Maxima as a Used Car

My son is looking to buy his first car. He's been looking at our local Craigs List for Maxima's. Are there any years that are particularly good or bad for Maxima's? What's the maximum miles that you would recommend for someone buying it as their primary car? Are Maxima's as reliable as Honda's or Toyota's. Thanks for any insight/advice you can provide.

i'd specifically recommend any maxima that comes with the VQ motor,which would be a 1995 and newer, the VQ30(3.0LV6) and VQ35(3.5L V6) have been on Ward's 10 best engines list since the engine was first introduced 12 years ago, and i beleive it was #1 on the list 6 times or so.

as far as reliability my 95 maxima was at 170,000 miles when i sold it for my 02. i had no real problems with it and it was still running fine when i got rid of it. it was very reliableand never left me broken down or stranded.

me and my father are each on our second maxima's; he had a 93 i liked so much that i got myself a 95 when i was about 17, and then when i got my 02 he liked it so much that he sold his 93 and bought almost the same car as mine but 2 years older before they came with the 3.5 Liter. a buddy of mine also got himself a maxima based a lot on my positive experiences with them. i've never met a maxima owner that wasn't happy with their car.

My guess is that generally toyota is the leader, by numbers. Buy from top ten on the list and youre safe (Nissan is there), then 'all' depends on the individual and previous owner. Every 60k miles cars need new shocks, belts (if) plus whatever maintenance. When theyre done, next 60k comes 'free'... If nothin has been done after 100k, dont take that.

Leaking radiator, stay away. Peek under trunk wheel wells gives an idea of rust situation. Peel door seals off to see if chassis has been painted; newly painted chassis may mean big time trouble. Electronics could be the costliest problem, see http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/14

Maxima engines last 300-400k if maint is done regularly, A/T oil swapped regularly (see page 24 how). Ask a friend whose hands are regularly oily blk to check your selection (even pay for a shop for evaluation). There are plenty low mile cars, needs 'legwork' to find em. However if car stands still for long periods (years) that will mean trouble on all rubber parts which need periodic drivin/vibration to keep car runnin.

Why ppl sell? Maybe half sell because nasty intermittent problems? Buy New mercedes if you want lots of them...

I can stress again any model after 95 with the VQ motor in it. These are great cars if they are taken good care of. I bought mine with 117k on it and have 140k now with no problems at all. All I do is change the fluids on time and make sure I am running good gas in it, at least 87 and 91 when pricese come down a little more.

When I was buying my maxima I was told to buy now and ask questions later from lots of people. I bought and I really haven't had any questions. Great cars!

Thank you for the comments. If he finds a Maxima I'll post the details.

I can stress again any model after 95 with the VQ motor...

- VQ: when bells toll tothechain, co$tly... (belt is better?)
- rigid wagon axle 95-04, rear

Timing chains should last the life of the car with regular oil changes
I have seen a couple of the VQ 30 s with noisy lifters other wise the are good reliable and very quick cars

Well, he's going to buy a 1996 Maxima SE that we looked at today. The car has 116k miles and about every option available.The car was maintained very well and we were provided all service records. It runs great, engine is quiet and powerful. Handling is very good. It's dark green with beige leather interior.