Maxima Situation

Hey guys, I just thought I’d get an opinion from some of you on what to do about my maxima situation. In my family, we have 3 maxima.: A 2001, a 1995, and mine, a 1991. Coming up this summer, my sister will get a new car and will be giving the black 1995 se auto to me J. So what’s the problem? Well, I really want to get into modding, but I am hesitant to do anything with my current car because I might be getting a new one soon (And the fact that is a slow auto VG). If I were to get the 1995 I would also be hesitant to do anything performance wise to it because it has 205,000 miles on it but mainly all highway miles (dad used to commute to work). It also is an auto, I really am stuck on getting a 5spd. So to me, here are my options:

Option #1:

Keep my white 1991, swap tranny, and do my performance mods (intake, exaust, etc).

Pros: I’d have my 5spd, stereo, and a decent performing car
Cons: It’s a 1991, and has 158,000 miles on it who knows what will happen.

Option #2:

Wait to get the 1995, do all the performance mods and maybe a tranny swap despite the 205,000 miles on it. Also, I wouldn’t be able to be without my aftermarket stereo, so the bose would have to go.

Pros: I’d have my 4th gen maxima. With some nice vroom
Cons: It’d still most likely be an auto, I’d probably change out stereo, its got A LOT of miles on it.

Option #3

Get the 1995 and just do eye candy mods. Lights, struts shocks, stereo, wheels (will be taken off 1991).

Pros: I’d have a partly modded car that looks real cool right away.
Cons: Still not a 5spd. Lacking the performance from mods and auto tranny.

Option #4:

Get the 1995, sell it, along with the 1991, and save up for a 5spd 97+ maxima.

Pros: I’d have my dream car of 4th gen 5spd maxima.
Cons: Modding process would be slow because of lack of funds.

I'm really kind of stuck on what to do. So i thought i'd see if i could get a second opinion from you guys. Any information or advice would be appreciated.

-Ryan

 

lets go with 3

 

I say either 3 or 4. But to be honest, the VG's have some power despite what most of the other gens say. Cruise over to Rapid sometime when I get back from here and I'll show you. Besides if you keep yours, I have one more car I can add onto the list of "No officer that wasn't me, that was one of the other white maxima's around town"

Geez there's 3 others in town, not to mention the fact one on base that looks almost exaclty like mine, the only thing different is the rims... and the grill now. Dang-it, time to put the old grill back on.

 

go with 4, chase your dreams...

I did..

 

I'd go with 4 also. Why settle? And 205k miles is a little scary.

 

I think so, too. You might want to consider selling the AT 3rd gen and the AT 4th gen and buying a 3rd gen VE 5-speed. They can be had a little cheaper than the 4th gens and they have independent rear suspension instead of a beam.

I will admit that they don't have as many modding options as the 4th gens, but there are guys in the 3rd gen forum that can help you.

 

You really want constructive criticism?

You can buy a '97 5-speed (private sale) for a little over $5k. If that's too much to spend then you definitely can't afford to mod.

I vote go with #2, move what you've done from your '91 to the '95 and save the rest of the money (don't spend money on the '95). Forget about modding and about the 5-speed until you have a job making a little better money. 200k miles on a well-maintained maxima is not something to worry about.

 

Option 4

save yourself the headache of trans swap. Buy the car you want from the start.

 

go with option 4 if thats what you really want to do.

 

2k2kev is correct, if you can't afford to plunk down $$$ on a better and newer car, then modding may be too rich for your wallet as well. Modding isn't cheap. Quality mods can get up their on price.

 

Go with 4 you will be happiest.

 

Thnx for the input guys. I didn't think you can find a 5spd '97 for around 5k but i'll keep looking. Their harder to come by in the midwest. The only 5spds i've found are newer and more expensive. I've thought about a VE too, maybe i'll look into it even more. I've actually never driven a VE before, i'm curiuos to what they act like compared to a VQ. Thnx for the advice guys
-Ryan

 

I had a VE and I loved it even more than my I30t. Not many engine mods though for the VE.

If you were willing to mod a 4th Gen with 205k, then I'm sure you can find a 97 with around 100k for about $5k.

 

In the long run, I think you'll be happy with Option #4... Yeah, go with #4!

 

(ninja master voice) go with numba 4 grasshoppa, "for he who farts in church sits in his own pew."

 

none, try to get as much money as possible, put it in the bank, invest it/save for a house/whatever, just dont spend it on cars.

 

Go with the VE 5spd, there are enough engine mods available to whoop most cars, and if you arent impressed still save up for forced induction.

Even Zack342 said he was impressed seeing the highway performance of my car this weekend. He still wants to drag me, we will buddy

Better handling and cool nostalgic factor + better on your wallet

Brian

 

i say option #4.