5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.

lol@ my friend who says. 2003 maxima's are Notorious for bad engines and transmission

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Old Sep 22, 2013 | 07:25 AM
  #1  
S1cTech's Avatar
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lol@ my friend who says. 2003 maxima's are Notorious for bad engines and transmission

I will give him the transmission thing cause I know they suck for Nissans but not as bad as Mitsu... but really? Bad engines? LOL

I just need to confirm it here. I mean by Gen 4 has 240 k miles on it. The engine is mint... That is not to say everything else isn't going around it like the body or the tranni but the engine still has lots of life.

He works in the auto body trade so I guess he knows what is talking about...not.
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 08:04 AM
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Well, I'd ask him to define bad.

Bad due to oil burning issues? Yup. Bad due to oil leaks? Eh, typical stuff for most engines. Bad because they don't produce power or handle added power? Absolutely not.

So what exactly is he saying is "bad." I've got almost 200k miles on mine.
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 08:12 AM
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you can look at this both ways... for someone who has no idea how to work on cars the 3.5 with the oil burning issues could potentially be a very bad engine... someone who does not have the habit of checking oil every once in a while the "oil guzzler" and the clogged cats are just a combination for a disaster. So in the case the 3.5 VQ is just a bad engine...
For someone who understands about engines and cars in general the VQs that one of the best v6 engines ever build... Just look at the ward's 10 best engines awards. There is a reason why the VQ has been there since 95...
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 08:53 AM
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My Maxima has been a lemon but after fixing up everything it is okay
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 10:14 AM
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No two cars are the same, even if they roll off the same production line side by side. As far as the oil burning issue in the vq35de with this gen, some have it, some don't. A lot of variables to consider over 10+ years as well. Did previous owners get regular maintenance done? What oil and gas octane did the use? How was the vehicle driven by the previous owner(s)?

That is the same for any car from any manufacturer. Bottom line, take care of your cars and you will have minimal issues. Or if you end up with an abused car, give it the love and attention it needs and it will return the favor. I'm sure I sound like an idiot to some of you, but I hate when people try to compare the reliability of one car to another. Sure, some cars have defects that arise. But 90% of a cars longevity and reliability have to do with the following:regular maintenance, quality parts and fluids, and NOT driving your car like a race car.
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 10:24 AM
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^
What's so wrong about driving the car like you stole it?
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 11:40 AM
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He's Correct n knows what he's talking about,the 2002,2003 were the worst maximas ever built n go thru engines like hell burn oil overall "bad" engines the vq30 was wards top 10best engines in world #1 from 95-01 NOT THE VQ35.
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by TravisCadello
He's Correct n knows what he's talking about,the 2002,2003 were the worst maximas ever built n go thru engines like hell burn oil overall "bad" engines the vq30 was wards top 10best engines in world #1 from 95-01 NOT THE VQ35.
2002-2007 (2008 was the HR)

troll elsewhere

Last edited by Child_uv_KoRn; Sep 22, 2013 at 12:50 PM.
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 12:56 PM
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switching to a 40 weight oil cut my oil consumption in half
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by tomcat
HR was never used in Maxima however it was used in '07-'08 350Z. It is for rear wheel drive applications.
since when is the VQ only in maximas

There's nothing wrong with the engines (aside from valve stem seals/possibly the oil rings - not a big deal). The exhaust is ****ed, but the engines are fine. Heavy oil consumption is always going to be caused by the cats.

No RWD applications had any trouble. The only other real problem is the chain guides from 04-08 (seems to affect FWD mostly except for VQ40s from 04-10).

This is where the lack of a recall (the QRs were never fixed under the recall) makes your brand look really bad.

Last edited by Child_uv_KoRn; Sep 22, 2013 at 07:06 PM.
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 07:06 PM
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09 up maximas use the HR right?
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by george__
^
What's so wrong about driving the car like you stole it?
Nothing if you have deep pockets for tickets, additional maintenance, and major repairs (lol). I beat on my car too George, but that's twice a week on a private road. Driving wot everywhere I go? That's just stupid in my opinion for a few different reasons. For each there own though.
Old Sep 22, 2013 | 10:09 PM
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I think my car likes being driven hard. No more CEL/random things clunking

Last edited by george__; Sep 22, 2013 at 10:19 PM.
Old Sep 23, 2013 | 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by TravisCadello
vq30 was wards top 10best engines in world #1 from 95-01 NOT THE VQ35.
every vq35 produced in that date range was #1 on Wards top 10
Old Sep 23, 2013 | 10:05 AM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by tomcat
HR was never used in Maxima however it was used in '07-'08 350Z. It is for rear wheel drive applications.
Originally Posted by Child_uv_KoRn
since when is the VQ only in maximas
HR VQ's were only RWD models...




















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