Hey maxima.org!
New to the forum. Looking to buy a maxima, it's come down to between a 2006 se with 149k and a 2004 se with 94k. The 06 is 4500 but the 04 is 5700, little negotiable. My question to you all: what's the better deal? I know these years have tranny issues, but is it better or worse within this generation? Also, will the difference in mileage make a big difference, or is it at least congruent with the price difference? 40k seems like a ton.. Neither have any problems now, but what should I look for down the road? Thanks so much!

 

'04's can have either a 4 speed or 5 speed automatic. The 4 speed transmissions are bullit proof and much better transmission than the 5 speed (RESF22A). It is my understanding that the SL's have 4 speeds and SE's the 5 speed. However, I would Nissan verify which transmission the 04 has. 06's will only have the 5 speed.

 

These cars are also known to leak oil so go with the one that leaks the least amount of oil lol.


6 months after buying my 04 maxima with 67k from a private seller I ended up dropping $2500 at the dealer for a new catalytic convertor, crank sensor and cam sensor. 2 years later I spent another $600 to replace spark plugs & the front & rear valve covers. a couple months later another $700 on engine mounts and that's not counting the oil leak which I still have not been able to find where it's coming from but it shows a low oil level after only 1,700 miles of driving.


I have owned my Maxima for 3 years and I do a drain and fill on my transmission fluid every year since I have also heard others complain about the transmission although mines has been fine.


I also heard there is a lawsuit going because of the timing chains in these maximas as well so be very careful when purchasing a 6 generation Maxima.