Maximus

OK, I did a search, so don't say that!!

I currently have a 2001 Altima SE. I'm passing that on to my wife soon, and I am going to buy a Maxima. I'm probably looking at a 95 or 96, due to prices. What is the differnce between a 95, 96 and 97?

BTW, it will be an SE with a 5pd no matter what.

Your opinions and suggestions are welcome.

Thank you...

dmbmaxima2k2

iTrader: (1)

most 95's where obd I and lighter=faster
96's weere almost same as 95's but OBDII
97's look better but nissan cut a few costs here and there. not a big deal
i'd look for a 97

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

95- fastest 4th gen, starter probs
96- fast, not many probs
97- fast, looks alot better, higher safty ratings, not many probs

Anachronism

The biggest difference on the fourth gen is the front and rear end restyle on the 97-99 and the much improved crash protection ratings of the 97-99. You can make a 95-96 front/rearlook like a 97-99, but you still don't get the improved crash protection. The SE also got the sweet 16" 5 spokes in 97.

Personaly I would go with the 97+ for the improved crash protection and 16" rims, the fact that I like the front and rear better is a bonus. The only downside to the 97+ is there is no ECU upgrade available (yet). Some claim the later years are slower due to more emissions equipment, but in my opinion any differences should be minor.

One of my first posts here --> http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....threadid=57596 a lot more info on the detail changes, year to year.

NYC GS4

iTrader: (2)

The 95-96 SE is definitely cheaper but has the ugly round breadbox back, very dull paint compared to 97+, very plain mesh grille that doesnt even look like a grille compared to the near perfect 97-99 color matched SE grille. It also comes with the very dull 9 spoke 15's that were then used for 97-99 GLE's compared to the classic 97-99 16' 5 spokes. Non-crystalized headlights that make a huge cosmetic difference, and different bumpers. Overall, the 97-99 SE has to be one of the best/sportiest looking Maxima's that Nissan has ever come up with. You just have to watch out for previous body damage/repaint and many minor rattles which will haunt you. Also, since your getting a 5 speed, watch out for a whining tranny and a barely gripping clutch. If you find the right deal, you should be able to pick up a nice 97 SE for around $10,000 (Private seller, any kind of dealer will never usually sell at that price).

Frank Fontaine

I like 98+ for the electronic odo (not altered) and side air bags, but the tweeters on the doors s*** because water finds them when you put the windows down.

Consumer reports shows below avg on the 5-spd 95 tranny, not sure why. If you're coming out of a 2001 Altima I would think a 1995-1998 car will feel old in comparison.

Known problems are

fuel sending unit
power brake check valve
leaking o-ring 5-spd tranny
air bag harnesses
hand brake cable
oil leak through sender
torn strut boots
strange auto climate changing settings on own
chipped key on '99?
clutch chatter

pros

easy to own outright/no car payment
high fuel economy
not usually noticed/bothered = park anywhere
still relatively good-looking to many
very little maintenance needed, every 60k or so
powerful feel with 205 ft-lb torque

VeeQueue

iTrader: (1)

i want to highlight the interior differences.

97+ cupholders how have a lid for a cleaner look...but they sacrificed the change holder in the process.
97+ needles are orange (which i prefer because i own a 97 ).
97+ steering wheel is different (and in my opinion) much better looking.
97+ headunits are different but made by the same manufacturer (clarion) and IMO cleaner looking.

someone already mentioned the front end and rear end changes.

i think you should go with 97+ simply because it was an "update" to make the maxima look fresh at that time. the clear lens/faceted reflector of the 97+ headlights have the current look, and also the "recess" in the back trunk of the 95-96 has been smoothed out to look less cluttered. get the 97+ if you can, but if you find a better condition 95-96, i would assume you know what to do!

dmbmaxima2k2

iTrader: (1)

ya 97 is the way to go

pocketrocket

iTrader: (1)

I've got a 95 SE, and I:
a) love the breadbox butt ... more character IMO, also the horizontal line across the trunk lid makes the back less plain looking. M A X I M A is also separate pieces, compared to one piece MAXIMA on the 97+
b) I think the front bumper of the 95 also has a 'fiercer' gaping, hungry grille look.
c) My pearl white paint ain't dull ... orbital buffer every month when the weather permits!

But that's me though
Not everyone will agree, be your own judge of what you like or don't like. That's why they made Altezzas

Maximus

Thanks for the opinions. I guess the best thing is to just look and drive some until I find one that I like and can get a good deal on.

I'll keep you updated.

Thanks again...

pocketrocket

iTrader: (1)

agreed

good luck Maximus!

at the end, it's you who drives the car, not the .org

NYC GS4

iTrader: (2)

<<I've got a 95 SE, and I:
a) love the breadbox butt ... more character IMO, also the horizontal line across the trunk lid makes the back less plain looking. M A X I M A is also separate pieces, compared to one piece MAXIMA on the 97+
b) I think the front bumper of the 95 also has a 'fiercer' gaping, hungry grille look.
c) My pearl white paint ain't dull ... orbital buffer every month when the weather permits! >>

I didnt mention that this didnt apply to all the 95-96, just the average owner ones he would be looking at. For example, Confused and NY96MaxSE both have sweet, near perfect looking black 96 SE's.

<<But that's me though
Not everyone will agree, be your own judge of what you like or don't like. That's why they made Altezzas>>

Yep, I dont like them at all, but I at least think they look decent on the 97+, especially when lit up, but as for the 95-96, it just makes that back end stand out ten times more and look even so much more ridiculous.

RedMax95

actually you can if you get the support bar from the 97-99 put in there, but it seems im the only one that actually got it done

jbreit

the 95's and 96's had cam chain tensioner issues (big $$), along with a few other "minor" things like wind noise or rattles....it was all sorted out by 97 from the research i have done. The 95 is the lightest of the 4th gen model years i think.

SuDZ

Let us know when ya do...

SuDZ

dmbmaxima2k2

iTrader: (1)

never heard of one maxima on this board with that problem at all.