Your advice re: Weak spots: 96-97 Maximas

[dariusfan]

I would like to buy a 1996 or 1997 Maxima. Any advice on what problem areas to watch out for or years to avoid? (I have been researching them in print and on the net but since you may own one tell me what has personally caused you grief with yours) I am excited about buying one but want to go in prepared.

Thanks a lot for your help.

[jeuhar]

Watch out for the oil in the car

[dariusfan]

Originally Posted by jeuhar

Watch out for the oil in the car

Do you mean make sure that the owner has changed the oil often enough?

[BP2K2Max]

i had a 95. i needed to have the tranny rebuilt at about 120,000 miles (i got the car at about 100K so most of the damage was from the previous owner) i also had my alternator and starter replaced and my passenger side cv boot tore, spilled grease all over my wheels, and was replaced. other than that, the car was very good to me which is why i bought my 2k2.

[THT]

If you get a 5spd, check the tranny thoroughly.

~THT

[Bonka]

Certain 97-98's have an alternator recall. Also watch for start/drive belt noises, CEL's, O2 sensors.

Auto transmissions should be checked thoroughly. Although it's not really a common problem for them to start slipping, leak, or just break down, they are definitely one of the weaker points on the Maximas.

[dariusfan]

Originally Posted by Bonka

Certain 97-98's have an alternator recall. Also watch for start/drive belt noises, CEL's, O2 sensors.

Auto transmissions should be checked thoroughly. Although it's not really a common problem for them to start slipping, leak, or just break down, they are definitely one of the weaker points on the Maximas.

What do you mean start/drive belt noises and CELs?
(Thanks for the info on the transmissions and the O2 sensors.) Do you know if the auto transmissions have a lock up torque convertor?
Thanks,
Paul

[Bonka]

What do you mean start/drive belt noises

When you start the car up (typically when it's cold), be sure to note if there are any squeeling noises that may occur. When the squeeling occurs while you're cranking it, 90% says the starter needs to be regreased. It's very easy to DIY. If it squeels after it has started OR regreasing the starter doesn't help, it's the drive belts. Usually an adjustment is all that is needed. Really minor calamities that don't affect driveability, but it will annoy some.

and CELs?

(C)heck (E)ngine (L)ight. Run codes and see if there are any "ghost" codes that are not popping up on the dashlight. There's a HOW-TO on how to retrieve these codes yourself.

Visit here on how to retrieve the codes (if any) and what they mean:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=104931

Do you know if the auto transmissions have a lock up torque convertor

Yes.

[dariusfan]

Originally Posted by Bonka

When you start the car up (typically when it's cold), be sure to note if there are any squeeling noises that may occur. When the squeeling occurs while you're cranking it, 90% says the starter needs to be regreased. It's very easy to DIY. If it squeels after it has started OR regreasing the starter doesn't help, it's the drive belts. Usually an adjustment is all that is needed. Really minor calamities that don't affect driveability, but it will annoy some.


(C)heck (E)ngine (L)ight. Run codes and see if there are any "ghost" codes that are not popping up on the dashlight. There's a HOW-TO on how to retrieve these codes yourself.

Visit here on how to retrieve the codes (if any) and what they mean:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=104931


Yes.

Thanks for the info. It seems like a lot of people have viewed my question but not that many have written a reply about any horror show experiences with their Maxima. That has got to be a good sign. I originally was thinking about another Camry (I have had one for fourteen years) but found a lot of complaints about engine failures (even guys who changed their oil every 3000 miles) and trans failures so I said forget that. Then I checked out Maxes and was suprised to find that there were very few problem areas and they don't cost much more than used Camry. Plus they go and look much better - I always wanted one but was concerned that since it was more of a performance type vehicle the owners might run the living @#$% out of them....
Paul

[Blackwind 98 SE]

thers not any REALLY big problems with the maxima. most of it is just small quirks which just happened to make it into production. over all you will not be unhappy. i got my 98 in 2002 with 38k on it. now she has 118k 2 years later. you WILL be happy. just dont get an auto.

[dariusfan]

Originally Posted by Blackwind 98 SE

thers not any REALLY big problems with the maxima. most of it is just small quirks which just happened to make it into production. over all you will not be unhappy. i got my 98 in 2002 with 38k on it. now she has 118k 2 years later. you WILL be happy. just dont get an auto.

Do you mean that the automatic is troublesome? I was kind of torn between getting the 5 speed or the auto. I wondered if the car would be driven harder by a performance type driver who opted for the 5 speed- but the trannies are usually tougher and a clutch job is usually "only" about $1000. With the auto the driver may be a little more sedate and baby the car more but if the automatic trans goes bad it can be about $3000 or 4000. I read in Phil Edmonston's book Lemonaid that the auto will last longer if you put a transmission cooler on it and an inline filter (Have any of you Maxima owners tried this - or had trans trouble on your car?)
Thanks for the info about your 98
Paul

[THT]

Get the 5spd if you want performance; they're so much faster than autos. I have 73K on my auto tranny and haven't had any problems yet. I installed a tranny cooler last summer because I modded the auto to run full line pressure.

~THT

[Blackwind 98 SE]

Originally Posted by dariusfan

Do you mean that the automatic is troublesome? I was kind of torn between getting the 5 speed or the auto. I wondered if the car would be driven harder by a performance type driver who opted for the 5 speed- but the trannies are usually tougher and a clutch job is usually "only" about $1000. With the auto the driver may be a little more sedate and baby the car more but if the automatic trans goes bad it can be about $3000 or 4000. I read in Phil Edmonston's book Lemonaid that the auto will last longer if you put a transmission cooler on it and an inline filter (Have any of you Maxima owners tried this - or had trans trouble on your car?)
Thanks for the info about your 98
Paul

autos are good. but they are slugs. unless you do a vb mod.

[CdnMaxDog]

My 98 se has had very few problems in the 5 years that I own it.The dogstar racer has been good to me and all the hard driving styles I put him through. I list in order the problems I've had i the past .
1. 60000km Alternator(belt was changed,pulleys & tension pulley were checked.)
2.106000km Front stabilizer bar lower bushings(squeeked over rough road.Dealer Item.)
3. 120000kmExhaust from manifolds back
4.168000km Starter & axleshaft boots.
Aside from regular maintenance,Constant brake & disc changes every 20000Km, Its time to do the suspension on him at 171000km.
This car has been nothing but an absolute pleasure to drive and it should be for you too, if you are willing to overlook its little quirks here and there(not many).
I should also say its right about time to put some cash into him for the winter months.That's pretty much it for the needs of the dogstar, as for the wants, well the bill is slightly higher in addons, but overall this car is sweet and its going to the grave with me, that won't be anytime soon.

"Fear should not be an option when driving your max hard"