Hi!

I am currently the owner of a 2002 Maxima GXE Auto and I have to say, I really love the car. Unfortunately, it seems like the problems are starting to appear one after the other and I think it might be the time to change the car. I'd like to stay with a max. I love my car, but due to the many reparations the car requires and the fact that my model doesn't have the leather seats or the bells and whistles, I have no doubt a more recent model would be even better.

The model I am looking for is a 2009 Dark Grey Maxima SV with both the sport and technology package. It cost $24k and it only has 34000km, which is roughly 21k miles. I haven't had the chance to try it yet because the dealer told me the car was getting prepared. Sounded more like an employee was using the car for a business trip to me but anyway....

He let me try a 2010 SV model with no package.

I've loved the experience. It only lasted around 12 minutes but I had a lot of fun driving it. The ride was very comfortable and I loved the leather seats. I am also impressed with the CVT tranny mounted on that car. Never did I feel like it was wrong. There wasn't any lag at all. The engine kept running at low rpm, but at the same time was very responsive the moment I pressed the pedal a bit more.

We have pretty bumpy road with lots of holes here in Quebec city, but in the 2010, even with its stiff suspension and low profile tire, it was much more comfortable than my 02. The acceleration was better too, and so was the steering. My 02 feels a bit floaty in tight corners, unlike the 2010 which felt very responsible and much more grounded on the road.

I can't wait to try the 09 because it will be the actual car I am about to buy.

But before doing this, Can I have the opinions of 2009 Maxima or 7th gens owners in general? How long have you had the car? Did you have any problem with it? What are the most common problems with it and is there any thing I should check during my test drive? Are you satisfied with it or do you regret your purchase?

I'd really like to read as many opinions as possible on this car before I unleash the fury because honestly a 27.5k (with taxes) car is kind of expensive for me. I can certainly afford it, but I want it to be good if you know what I mean.

Thanks in advance guys!

 

Price seems a bit high to me. Also with the sport package you get 19" wheels instead of the 18" on the base sv, and shorter sidewall tires and a more firm suspension so the ride quality will not be the same as in the one you test drove. Also the 09 max does not have Bluetooth streaming audio if that is important to you.

 

Thank you for your interest.

I am well aware about the sport package. I guess I will only find out about the ride quality once I try it out. Beating my current Maxima on ride quality shouldn't be too hard though. The suspension is still good but something feels awkward. Lot of metal bending/loose bolts noises.

The lack of bluetooth audio streaming does not bother me in the slightest. I was planning to use the on board storage space anyway.

The price is a bit high but then again every car seems to cost a bit more here in Canada. I could buy a car from a particular for 2 or 3k less but from I've noticed I won't have as low mileage on it.

Again, thanks for your input. Really appreciate it.

 

just realizing you are in Canada the price seems to be right on par with the canadian market. I purchased my 09 SV Sport Package in november with 34k miles for approx. 20 grand i have had no issues with it at all....it is a great car. I drove both with and without sport. I personally love the sport...

 

Ya sorry I was on my phone so I didn't see you were in Canada. Sounds like a good price. Canada likes to charge a few grand more than the states.

 

Wow, what the heck!? I live in the U.S. (Wisconsin) and 7th gen Maximas in my area around 50-55k miles are roughly $24k U.S. So less than half the miles, cheaper price in Canda?

 

I have had my 2009 SV Sport since we bought it new and have zero complaints. I have a few mods to it, and everything has worked great. I now have 70k miles on mine and she's still going strong

 

I had a 09 sport Sv tech pkg
Love the car so far. I only have 15k miles on mine. My only complaint is the seat track issue but not a big deal,
I have a bunch of mods. I'd recommend the sport pkg
Btw my friend has same as mine and has 76k on his. No problems at all..
This car holds its value we'll. Ill be ready to sell mine soon and w low low miles 15k should move fast

 

i paid $27000 for my 2010 sport tech package wtih 15k miles, i compared online and seemed like a reasonable price to me. Only thing i think i wish i had was the moon roof option but the sun roof will do! other than that this is my fav car ive ever owned, and ive had a few!

 

I love my 09 sport/tech, and added bluetooth streaming to it using a little thing called a Blackberry Stereo Gateway.

only issue I had to take it in for warranty work for was my steering column motor broke and they replaced it. im at 39k and no other issues

go with the sport, the 19's fit the car so well. you're gonna love the car.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys. Judging by your response, I shouldn't expect any major common fault. I really enjoyed my time driving the 2010 and I am REALLY looking forward to try the 09 so I'm glad to see no one seems disappointed.

Thank you all. I feel a lot more confident about this (kind of expensive) purchase.

I'll keep you updated with the situation.

 

Small update :

Unfortunately, the sale person told me that one of the employee chose to buy the car. I was allowed to see the car in question and I kind of understand why he decided to purchase it. It was literally perfect. Great brake, great suspension, top notch interior, very low mileage. No visible scratch. Leather seats looked like they were factory new.

It really saddened me, as I could finally see it and it was like flirting a very beautiful girl only to see her telling ya good night then going away with her boyfriend.

The good news is that the seller happened to have another 2009 maxima with sport package (no tech) which also have a rear camera installed on it. Needless to say, I quickly jumped in her and did a 15 minutes test drive.

It was exactly like the 2010. Everything feeled just as sharp, with no weird noise whatsoever. The only thing that annoy me slightly is that it's silver, instead of dark grey. Doesn't bother me that much though. Another thing ist hat the other one looked a bit more clean, but the seller assured me that it would look exactly the same once it comes out of the dealership.

Another thing is that the model I want is exactly the same price as the other one at $23,888, but with 45000km instead of 34000km, and it's missing the tech package as well so it leaves me a bit perplexed. I'll see if I can deal the price a bit.

 

No way it can have more miles, a year older, minus the tech package and cost the same price. Tell them to drop that price a couple grand at least.

 

Yeah I'd walk away if they arent going to drop it with having more miles a year older and less options

 

I got my 09 sport/tech used in Nov 2010 for 26k with 22,000 on the motor. i think they can come down a bit on that price too

 

Another update. Went to the dealer again. We talked a lot. They dropped the price by 1.5k. I am now a lot more satisfied.

Now, my huge concern before I purchase the car is the damn tire. The set it comes with is fine. 19" all season radial tire. 245/40/19

I have to think ahead about winter. From what I see, a set cost as much as 1.5k, which is incredibly expensive. I need to know if I can install steel rim on this maxima and what is the lowest height I can fit.

 

Hey I'm in Toronto and was concerned about the winter tires as well.. I ended up getting 17" steel rims and rubber and work great. With the extra rubber it was very soft .. I'll try and get the size for you..

 

So the size I got were 225 55 17 which gives the closest rolling diameter so the speedo doesn't get messed up.. Also I didn't put it tire pressure sensors and I was ok with the light on the dash during the winter..
Hope it helps and good luck with the purchase..

 

Thanks for the advice. The dealer told me you couldn't fit steel rims on this car. Guess he was wrong. Where did you find your rims btw?

 

I got mine at Canadian tire..