First off, if there is a thread for newbies on this car I couldn't find it.

I just want to know what is common for these cars so I can pay EXTRA attention while looking for one.

Currently have a 5.5 gen for sale and I want to replace it with a 6th gen...

Thanks...

 

If you go for a 04, DON'T get the automatic, get the manual/standard shift, a lot of problem with the tranny with the automatic. 05 and up, I haven't heard much problem, only thing I heard, some people don't like th CVT on the 07 & 08.

 

noooooooooooooooooooooooooo dont do it!!!. lmao j/k.
i have 6.5 08 and i love it. not a fan of the cvt tranny like blaxima said cuz it sounds like one looooooooooooong as gear until u put it on shift tronic then u can feel and hear the shifts. other than that down fall, i love it. i know that ppl with 6 gens have had problems with timing chains, gaskets, and tranny problems with the auto(someone correct me if im wrong with this info).

hope this could help

 

Thanks for the responses so far guys. I was looking at an 05 auto. Seems to be right in my price range and I don't hear much wrong with them. The timing chain worries me. I know on 5.5 gens it almost never breaks. Gaskets don't bother me much either, but a bad tranny could ruin my day.....still my number 1 choice though

 

Definitely a lot of good deals for 05's right now, ever since I bought mine though I feel like I see them everywhere..

 

I just traded my 05 SE auto. It was a solid car up until a 3 week span at 61,000 miles where the typical problems started showing up: bad MAF sensor, bad O2 sensor, bad pre-cat, and stuck 6-disc changer. Outside of that crazy 3 weeks, the car was a solid performer. I think you'll do just fine if you decide to pick up an '05 or '06. Good luck.

 

im thinking of selling my 04 SE 5spd AUTO 43K miles, leather, heated seats, tinted, skyroof, 18"s, good tires, rear lip, grille, BOSE... very, very nice car. new brakes all around (along with front rotors) and an oil change/tire rotation yesterday.

 

04 with 43k miles? You don't drive this car or what? My 08, at just 15 months has 35k. Hey, if the price is right on your car, it will sell fast!

As for the newbie looking at the 6th gen, do your homework before buying. It a fact not of all of our cars will hit the 150k mark, let alone 200k! Some times, cars just start giving us problems because of the way they were manufactured. So, even if you maintain it with premium service, you can still have problems. So, if you find what you like, look it around, use the tips others will give you and get your ride!

 

My 06 was trouble free for 65k, now it sits on a lot for sale

http://sales.autofunds.com/Dealer-We...4cQaWFxbTn4%3d

 

I just picked up last month a basically brand spanking new 07' SL with 13,500 miles. Fully loaded. Care is pretty much perfect. I'm loving the CVT trans as its really responsive and awsome on the highway. I'm driving 80mph on my commute and getting 25mph average. Great car.

I was looking heavily into VW Passat 4 motions but the milage and price I couldn't turn down

$22,300 out the door with gap and 100k warranty. Completely satified.

 

Get one, just make sure you have a safety fund of at least 500 for small issues. Transmission is of course a lot more but if you upgrade your tranny then you shouldn't have any issues. Deffinitly listen for timing chain rattle. If you are purchasing from a dealer negotiate price and then have them fix the rattle. Check for broken motor mounts and rattles coming from a bracket under the car. Make sure you test drive and pay attention to alignment of stearing column and vibrations at 60mph. Also test the stereo/cd player for proper function. Make sure you turn it up and listen for the rear window rattle. check all the CV boots for tears, and make sure you do sharp turns to make sure there is no knocking from the CV joints. Make sure you lay into the gas at least once to feel the power and make sure the engine catches anything abnormal that may be descised by driving gently. Ohh the middle arm rest has a plate under the cushion that needs fixed and the glove box might need aligned. Ohh and make sure that the recalls where all taken care of if it's a Nissan dealer. If it is not a Nissan dealer than if you buy it schedule right away to get the recalls taken care of because they take a bit of time to complete. If the stock Goodyear Eagle RSA's are on the car I believe Nissan will replace them for free with a different tire. They have blow out issues. Hope this all helped. GL

 

So I have a 05 / 5spAT with 80,000 miles and the only owner of the car. The max has been holding up pretty well. The problems I've had:

-Passenger front wheel bearing failed; replaced bearing and hub assembly - FIXED
-Starting issue (had to turn key twice for the car to start); replaced fuel pump assembly - FIXED
-Wheel shaking when braking at high speed (highway then braking on off ramp); Replaced front brake rotors & pads - FIXED
-Chrome roof strips discolored - NOT RESOLVED, living with it

 

Did your front bearing make noise before being fixed? As for the chrome strips you should just get some chrome montana spray paint and touch it up.

 

Oh yeah it did! Road noise x100!! At least that's what it sounded like in the cabin.

 

 

I just Bought an 06 Maxima SL (Fully loaded) 30K miles for $16,500... Good deal????

Since I can't start my own thread I figured I would ask my questions here.

I am new to the Gas engine, I'm a Diesel guy.... I am curious what do most people do to their Maximas?

1. I have seen MAP replacements but I'm not too sure what this does. I know that the MAP sensor is a sensor that reads Air flow so what does the aftermarket Sensor do?

2. I don't want my car to sound like a Ricer, I want performance, I don't want to void any kind of warranty. What should I do if anything?

3. My wife like the 07 Grill could I put the 07 grill on the my 06 without modifying anything?

4. Are their programmers for the car? If so, what do they cost and would it benifit me to put it on the car (keeping in mind the warranty) for performance/mileage?

What is a good website to buy aftermarket items for these cars? In the Diesel world there are a lot of website I could go to to buy just about anything for my truck.

I am suprised about this car it's got some power... I would like to get more aquainted with it and make it perform better or at least be more fuel efficient.

Sorry for the long post, but thanks for the help!

 

Hi I've got a 2004 Se with the 5At and I've had absolutely no issues with this car at all. I've got 43000 miles on mine and love it. I've always had good luck with my Maximas and would recommend one to anyone. The only regret from my 2002 to my 2004 is that my 04 doesn't have the heated steering wheel and traction control. I hope I haven't jinxed myself now?

I had a new 2001 Anniversary that was totalled.......loved it.......got the 2002 SE (new) that had an extra 28 ponies over the 01 and loved it. I traded the 02 ( @85000 miles) in for the new 04. Loved the look of the 04 and its extra power. Still have a soft spot for the looks of the 5th gen though.

My three Maximas were bulletproof. They have never let me down. I haven't raced them or modded them though......this could have a huge bearing on reliability issues. Find one stock with a history and you shouldn't have a problem.

Walter

 

I have an 06 w/ 28k.

I love it.

No problems

 

I love gen 6. so much rear leg room for sure.
test drive and listen for whining sound. if you hear it, it's coming from the tensioners costing $1200+ to replace with a kit if it's out of warranty. it's a common problem with other nissans as well. so don't blame max

the cvt is pretty good & i think they extended the basic warranty to cover 120k/10years? no bad...

cheers

 

Noob here, ive been looking at an 04 maxima. Black, 62k miles for 12,995. if all things are working in proper condition would you guys recommend i purchase? It is a beautiful car i just dont want to buy a money pit.

Thanks guys

 

That is sad. I guess they just don't make them like they used to =/ My first car was a 4th gen with 312k miles, AUTO, with original engine and trans. I gave it away to my car savvy friend at 321k miles. He took it from NJ to Cali and back with no issues...now he's swapping out the auto trans for 5spd manual.

I currently have an AUTO '98 SE with 191k miles on it and I can't say in words just how impressed I am with this generation of Maximas (maybe I just turned out lucky, TWICE). I too am interested in purchasing a 6th gen Maxima because it seems to be the only car that offers the most bang for the buck. I was looking at a '04 with AUTO with 70-80k miles but now after doing some research on the ORG definitely not going to get an '04 with AUTO.

 

Hi, instead of starting a new thread...I'll add if that is okay OP :P

I'm also looking into an 04-05 Max, and comparing it directly with an 05 Altima 3.5 SE.
I drove an 05 Max SE with 80,000 kms (not miles) and its transmission was slipping, so I have pretty much agreed to go with a stick (my entire family drives manuals anyway), but I am a little afraid of the power/fwd combo. Is there just too much power? We have pretty bad winters, so if I can't start carefully is traction going to be a huge issue? As compared to the Altima, the Max suffers a little. With the Altima being about the same power, but with less issues (having been the market longer), did anyone here struggle with the decision?

Also, is there anything I should be afraid of in a 6 speed? I have heard that the clutches go out a fair bit (relatively), and if fact the one I'm looking at has been recently replaced with 140,000 kms (again, kms NOT miles) on the clock. Is this normal?

 

6th generation(04TO 06) (07'S started with the CVT Tranny) is a solid car except for the transmission,it like a crap game you might have problems or you won't at all with the tranny. Usually you will start seeing problems between 50000 to 80000 miles the tranny will either shift hard or slip mine started to downshift hard sometimes who knows the tranny could of lasted for a long time after that but the dealer was a straight up dealership and the mechanic came out and told me he did not like the way the tranny shifts so they replaced it with a new rebuild (under warranty)which means the insides of the tranny is all new parts but the casing which is the housing that holds everything is used. Basically it's a new transmission. If it's a good deal buy it make sure the tranny shifts smoothly from start to stop,the engines on these cars are bullet proof you take care of it and it will last for tons of miles!!!

 

I've got an 04 Maxima with 90K miles on it and an automatic. It's been a GREAT car! So far the only problem has been I just had the timing chain fixed ($1500), but runs really smoooooth now. I tested a Maxima with the CVT, but just didn't care for it. Previous to my automatic Maxima, I only drove a stick, but really, to me the Maxima is more of a laid-back grand-touring vehicle which does best with an automatic, but that's just me. If I were to buy a vehicle that had a stick, it would be on a shorter wheelbase vehicle such as a Z that is more nimble and responsive...

 

I'm only looking at 6 speed Maxima's now. But, why did you guys choose the Max over the Altima? Was it just for the luxury features?

 

When I bought my 04 Maxima (used, bought in 2006), the latest Altima had not quite come on the market yet. I think the latest Altima gives the current or past Maximas a run-for-the-money in most features, including luxury. In fact, I don't think Nissan really designed the latest Maxima as it should have been designed (close, but sort of a missed opportunity). The Maxima is supposed to be the "Flagship" (not counting the GTR) of the somewhat affordable Nissan products, and as such, should give the customer a level of performance, amenities and style that sets it apart from it's own products. don't get me wrong...I do like the latest Maxima, it's just that it doesn't really stand-out in any one category from it's own products as it should. If anything, it appears that Nissan has over-achieved on Altima, beginning with a great product baseline interior/exterior remodel, and then with a neat sport coupe version. At the time, my 2004 was a great buy. Bought it used for $20K. It was a Nissan Service Manager's car in pristine shape. It had about 32K miles on it, and still had the protective plastic coverings on the door sill plates when I bought it! I purchased it for the great engine (didn't know about the timing chain design flaw issue that the company is trying to ignore) , distinctive exterior styling, extremely comfortable interior and luxury amenities. A six speed was never on my mind with this type of car. I think my Maxima works best as a near-luxury cruiser with an automatic, but certainly understand anyone's quest for a stick.

 

I have an 01 max, had an 03 Altima and have an 06 max. All were purchased new. I have driven the latest generation of Altimas as rental cars. The Altima is a great car, however big difference in drive/ride between this and a max.

 

good to know, cgoug, been intrested lately

 

Don't get anything older than an '06.

 

I have an 04 6 speed manual and i love it. i got it in 06 with 25k . it now has 85k and ive had no problems plus mine has a heated steering wheel.

 

Im curious why you say that?

I also am looking at a 6th gen maxima, I currently have a 03 Altima 3.5 SE, 5 sp. and looking at upgrading. Just not sure if im moving backwards or forwards. Hows the 6 speed manual in the 6th gens? and how can you tell if it has the HLSD ?

 

Can everyone give me a hand with the trim levels for the 2007 and 2008?

What is the start trim, and go up from there?
What was the main difference in the different trims?

And is the HP the same for all trim levels?

 

I belive that the 2007 and 2008 come as the SE and SL the SE is the cheaper version with cloth interor and comes with an auto tranny I belive that you can not get a 6 spd anymore for those years , the SL comes with leather upgraded Bose system heated seats It realy depends what you want you can load the SE model with leather or GPS it really depends what u want. The SE does have a harder ride with its stiffer suspension. Both cars have the same hp which is a little less that the 04-06 years I believe that the power trains are identical. Also the CVT was standard starting in 2007.

 

Got it, so SE cheaper, and SL more options.

As for horsepower, I believe it is 265. Is this correct?

I use to have an Acura TL, that had 258, so I'm sure its about the same power feel.

 

I believe that the 04 to 05 came with 265, the 06 was a little less as well as the 07 to 08...I think they came with 255hp. You also have to look at the torque that's where you feel the power 10hp less or more you really wont feel and the CVT tranny came in the 07 and 08 there is a lot of opinions out there saying it makes the car a little slower.

 

I think I read somewhere that the engine power is actually the same, but they changed the way engine the power was measured. So, the 265 hp in the 04 / 05 would actually be 255 if measured the same way they did on the 2006 and later.

 

hey guys sorry to post this here but i cant find a better place. My wife's car is a 2006 sl. when your on the brakes it shakes like a ****, but it drives strait as an arrow.. so i did some searching and it seems that my rotors are probably wrapped.. so that being said, what would you recommend?

I found these on ebay. I'm not looking to brake the bank, just want to shut the ol' lady up.. tia

 

If you dont want to break the bank just have the rotors turned.That will take care of the shakes, now if the wife is hard on the brakes this will happen again no matter if you change the rotors or not mine is hard on the brakes and the rotors had to be turned after that everything was fine.

 

Why is this thread still open & being used for issues with cars????
Dan or J lock this up please.

But FYI... with an 07-08 maxima... it is NOT true saying that an SE is cheaper version with no leather because i have an SE and it came with leather, sunroof, bose and HIDS. SE is the sports version -- different suspension, titanium interior & spoiler. The SL is more of the luxary style with no spoiler, wood interior and more smooth ride.

Lock it up!