1995 - 1999 Nissan Maximas

[KillerCam282]

Whaaat? 9%, are you serious? There must be a lot of Maximas then, cause on Autotrader finding a 5spd is no problem...

One of my friends told me that, I was pretty blown away. He knows all about Maximas, so I know its an accurate figure. Then again, this is a mass produced car, not a Murcielago.

[Ghostyman]

One of my friends told me that, I was pretty blown away. He knows all about Maximas, so I know its an accurate figure. Then again, this is a mass produced car, not a Murcielago.

85% of statistics are made up.

[KillerCam282]

85% of statistics are made up.

Or calculated, based on total figures. However I am assuming that your quote holds true of itself.

[deckeda]

OK --- you guys want rare? When my Dad was car shopping in '92, he was considering the all-new ES300. That was available with a 5-speed (said so right in the brochure) but the dealer didn't have one. "5% or less" was what we were told --- and have you ever heard of one?

My Dad bought a '92 Maxima SE 5-sp and drove it for about 110,xxx trouble-free miles. In that time the fog lights shattered (they hung down below the bumper) and the power seat controls got loose. No big deal.

'92 was the first year it all came together with DOHC on the SE and added 30hp. I understand in later years they simplified things and just put the same engine in all of them but in '92 only the SE had the DOHC.

These were also the years Car and Driver kept praising it as being the only viable cheap alternative to a 3-series. In later years, such as what you're considering, it was less sporty and more of a comfort car.

But all things are relative. I'm sure a '95 or whatever is just as fast and nicer than a '92 ...

I recall it being quiet and comfortable. 80mph felt like 40mph --- smooth and secure. But the '92's stick was kinda long-throw; not really sporty. And despite the torque and 190hp engine it always seemed a bit lazy and slow to rev. Might have just been that example.

Consider looking for an SE. The GLE was the luxo version with the keypad on the door, etc.; the SE traditionally had a sportier suspension but like I said that might not be the case in later years.

But if I was considering an early-'90s V6 sedan today, with sporty in mind, there remains only one that's worthy and cheap --- and it has the letters S, H, and O. Don't bother with the 3.4L 235hp V8 version that came later. Great idea on paper though.

During that same time, my former brother-in-law had a '91 SHO and that engine was a vision of loveliness, sound, power and pull.

... but it's interesting to see that once again Yamaha is putting together a V8 for Ford in the Volvo XC90; 4.4L and 311hp. Damn I wish Yamaha made cars.

[gloryaccordy]

One of my friend's sisters had a 5-spd ES300...nothing crazy I guess, uber rare though.

[bruno8747]

The 92-94 se max is better than the 95-99 I feel. Because the 95 on the engines were redesigned yes, but they lacked a few items. The new VQ engine was all aluminum but it lacked variable intake runners, and variable timing like the 92-94 VE engines had.

Top end on the 4 gen maxima was not good at all compared to the 3rd gen. Also the interior of the 4 gen was cheap compared to the 3rd because that was the time nissan was about to go into bankruptcy. And they tried to make their cars cheaper, unlike when they were prosperous during the 3rd gen era.

[ant96gle]

The 92-94 se max is better than the 95-99 I feel. Because the 95 on the engines were redesigned yes, but they lacked a few items. The new VQ engine was all aluminum but it lacked variable intake runners, and variable timing like the 92-94 VE engines had.

Top end on the 4 gen maxima was not good at all compared to the 3rd gen. Also the interior of the 4 gen was cheap compared to the 3rd because that was the time nissan was about to go into bankruptcy. And they tried to make their cars cheaper, unlike when they were prosperous during the 3rd gen era.

Yay someone who actually knows Maximas...

I had a 96 with a full front and rear 97-99 conversion. They're quick cars, especially in 5 speed form. As far as getting a GLE... thats a no no if you want a 5 speed. Only GXE's (base model) and SE's (sports edition) came with 5 speeds. They're actually not THAT rare.

They're very reliable cars. The only issues you are going to have is the 98 + 99 models had bad alternators, all of them had knock sensor issues which are an easy fix and motor mounts tend to go. Otehr than that, they get great gas mileage on the highway and they have very stout motors for boost (10 pounds + on a stock motor isnt too shabby)

As far as the VQ engines (95-99) lacking the variable intake runners, thats actually not a problem anymore. In the middle east, the VQ's came with a variable intake. You can get one fairly cheap $300 or so and hook one up with no problem. Also the VQ's had much more aftermarket support. There are quite a few turbo kits and of course the stillen supercharger. For more info check out... Maxima.org

[fac90]

Since I am serious about buying a Maxima, should I only look at private sellers or try some used car dealers. There are rumors of flood damaged cars being put on dealer lots.

[gloryaccordy]

Also, you can use the variable IM from the 2K+ 3.0L Maximas...

I agree with Maximas kinda falling off though after the 3rd gen. While they were definitely smoother and more luxurious they were definitely less sporty. Like I said I had a '95 SE, 5spd, fully loaded, and while it was awesome it was nowhere as fun to drive as the CB. My dad had an I35, and I think I mentioned...that rear beam suspension made for a crazy rough ride. It was unacceptable for a luxury car IMO. Thankfully now Nissan can afford a multilink in the back, and it makes a noticeable difference. All my friends have new Maximas and Altimas and they all ride great, even on aftermarket springs...

They're good cars though. I dunno if I could ditch the CB for one though. Power isn't everything.

[fac90]

I set on buying a 98 or 99 maxima. Prices are from $5k to $7k.

I can spend up to $6500. Is it big risk in buying a used car for this much money? I will definitely fully check the car.

Opinions needed on private sellers verse dealers.

[accordmaniac]

Korea.. 98-04 Sasmung SM5 = 97 Maximas..
Exteior is little different, interior is same, different option on engines.
(SR 1.8, SR 2.0, VQ 2.0, VQ 2.5)

2004 SM525V (VQ 2.5 - Full option without navigation)

[accordme93]

My second car after I got out of high school almost was a 92 SE 5speed. I finally decided against it and bought my first cb7.

I still wouldn't mind having a 5th gen Max. Talk about smooth and powerful. I love those cars even the auto is quick! 01 Black SE Anniversary Edition FTW!!! 5 speed of course!

[rickyduckworth]

they're not quick lol.....they're as fast as 99-00 si's, which isn't quick at all....we're talking grand prix GT (not gtp) land.....mid to high 15's......

in 95, they made them heavier and a lot bigger......they're nice sporty family cars but they're family cars....remember how the early 90's maximas had 4DSC stickers (four door sports car)? well, these don't and never did lol

i like mine.......they're tough in wrecks too......not cheap to fix but there are worse options.......

the sunroofs aren't that reliable......the knock sensors are prone to act up (there is a simple resistor trick though), not the easiest/funnest cars to work on....

you can swap the vq35 heads onto them though.......perfected a year ago and should be easy to replicate now.......not cheap but there is a lot of power to be had from those engines with the head swap and basic mods.....you could be putting down 225hp and running mid 14's if you went that route......

i liked mine for what it was, but it's not a sports car.......they feel bulbous and heavy (they are).......even the SE suspension is on the soft side.....they kind of pussied them up in 1995