Hello Hello, i am looking to buy a car. and i was considering a 4th generation maxima(1995-1999). I was wondering if anybody had any problems with them at all??... i also heard something about a timing belt problem... but then i hear that they use timing chains instead of belts... anyways... anybody have any input?
please... no smart *** remarks please... im not buying a ford, chevy, or a dodge... thank you
2007-12-30 07:05:22 · 0 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Nissan
They are great cars if they have been properly maintained. You haven't mentioned whether this car is a stick or an automatic. The biggest problem with these, if it's the multivalve version, is the timing chain tensioners, which are hydraulic (operated by oil pressure). If the car was weened on non-synthetic oil, you should do a complete de-sludging of the engine, and switch it over. This will prevent premature failure of the expensive timing chain components as well as the hydraulic lifters. These engines were race bread and proven. Paul Newman used cars based on this engine to win races. I owned an older version, (1991) and at 185,000 miles one of the variable camshaft mechanisms totally self-destructed. The company has since improved on the chain tensioners, and this shouldn't happen in later models. If you buy one, do not drive it like it's a pinto. It should be regularly exercised to keep things in tip top shape. You can tell if the engine needs de-sludging by removing the oil filler cap, and turning it over. Whatever you see on the flip side of the cap is what the whole inside of the engine, including the expensive tensioners (3) will look like. If it's coated with brown goo or flaky deposits, de-sludge at once. E-mail me for the procedure I have found that works the best. Good Luck!!!
2007-12-30 07:25:57 · answer #1 · answered by Robert M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually bought a '95 off of Craigslist about 2 years ago. I was very skeptical at first bc you always here about scams, not only with cars, but CL on top of that. However, after reading other reviews on this generation Maxima I figured I would at least give it a test drive. It only had 144k miles on it bc it was owned by an old couple and bought it off of the mechanic that did all the work on it. They had already had the timing chain replaced, and I honestly could not tell you that thing was not brand new the way it drove when I left the lot. Not only did the engine seem like it was brand new, I have not yet experienced any transmission problems whatsoever and am currently approaching 160k miles. The only thing that scared me was literally two days after I had got it the battery went dead. Turned out to be the alternator, which I could tell had never been replaced after looking at it. I have also had to replace the radiator, but I have not had one vehicle that didn't have some kind of cooling system issue at one point whether it be the water pump etc. This baby still does not lose one drop of oil and runs so smooth you can barely tell the car is on when idling. I plan to gt at LEAST 300k out of this car and anticipate having to rebuild the transmission at some point, but it's well worth it with this generation.
2014-02-12 16:30:17 · answer #2 · answered by jamie 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1995 Nissan Maxima
2016-11-01 08:53:49 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Maxima & the only problems i had was the water pump & starter. I replaced them with new parts and its still running strong. Just do rutine maintance & you will be fine.
Finding one with about 80K - 110K miles on it is about right for the years you've mention >95-99<. if its at about 120k -145k have these parts replaced just to be safe & have a fresh starting point. The engines are bullit proof.
Maximas are very very strong reliable cars & they will run forever,, even longer than a Honda. They just don't seem as popular,, but "they are just as good" & + you won't have to worry about some Punks trying to Steal your car in the early morning because of the popular HONDA VTEC engine & its body parts.
Mine is clean, nice and everything works good. Earlyer this year i had the A/C charged and it now blows very cold. Gas mileage is way better than expected for mine beening a lightly moded V6 with about 200++ Horsepower. As for Timing Belts, Maxima's in this generation don't use belts they have alloy steel chains just like a Chevy Small block V8. So you don.t have to worry about any belts breaking off after 100k miles or something like that.
If you find one just have an inspection done of the engine & if the waterpump needs to be replaced have the timing chain inspected for wear also, its better to have it done while the pumps beening replaced. Total cost was about $300 labor included. I am very impressed with the overall Reliability, Quality, & Performance of MAXIMA.
2007-12-30 08:09:43 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maxima Forums
2016-12-17 08:53:03 · answer #5 · answered by caren 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been owning my 1999 Maxima GXE since day one. So, it has been over 13 years with over 150k mileage. It is generally a good car. Here are problems I have fixed:
1) Ignition coils at 50k mileage - original coils are defective, a new redesigned coils have been good so far.
2) New struts/shocks at 140k mileage - it is normal change for old cars
3) Drive Axle - 110k mileage - normal change on many old cars due to cracking bushes and dirt gets inside.
4) ECM Control Unit and Nissan Anti Thrift System (NATS). If your car is equipped with the NATS then most likely you have to replace this due to original bad ECM. This defective part happened on 1999 Maxima only. The new parts have been remanufactured. ECM: 2371C-4L811RE, NATS Control: 28591-C9916
If you will buy this 1999 Maxima that has over 150k mileage then it probably have these parts replaced. Or you might want to talk to the original owner whether he has replaced them or had records. This car can last for over 200k mileage. I have kept well maintenance with regular oil, fluid, filter changes and annually clean the intake air components. There are many you tubes and Nissan forums show how to fix and clean. There is only one component that is hard to do it yourself to clean is the ERG Guide Tube but it needs to be cleaned after each 75k miles.
2014-03-28 23:28:48 · answer #6 · answered by Hung D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Maximas are awesome and the 4th gen. models are the very best of all of them. The VQ engine is a stud and the car will give you 300,000 miles with some basic maintenance.
2007-12-30 15:13:43 · answer #7 · answered by Hob_Dutchbag 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
o man these cars are awesome. I had a 97 GLE it was the best car i have owned. No problems with it thw 8 years i had it all that i did was regular oil changes myself and some new tires. They have a decent amout of power and the GLE atleast are very luxury. I wish i hadn't sold mine. How much is it?
2007-12-30 15:38:17 · answer #8 · answered by tbinion9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋