Okay guys, ive been a lurker here for a long time it seems. I was originally going to buy a 4th gen Maxima 9 months ago when I got home from a deployment but ended up having a really hard time finding a 5-speed. So I bought a 00' Celica GT-S. I know I know, bad bad, that thing has been in the shop about every month. Im also tired of having to rev that ***** to 6000 to get any power out of it. Its time to go back to what I really wanted, a Maxima.

Okay sorry I know this has been covered but what is the performance difference between the 4th and 5th gens?? Not the 02 and up, I know the difference there. I'm talking 4th gen vs the 00 and 01's, did that fight ever get resolved?? I know the power curve for the 00-01's is better up top. What does this really affect?? I want whatever one is the fastest; I like the looks of the 2 gens about the same. I hope this doesn’t cause an argument, I just want to know before I buy one. Thanks guys

 

I'd get a 99, simply because the power between the 99 and the 00/01 is almost the same (more HP in 5th gen, but also more weight). Also, lots more stuff available in for the 4th gen.

 

Thanks LithiuMax, I think that’s my plan as of now. I called a dealer today who said he was going to some huge car lot someplace and he could get me just about any max I wanted. So I told him, get a 99 SE 5-speed, black or white, leather preferably but cloth is ok, just no beige. I have a hard time believing he will be able to find one but hey if he does then that’s cool.

 

Remember though, soon when the 5th gens have matured like the 4th, there will be more new parts and less for the 4th gens... thats my theory!

 

They will still make lots of crap for the 4th gens. Look at the old gen civics with all the mods you can buy.

But If you are looking for a 4th gen. I would go with the 97-98. The 99 is coo but it uses some parts used on the 2k maximas. So some of the parts you can use on a 97 may not work on the 99.
If you want a 5th gen. Then I say go with the 2k2-2k3. It looks so nice + VQ35 + 6spd.

 

Yeah I wish, They are a little out of my price range. Im looking at spending around 15000-17000. I dont see to many 2k2's at that price yet

 

You might be able to get it for that price, AUTO though, just look around.

good luck

 

Thanks I would love to get a 2k2 Max. But id take a 4th and be happy as well.

Anyone know the stock 1/4 mile times the 4th gen and 5th gen are capable of?

 

Whatever you get, enjoy the ride

 

Around me there's a used 2k2, been sittin there fora while, I think it's a GLE, it's got the 16 inchers. They're asking 17450 or something. Grey Lustre by the way.

 

It depends on the driver.
When I was all stock I ran 15.8@84MPH 5spd
but people have done some awesome times with their stock Maximas in the 14's

 

My girlfriend got her grey lustre 2k2 Auto for 17900 I think. It had 22,000 miles on it and was in near perfect condition.

 

Man I just found a 97' 5-speed Black/Black leather close to me but it has 99,500 miles on it They wanted 10,400 for it too. 5-speeds are a ***** to find close by.

 

5 speeds are a ***** to find period!

 

Well im checking into the one with 99,000 miles on it. I really having a hard time going from a car with 44k to 99k. I know the VQ engine is solid, but I really want to do a compression check on it to see if its in good shape. I was thinking if I can get it for 8000 id take it.

 

If there was a '99 SEL available at the time, I would've gotten that instead of my 2k.

BTW, what are the differences between the
97-98's and the 99 Max?

 

1999 - Emissions equipment and ECU wireing 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.

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.
(the above is straight out of the 4th gen FAQ)

99's are not as moldable as the rest of the 4th gen since there is no aftermarket ecu available (and will not likely be, there are just too many different versions of the 99 ecu). This especially comes into play if you are interest in a MEVI.

 

Thanks for the info h2ksPiG Anyone have any advice on the 97 SE I found that has 99k on it??? I really need a reliable car after my flippen Celica.