Because we are all "Maxima obsessed" at heart, we want the best for our rides. When the slightest deviation from "perfect" occurs, we post it here. This has caused several people (usually newbies) to question the Maxima's reliability. In response to this, I'd like to state that my '97 has never thrown a CEL at me, never stalled (unless I farg up my stick shifting), and never failed to start on the first try. The battery is stock, heck the batteries in my remote key fobs are stock and they still work even with daily usage! The Bose speakers don't rattle, the windows don't roll up slower than they roll down, and no bulbs have blown (interior and exterior).

In short, NOTHING has gone awry on my 52k '97 SE 5-speed. This is what happens when you start with good engineering and continue with good maintenance.

(although I admit that having a sticky post about TSB's doesn't inspire confidence to someone unfamiliar with Maximas)

How is your car doing?

 

dont get me wrong the maxima engine will last forever if taken care of but you will experience the bose rattling a little and lights blowing out are gonna happen to all cars. The engine is the most reliable in its class

 

Well I'm not certain I would call the maxima's engine "the most reliable." It certainly is among the best, but in my book Toyota engines are the most reliable (how do they do it??).

Currently my Maxima has 49k miles. In the first 36k miles, I've had

a) leaking oil sending unit
b) alternator failure
c) headlight seal failure (water got inside)
d) ticking fan motor
e) lots of trim falling apart (rattles rattles rattles)

All were fixed under warranty, and my Max has been trouble free for the last 15k miles or so.

 

1999 Max SE purchased on April 99, now with 31000 miles. No major problems whatsoever, just getting pissed off with the damn criket noises coming from the air vent. Should be fixed under warranty soon. BTW, tock tires really sucked (Goodyear RSAs), Nissan could have done better. Mine wore off and became extremely loud in 17300 miles, had to replace them ......

 

Just remember not all cars are exactly the same. We always hear of the bad posts when there are probabley thousands of people who are extremely happy with their Max. I have 84k miles and have no complaints (besides the usual maintenance). Given the way I drive it, the 4 seasons it goes through, the bang for the buck price, the fact that I can have passengers fit comfortabley in the back seat and the automotive industry raving about the engine, I'll settle for a few squeaks, paints chips, and my fugly tailights! Most people who ride in my car can't believe its a 96 with that many miles...they think its newer since its so smooth.

 

I have a 95 GXE about to roll over to 100,000 miles, and the biggest repair I've had was replacing a couple of belts. Sure, there's some paint chips, and the occasional odd, one-time only noise that'll make me worry for a minute, but other than that, I'm very happy with my max.

 

I have a 1997 Maxima SE with 86K miles on it and have absolutely no complaints at all. I have only driven it for about 6,000 miles (bought it with 80K on it) but have had nothing but a smooth ride so far. Not one problem as of yet. My friends also think that it is newer because of its great condition and smooth ride. They also all think its fast as hell for being all stock. I say Maxima's are VERY reliable.

 

My 97 has almost 55k and no problems.

 

Well I saw a 93is Lexus ES300 that received 6k (including tranny) worth of servicing so I feel good about my Max's reliablity.

 

My Max has 90K miles on it. The only minor repairs has been the check engine light going off for emissions. That was repaired under federal warranty. Other than that, just regular maintenance; belts, coolant, plugs etc. I'm keeping this baby forever!

Enjoying my ride,

DW

 

and still going strong. My car feels like it did in 95 with 120 miles on it. Thats not thanks to me, but the first owner who took excellent care of her and never went above 65mph except to try it out once or twice.

She's the only girl I know with ***** that big.(joke)

Replaced the starter, and had a slight leak fixed at 115,000. Thats it. But I'm sure I'll be posting some horror stories eventually with the way I get into that nascar mode `without realizing it.