My Deep Evergreen '96 Maxima SE 5 Speed
#1
My Deep Evergreen '96 Maxima SE 5 Speed
My search is over. I was lucky enough to track down a beautiful 1996 Maxima SE with a 5 speed, Bose stereo, leather, sunroof, everything but heated seats. 140k miles, one owner. All for just $2500! I'm glad I didn't have to compromise on features to find a well-maintained Maxima.
The car drives wonderfully and I can tell it's been well cared for. The engine is a gem and doesn't need to rev high to push you back in your seat. It has a charismatic snarl under heavy throttle that really lends it some character. Of course, I'm babying it since I plan on keeping it for at least five years. So far I've driven 160 miles on my first tank of premium and the needle reads 3/4 full!
I splurged and bought four new Firehawk P215-60R15 tires and the ride and handling improved noticeably. It was missing the spare so I went to a local junkyard and pulled a matching alloy off a '97 GLE. I spent most of the day washing the car and treating the leather and the black exterior plastic trim. A good wax and it will look like new (the hood and trunk lid are a little dull and I'd like to have the spoiler repainted). Here are some pics:
The car drives wonderfully and I can tell it's been well cared for. The engine is a gem and doesn't need to rev high to push you back in your seat. It has a charismatic snarl under heavy throttle that really lends it some character. Of course, I'm babying it since I plan on keeping it for at least five years. So far I've driven 160 miles on my first tank of premium and the needle reads 3/4 full!
I splurged and bought four new Firehawk P215-60R15 tires and the ride and handling improved noticeably. It was missing the spare so I went to a local junkyard and pulled a matching alloy off a '97 GLE. I spent most of the day washing the car and treating the leather and the black exterior plastic trim. A good wax and it will look like new (the hood and trunk lid are a little dull and I'd like to have the spoiler repainted). Here are some pics:
#6
#10
Plans:
-Needs a new O2 sensor (of course)
-Remove rear tint (really wavy/distorted view, like looking through beer goggles)
-Repaint rear spoiler (clear coat coming off)
-Get a remote/program
-Check fluids (A bit of whine in 1st gear?)
-Needs passenger floor mat
-Needs center armrest latch
-Fix rear windows (Drivers side motor runs but glass doesn't move, passenger side has no power for lock or window)
-Wax it bumper to bumper
As for mods, I'm pretty sure I'm keeping it stock. It's the ultimate sleeper.
-Needs a new O2 sensor (of course)
-Remove rear tint (really wavy/distorted view, like looking through beer goggles)
-Repaint rear spoiler (clear coat coming off)
-Get a remote/program
-Check fluids (A bit of whine in 1st gear?)
-Needs passenger floor mat
-Needs center armrest latch
-Fix rear windows (Drivers side motor runs but glass doesn't move, passenger side has no power for lock or window)
-Wax it bumper to bumper
As for mods, I'm pretty sure I'm keeping it stock. It's the ultimate sleeper.
Last edited by EEMaxima; 11-30-2008 at 08:44 PM.
#19
u can add a y and b pipe. it will still look perfectly stock, but you'll get about 15-20hp back from the top end. dam those sawblades wheels are clean as heck. they look brand frigging new.
#20
I love the finish on the wheels - the circular grain pattern gives them just the right amount of shine.
Yeah, I was reluctant to have four new tires put on since I thought they'd scratch them up! They were careful, though.
I've read up on the Y-pipes and it seems the Cattman is the one to get. I've heard the Stillen has a "bees in a can" sound to it caused by the type of flex joint it uses. I mean, it's so smooth and quick now I don't think I need to mod it but I get restless a few years down the road maybe...
If you'd like, I could take some nice hi-res shots of my Max after I wax it next week and post them here as wallpapers for those who appreciate a nice stock Maxima.
Yeah, I was reluctant to have four new tires put on since I thought they'd scratch them up! They were careful, though.
I've read up on the Y-pipes and it seems the Cattman is the one to get. I've heard the Stillen has a "bees in a can" sound to it caused by the type of flex joint it uses. I mean, it's so smooth and quick now I don't think I need to mod it but I get restless a few years down the road maybe...
If you'd like, I could take some nice hi-res shots of my Max after I wax it next week and post them here as wallpapers for those who appreciate a nice stock Maxima.
Last edited by EEMaxima; 12-02-2008 at 08:43 AM.
#24
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