MY gen 4 has issues, Shes 14 years old. I bought her 8 years ago in 2006 so that made her 8 years old when I got her. Now that Gen5's are cheaper now. I am hoping probably cheaper than I picked up my gen 4 for. Would that be worth it? I know. I really don't want a Sedan again to be honest or just a slightly upgraded maxima all that much but this maxima started up every day except once when it had a dead battery recently, and I haven't had too too many issues with it.

I had a good amount of small problems with it tho and rust and the Transmission Input shaft bearing. Lots of CV axle issues but the motor has been legit nothing but mint. I never replaced any real components either other than I need an ac compressor. I would say that my maxi has been fairly reliable through eight New England winters and I think since I can't think of a faster nicer (slightly newer 2000's+ car under $3-4 grand. Should I just spring for a Gen 5? 2001-2002? of course I want the VQ35 lol

I just hope since they are all American made now. Will they not be as good as reliable as our Japanese made ones?

How much can one be had for now a days? With relatively low miles? I got mine with 139miles and now its at like 235ish. (I've always had a close job commute)

 

4th and 5th gens are pretty much the same. The stuff in the engine bay is in the same spots, suspension is setup very similarly, and the same common issues are there also.

I wouldn't...

 

plus the 3.5 vq's burn oil and eat up some gas. maybe a low mileage one, maybe

 

So you're telling me 8+8=14?

I've been lied to all my life.

 

lol my bad shes GOING on 8 years I've had her. and going on 15 years old this summer.

 

Common issues with IACV, ECU and Electronic Engine Mounts??? Don't see this as a common issue on a 4th gen and it is very pricey...

 

lol and 2+2 does'nt always equal 4

 

I've had both a 96 GXE & a 2002 SE. Both cars were very reliable.

 

My brother has a 96 5 speed. I have an 02 6 speed. The 02 is much better imo. 4th gens just look old now.

I bought mine for 4500 with 127k on it.

 

I dissagree a 4th gen looks 10 times much better then a 5th gen if the 4th gen is nice and clean. and thats coming from a me and i have a 2k2 GLE max

 

Im on my 2nd 5th gen now, and have driven a friends 4th gen. I love my 5.5gen 6mt, but my friends 4th gen 5 Spd was adequate to me. I personally dont think its that much of an upgrade. My general impression after driving both cars is the 5.5 gen is a lot torquier but the 4th gen seams to be an all around smoother, dare I say more comfortable, car.

Would I give up my 5th gen for a 4th gen? No.
Would I recommend buying a 5th gen to someone who already owns a 4th gen? No.

One thing that you will definitely will hate about the 5th gen is the turning radius.

 

there you go, more reliable, timeless body style, old school is the best!!!!

 

Its only "timeless" if its been well kept (no rust). Which is often rare, especially if you live in the Midwest like me.

Which one looks better is purely a matter of subjectivity. That depends on you...

But the 5.5 gen offers certain things that the 4th gen doesn't. (Heated steering wheel and the 3.5L engine)

 

I admit tho, the 3.0 is much smoother and just an overall better engine than the 3.5. I wanted to sell my car after I found out it burned 1 qt every 1000 miles.

Also the drive by wire crap in the 6 speed is complete crap. Especially in Chicago traffic. Feels like yr getting punched everytime you let off the throttle.

 

I didn't have any oil burning issues with my 02.

 

ugh the gen 5 has drive by wire? Wow that is a HUGE turn off for me. I am very particular on how my throttle feels also love the pressure as I can feel the throttle actually open.

 

In my opinion, the 4th gen is a better car than the 5th. Looks better, rides better, and is a better built car in general. But if you don't want another sedan, why get one? There are some reliable coupes out there. Camaro, Firebird/Trans Am, Corvette, SC300, SC400, Solara, TC, Celica, 350z, G35. Plenty of coupes to choose from if that is what you're really wanting. And they will be just as reliable as our cars.

 

It doesnt make that much of a difference honestly. The pedal feel is basically the same. Sure theres more input lag, but you are talking about milliseconds here, its almost imperceptible.

Main difference you will notice is the 5th gen takes a long time to wind down from higher rpms --ie shifting from 1st at 5k to 4th takes a long time (much longer then a 4th gen) to properly rev match.

 

The 5.5 gen is better in some areas, but its still very 4th gen like. It's also getting old. Most on the road are starting to rust, at least up here. If I were to buy an A33 right now it would be an 04 I35. I'm fine with an auto. I also like the 2001 AE.

If you want a newer FWD with a VQ, look at some Altimas. I'd love me an SE-R!

 

I actually was driving behind an Altima SE-R today. I thought to myself....that's a nice ride.

 

Thought about getting an SE-R myself, except for that they usually cost more then a comparable Maxima, and the Altima's interior is kinda

 

Buy a new sentra 2.0 and do a 3.5 swap 6 speed, can't nobody see YOU

 

In my opinion the redesigned 4th gen (5th gen) appears to look more like a car a girl would drive.

 

no, buy my 99 SE instead.
please