been contemplating on getting a 4th GEN Max, just wondering if anyone can tell me what kid of problem(s) i could expect. and yes i know depending on how it was maintenance and driven by the previous owner has a lot to do with it I'm just curious if there is just something that usually comes up as a problem on this model?

 

Go with a 99 and make it cali-spec.
You will learn much about troubleshooting and repairs.
Never read any positive comments on here about my 99 cali.

 

OK hate to sound like the dumb AZZ can you elaborate a little more about a cali-spec. and by that statement am i to assume that i will constantly be fixing something?

 

the later 4th Gens have electrical problems if your not careful, I say for the 4th Gen either the 96 or 97s are the best years.

 

is there something is sound look for as a warning?

 

get ready to replace a knock sensor (~$100) if it has about 100K on it.. but this is typical and and easy fix.. in my opinion get a manual.. youll thank yourself later.. oh and go with a 96 so you can upgrade the ecu if you ever feel like it.. some have used 96 ecu's in 97's and it works fine.. but save yourself the hassle.. other than that you should be good to go.. find a clean car with clean carfax and a straight body.. you cant go wrong..

 

look into an SE 5spd. i have a 97 SE 5spd and i love it. it depends what kind of amenities you want in it. check the thread on the differences between GLE, SE, and GXE. that should help with your decision.

 

Stay away from 99's their coilpacks suck and you have a chance of from the immobolizer.

 

Yea I got the 97 Maxima. Only problem I have with it is that the Knock Sensor pretty messed up. I took it to the shop over 300 bucks to replace cuz its hard to get too. BUt other than that I love it.

 

change it yourself.. its really not that hard.. i can do it in like 10 minutes.. all you need is a swivel, long extension, rachet, and i forget what size socket..

 

I really have no clue what ur trying to ask me, but in terms of trim go for the SE and if u want bang for the buck it has to be 5speed...

 

get a 96 or 97 SE. in general the 4th gens don't have a lot of common problems that pop up but those that do are typically small and relatively easy fixes.

 

Knock sensor
Oxygen sensors

 

I'd say go for a 97 or 98, they have the best look and have more reliable coil packs than the 99's. The only problem I've had so far with my 97 is the dreaded knock sensor and some rust issues with my exhaust. MAxima's are really nice and fun cars if you're willing to put a little effort into maintanance. I mean, these are 10 yr old cars we're talking about.

 

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/car/229317962.html

and if you want to do a 5spd swap i got a tranny for ya, ill even come help you set it up.

 

$ 300 WOW THATS REALLY ROUGH I PAID 90 BUCK$ AND INSTALLED IT MYSELF IT TOOK ME 45 MINUTES

 

I'm happy with my 98. I say 97-98 as well. 99 have some issues even tho they have the SE-L which is nice. 98 or 97 SE is my $.02

 

I think that's blowing it out of proportion. Some 99s have ignition coils that fail prematurely, and some 4th gens see the knock sensor go bad. Some 97s have an alternator recall out on them, but that's a free fix from the dealer. If it's a 99 find out if the coils were replaced. Worst case you have to buy a set for $400 and replace them in 30 minutes.

But to say Maximas have electrical problems is IMHO way overblowing it. Many, many cars are much, much worse.

If anything, the one component aside from the 99 coils is the manual tranmissions. The bearings just don't seem to last more than 100-200k for most drivers. If you're looking at a 5 speed, lift the front and and make sure the axle can't wobble AT ALL where it enters the tranny. That's a sure sign it needs rebuilt. Autos don't seem to have much trouble.

These cars are generally quite reliable. To expect them to last 200k is asking a lot from a car - and really the number of cars out there that have gone 100k or even 200k without a single expensive repair is huge. It seems to me that cars that live in salt/snow are the ones that get more trouble over the 100k mark, but again many have lasted a damn long time.

Dave

 

12mm, and if you really are sparse on tools you can do it with just a 3/8" ratchet and 12mm short socket, or even just a 12mm wrench. Just need something to pry against it with, like a screwdriver.

 

dgeesaman, I'm not blowing anything out of proportion, I'm just saying from being in the org most of the time when someone puts up a thread about electrical problems its usually the later 4th Gens, I'm not bashing the later years so don't get me wrong. I'm just stating from my experience on the org as well as friends who've owned later year Gens, thats what the main problem is...

 

I have a 99 SE-L 5 Speed and put a set of coils in it from a 97. Cost me 80 bucks. The car is reliable and I still love to drive it. The earlier models are better if you want to mod the car. ECU's, turbo's etc. But if you are just going to drive the H**L out of it, then get the newest one you can afford. Mine just passed 130k and runs better than ever.

 

well i already have a 3rd gen MAX and like i said playing with the idea of a 4th gen honestly only for the reason on how many style options there are for a 4 th gen rather than a 3rd GEN. as far as what to get my main requirements are

1) it runs good
2) manual (probably a SE)
3) a sunroof

as far as the different models if it follow suite like previous years than i will go with a SE but as far as modding out for speed not my real main concern i would (or will if i get one) do some performance upgrades but it will be more than likely my daily driver so no need to go crazy. looking for far a nice car to drive. to be honest i like the look of a 3rd gen more, more of a big body look, but they are so limited on what you can do an on a 4th gen there is A LOT more options... so that is why i am thinking about getting a 4th gen

 

Get the vehicle inspected by a competent mechanic. I would opt for an SE with leather, sunroof and BOSE (if you're not into upgrading the sound system).

Ideally you want one with low mileage and an intact maintenance history (which seems difficult to come by for some reason).

I have a 95SE, 5-speed, that I have owned since day 1 and have had virtually no problems, although the car has only got less than 66K mostly highway miles on it.

To date, the only non-routine problems I have had are:

1) replaced an oxygen senson on warranty about 9 years ago,
2) replaced oil pressure sensor (cheap and easy to replace)
3) replaced rear calipers because right rear was seized as a result of not
using the parking brake for about 5 years)
4) have had to recharge the air conditioning twice (have used a dye this time to determine if there is a small leak)
5) have a slight leak in the left transmission seal which I am monitoring (will replace in due course).

I still have the original front brake pads (I don't use the brakes) and spark plugs and the car runs like a champ.

If you are unsure about the frequency of oil changes I would do one or two AutoRX applications depending on the mileage (two if over 100K).

Apart from checking the transmission and clutch out, check the CV boots and do a Carfax on the vehicle.

If you buy one, I would be inclined to change all the fluids if they haven't been replaced routinely and on schedule.

 

dont do the mistake i did and buy a 96, they only come 190hp from the factory go with the 97-99 they're faster 235hp from the factory

 

Totally wrong...... they went up in the 2000 model year in horsepower, but not to 235. The 4th generation Maxima's all have the same engine (95-99).

 

wow, dont know what to say.........

 

Yeah no where close....every car 95-99 has stock 190hp at the crank. 2000+ had increased horse.

Perfect example how you shouldnt talk if you don't know anything about maximas or your maxima.

 

Good point..... Best to stay quiet if you do not know. Alot of information to learn here, especially in the stickies. Donating is also a good thing. It will allow you to use the search function here, as well as help out the org.

 

The ironing is that a '96 with the same horsepower will be slightly quicker due to total vehicle weight vs. power. Nice try though.

 

The one mistake you made is not doing research on 4th. Gen. Maxima's!

 

I hate ironing...