First off since this is my first post like to say hi to every one on the org!
Now regarding the question i'm asking; what i should look for in a second hand Maxima in those years. What I mean is tell-tale signs that the previous user didn't maintain his/her vehicle or that the car has more problems than the average Maxima from those years.
I live in Toronto, and to date I don't remember seeing a Maxima with rust, but what about underneath the car or trim anything I should look for?
My intentions are to buy a Maxima GLE (tired of driving a 5sp, and the insurance is less on the GLE than SE) and upgrade suspension and wheels. What options differentiate GLEs' from those years? BTW, the a**holes working at the dealerships, had no clue or wouldn't help me out on this . (Also tried searching the org, but no luck
And if anyone knows, especially someone that bought/drives a Canadian model, what upgrade options where available to GLEs' it would be appreciated!
The reason I'm asking is because I want to know why one GLE would be more expensive than another.
Sorry, for the lengthy post but I really want to get a max and don't want to end up with someone's neglected car!

PS Does anyone know a good independent mechanic that specializes in nissan or has good knowlege of maxima's in Toronto?
I tried the link on someone's sig to a torontomaxima club but I think its down?


Thanks,
A.

 

Whoops sorry to be the first to respond to my own post, but I forgot to ask one more question! In terms of maintenace are all those years the same? Same intervals for oil, transmissions fulid, fuel filter, water pump, etc. changes? And is there a way of getting the owners maintenace schedule from someone here (via fax or email, i guess a scanned copy).
Thanks again,
A.

 

Sorry I don't live in cananda, but I have skiied there.

There isn't a real difference when it comes to mods for GLE's and SE's Only 5 spd and Auto. If you plan to drop the car or do suspension modifications, go ahead and get the GLE (since you want an Auto). You might as well get the amenities if you don't want the tranny. I wouldn't buy a used car like a maxima from a dealer, from an owner I would though. These cars, as you can see from the .org are more and more becoming younger drivers cars. So they don't always take care of them as a middle aged driver might. I bought mine from a dealership, as demo that the service director drove. I think I lucked out on a clean USED car. Some GLE's might be more if they have different ammenities packages, I'm not familier with what nissan puts in canadian maxima's.

 

More for insurance eh? Didn't know a spoiler, and better wheels, slightly different suspension and body colored parts would make you pay more. There isn't too much you can do concerning finding out whether the previous owner maintained the car properly or not. Just do your best to get a car with not TOO many miles, and then see how she runs, maybe get a tune up. The GLE is a good car, just don't care for the chrome and wood trim.

 

Thanks for the replies,
to make it more clear I meant whats the difference b/w a 97 GLE vs a 98 vs 99.
Btw after checking Edmunds.com, I printed off the sheduled maintenace for the Maxima for those years and there was no differe?!
I wonder how accurate these posted maintenance schedules are.

BTW, after a little bit more searching i came across something called "winter package"; heated seats, upgraded battery, etc. Do all the Canadian models come with it? I really wish the two dealerships I went to were a bit more forthcoming. I;m sure they have old catalogs somewhere, they just don't want to bother

 

I don't know if this is a viable suggestion:
Call Nissan of North America. I think you can get their phone number off of the website www.nissandriven.com
Maybe they can help you more. I think the Heated seat(meridian edition) options here are on the SE, and standard on the GLE's in the US.