So I have a '92SE with 62K on it and a '89 with 142K.

The '92 needs VTC's buy is a showroom condition car. No nothing, nearly perfect interior - VERY nice. I bought it in Florida, and it is park here for the winter. I replaced the Bose stereo with Blaupunkt ODx, HD51 and new wiring. Sounds awesome.

The '89 is in very good shape. Perfect leather interior black on black. I also replaced the Bose with low end Blaupunkt stuff. I drive this in the winter. Almost new tires on both cars.

Now, I had planned on fixing the VTC's and doing someother mods on the '92. Koni, Eibach, sways, SFCs. The VTC's will be $1500 minimum + $1500 of mods. Costs == $3000

The '89 needs a timing belt and cam seals. $800

Soo, I'm figuring that I could get $4500 for the '92. $2000 for the '89 + the $3800 that I will spend repairing these things.

Thats 10K. I could get a 2k2 for ~20k or a 2k1 for 18k.

How do the newer Max'es handle?

 

Here's why u should keep the maxes.

Better looking than 5th gens and handle better because of 4 wheel independent suspension. 4th and 5th gens have solid beam axles!!

I will soon be autox my max! - see sig, dad has 4th gen, my car still has better interior material than my dads!

 

They handle ok but I would go for the 02 if you go for it, nissan added many things to it standard that year. Simply put the 3.5 just hauls butt night and day from the 01!

 

I'm pretty much in the same boat, got a 93, but found out the odometer has been tampered with. Brakes suck and I'm sure plenty of other things are ready to go. So I went to test drive a 2K2 and I loved it. So smooth, and I can really feel the power. One big flaw is that I love the body style of my 3rd gen. So now the debate of beautiful 3rd gen with problems to come or new car with fewer problems ???? Oh and the 20K price tag....

 

Maybe I should drive an '02. I've half way to the 20k price tag.

 

Man where are you located, there are some really good deals out there with the economy in the shape that its in. I had a customer come in and show me his new Max that he picked up for Christmas. He got a 02 pearl white program car with about 10,000 miles on it. Had all options except navigation and they ever threw in aftermarket leather for free for $22,500.00 For two extra grand I would jump on that.

 

that is one good thing when shopping for maximas. there resale value sucks. its the type of car you buy and keep because when you sell it, its value has dropped drastically. so if u do get a 5th gen. get it off a lease, or used. because the cost will be lowered a lot.

 

wow, that 92se of yours would go for more like 6-8K up here in the Pacific NW>

 

[
[B]that is one good thing when shopping for maximas. there resale value sucks.

Sucks compared to what? The resale value on the Maximas are really not that bad compared to most cars in the market today. My dad has sold car for the last 6 years and I've seen a lot worst. Most 02 Maxima's are selling for around $22,000 which is about a $3,000 depreciation for one year which is really good compared to others. ie: Chevy Impala 02 brand new $25,000, program with 10k selling for $12,000. Or Mitsubishi Galant 02 $20,000, 02 used $11,000.

 

Sucks compared to Honda, Toyota, Lexus, BMW.............
Would say better than most domestics though.

 

Sorry. I can't help ya. I just bought a 2K3.

 

Skip the 2K and 2K1 max and go with a 2002. The 2K2 have an excellent engine, can be had with a 6-speed, and are usually priced in the low 20's. However, you can never go wrong with the 4th gen!

 

Get the 2002 I think it is a step above the 2000-01 Maximas Nissan blended luxury and sport with the 2002-2003 Maximas. If you are looking at used instead of new. I recommend you spend the extra $$ for a 2002 over a 2000-01 you will enjoy it!

 

5th gen Max? Geez dude, if it was me I'd either keep the 3rd gens, or buy a WRX.

There are tons of thread on why the 3rd gen is better than a 5th, but most of the stuff has been mentioned here.

Better build quality
IRS
Looks better (My opinion)
Smaller and lighter

If someone held a gun to my head and said I had to buy a 'newer' Maxima, I'd think about a 2002/3 6-speed, but I'd have to think hard.