I've been planning on paying cash for a car this year.(I'm keeping my Elantra as my daily driver) I went through a lot of possible cars that I could buy and because I miss my 4th gen Maxima so much I decided I'm going to get a 5.5 gen Maxima. I am not going to really make miles that the car had an issue, I'm going to just look for a Maxima that was well cared for whether it have 50000 or 100000 miles on it.

I'm leaning towards a 6 speed(though auto will work too, but I always wondered what it would be like to drive a manual.) Since all of you are very experienced with 5th gens, are there any common problems that I should pay close attention to when I check out the car before I buy it? Thanks.

 

Radiator support rotten, Oil burner, rust on body/undercarriage, Front end clunk over bumps, valve covers leaking. And its a good idea to check rubber parts if you can get a glance at them, such as engine mounts. Cant think of any more off the top of my head.

As someone who drives an automatic, Ill tell you a 6 speed is worth the wait if you cannot find one at the moment. When i searched for a maxima, there were hardly any good ones in my price range so i was happy when after i found a nice automatic, and still am. But a 6speed would just be THAT much better.

 

About half a year ago, Car Max received a nice 6MT in majestic blue with 90k miles on the clock, leather, Meridian package, HLSD, etc....

But seriously, wait for one, it's worth it. It's going to tough to tell if it is oil burner, but if you get to have it checked independently, have them crack open the intake manifold and you'll see for yourself. You can also check around the valve covers to see if there's any leakage, but that's going to be small. CV boots are another big ticket item to check, especially for the HLSDs, because getting those replacement axles can be tough. All the best.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I have a used car dealership that I have dealt with for years who have always found me quality cars. I always still inspect the cars independently of course. I will look for what you guys suggest when it comes time to buy one. I enjoy driving my Elantra a lot so I am in no hurry to buy this as a second car. I'll take my time and I'll get a nice one.

 

Dads sellin his auto 2002. Ga isnt too far away...

 

How much? I won't be buying until like November.

 

I personally think this. if its not a 6spd, its not worthy. they're extremely rare, but deff worth it GL

 

I have one final question. The kelly blue book has a Maxima SE with 60k miles with a sunroof, leather interior and a 6 spd transmission valued at 8-9k. How much do the 5.5 gens usually sell for on average? I know there is a lot of variables, but 8-9k for like a 10 year old car seems crazy seeing how I bought my 1999 Maxima for 3900 in 2007.(With 140k on the odometer)

 

I test drove a 2003 Auto Maxima today.(A six speed wasn't available.) After that test drive, I am excited that I will be having a Maxima again soon. The power band was smooth and I never had to come close to flooring it. It has plenty of pull even at 2k rpm.

 

YOULL BE SOWWY!!!! 6 SPD IS SOOOOOO MUCH BETTER (if you looking for power) trust me, if you like to mod cars, you'll want more power, then more power. Then you will hit the AUTOMATIC wall.....while 6 speeds pass you up!

Honestly If you dont plan on doing too many MODS then AUTO is more than enough. I would just say dont start modding....you cant miss what you never felt. If you ever test drive a 6-speed you will change your mind and forget what an automatic was...lol.


THIS ^^

 

Definitely go with the 6-speed. My only complaint about the 6-speed is that it is a cable shifter so it feels disconnected and sloppy, even compared to the mammoth throws of the 5-speed in mine. The difference though is that the 5-speed is connected by rod-linkage, so you have a much more direct feeling to the trans than the 6-speed. Also, definitely try to find one with a factory LSD. The 3.5's are really torquey (spelling??) and the open-diff one I drove was THE one-wheel-peel MASTER, which is annoying to me...

 

I hear you guys on getting the 6 speed. It is really hard to find a six speed Maxima. I'd rather buy the auto. I'm not a racer or someone who mods my cars. I just want a nice second car. I may do a 6 speed swap later. The other thing that makes me back away from the six speed is that most people who opt for the six speed do so for the performance, if this is the case, then that means that the car has probably been driven hard. That is how I see it anyways.

Besides the power, the seats are the most comfortable seats that I have ever sat in. The interior quality is top notch as well, and it is a very quiet highway cruiser. I also test drove a 1.8t Jetta and....*cackle* I'll stop there.

 

Get the manual.

Not just for performance, but for fuel economy and a far more engaging driving experience. Its not about "Racing" or competition, its just one of those cars that is better with a manual gearbox.

Just be patient. The good thing is the 5.5s are really cheap now so you can hold out for the one you want.

 

Get the 6spd if you are a driver.

I paid 6.8k for mine delivered from TX with 87k miles and have not regretted it. The manuals are hard to find but well worth the wait, small price bump and trouble.

 

You have until November you say? Then if you research well, I'm sure you'll find one. I was in the same boat as you 3 years ago, I had the cash, time, and wanted a 6spd loaded maxima with less than 100k miles. I found the pearl, a loaded titanium edition (all except gps) 75k miles on craigslist and got it for 8k. My neighbor has a 4spd auto, same year, and I know if mine was auto, I'd hate it! You got until November you said? Then do alot of research, you can find a nice 6spd that hasn't been abused, and remember to negotiate the price...

 

I'll definitely consider waiting on a 6 speed. I have the time, I love my current car and the Maxima will just be a weekend car. Thanks for the advice guys.