Hi, I'm considering a new 2004 maxima se, is there any negative stuff I should know, that they don't tell you about- before I get one?? the maxima has a good rating on consumer reports' site. I've never owned a nissan product before. Thanks,
Yvonne
Oppinions on 2004 Maxima?
Aug 06, 2004
14 Replies
Ugly as sin, compared to the previous body style(s).
Especially that lengthwise sunroof. I'm not a big sunroof fan, anyway, unless they're metal, painted the same color as the car, and tight as all get-out. But as far as the new lengthwise ones go... bleh! Looks like a reverse skunk stripe.
But, hey, that's just my opinion.
~SOD~
snipped-for-privacy@webtv.net scratched out in the sand
um, get a g35 - you'd be better off and it'll cost less in the long run as you'll have higher resell value.
I agree. I actually bought the I-35 instead of the Maxima --- same powertrain, but better styling and appointments and with the 2,000 factory to dealer incentive and 2.9 financing, it costs less than the new Maxima.
They seem alright but its a first year model coming from a US plant...one that is still working out some quality control problems. This probably would not cause to any catastrophic failure of the car but could lead to some minor glitches such as rattles or loose fitments.
If you don't mind buying a used car take a look at the 2003 Maxima. It has the same drivetrain as the 2004 except for the automatic trans, and was built in Japan.
We've had ours since January and love it! This is our third max and is very much the equal of all. Be aware that the Infinity I35 is a close out model...based on the 2003 Maxima. Also be aware that the G35 is altogether different from a Maxima and ever so slightly smaller. I looked but went with the Maxima based on dealer proximity. Nearest Infinity dealer is 35miles away and very arrogant (Marin Co., CA) while the local Nissan dealers are minutes away and eager to deal. Just my 2-cents worth.
BUT the G-35 is a RWD car, so if that makes any difference to the original poster, he may go with that.
I wish the Maxima had been left RWD like the first ones were, don't get me wrong I love Maximas, and own 2 as we speak, but it would be great if they were RWD, as it is they are a good car, if it were a RWD (or maybe a AWD?) it would be a GREAT car.....in a class of it's own....a TRUE "4door sports car"!
(remember, understeer is when the driver is scared, and oversteer is when the passenger is scared! understeer is what MOST FWD cars DO!)
also better warranty.
We bought a 2004 Se with Auto and a real "moon roof" about a year ago.
14,000 miles so far and it has been great, the only real problem we have had so far is they left a small rubber bumper off on one side of the trunk. Didn't notice it until I was looking around in there. Dealer got me one in two days, I installed it in 30 seconds. All in all a great car very very fast, 29-30 mpg at 70mph, impressively roomy inside, and a good sized trunk. Re looks you can't argue about taste but... My wife and I were a bit put off about the styling when we first saw it, but we have received so many compliments on it that Nissan must have done something right. The new styling is a bit rad but other sporty sedans are going in a similar direction an example is the new Cadillac CTS and the new Chrysler. Re the infinity, I would guess you could get a Max like hours for between $24,500 and $ 25,500 (I think quite a bit less than the Inf 35). Also the Infinity is a 4 rather then 5 passenger, however the show stoppers for us were that when we were buying the Infinity 35 was only available in RWD (I think they have a AWD version) and it did not have fold down rear seats for carrying large packages.Short answer - drive and price them both and see which you like.
How do you all think the fact of the new maxima being built in a U.S. nissan plant, for the first time, will affect the past quality of this car? I mean it had very good reliability reviews on consumer reports. Stupid question- are the parts & materials used in the current maxima, japan made or u.s. made? since it's now in a u.s. factory.. Thanks! p.s. luv the sky-view roof feature, definetly would get that.
Yvonne
Short answer - Nissan seeems to have built a really good car in the US. Our prior Max was built in Japan (92 SE 5sp purchased new) was very reliable and came with very few issues. Our 04 Se has been even better. No issues and no problems so far in the first year.
Re the roof you will save some $ with the sky view roof over the power roof, but see if you can get some info on owners who went that way with regard to leaks. The sky view roof relies on sealent to stop leaks, power roofs rely on drains to keep water that gets by the seals to keep the water from getting on you.
Man you are crazy. The 03 was really BUTT ugly especially the rear end. The 04 is AWESOME!!!!!!!!
Its not a sunroof either (per se). It doesn't open like a sun-roof. To each his own I guess.
" Ugly as sin, compared to the previous body style(s)."
The sky view roof shouldn't have any more leak problems than windshields. Same type of installation. Where-as the sun/moon roof simply because it opens, after a while most likely WILL leak.
The 04 Max skyview roof did have some problems when it was new, the moon roof did not.
I got this from "FreshAlloy" "Nissan North America is conducting a voluntary safety recall that affects approximately 32,100 --2004 model year Maxima vehicles equipped with a SkyView roof panel in the United States.
***** Condition ***** On the affected vehicles, the glass for the SkyView roof may not have been cooled properly after the forming process resulting in temper imbalance. This could create excessive internal stress in the glass and eventually cause the glass to shatter into small pebble-like pieces.***** Nissan Action ***** To correct this condition, Nissan will inspect and replace, if required, the glass in the SkyView roof.
***** Dealer Responsibility ***** Federal law requires that new vehicles in dealer inventory, which are the subject of a safety recall, must be corrected prior to sale. Failure to do so can result in civil penalties by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.All vehicles equipped with the SkyView roof in the following VIN Range are potentially affected by this campaign.
VIN range: 1N4BA41E*4C800000-875558 (approx. the 32,100 out of the first
75,558/9 Maximas equipped with the SkyView Roof -- production before August 2003 -- look for your driver's door jamb/sticker for build date)Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required