Looking for a new car soon....
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 66
From: Branford, CT
Looking for a new car soon....
I currently have a 2001 Nissan Maxima SE Auto with 216,000 and i love my car. as with any car with this many miles it has a few things wrong with it but nothing to not make me take it for a 3 hours trip and worry about not coming back car less.
but this Friday i find out if i get a new job in which it is a 45min drive each way (about 50miles each way) and with my crappy gas mileage i may have to get another car. :-(
I never use to care about gas mileage much but the job interview was in another state and it was a two hour drive in which i used 3/4th of a tank and i was very unhappy with this results.
As of right now i can't tell you what my mpg is but i can tell you i now average 240 miles before the gas light comes on.
My check engine light is on but it has to do with the evap canister which yes it does effect my MPG i was getting that before the CEL came on.
My question to you is what car should i get???? here is what i would like....
1. A timing chain the less i have to put in the better. (a want more then a need)
2. A big gas tank. at least 17gallon tank. (this is more a need then a want.)
3. Prefer a Manuel to an auto
4. 4 doors. (I have a 6 month old so i'm a sedan man)
5. take well to bolt ons(a want more then a need. and bolt ons such as intake and exhaust...)
6. i want to average a min of 25 mpg on the highway doing at least 71.... (i honestly do travel 105 on the hgihway a lot but because of gas mileage im starting to slow down...)
7. at least 350 miles per tank(when the gale light comes on. i prefer 500 but again hey....)
8. price is max 4000 after that i have to pull out a loan... but the cheaper the better....
these are the cars i looked at but couldn't come to a final conclusion and would like help if you have any other ideas....
90-97 honda accord
Good (can reach high miles, has a 17 gallon tank, seeen average over 30mpg)
Bad (Can be stolen with a flat head and chances of it being stolen is high)
98-01 accord
Good(high miles, 17 gallon tank, good mpg, over 28mpg, has immobilizer)
bad(price point with these car should use a timing chain, has auto transmission problems, doesn't take well to mods,)
95-99 Maxima needs to be manuel
Good (i can stay with nissan :-) 18.5 gallon tank. does decent to mods, nice vq engine)
bad(uncertain with mpg, only 99 has immobilizers)
I can't of any more cars but any ideas.... i really want a 4th gen maxima but i dont want to purchase a car and only get one or two more mpg then my current car. any ideas.
please dont recommend a civic... lol... btw i dont have the funds now it is something with the new job i will be saving towards but i would like to have options......
but this Friday i find out if i get a new job in which it is a 45min drive each way (about 50miles each way) and with my crappy gas mileage i may have to get another car. :-(
I never use to care about gas mileage much but the job interview was in another state and it was a two hour drive in which i used 3/4th of a tank and i was very unhappy with this results.
As of right now i can't tell you what my mpg is but i can tell you i now average 240 miles before the gas light comes on.
My check engine light is on but it has to do with the evap canister which yes it does effect my MPG i was getting that before the CEL came on.
My question to you is what car should i get???? here is what i would like....
1. A timing chain the less i have to put in the better. (a want more then a need)
2. A big gas tank. at least 17gallon tank. (this is more a need then a want.)
3. Prefer a Manuel to an auto
4. 4 doors. (I have a 6 month old so i'm a sedan man)
5. take well to bolt ons(a want more then a need. and bolt ons such as intake and exhaust...)
6. i want to average a min of 25 mpg on the highway doing at least 71.... (i honestly do travel 105 on the hgihway a lot but because of gas mileage im starting to slow down...)
7. at least 350 miles per tank(when the gale light comes on. i prefer 500 but again hey....)
8. price is max 4000 after that i have to pull out a loan... but the cheaper the better....
these are the cars i looked at but couldn't come to a final conclusion and would like help if you have any other ideas....
90-97 honda accord
Good (can reach high miles, has a 17 gallon tank, seeen average over 30mpg)
Bad (Can be stolen with a flat head and chances of it being stolen is high)
98-01 accord
Good(high miles, 17 gallon tank, good mpg, over 28mpg, has immobilizer)
bad(price point with these car should use a timing chain, has auto transmission problems, doesn't take well to mods,)
95-99 Maxima needs to be manuel
Good (i can stay with nissan :-) 18.5 gallon tank. does decent to mods, nice vq engine)
bad(uncertain with mpg, only 99 has immobilizers)
I can't of any more cars but any ideas.... i really want a 4th gen maxima but i dont want to purchase a car and only get one or two more mpg then my current car. any ideas.
please dont recommend a civic... lol... btw i dont have the funds now it is something with the new job i will be saving towards but i would like to have options......
the evap canister does affect milage but only a little bit it isnt anything drastic. As for a car i would recommend a sentra, it gets really good milage. whenever i drive it and get gas i wonder why i drive the maxima then i come to my senses
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 66
From: Branford, CT
the sentra has a small gas tank. :-( i do like to fill up and not worry about gas for a while.
i dont think theres a chance for me to get 400 miles per tank on my car being an auto and in the condition it is. i cleaned out my k n n air filter and changed to ngk platinum spark plugs.
honestly how much mpg does a 4th gen get. i would love one of those 5speed.
i dont think theres a chance for me to get 400 miles per tank on my car being an auto and in the condition it is. i cleaned out my k n n air filter and changed to ngk platinum spark plugs.
honestly how much mpg does a 4th gen get. i would love one of those 5speed.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21
From: Maryland
the sentra has a small gas tank. :-( i do like to fill up and not worry about gas for a while.
i dont think theres a chance for me to get 400 miles per tank on my car being an auto and in the condition it is. i cleaned out my k n n air filter and changed to ngk platinum spark plugs.
honestly how much mpg does a 4th gen get. i would love one of those 5speed.
i dont think theres a chance for me to get 400 miles per tank on my car being an auto and in the condition it is. i cleaned out my k n n air filter and changed to ngk platinum spark plugs.
honestly how much mpg does a 4th gen get. i would love one of those 5speed.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 66
From: Branford, CT
@ tex that sounds perfect for me. what's your driving style and how much do you do on the highway and city. also what did you combo. ex. 50%city/50%highway and whats the most miles you ever got.
if i were to get a 4th gen this is what i would do. (if it sounds illogical let me know.)
i would take off the intake manifold off of my 5th gen and put it on the 4th gen.
i/e no headers.
and my stock 17's from my 5th gen.
and just clean it up stock.
it's so hard looking for a car that's perfect because there's so much out there. :-(
@Amerikaner83 when i use to calculate my mpg i use to average 20mpg in the summer and 17 in the winter. that's about 30city/70highway
if i were to get a 4th gen this is what i would do. (if it sounds illogical let me know.)
i would take off the intake manifold off of my 5th gen and put it on the 4th gen.
i/e no headers.
and my stock 17's from my 5th gen.
and just clean it up stock.
it's so hard looking for a car that's perfect because there's so much out there. :-(
@Amerikaner83 when i use to calculate my mpg i use to average 20mpg in the summer and 17 in the winter. that's about 30city/70highway
the sentra has a small gas tank. :-( i do like to fill up and not worry about gas for a while.
i dont think theres a chance for me to get 400 miles per tank on my car being an auto and in the condition it is. i cleaned out my k n n air filter and changed to ngk platinum spark plugs.
honestly how much mpg does a 4th gen get. i would love one of those 5speed.
i dont think theres a chance for me to get 400 miles per tank on my car being an auto and in the condition it is. i cleaned out my k n n air filter and changed to ngk platinum spark plugs.
honestly how much mpg does a 4th gen get. i would love one of those 5speed.
but i do miss that in a week i put around $26 in the max, and i used too put like $19, it adds up
Last edited by Number-Four; Feb 29, 2012 at 07:38 PM.
from post number 3:
What are the year to year differences on 4th Gen (95-99) Maximas?
All 4th gen Maximas have the same engine and are basically the same. There are some claims that the earlier 4th gens are slightly more powerful due to less emissions equipment and faster due to being slightly lighter but if there is any speed/power difference it is minimal. Most of these differences where collected from this thread, if you have any additions or corrections please post them there.
Any options or changes continue to the next year unless they are noted to be removed or noted for only one year. The list below is pretty detailed but I did not include every tiny detail to try to keep it readable, check the thread linked above for more details.
1995 - 1st year 4th gen. Rear oxygen sensor in cat. Only year GXE could have S&C package and 5 speed transmission. Only year SE could get S&C package without sunroof. SE came with 15" 'Sawblade' style rims, GLE had 15" 'Honeycomb' Rims.
1996 - revised emissions equipment, new cup holder, power passenger seat available (with leather package). Only year removable in console cup holder available (but most used Maxes no longer have it). Last year GLE came with 'fuzzy' pillars (A.B,C)
1997 – Restyled front and rear (front now has crossbar on grill, rear now has turn signals below taillights), improved crash protection, new steering wheel, 16" 5 spoke wheels on SE, Homelink on GLE and SE with S&C package, SE got orange Gauge needles. Two new steering wheel designs, one for GXE/GLE and one exclusive to SE. New center console - two drink cupholder with hinged lid, lose change holder, lose ashtray in back, lower armrest. New design of double din headunit. Tweeters moved from the A-pillar trim to the door. Cornering lamps removed. Rear oxygen sensor moved behind cat to b-pipe, B-pipe made longer. Rear emblem changed from individual letters to connected letters -- M A X I M A, to M_A_X_I_M_A. GLE trim got GLE badge on trunk. GLE gets the 15" sawblade rims that where on the 95-96 SE.
1998 - Side air bags available (with deluxe seating package), ‘Cold weather package’ replaced by ‘Deluxe seating package’, orange gauge needles on all trim levels (95-97 GXE/GLE had white needles), digital odometer (with two trip meters), climate control redesign, Fuel and temp. Gauges now ‘Mirror image’ instead of facing the same direction. 'Low Fuel' light moved from gas gauge to strip of warning lights, 'Air-bag warning' light moved from strip of lights to bottom of speedometer, 'X1000 RPM' moved from bottom of tachometer to center.
1999 - Emissions equipment and ECU wiring similar to 5th gen models, SE limited edition available, security chip in key, head unit redesign, ‘ambient temperature’ feature added to automatic climate control, three point seat belt for rear center position. Only year traction control was available.
On CA emission 99's Front pre-cat built into header, two extra oxygen sensors to monitor pre-cats (total of 4), Swirl valve in intake to improve emissions. Special aftermarket Y-pipe required and only 1 pre-cat can be removed.
All 4th gen Maximas have the same engine and are basically the same. There are some claims that the earlier 4th gens are slightly more powerful due to less emissions equipment and faster due to being slightly lighter but if there is any speed/power difference it is minimal. Most of these differences where collected from this thread, if you have any additions or corrections please post them there.
Any options or changes continue to the next year unless they are noted to be removed or noted for only one year. The list below is pretty detailed but I did not include every tiny detail to try to keep it readable, check the thread linked above for more details.
1995 - 1st year 4th gen. Rear oxygen sensor in cat. Only year GXE could have S&C package and 5 speed transmission. Only year SE could get S&C package without sunroof. SE came with 15" 'Sawblade' style rims, GLE had 15" 'Honeycomb' Rims.
1996 - revised emissions equipment, new cup holder, power passenger seat available (with leather package). Only year removable in console cup holder available (but most used Maxes no longer have it). Last year GLE came with 'fuzzy' pillars (A.B,C)
1997 – Restyled front and rear (front now has crossbar on grill, rear now has turn signals below taillights), improved crash protection, new steering wheel, 16" 5 spoke wheels on SE, Homelink on GLE and SE with S&C package, SE got orange Gauge needles. Two new steering wheel designs, one for GXE/GLE and one exclusive to SE. New center console - two drink cupholder with hinged lid, lose change holder, lose ashtray in back, lower armrest. New design of double din headunit. Tweeters moved from the A-pillar trim to the door. Cornering lamps removed. Rear oxygen sensor moved behind cat to b-pipe, B-pipe made longer. Rear emblem changed from individual letters to connected letters -- M A X I M A, to M_A_X_I_M_A. GLE trim got GLE badge on trunk. GLE gets the 15" sawblade rims that where on the 95-96 SE.
1998 - Side air bags available (with deluxe seating package), ‘Cold weather package’ replaced by ‘Deluxe seating package’, orange gauge needles on all trim levels (95-97 GXE/GLE had white needles), digital odometer (with two trip meters), climate control redesign, Fuel and temp. Gauges now ‘Mirror image’ instead of facing the same direction. 'Low Fuel' light moved from gas gauge to strip of warning lights, 'Air-bag warning' light moved from strip of lights to bottom of speedometer, 'X1000 RPM' moved from bottom of tachometer to center.
1999 - Emissions equipment and ECU wiring similar to 5th gen models, SE limited edition available, security chip in key, head unit redesign, ‘ambient temperature’ feature added to automatic climate control, three point seat belt for rear center position. Only year traction control was available.
On CA emission 99's Front pre-cat built into header, two extra oxygen sensors to monitor pre-cats (total of 4), Swirl valve in intake to improve emissions. Special aftermarket Y-pipe required and only 1 pre-cat can be removed.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 21
From: Maryland
@ tex that sounds perfect for me. what's your driving style and how much do you do on the highway and city. also what did you combo. ex. 50%city/50%highway and whats the most miles you ever got.
if i were to get a 4th gen this is what i would do. (if it sounds illogical let me know.)
i would take off the intake manifold off of my 5th gen and put it on the 4th gen.
i/e no headers.
and my stock 17's from my 5th gen.
and just clean it up stock.
it's so hard looking for a car that's perfect because there's so much out there. :-(
@Amerikaner83 when i use to calculate my mpg i use to average 20mpg in the summer and 17 in the winter. that's about 30city/70highway
if i were to get a 4th gen this is what i would do. (if it sounds illogical let me know.)
i would take off the intake manifold off of my 5th gen and put it on the 4th gen.
i/e no headers.
and my stock 17's from my 5th gen.
and just clean it up stock.
it's so hard looking for a car that's perfect because there's so much out there. :-(
@Amerikaner83 when i use to calculate my mpg i use to average 20mpg in the summer and 17 in the winter. that's about 30city/70highway
Not sure what you mean by taking IM off 5th gen.. if you mean taking the exhaust manifold off the 5th gen, theres no point in that. Instead, get a y pipe from warpspeed or catman. If it were me, I would just settle for a good condition automatic maxima and then get a manual transmission later, the install is not all that complicated. The most important thing on these cars IMO: 1) engine 2)radiator core support 3) overall body. The Y pipe is different from the 5th gen to the 4th gen so you don't want to run 5th gen manifolds, there is no point.
Also, avoid 1999 maximas. They had more complicated emissions equipment installed and the ECU is not particularly mod friendly.
4.0 gen = years 1995 through 1996 round grille without crossbar, more basic ecu, rear trunk has the whites over the reds, probably the best choice for performance as it may be slightly lighter and it has an ecu that is less likely to show check engine lights for cat removal, 3.5 swap etc
4.5 gen = years 97-98 (and 99) grille has crossbar, trunk has reds over the whites and the light shapes look better IMO, some exhaust system differences from the 4.0 gen are o2 sensor locations.
99 4.5 gen = more emissions junk to go wrong. I'd avoid that year
exhaust system differences:
95-98
99
Last edited by Tex; Mar 1, 2012 at 07:17 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 66
From: Branford, CT
thanks alot man. i do like the 97-99 better but i guess i'll look for a 95-96. also. i meant the Intake Manifold. i'm a noob. but i thought it would prevent the HP from dropping after 5000RPMs???
i'm in the same situation as you are, the key to getting good gas mileage on a 5 spd is to know some tricks. here are a few that i did when i had a 5spd, 1) drive like a grandma, you will eventually get there and save gas too (lol) 2) when you exit the free way put the car in neutral and cost it as long as possible (i do this in my auto) and 3) use your cruse control, consistant speed/idle = less gas. hope this useless info helps 
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 366
From: San Antonio, TX
I have a solution for you. If you want a 4th gen then I would suggest checking here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=weP2tTVmAq8
best power plant, way lighter car. Insane looks when everyone gets stomped by a Sentra.
edit: maybe leave off the "boosted" part of it, that will kill your milage too.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=weP2tTVmAq8
best power plant, way lighter car. Insane looks when everyone gets stomped by a Sentra.
edit: maybe leave off the "boosted" part of it, that will kill your milage too.
Last edited by Phromethius; Mar 1, 2012 at 02:36 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 66
From: Branford, CT
here's a bit of information that i keep forgetting to attaching. i get free gas. in terms of my wife's family owns a couple junk yards and her father is the manager for one. so i get free gas every know and then. (once maybe twice a week max)...
the job is 50 or 60 miles each way when i get it. if i get it (tomorrow i'll know....) but the training is in another state and every know and then i have to drive a min of 111 miles each way...
so the bigger the gas tank. the better when i fill up so my calulations is.
civic hf = 45mpg+10 gallons = 450miles (there's gas tanks online that you can increase to get up to 13.5 gallons)
99 maxima = 28mpg + 17 Gallons = 476 miles (i know it's 18.5 but i'll go as low as posible before i have to fill up...)
92 camry = 28mpg + 17 Gallons = 476 miles (again 18.5 gallons)
so a bigger gas tank will help me in terms of how many times i get go to the junk yard without abusing and lossing the prilivge of getting free gas...
(i know people will say of your basically using 87 in your car and thats the reason for less MPG but paying 55-80 dollars a week vs getting it for free.... is to different situations...)
the job is 50 or 60 miles each way when i get it. if i get it (tomorrow i'll know....) but the training is in another state and every know and then i have to drive a min of 111 miles each way...
so the bigger the gas tank. the better when i fill up so my calulations is.
civic hf = 45mpg+10 gallons = 450miles (there's gas tanks online that you can increase to get up to 13.5 gallons)
99 maxima = 28mpg + 17 Gallons = 476 miles (i know it's 18.5 but i'll go as low as posible before i have to fill up...)
92 camry = 28mpg + 17 Gallons = 476 miles (again 18.5 gallons)
so a bigger gas tank will help me in terms of how many times i get go to the junk yard without abusing and lossing the prilivge of getting free gas...
(i know people will say of your basically using 87 in your car and thats the reason for less MPG but paying 55-80 dollars a week vs getting it for free.... is to different situations...)
Wow, not many of you seem to have any good advice for him nor actual facts... seeing as how he owns a 5th gen hes already cali emissions so a 99 woulrnt be a big change, and i own a 99 se-l with a tonnnnn of mods and the only check engine light i have is for my cali emissions stuff because its been removed and i havent installed a new ecu yet, aside from that nothing usually goes wrong with the car, and as far as finding a 5 speed 4th gen... its easier than finding a 5 speed 5th gen...or at least where im from. Now i drove from ct to pa one weekend for a trip and on a fulllll tank of 93 octane i drove 367 miles from my house to destination with 2 kids and my girl in the car along with a 100 pound subwoofer box and packed clothes for the weekend and still had an eighth of a tank and that was mostly 75-80 mph on the highway..
Also the intake manifold from a 5th gen is known as the 00vi in the 4th gen world...similiar to a MEVI but better for increased power through the rpm band... not a direct bolt on...but mostly...
Anyhow what im sayin is id opt for a 4th gen no matter 95 or 99 they all the same some people like to just blah blah blah
Also the intake manifold from a 5th gen is known as the 00vi in the 4th gen world...similiar to a MEVI but better for increased power through the rpm band... not a direct bolt on...but mostly...
Anyhow what im sayin is id opt for a 4th gen no matter 95 or 99 they all the same some people like to just blah blah blah
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,344
From: Jacksonville, FL
Get your car tuned up so it gets the fuel economy it should be getting and just keep driving what you got, and enjoy getting those gas hookups. With gas prices reaching and exceeding $4 a gallon now you should have nothing to complain about.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 66
From: Branford, CT
I am not bragging or anything about it. i do not like saying it much because some people look at me with hatred and jealously and in my eyes all i say is thank god. with all my bills and rent and baby cause i save a lot of money.
but the thing with that is they are getting a lot more strict on how many times you can fill up. i sometimes go once a week rarely twice. That's why I prefer a car with a big gallon tank. so the more i can put in there the more it will last. and in the event i dont have the chance to get it again i can still be happy with my choice. thats why i dont get a 1998 Lexus GS400 or Lexus IS300 or a something that's really nice......
I don't live in a great area so cars that are high thief aren't appealing to me. that is one reason why i liked the 99 because it has an engine immobilzers so you can not start it with a screw driver. but i'll put an alarm on it. i do like the 97-99 body style more. decisions decisions... lol
thanks MAXIMA_STYLE for bumping my thread and helping me out. I thought i would of never gotten a reply back.
Im going to look more for a 4th GEN more then a 5th GEN because parts are cheaper and things like the fuel filter and others are right under the hood and I can change it myself... I also like the 4th gen because it's lighter by about 200-300 LBs and God those 17's on my current SE looks amazing on them.
I've been doing research on the OOVI and I can say i'm glad I have a 5th gen that i can take the top off and put it on the 4th gen. i wish i was like you guys cause i can get engines from the junkyard and many parts for very cheap or free and build a manchine but i dont have the knowledge or time. :-(
but the thing with that is they are getting a lot more strict on how many times you can fill up. i sometimes go once a week rarely twice. That's why I prefer a car with a big gallon tank. so the more i can put in there the more it will last. and in the event i dont have the chance to get it again i can still be happy with my choice. thats why i dont get a 1998 Lexus GS400 or Lexus IS300 or a something that's really nice......
I don't live in a great area so cars that are high thief aren't appealing to me. that is one reason why i liked the 99 because it has an engine immobilzers so you can not start it with a screw driver. but i'll put an alarm on it. i do like the 97-99 body style more. decisions decisions... lol
thanks MAXIMA_STYLE for bumping my thread and helping me out. I thought i would of never gotten a reply back.
Im going to look more for a 4th GEN more then a 5th GEN because parts are cheaper and things like the fuel filter and others are right under the hood and I can change it myself... I also like the 4th gen because it's lighter by about 200-300 LBs and God those 17's on my current SE looks amazing on them.
I've been doing research on the OOVI and I can say i'm glad I have a 5th gen that i can take the top off and put it on the 4th gen. i wish i was like you guys cause i can get engines from the junkyard and many parts for very cheap or free and build a manchine but i dont have the knowledge or time. :-(
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Lakersallday24
6th Generation Maxima (2004-2008)
10
Jun 16, 2019 01:35 AM
kjlouis
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
11
Nov 24, 2018 06:09 AM
altome15
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
5
Aug 10, 2015 07:05 PM
