Hi all,

Being a 4th gen owner and now a 5th gen owner I'm approaching the time to buy a new car again. So I'll ask a few ??? from you all. First, are there as many problems with the 6th gen as there was with the 5th gen? I ask becaus there were an incredible number of TSBs for the 5th gen and I'd like to avoid buying such a problematic vehicle again. Second, given the choice between the 6th gen and a G35, which would you buy ? I'm aware of the vehicle size difference, but what pulled you toward the 6th gen instead of the G35?

Thanks,
Doug

 

6th Gen all the way...
the majour problems have been addressed since ur going with the 2nd release of the 6th gens... but i own an 04 and i havnt had any problems yet (very minor ones)
looks better than g35 IMO
more roomey interior than g35
u have the luxury of hanging around here with us

unless ur going for the G35 coupe... thats another story....

 

I agree. I too have an 04 (bought in May of 03) and have had only a few minor problems after 32K miles.

The only one I consider somewhat major was that at about 13K miles I had developed cups in all 4 tires (followed Nissan's rotation schedule). Turns out the rear wheels were not properly alligned. The tech at my dealer advises getting an allignment after only 4K miles in a new car. He said the whole suspension needs to wear-in slightly and be alligned. Live & learn. I now have Michelin Pilot Sprots which are a much better tire than the RSAs.

 

I have an '04 SL

Here are the problems I've had:

Warped Rotors (Common problem - bought drilled/slotted rotors)
Blown Strut (Common problem - fixed under warranty)
Shimmy problem (still not fixed)
Alignment (always becomes off-centered) fixed 3 times since March and still off
Noisy window actuators (learned to live with it)
CV boot busted within 30k miles (replaced right before warranty expired)
Chrome trim faded (replaced right before warranty expired)
Door handle stays in the open position (fixed myself)
Smell at wide open throttle (don't floor it any more)

So, from my own experience, I will not buy another Maxima... Most of these were fixed under warranty, but it's a pain in the @$$ when I have to coordinate with Nissan Service. I fly out almost every week and this car was purchased because I thought I would have a reliable vehicle when I'm in town. It's been in the shop way too often.

Don't get me wrong, the design and features are great. This is why I just can't seem to get rid of it just yet. I just will not buy another one. I don't know what it is about this car that I like so much. It's a love/hate relationship.

There are a lot of people on here who are completely satisfied with their purchse. If Nissan has corrected all of the common problems, then I would say go for it !

 

and I'm sure the 06 models will have the corrected 05 issues fixed as well.

I have an 05 and have no major problems. the only thing i hear is some wind noise at high speeds and some creaks while driving. but I guess i got used to it. NO shimmy, and NO bad RSA tires.

good luck with your choice.

I'd get the Max again, just maybe in a different color and more options

 

I had an 00SE, it's still in the family. I have an 05SE and I'm loving it. I have not encounter any problems, over 4k miles so far.

 

Another vote for the 6th gen. More room for less money. Powerful engine. But honestly, you can't go wrong with either decision. Both are very nice rides.

 

6th Gen all the way...
the majour problems have been addressed since ur going with the 2nd release of the 6th gens... but i own an 04 and i havnt had any problems yet (very minor ones)

what are the problems with '04? I am considering one...thx

 

i bought my 04 SE with 38K miles on it, so i was expecting at least a couple of problems. so far, nuthin. she purrin like a kitten.

btw.. you save money on insurance over the G35 as well.

 

sounds similar to what i am thinking of.. how much did it cost?
thx

 

i got my car for a little bit over 23K.. couldn't really turn it down considering i was carless at that point.

 

Buy a used 06 in 08...dont waste money on a brand new car.

 

Read my post a few lines above.... I ran into almost ALL the problems some of the people here have had. It's still a nice car if you can get a used '06 somewhere down the line with all these issues corrected.

 

I loved my 4th gen maxima and I just couldn't sell it...so I gave it to my parents and bought myself a G35 coupe. I know the coupe is a little different than the sedan but not DRASTICALLY different. I'd definitely go with the G35 just because of RWD. It is BY FAR Nissan's best chassis. The steering is so tight even at triple digit speeds and every corner is a blast in the car. I had KYB struts and FSTB on the Max and it was a little rough. My G35 actually handles bumps with way more composure. Launching from a light now has little drama because there is no torque steer. Definitely test drive both and drive them hard. If you like driving, its not really even a comparison.

 

dude any car u buy will have problems of some sort be it for $10 or $100...

drive the car, you like it? Buy it!!! ofcourse its good to research ur purchase but at the end of a car lovers day, its you that has to be satisfied not the wallet.

 

i have both a g35 and obviously just got the new 05 max. the g is a car that's way beyond what a max is. don't get me wrong, i love maxima's. i've owned 3 of them now. but, the infiniti is a much better car as in build, reputation, quality, comfort, etc. to ME, the g all the way if you can afford the difference.

 

my answer is....absolutely!! the maxima is the best looking, most comfortable four door luxury sport sedan in its price range and i wont forget to mention the fastest. for example all magazines say that the new 05' tl is faster then 04' maximas, with the tl posting 6.3 14.8 auto and the max posting 6.5-6.6 15.0 auto, well my buddy has 0-60, quarter mile equipment and in my 04 stock auto max with a 170 pound passenger got as low as 6.18 0-60 and 14.79 quarter mile and i let off the gas at the end so im assuming i could get 14.65-14.7..and ive beaten my friends 05 tl auto..... sorry to go on bout the performance i just hate how the magazines don't do the maximas speed justice

 

I have an 04 purchased in December of 2003, the car to date has been rock solid, my only problem was a hesitation one when crusing that new spark plugs solved. I think it's a great decision.

ONCE YOU GO 6TH GEN MAX, YOU EVER GO BACK...

 

I agree, I was on the tail of a 300C all the way from stop (after he cut me off) to about 100mph, then the 2 extra cylinders and the supposed 75hp more worked a little in his favor, only just a little. I have only K&N replacement filter in stock air box.