ ____________

As far as choice, alot of it is going to be personal feel for each car.

The basic facts between the two:

The 4th gen will have more torque on the low and in daily (under 3K) driving
The 3rd gen (VE) will rev harder all the way to redline
Stock for stock I think the 3rd gen handles better with its independant rear susp.

The only thing that worries me about the 3rd gen is the VTC's (see ticking like crazy in the 3rd gen forums)

I think the VQ30DE is bulletproof, I also think the 4th gen body ages very well

The 3rd gen SE is the car the sparked my love for the 4DSC but my loyalty lies with the 4th gen, for me it just seems better all around.

 

You worry me a little bit

 

lol vq30de... neways of course everyone would vote for a 4th gen in a 4th gen section..genious

plus its newer and more reliable, why the fawk would you want to buy a 92?

 

I'd go for the 3rd gen simply because I think they're more "sport sedan-ish". A nicely modified 3rd gen looks better than a nicely modified 4th gen IMO.

 

Get the newer one, 10k difference in mileage isn't much there should be 5 years depreciated value.

 

it's genius*, actually. and i dont know why, i'm not buying the car, these are the ones he liked.

 

If the price is that close why not pick up the newer '97. It's newer and like stated more reliable.

 

its not hard to drive stick, and how else are you supposed to learn. you get the car, and you learn, you learn good with in a few weeks, cus thats what everyone i know who can drive stick did.

 

I have to vote with the "buy a stick" crowd. Better gas mileage, cheaper insurance, more fun, quicker (until rediculous modifications have been done), and safer IMO too, as you pay more attention while driving. Plus if I can't shift right, I know I'm too drunk to drive

Either way, always get a newer car, will have a better resale value, and all the seals and what not are that much newer.

 

I'm shocked with the poll results coming in . .

 

whys that?

 

I guess now we know who's "different"

 

With the mileage on the 97 compared to the 92 you would think more wear and tear. But hey, this was asked in the 4th gen forum. I finally voted and went for the 92, not too surprised with the results because after all, how many 3rd geners come in the 4th gen forum to vote for their gen?

 

The 4th gen has an o ring that goes out about every 70k right? what about the 3rd gen? I like the 3rd gen, but Im partial to boxy cars

 

QUICK....WHAT FORUM IS THIS???

 

i voted 4th gen... you're looking at a car that's 5 years younger and only 10k mile difference...

as mentioned by others, (in my opinion at least) less things are prone to go wrong, interior is most likely in better condition, and there are more aftermarket options.

Also im not a big fan of the 3rd gen design, or any gen aside from the 4th, but that's a personal thing.