Hey all, I owned a '94 Maxima and it was an awesome car...EXCEPT it went trough 2 auto trannies inside of 120,000 miles. Later I read (here) the tranny could be a weak spot on these, aswell as one of the 6 cylinder engines (I had the good one). Other than that, it was a great car to drive. So much so, that I will buy another Maxima, but I think I might like to go gen4 or higher (??).

So what years are the best bang-for-your buck? I don't have tons to spend, so I'll be looking at something with around 100,000+ miles. Anything I should stay away from, or special quirks peculiar to different years? I learned lots about my '94, like the rotten/rusted fuel filler pipe due to it trapping crud from the goofy plastic shroud that was supposed to protect it! And I replaced a CV axle that was really strange compared to other CV axles I've wrenched on other cars.

I'm not looking for any performance mods now or later, stock is fine. I see some with heated leather seats, sunroof and Bose sound system. All of those things interest me. But reliability and bullet-proofness is much preferred.

THANKS for the feedback.

 

i think 4th or 5th gen are good if you want those qualities also the prices on them aren't expensive GL

 

Get yourself a 4th gen. Keep up the maintenance and it can easily last 300-400K miles.

 

thanks guys. I think mainly i was worried about big ticket items like tranny & engine issues. I expect things like CV boots/joints to tear, suspension to need replacing around 120,000 miles, etc... I just don't want to discover certain quirks like nightmare electrical issues. I also remember my '94 3rd gen had an intermittent digital display on the climate control, & dash lights. Mechanical breakdown from wear and tear I can handle, but I get frustrated with things that I think should last with proper care and maintenance.

 

I agree, I think the 4th and 5th generations will suit your needs best. They are good yet cheap, which are two things you never see those escort girls on craigslist.

But make sure you do your pre-buying check up on the car, because any car you buy whether its a 2010 or a 1990, if its been driven like its been stolen everyday, or if it has participated in those Youtube revving contest videos, it probably won't last long.

 

 

I would say the 5.5 generation 2002-2003 model would be best. You would have the 3.5 V6 engine, even a 6 speed MT if you can find one. The 5.0 generation, 2000-2001 has the less slightly less powerful 3.0 DEK but is also a good choice.

 

true but I would rather giveup a little hp and not have to add oil every week!

 

I add oil every 5k or 5 months

 

Get another 3rd gen. Make it a 5 speed this time and your problems are solved.

 

or a VE.

any maxima aside from a 3rd gen vg auto will do the job.

 

I own them 3rd,4th and 5.5th. If you can afford it get a 5.5 it's just way more power and refinement over previous versions. And not all VQ35de have an oil burning issue. Mine don't.

 

5 and 5.5 gens are the sexiest gens(besides the 7 gen ) I really do love them, if I was getting a used car for under 12k thats what I would've went with.

 

hey chris just reached 330,000 on my 1998 maxima gle runs great
had to put on lower radiator support last week all rusted out dangerous

rulajean

 

what r the prices of 4th and 5th gen ?

 

In my time I've had a 1994, a 1999, a 2001, and a 2002 Maxima. Understand this, coming from a 1994, no other Maxima will feel quite like that. There were times even when I had my 5.5 gen 6 speed that I still missed the feel of that car.

That said, your best bet is a 2001 5 spd. The auto will work as well, but will be noticeably more sluggish compared to the 5 spd. The VQ30 is a tried and true engine that is as close to bulletproof as I had come across in all my Maximas. The 1999 4th gen is also a fantastic choice, however, it will likely be higher miles and require more pesky maintenance things that may just pull your hairs out one at a time, and the body style is really beginning to look dated.

The 2002, *sigh*. A fantastic, beautiful sedan that gives you the true sense of advantage in whenever you have to get around anyone, as it does so seemingly effortlessly. However, it's also the first time Nissan had truly disappointed me in the reliability. I was putting in about 3/4 of a quart of oil every week. And no, I'm not exaggerating, I've posted about that problem many times in many places on these forums, as the problem got progressively worse after 115k miles. Add on to that the speaker cut out issue, blown fan amplifier, ghost rattles and mystery squeaks, and curious clunks of the suspension, and it loses out to my confidence in the 2001 despite the performance difference.

just my 2 cents.

 

transmissions on the 4th gens at least to the 6th gen maximas are known for issues...if you are willing to deal w/ that....get a 4th gen. i have a 5th..but i still wish i found a nice 4th gen to start with

 

Buy mine It is a 1996 and it has heated leather seats, sunroof and Bose sound system. It also has 3 pedals and a stick. I know its reliable. It has over just over 200k miles. I have beaten the **** out for the last year with only oil changes and it still runs like it did when i first got it, which is good to say the least. oh and its only $1700

 

oil changes dont count

 

Not a 99. Immobilizer.

 

My wife had a 4th Gen and we traded it in at 227,000 miles. She basically did nothing but change the oil and the muffler in all the time she owned it (from 100,000 miles).

Great cars. I have a sixth Gen and I'm getting a little nervous reading on here.

 

Gen 5.5 with a 6MT with LSD gets my vote.

 

Considering the post was made in October of last year... I would think the OP has made their decision by now.

 

cuz it's never too late

1) 02 or 03 6spd

2) 95-99 5 spd

 

4th gen 99. I think I changed the pesky coilpaks myself once ( A ten year old could do it) Other than that, I'm ready to say its the best car I ever owned hands down. Thats why I cant bring myself to trade it.

 

I recommend AGAINST a 99, problem prone. Too many electrical items go bad. Electrical=$$

 

Best year and value for me is a loaded 98 Max or I30. But its all subjective.