I am considering buying a used Maxima for up to $24,000 Canadain (about 18k US) early next year. I am thinking about models starting from 1999 (last major change before model 2004).
My main requirement is relaiability and having a stronger car with good options (ABS and so on). I own Ford Windstar 95 and strongly hope for a better satisfaction with used Maxima!
Do you have any points as to what is the safest choice for models between
1999 to let say 2002?
I know that all 3 types SE, GLE, and XLE come with a load of options that would satisfy my requirements.
The major change was with the 2k model. Note the 2k has the 3.0 engine and but 2002 started with a 3.5 engine And yes, it will be more reliable than your Ford.
I drove an 85 Ford Tempo 275,000 miles before I finally parked it... still running but very tired. Near zero repairs (a water pump and a pair of tie rod ends). Was operating on original gear including things like carb, alternator, starter, fuel pump, even AC freon...
Luck of the draw it seems to me. Buying a Nissan lowers your odds of owning a lemon...
The O2 sensor I to put in my '99 Maxima after a year was kind of disappointing... it HAS been very reliable... but I don't expect it to beat that particular Ford...
I have 345,000K on my 92 Maxima. Still going strong. Doesn't burn oil, but every once in a while it shudders (injectors??) I put a can of injector cleaner in and it goes away for another 20,000 or so. I commute about 75K one way every day and its all highway, so they're "kind" miles. I'm not afraid to get on it though, but it never complains. I've done 3 or 4 break jobs and replaced transmission. Other than that, the only expense has been a broken exhaust manifold stud. That was 200,000 ago, and I think another has let go now, although I'll put up with a bit of exhaust noise rather than spend the bucks. My wife just sold her 96 Max. 160,000 K and no major maintenance issues. We did replace a couple of sensors to make the check engine light go out, but other than routine break jobs, etc, no problems. She got a 2004 Max. Same model as her GLE, but I can't think of the name. This one's a lease. I hope it turns out to be as good as it looks, because I might be looking to replace my 92 in 4 years and I really like the looks of this one. FWIW - I change my own oil and filter every month on mine, every two on hers. I use good oil and good filters. And MolySlip. Don't know whether it actually works or not, but there's been no noise or burnt oil in either of our Max's. Dave E Whitby Ontario
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