My search is over. I was lucky enough to track down a beautiful 1996 Maxima SE with a 5 speed, Bose stereo, leather, sunroof, everything but heated seats. 140k miles, one owner. All for just $2500! I'm glad I didn't have to compromise on features to find a well-maintained Maxima.

The car drives wonderfully and I can tell it's been well cared for. The engine is a gem and doesn't need to rev high to push you back in your seat. It has a charismatic snarl under heavy throttle that really lends it some character. Of course, I'm babying it since I plan on keeping it for at least five years. So far I've driven 160 miles on my first tank of premium and the needle reads 3/4 full!

I splurged and bought four new Firehawk P215-60R15 tires and the ride and handling improved noticeably. It was missing the spare so I went to a local junkyard and pulled a matching alloy off a '97 GLE. I spent most of the day washing the car and treating the leather and the black exterior plastic trim. A good wax and it will look like new (the hood and trunk lid are a little dull and I'd like to have the spoiler repainted). Here are some pics:

 

Looks clean!! Nice pick up

 

Thanks! You're from Austin - I bought it in Austin from Mark Weinstein Motors!

 

Thats one CLEAN 96!

 

Looks great!

 

A few more here:

http://forums.maxima.org/members/eem...maxima-se.html

 

Very nice and clean 96. Reminds me of when I first bought black/black.

 

It's hard to tell its green unless you have direct sunlight. It was overcast when I took these pictures. Here's a closeup under direct sunlight:

 

looks good man i love the dark evergreen color/my wife's is that color... whats your plans for it..

 

Plans:

-Needs a new O2 sensor (of course)
-Remove rear tint (really wavy/distorted view, like looking through beer goggles)
-Repaint rear spoiler (clear coat coming off)
-Get a remote/program
-Check fluids (A bit of whine in 1st gear?)
-Needs passenger floor mat
-Needs center armrest latch
-Fix rear windows (Drivers side motor runs but glass doesn't move, passenger side has no power for lock or window)
-Wax it bumper to bumper

As for mods, I'm pretty sure I'm keeping it stock. It's the ultimate sleeper.

 

Cool man she will make you a good ride... my extra set of se wheels would look good on there.

 

nice pick up. looks identical to mine

 

got the wheels, the paint... need the spoiler

 

great pickup.. good to see another fellow deep evergreen maxima

 

Really clean.... I hope to pick up a 4th Gen as a beater/project soon

 

looks nice...

 

That is one clean 96. Sounds like you'll keep it clean as well.

You say you'll keep it stock, but that's what we all said in the beginning.

David

 

Thing's mint man, nice pick up.

 

u can add a y and b pipe. it will still look perfectly stock, but you'll get about 15-20hp back from the top end. dam those sawblades wheels are clean as heck. they look brand frigging new.

 

I love the finish on the wheels - the circular grain pattern gives them just the right amount of shine.

Yeah, I was reluctant to have four new tires put on since I thought they'd scratch them up! They were careful, though.

I've read up on the Y-pipes and it seems the Cattman is the one to get. I've heard the Stillen has a "bees in a can" sound to it caused by the type of flex joint it uses. I mean, it's so smooth and quick now I don't think I need to mod it but I get restless a few years down the road maybe...

If you'd like, I could take some nice hi-res shots of my Max after I wax it next week and post them here as wallpapers for those who appreciate a nice stock Maxima.

 

Clean none the less.

 

lov that interior clean as fwak

 

very nice and clean.... now lower it already

 

Haha yeah, it's got a bit of Subaru Outback action going on...

I live between two low-water crossings so there's not a chance I'll lower it.