Hi,

I've done some lurking here, I am considering a 2011 - 2012 Maxima SV and would be very pleased if you can offer some advice?

1. Do the 7th Gen's have any body rust issues? I live in SW Ontario and we use salt on the roads...but my present car is a 2004 VW Passat (great car) and the fully galvanized body has NO rust issues. Yes, the B5.5 engine subframe and rear suspension beam have some surface rust, but I've just sprayed these with Rust Check Coat & Protect (thick gel like rust inhibitor) and these have not been a problem.

2. Any issues with water leaks for 7th Gen's ?

3. I've read about the # 1 piston crank bearing issue, it seems that if I get one with balance of powertrain warranty, I should be fine...right?

As for me, I'm used to using premium gas in my APR reflashed wagon so no learning curve for a Maxima. FWIW my Passat has been extremely reliable over the last 9.6 years and I've done all the work since the warranty expired including timing belts, waterpumps, brakes, oil (always 100% synthetic) & filters etc. But I'm tired of driving it, and I can't abide the styling of the new Passat. Also VW has cheapened the image of Passat ownership.

Could I expect that a Maxima will be sort of boring maintenance wise compared to a VW ? consider me willing

Thanks in advance for any advice or comments to help me along!
Ken

 

I have had no rust on my 7th gen, and have owned it for five years, but then I live in a town in middle Georgia that does not even own road salt, and very seldom sees snow.

I think the only time I saw rust on the 7th gen mentioned here was on the top of the trunk area, just in front of the trunk lid. Strange place for rust, but I think three posters here noticed that on their 7th gens, and all three mentioned that the paint in that area did not look as good as the rest of the car. Maybe a poorly programmed painting robot?

Of course the brake rotors will show surface rust if driven in the conditions you mentioned, then allowed to sit around a few days. But rotor rust is a cosmetic thing that will come right off when the brakes are used again.

I don't recall seeing water leaks mentioned on the 7th gen board. The 6th gen Maxim had water leak problems because, unless special care was taken during the assembly process, one of the drain hoses that run down both 'A' pillars would be crimped at about the level of the bottom of the windshield. That problem left several inches of water in my front wheel well, and it took me weeks to get all the carpet, padding, etc, totally dry. But I don't recall posters here on the 7th gen board mentioning water leaks.

I will let others here who have dealt with the bearing issue fill you in on that. I will say that if the bearing issue pops up within five years of the original sales date of the car, Nissan should pay for any repairs. You probably should look up that bearing problem thread somewhere here on this board and perform the check it gives in order to determine if your car may have that problem.

When it comes to reliability, each vehicle is a 'case unto its own.' Two cars that are exactly alike, and that came down the assembly line back-to-back, can be as different as night and day reliability-wise.

When many thousands of Maximas are used to establish reliability, such as in Consumer Reports, all Maxima model years rate above average, with the 2012 model rating as 'much better than average.' The Passat has always rated as average or below average until the 2012 model year, when it rose to 'above average.'

I have had no problems in five years with my 2009 7th gen, and there are many here on the board who have also had trouble-free Maximas. But, as you can see by perusing this board, there are posters here who have had problems.

I wish you many happy miles in your beautiful 7th gen Maxima.

 

As lightonthehill said, make sure you check for this BEFORE you buy the car. Do it right ( warm car and standing over the hood) and make sure the car is inside a garage as it's easier to hear.

 

Thanks for the input. From my experience, auto forums are collectors of the extremes...the extreme fans on the one side, and the extremely unhappy owners on the other. I've belonged to PassatWorld for years, great site, lots of dedicated DIY'ers and devoted VW apostles, but also those that regret their ownership decision. My wife has a Ford Flex, the forums for that one are not so great ~ but it is a polarizing vehicle

In my local area I can choose from multiple ex-rental Maxima's from Nissan dealerships - I suspect these cars are just as likely to be good or problematic vs. a one owner trade in, in that the rentals are usually well maintained to offset the joyride aspect of their usage. Maxima owners never ever drive their cars aggressively? right?

I'll watch out for that area around the trunk - good to know.
Thanks,
Ken

 

I'll have to check out that forum as I may buy a Toureg for the winter.

People will say I am an extreme on the Maxima but it didn't start that way.

I had incredible luck with Maximas and Inifinitis, so much I never even researched the 2013 Maxima thinking it would be the same.

I drove the car, liked it and they matched my carsdirect price and it was done.

After owning the car is when everything started and believe it or not it was other issues just as much as fear of the knock coming back after the short block was replaced that made me get rid of the car at 4500 miles.

As far as good used cars, there is a mint ( looking) 2013 Maxima out there ( unless it sold already) with under 5K miles on some dealers lot that is a PURE POS.

Want to bet they don't disclose ( or probably even know) that car has a new engine to any buyer ?

Low mileage trades can also be problems so just be careful, ask to take the car for a few hours and really check it out.

Good luck

 

Also keep eye out on people who ended up having a rare lemon and now they make it a full time job to hang around forums and scare potential new buyers... Like... cough cough cough cough

 

First TSB's are not made for RARE problems and engines don't go on back order for RARE problems.

A simple glance at the bearing thread shows many members on this forum have the same "RARE" issue. A google search will open up all sorts of other threads on different forums.

THE OP asked about issues with the car so I gave him an answer as to MY EXPERIENCE

I believe you have a 98, those were great cars. What year 7th Gen do you have ?

 

Lookout for carmax. I was going to buy a Max from them even had one shipped to FL and it had more rust than my 00. It also had more Rust than any other Maxima on their lot. Its a hit and miss with them. Try to buy a FL or GA car. There are a lot of rusted cars in the market right know.

 

From my perspective, all cars have some POTENTIAL issues. I've owned a Passat with the 1.8 Turbo that never had engine sludge, never leaked water from the pollen filter, never had a coil pack issue, never snapped a timing belt etc mostly because I read my owners manual, joined enthusiast forums, did my best to keep it maintained. My wife says it's because I'm a Virgo, but being trained in mechanical engineering plays a part in my outlook on things with moving pieces.

Research the W211 Mercedes E class with either the 3.5l V6 or the 5L V8 and you will find that engines in 2006-2008 are potentially affected by soft balance shaft sprockets...a $ 5k-6K repair for which MB is mostly (and legally for now) ignoring the plight of owners outside of warranty.

Go look at Cadillac CTS forums and you see the issues with direct injection carbon fouling, oil consumption, blah blah. Kudos for Cadillac actually monitoring these forums, I've never seen any other OEM with actual active participation on a car forum = impressive.

Sorry for the ramble, but it does appear that Nissan is being fair with owners with the bearing knock issue.

Be aware, be informed, don't act in haste...all stuff I wish I did when I was younger

 

Honestly, the only reason I even replied is the statement you made below made it seem like swapping an engine was no big deal as long as you didn't have to pay for it.

Many people are being told obvious bearing knocks are normal so there is no guarantee should your car have the issue that you will get it fixed.

My biggest issue with Nissan is they are shipping cars with bearing knocks made AFTER the TSB was released so they know there is an issue and don't even care.

3. I've read about the # 1 piston crank bearing issue, it seems that if I get one with balance of powertrain warranty, I should be fine...right?

 

Agreed. Just a warning, this guy (13maximasv) might flip out. He and I aren't very good friends. Lol

The max is a great car. I've driven mine from 15,000 miles to now 40,000, and haven't had a single issue. It's a 2011 SV with the premium pkg.

One of the questions you asked is about leakage issues. Just so you're aware, the SV with premium pkg has the panoramic roof. So, that glass panel closes a little differently than the other models which just have a standard sunroof. I've never heard about leakage issues, but it's something worth knowing. The only downside to the panoramic sunroof is that it opens in a way which doesn't make for quiet driving. Lots of wind noise against the raised panel of glass. Also, when it's super cold (below 10 degrees Fahrenheit) I sometimes get some squeaking from the seals above my head. Doesn't help that when it's that cold out I'm usually driving over bumpy snowy roads, but still. Thought that might be useful for you. Only applies if you get the premium pkg. If you're already looking at the SV, I'd consider getting SV with either sport or premium pkg also.

The VQ is a solid engine. Been a Nissan staple for a long time now. I'm glad to hear your realistic view about potential engine problems. Most of us here have had none. I wasn't surprised to see the poster on here right away to warn about the bearing knock. He's been Johnny on the spot to tell anyone and everyone about his issue. I think he's still a little sore about his max having that problem. (Maybe I would be too, who knows.)

As a mechanically inclined fella, have you done much research about the CVT? What are your thoughts? I enjoy mine, but that's one of the most polarizing parts about the maxima. Just wanted to make sure you know to consider that as you decide.

Good luck!

...meow.

 

I'm not going to defend Nissan, but on the surface their change in responses tells me, IMHO that the root cause of the problem is not fully confirmed as yet.

Annoying noises get some attention, but engine failures within warranty get HUGE attention by OEM's.

 

I've driven the 2013 Altima with the CVT, at the time it was just to see what all the fuss about the CVT really meant to the seat of my pants and my ears.

My impression was not horrible, but sort of middling. Seeing vidoes of the manual shifting on the Maxima makes me feel much better about a CVT. I do appreciate the engineering, the efficiency aspects for CVT. As the OEM's introduce 8-9+ speed transmissions they are essentially always shifting = CVT'ish

The emmissions spike when a regular auto shifts gets reduced with the ratios being closer together, reduce emmissions = more economy.

I bet that drive axle bearings on CVT cars last longer due to lack of shift shock?

Anyways I will be test driving Maxima's in the next month, the CVT has to win my emotional side or do most owners warm up to it gradually?

 

I had a 96 which was quite possibly the greatest used car I've ever owned and I've owned many. My current one is a 2010 which I hope has the same faith as my 96.

 

It takes a little warming up. Especially if you are someone who knows and is comfortable with normal (automatic) transmissions. But, that makes them sound, well, boring. It shouldn't be boring at all. It's a dynamic transmission, which responds to how hard you push it. I didn't believe this at first, but our transmissions actually learn our driving behavior and adjusts it's response according to how hard or soft you typically drive. It's kinda crazy to think about.

Anyway, hopefully it'll win you over. It did me. Not so much that I'll look for it in my next car, but, I'm still a fan. Play with it, drive it a little spirited, slap the paddle shifters around and find out for yourself.

 

You will like the CVT in the 3.5 Alti better than the Max.

 

Yup! the 4th gen was probably the most reliable Maxima to date.

 

Like the OP, I'm interested in a 7th gen. Max. However, I cannot confirm your claim that a google search will enlighten me on the TSB or the #1 bearing knock. In fact, the only thing I've gotten by way of google results is a re-direct right back to this forum.

Can you link me to a few results where this is discussed anyplace else on the net?

 

I test drove a 4cylinder Altima, is there that much of a difference in how the CVT in the 3.5 Altima is set up vs the same engine in the Maxima ?

 

OP you also have to realize how many Maxima's have been sold between 2009 and now that have not had the bearing issue. I know the are a few failures out there but you can not put a percentage on the failure rate by what is just on this forum.
You want to see some failures? Google search ring land failures for 2008 and up Subaru STI's and see how many threads and forums there are for that. I had one and was always worried if and when it would happen? But it never did and it was 350WHP with stock internals until I traded it in with 87,000 miles and seeing 21 lbs of boost everyday.
No disrespect meant for anybody just trying to give a guy some information on a different brand of car he was looking at buying.

 

I think the main difference is that the cvt in the 3.5 altima is that it's much more responsive. If you punch on the gas from a stop in the maxima, it's laggy unlike in the altima. Not sure if Nissan has finished working out the kinks, but it seems like there were quite of few problems with the newer cvt in the altima. You'd have to wait for the new maxima to get the newer cvt unless you decided to buy an altima.

 

Amen, I had a 97 SE 5speed with cloth seats (and I hate cloth seats) but I put in 5 quarts of oil and 3500 to 5000 miles later it always gave me back 5 quarts of oil. That performance and build quality of that car is the reason I'm still driving Nissans.

 

I have a 2011 SV which I bought in 2012 and it has almost 24000 miles, I traded in a 2005 CTS because it used oil and Government Motors would not acknowledge an oil consumption problem with the 3.6 engine, my Maxima is superior to the CTS.

 

I had the engine knock and bearing problem that required short block replacement. The knock returned in my second engine and I am still fighting with Nissan. I've done my fair share of complaining and even started a thread to document my adventure in hopes of informing others.

With that said, I think the Maxima is an amazing car that can't touch anything else in its price range. The interior is miles above anything else I've looked at, the ride is very comfortable and quiet, yet still sporty, and the car has great power (although I feel it is self-restrained at low speeds to protect the CVT) while still providing great gas mileage. If I had a problem free engine, I would say it is by the far the best car I have ever owned. I test drove a Camry when I was freaking out about the engine and it was just plain as can be... it just felt cheap and boring in comparison to the Maxima.

Get the car checked by an independent mechanic, pay attention to the knock situation especially, and make sure you like the CVT... it is different. If they all check out, I think you will be very happy with the car. Good luck!