Just looking for some input/discussion from some 5th and 6th gen`rs, I drive a 98 right now and she's rusting away before my eyes... Body, Underbody, Everythings just a year from disappearing and it's a real downer. So i'm looking for something to drive while I tear it down and make it shine again.

Within 15 minutes of my home I have an immaculate 01 AE with 100k, And a 04 SE with 160k (Same as my 98) Both for the exact same price (Haggled ofc). Neither have rust problems. So that is an instant <3 from this guy.

Now, the AE has a recent paint job, So she is shining like a ****. It's not 3.5 swapped, I'm thinking better on gas?

And I'm real into the Dual Exhaust of the 04s, And the 6th gens just look mean, period. Plus the 3.5 power, I could get into that.

I do plan on modding (Nothing like Forced Induction, But just "Show" bolt ons) So I want to take that in consideration.

But i know next to nothing of the quirks of either gen. Every year seems to have it's special spot, where you look something will almost assuredly be bad. I'm looking at the newer car, Just because I'm so afraid of future rust. But I had a Blue AE come into work (Parts store) and it was just murder'd out, 5% all around, black wheels, goddamn sick....

I can't decide off hand, I plan on mulling it over for the week, But in the meantime I was hoping to have some .org opinions.

 

01 AE is probably youre best bet. From what Ive heard, there is a oil burning issues in some 5th gens, but the 6th gens have notorious transmission and timing chain problems. I just spent almost $1300 on getting my valve body replaced and now I have to save up again to fix the timing chain. If you are mechanically inclined, then the 6th gen would be fine. Most of the money you will pay is in labor anyway.

Looks-wise, the 5th gens can look absolutely beautiful if you want a sport look. The 6th gens can go the luxury or sport route and look great as well. I just prefered a 6th over the 5th because I am 6'4" and I needed the extra room.

 

Hmm, The 04 i'm looking at IS an auto... Guess i'll be giving it an extra thorough look.

And the Carfax for that AE was not good... I'm going to pass on it entirely.

Bad day to be a buyer.

 

either one a 5spd? 01 AE gets my vote. be careful about the paintjob tho, if it wasnt done the right way, it will start peeling off in a year. the fact that it has had a full paintjob raises an eyebrow for me.

 

No neither were a 5sp.

The AE looked like it had passed its better years, and the engine looked beat to death.

The body was in good shape though? I took a pass on it.

And yea, After a visit to the 6th gen forums, I think I'm thoroughly scared off of that.

 

I'm 6'5" and I manage just fine in my '03. I just recline the seat back some and I'm comfy.

 

I bet the 04 is? If not it's a rare SL 4AT.

 

Whoops, Sorry. It is definitely an SE.

I just associate 5sp with manual, Even though I've had a 6 speed Celica... I still called it a 5speed to friends...

 

Yeah, 04+ had the 5AT and 6MT until IIRC 06, then in 07 came the CVT.

 

I had a 3.5 motor and it ran great besides the oil burning. But some get lucky and have no issues.

I like the 3.0, it seems to be a better motor but it not as powerfull.

 

OK, the 01 is out of the picture.

I've been reading up on the 6ths, and am looking for opinions on it.

I'm going to get a carfax on it tomorow, But in the meantime...

How big of a risk is it to buy an 04 AT (Seems to be a death sentence) with 160k on the clock? From reading the 6th gen forums it seems like playing roulette with 5 bullets in the cylinder. But I love the looks of the 6th gens, And since it is an auto, i'm basically paying half price upfront (Thanks to a family member who only drives autos) since she offered to go half on it.

I've talked to the owner and he and his wife use it daily, they say it has the ABS problem I've read so much about, But nothing about the trans.

I'll be driving it myself on monday, Are there any specific symptoms or sounds i should be checking for. I've read about the bangs and thumps of an already going trans, Just trying to find out if there is anything else that is a precursor.

Thanks guys for the info so far.

 

LOL at any "Maxima" newer than a 3rd gen.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVUon953mwY

 

i say go AE, its way more rare and less mantienece issues. AE all the way sir.

 

If you get the 04 at I good enough price I would go for it. Or just pass until another Maxima shows up.

I like that the 6th gen SE has 5spd auto and 3.5 is sweet. Whatever money you save on purchase you can use on repairs.

 

I'm having nothing but bad luck...

The 04 SEs owner didn't have the title straight out. They were still financing, and since there was no title, I couldn't technically own the car, even though I payed, for at least 3 weeks... BUT. I got to drive it... Holy **** it was ****in sweet... Only had it for about an hour but lord have mercy. Those 3.5s, really really nice

But where one opportunity falls, another rises. I have stumbled across the 04 SL package, Now I haven't heard much about the SL automatics, do they fall prey to the same issues the 5speed autos the SE have?

 

As far as I know, the SLs had worse transmission issues because they used a 4spd auto. Make sure you test drive the SL first. It was the luxury model so it was supposed to have a smoother ride, woodgrain trim, etc.

Just make sure you do your research and read around the 6th gen forums.

 

160k miles sound kinda high... around 22K per year. Is the 04 with 160K still on the first tranny? I will request for service records and also find out if there is any repair done to the car itself and also the tranny... either way, I wouldn't get it if I were you. There is always better deal out there, pay a little more for lower mileage. Good luck!