3rd Generation Maxima (1989-1994) Learn more about the 3rd Generation Maxima here.

3rd Gen may be the best Max Ever!

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Old 11-27-2006, 05:14 PM
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3rd Gen may be the best Max Ever!

I have to say from Experience, I leased a 2000 Max SE, for 3 years, & a 2002 Max SE for 3 years with the 3.5 VQ motor........the 3.5 VQ motor would sometimes (intermiten) would make A HORRID RAPPING noise, like someone was trapped inside,banging with a hammer , trying to escape, upon a cold startup.......was glad to get rid of that car, sold it for $15 Grand.... I then bought a 94 GXE Maxima approx. 2 yrs ago in absolutely pristine condition from an Old guy who kept it garaged, & maintained perfectly.......best $2500.00 I ever spent, by far the best MAXIMA I ever owned period......
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Old 11-27-2006, 08:28 PM
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I know what you mean. I have '93 GXE since '93 w/ 247k miles and bought a '94 SE last year w/ ~150k miles. Other than general maintance both have been a dream. Yeah, you get a price tag once in a while injectors at 185k miles or power stearing hose leak. but still solid cars.

Also in my area, Memphis, I see at least 6 different G3 models per day! There 3 more G3 within 4 blocks of house. There are 2 other G3 parking in the same 200 car parking lot at work. My daughter is in choir, over 1000 kids audisioned for, 200 made it, of them another family's had G3 model. The Chinese Resturant where we like to go, one of the cooks have G3. Even the local grocery has a clerk that drives a red G3, (same one that we saw last year at soccer games for my daugthers).

Alot of these are "stock", maybe new radio or fresh paint, if owned by under group, but not major external changes. Though I have seen a few with what looked like 20" wheels. One even looked like it was set for 4-wheeling because of size of wheels and lift of car. There are also a few with some big dings.

About 2 months ago, I was down at the dealers dropping one off, while picking the other up, another family was there doing it too, for their 2 G3. This dealer also has two mechs that drive G3.

Yes, I think G3 is the best. But I have seen 3 G2 in last few weeks, and they were clean too!
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Old 11-27-2006, 08:37 PM
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I absolutely love my 90 Maxima. If it were not for it being FWD, I would easily keep it forever over almost anything else. It will though always be the reliable back up
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Old 11-27-2006, 08:41 PM
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Originally Posted by jackb_guppy
I know what you mean. I have '93 GXE since '93 w/ 247k miles and bought a '94 SE last year w/ ~150k miles. Other than general maintance both have been a dream. Yeah, you get a price tag once in a while injectors at 185k miles or power stearing hose leak. but still solid cars.

Also in my area, Memphis, I see at least 6 different G3 models per day! There 3 more G3 within 4 blocks of house. There are 2 other G3 parking in the same 200 car parking lot at work. My daughter is in choir, over 1000 kids audisioned for, 200 made it, of them another family's had G3 model. The Chinese Resturant where we like to go, one of the cooks have G3. Even the local grocery has a clerk that drives a red G3, (same one that we saw last year at soccer games for my daugthers).

Alot of these are "stock", maybe new radio or fresh paint, if owned by under group, but not major external changes. Though I have seen a few with what looked like 20" wheels. One even looked like it was set for 4-wheeling because of size of wheels and lift of car. There are also a few with some big dings.

About 2 months ago, I was down at the dealers dropping one off, while picking the other up, another family was there doing it too, for their 2 G3. This dealer also has two mechs that drive G3.

Yes, I think G3 is the best. But I have seen 3 G2 in last few weeks, and they were clean too!
Hah, wow. For some reason when I was reading I was thinking Infiniti G series cars and thought you just went crazy off on some rant about G's. Hah, got that it was Generation 3 now though
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Old 11-27-2006, 09:13 PM
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I went from a 97 to a 91 and there are things that i like and some others that i dont like. i noticed the torque difference and thats about it. i think i could learn to like the 91 better once i start modifying it.
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Old 11-28-2006, 05:30 AM
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Originally Posted by 94maxshima
Hah, wow. For some reason when I was reading I was thinking Infiniti G series cars and thought you just went crazy off on some rant about G's. Hah, got that it was Generation 3 now though
I just do not understand though... Why are all these 3rd Generation (G3) are here in Memphis area? Were they assemabled here locally? Is the wheater justs better for them to "breed"? It is just seams too many for given car type/year and population. Also so many are still clean!
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Old 11-28-2006, 08:21 AM
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Originally Posted by jackb_guppy
I just do not understand though... Why are all these 3rd Generation (G3) are here in Memphis area? Were they assemabled here locally? Is the wheater justs better for them to "breed"? It is just seams too many for given car type/year and population. Also so many are still clean!
Yeah, that is pretty crazy. I see only about one a day not counting mine here in my area and it's usually some ratty old GXE. I wish we had a lot around here then it wouldn't be so damn hard to find a nicer VE-5!!

But I guess one plus of living in the south is the rust. Can't find a speck of rust on my 94'
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Old 11-28-2006, 02:04 PM
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I think those vq35's have some VTC problems. I heard a 3.5 altima driving by at my work and it was clacking like a ****. I almost cried....lol, yeah right. VTC's FTL!!
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Old 11-28-2006, 04:40 PM
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Probably one of the best, if not the best Japanese sedans in 1989 Model year. Lexus LS400 and Infiniti Q45 were 1990 models and were the best Japanese sedans at that time, but of course V8 powered, and much more expensive. I rarely have seen Toyota Cressidas, which were 6 cylinder competitors. Sonar suspension, Bose, and in various models with ABS and 5 speed manuals with V6 power were pretty rare then. Definitely better than Accord from 89-94, and much better than 89-91 Camry. Only with improved 1992 Camry's and Lexus ES300s was there increasing competition, and the 1992 SE Maxima was pretty competitive with them.
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Old 11-28-2006, 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 505max94se
I think those vq35's have some VTC problems. I heard a 3.5 altima driving by at my work and it was clacking like a ****. I almost cried....lol, yeah right. VTC's FTL!!
VQ35 VTC's have not been known to fail AT ALL. That is exclusive to the VE.
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Old 11-28-2006, 06:06 PM
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Lots of hate on the VQ35 but not on the VQ30. VQ30 is little known (only maximas) while the 3.5 is very well known. Yet both engines are almost the same damn thing. Whenever something gets popular/common, hatred shows up.
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Old 11-28-2006, 06:22 PM
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Originally Posted by nismology
VQ35 VTC's have not been known to fail AT ALL. That is exclusive to the VE.
That's what I thought until the other day when I heard that Altima.... I know EXACTLY what VTC clack sounds like and the vq35 in that altima sounded just like VTC clack. Maybe there was something else wrong with it. I could be wrong...
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Old 11-28-2006, 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by JClaw
Lots of hate on the VQ35 but not on the VQ30. VQ30 is little known (only maximas) while the 3.5 is very well known. Yet both engines are almost the same damn thing. Whenever something gets popular/common, hatred shows up.
I don't hate the VQ35. I'm probably going to be the first person (known on the org) to have a VQ35 in my 3rd gen. The VQ35 is awesome, definitely better than my VE, IMO...
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Old 11-28-2006, 08:37 PM
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Hey Jack, I'm here in Memphis too. Definitely lots of 3rd gens around. I have the common mods but look stock (no catback or rims).

To the original poster, I will likely keep my Maxima, dare I say, forever. I've owned a 92 GXE before, and while it's probably less reliable, the VE is just awesome.
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Old 11-29-2006, 10:40 AM
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Word.

My 94 GXE is my baby. Love it.
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Old 11-29-2006, 12:14 PM
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Mmm hmm...everyone always talk **** to me about my car being a POS and telling me to sell it. Why are there so many haters? like when someone asks how much you spend on thoes tires and I say oh those costed me $500..and then I get "WHAT, you spend 500 on tires for that POS?" but I love my car so I dont care. I take good care of it and it takes good care of me as well
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Old 11-29-2006, 12:52 PM
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I think Chicago has more maximas(at least 3rd gens) than any other place.
you can't drive around without seeing several.
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Old 11-29-2006, 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 505max94se
That's what I thought until the other day when I heard that Altima.... I know EXACTLY what VTC clack sounds like and the vq35 in that altima sounded just like VTC clack. Maybe there was something else wrong with it. I could be wrong...
99.9% sure it was the timing chain tensioner you heard.
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Old 11-29-2006, 04:08 PM
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I have had a bad luck with 89 Maxima so i am selling it

Sorry for posting the sale here, i am new at this forum thing, i will post it some other place.
Sorry agian
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Old 11-29-2006, 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by levon
Hi am selling fully loaded 89 Nissan Maxima for parts this model is same for 1989-1992 Maxima.I am happy that you have had good luck with this cars but i guess i am unlucky. Give me an offer I need to get rid of it. I just bought a new car, i amblah blah blahlevonbadounts@hotmail.com

post it in the or sale section after you posted atleast 15 times.
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Old 11-29-2006, 07:41 PM
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Why is someone trying to sell a car in this thread????? WTF!!!!!
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Old 11-29-2006, 07:58 PM
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Originally Posted by nismology
99.9% sure it was the timing chain tensioner you heard.
I'm sure you're right, but it didn't sound like it... I hope there isn't ne vtc problems in the future because I'll have to deal with vtc problems again...
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Old 11-29-2006, 08:00 PM
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My boss keeps toying with me on when my 92'SE is for sale.. When I tell him Im not planning on selling, he starts hating big time! Jealousy I see..
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Old 11-29-2006, 08:00 PM
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Originally Posted by rimaximaman
Why is someone trying to sell a car in this thread????? WTF!!!!!
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Old 11-29-2006, 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by VEvolution
My boss keeps toying with me on when my 92'SE is for sale.. When I tell him Im not planning on selling, he starts hating big time! Jealousy I see..
My old VE5 is now in the junkyard, stupid kid
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Old 11-29-2006, 08:17 PM
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Originally Posted by internetautomar
My old VE5 is now in the junkyard, stupid kid
What, it got hit from the front, too???
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Old 11-29-2006, 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by maxitech
What, it got hit from the front, too???
nope, someone busted out the windows.
the real beatch is that i still have the windows (door ones) from my original Grey VE.
he sold it to victory auto wreckers in bensenville for $50. not sure how long ago though. I only found out earlier tonight when I asked his friend about it.
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Old 11-29-2006, 08:47 PM
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Good chance I saw it while scavenging thru the local junkyard with ColumbianMax last month.
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Old 11-29-2006, 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by maxitech
Good chance I saw it while scavenging thru the local junkyard with ColumbianMax last month.
Nope, sorry...lol we went to U Pull It...the VE5 is in Victory Auto Wreckers so unfortunately you missed it but if you wanna go pick at it you're more than welcomed to join me
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Old 11-29-2006, 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by internetautomar
My old VE5 is now in the junkyard, stupid kid
Shoulda watched where you park
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Old 11-30-2006, 04:40 PM
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yes i hear you i have a 92 se A with fully mods....on exterior.......i have a quickie.....i lost to a 95 240sx with intake, hi-flow cat, and hks exhaust....and i just have an intake...is that possible?
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Old 11-30-2006, 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by VEvolution
Shoulda watched where you park
I sold the car to a curb stoner and he sold it to the sucker , eh.. kid
there is an actual post (not thread) about it on here.
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Old 11-30-2006, 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by 505max94se
I'm sure you're right, but it didn't sound like it... I hope there isn't ne vtc problems in the future because I'll have to deal with vtc problems again...
+1 on the tensioner. I saw 6 quests with bad tensioners while working for the local nissan dealer. It sounded just like a vtc problem...
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Old 11-30-2006, 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by internetautomar
I think Chicago has more maximas(at least 3rd gens) than any other place.
you can't drive around without seeing several.
I lived in Chicago area for 3 years. I never remember anytime seeing more that 1 in day. Here in Memphis we hit 6, and again I have neighbors with them too, not something I saw in the great white north!

Maybe Maxus could come South to the land of many machines / population numbers.
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Old 12-01-2006, 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by jackb_guppy
I lived in Chicago area for 3 years. I never remember anytime seeing more that 1 in day. Here in Memphis we hit 6, and again I have neighbors with them too, not something I saw in the great white north!

Maybe Maxus could come South to the land of many machines / population numbers.
Ask ben, when he was here for a few minutes last month, we had at least 3 3rd gens drive past. including one almost identical to his.
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Old 12-01-2006, 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by JClaw
Lots of hate on the VQ35 but not on the VQ30. VQ30 is little known (only maximas) while the 3.5 is very well known. Yet both engines are almost the same damn thing. Whenever something gets popular/common, hatred shows up.
The VQ30 should have VTCs and a Power Valve.

VQ35 > VQ30
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Old 12-01-2006, 07:55 PM
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i drove the new maxima with the cvt transmission and i am not all that enthused by it i much rather drive my 3rd gen
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Old 12-06-2006, 03:44 AM
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I have owned a 95 Altima GXE for 4 years. I thought it was a great car, very dependable and outside of the regular maintnance, the only thing I ever had to do was change the radiator. I sold that thing at 210K still running like a top and looked good too.

I sold it for a family move to Austin. (Great town love to visit but wouldn't want to live there) When we returned to SoCal this past summer, I bought a '90 G3 for me and fell in love with it, its quick, slick, fun and sensors throughout the mechanics of the car always tells you what hurts before it dies somewhere. I got it for 1K with 117k on it and without a doubt has been the best I have owned.

In fact, when my wife returned from our trip a month later with the kids she enjoyed the ride so much we got her a 90 G3 as well, its a well maintained Max with 222K on it, we got it for 1K as well from the original owners (per pink slip). Both are daily drivers and have more than made me warm and fuzzy on long trips up north or to Baja.

This generation of Maximas are just great cars!
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Old 12-06-2006, 12:48 PM
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Yup the 3rd Gens are the best Maxs Ever!!!
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Old 12-06-2006, 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by rimaximaman
Yup the 3rd Gens are the best Maxs Ever!!!
The question is: Will we still be drivin 'em and saying that 5 or 10 years from now, or more? And will we still all be here on the .Org hangin like a tight crew? I hope so....

-Mark
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