Paint quality problems with Maxima

joeyg · #1 10-30-2001, 09:53 AM

Hi, I was intending on purchasing the 2002 Maxima SE in Icelandic Pearl in the next few months & have been researching the car as compared with others. The Maxima on all accounts except one, appears to be an outstanding automobile. My concern is that I have found literally hundreds of complaints on the "Maxima.Org" web site concerning poor quality paint jobs on the Maximas that result in much higher than average chipping of the paint. This problem appears so serious that a web site has been created to complain to Nissan about it.
This site is www.maximapaint.com.
Have people on this board had as much trouble with the paint quality of the Maxima & if so...would you buy another one knowing what you know now about the paint?

Thanks in Advance

Joe

G-Forces · #2 10-30-2001, 10:15 AM

I don't think its an issue directly related to Maxima's or Nissans for that matter. Living in Toronto we get a lot of road salt and gravel put on the roads here. My Infiniti G20 has the same problem as I've heard complaints from others with G20's as well. Me and my buddy were walking past a nice M3 the other day and noticed lots of paint chips on the front and hood too.

Apparently government enviromental regulations have stated that the lead content of paint had to drop. Manufacturers use a low lead content paint that is softer than paints of yore.

It's this soft paint that chips easily.

Nizmolee · #3 10-30-2001, 10:28 AM

The paint job needs to be maintained. Use a clay bar every 6 months and you can be safe!

AP20thMax · #4 10-30-2001, 11:56 AM

I bought my Max in January and travel on the tollways everyday to work. I have tons of chip marks all over the front of my car. I don't know if it is because the Nissan paint isn't good or if it is just from traveling everyday at high speeds.

joeyg · #5 10-30-2001, 12:34 PM

I take care of my cars, but will be driving this Maxima on the highways & in Canadian winter weather. I am very concerned about the paint quality on this car as a result of the 19 pages of complaints on the Maxima.Org web page.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=25984

Joe

Ravq · #6 10-30-2001, 12:42 PM

I'd have to say that Nissan paint is very thin in comparison to my other vehicles. Even though I baby the car I still manage to get paint chips regardless.

MAXIMASE2000 · #7 10-30-2001, 02:04 PM

I got my TOUCH UP paint ready all the time.
Nissan paint maybe too thin and is easy to chip.

Mr Nismo · #8 10-31-2001, 02:06 AM

I've been pretty happy with my 99 SE-L Pearl White Maxima. Then again it takes me 2 hours to wash it.

2001 AE · #9 10-31-2001, 12:07 PM

7000 k + miles on mine and not one chip. I am sure not to follow cars or trucks closely on the highway, especially trucks or any vechicle with exposed tires without mud or gravel flaps.

MaxRX7 · #10 10-31-2001, 02:47 PM

bunch of chips and scratches...

joeyg · #11 10-31-2001, 03:49 PM

Would you buy another Maxima, knowing about the issue with the paint?

Ravq · #12 10-31-2001, 05:30 PM

I would but it's just disappointing that you spend all this $ for a nice car and yet the paint job is low quality.

MAXIMASE2000 · #13 11-01-2001, 01:13 AM

I won't get a Nissan if I replace my car.
I will get a used around 2yrs old GS400.

Mr Nismo · #14 11-01-2001, 07:52 PM

3rd gen Maximas have the best quality paint job. Nissan worked really hard with the .99 cent stores to get a deal on paint for the 4th gens.

Nizmolee · #15 11-02-2001, 02:40 AM

Hey george, wanna wash my 4th gen!! hehe between, i have painted my car 3 times in the past year. so I have a pretty thick coat of white paint. especially the front stillen Lip

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