BadBlackMaxSL

iTrader: (1)

I don't know what was up with it, I re-entered it and now it works. If you have any spare time and want to help a guy out in keeping 2 black Nissans clean- I'll buy the beer.

thebear

As I posted on another thread on this forum, my recently acquired '04 SE is my 6th Maxima. #5 ('02 GLE) is the wife's, #4 ('97 SE 5sp) was traded in on it (95k miles), #3 (95 GLE) was traded on #6 (92k miles), #2 ('94 GXE) was lost to a tornado that went thru and #1 ('87) was involved in an accident (89k miles).

My 1st car was a new '57 Austin-Healey and I in the intervening years I have owned most US versions of cars from the UK except Jaguar (most fun of the lot were my '62 & '68 Minis). In the early '60s I raced an Austin-Healy Sprite, the '62 Mini and a Lotus 7. I have also owned a '69 FIAT 124 coupé and '74 124 sedan. A few itinerant Fords/Mercurys wandered in and out. My first Japanese car was a '78 Mazda GLC, followed by an '81 then a '82 626.

After a `time out' for an '83 T-bird, the '87 Maxima arrived. It had as garage mates an '83 Camry, '84 ALFA-Romeo GTV-6, an '88 Camry, an '86 Corolla, and a '90 RX-7.

The '87 Maxima was the least reliable due to starter engagement problems (3x) when hot. The '95 needed a starter and front axle boots. Other than normal maintenance (oil changes, batteries, tires spark plugs, air filters and wheel allignment) I have no complaints.

Looks are deceiving. I didn't like the '02 after the '95 & '97 and the '03 Altima/'04 Maxima sort of grew on me. As for the future, time only knows and time will tell.

RHMax

This is all I saw on your post

mrlee2005

love the max and love nissan autos, this is my 2nd max my 97' max is at 185k miles and i just got my new 2005 SE

04BlackMaxx

If I stay in this price bracket I will be going to a G35 coupe....unless i get sick of its looks?

PETZUK

One and only Max for me.... The '04 is not as good as I expected it to be... Poor quality... Noisy suspension.... Altima improved to near Max feature set... Others.....

04BlackMaxx

Still a bargain for its 6 sec 0-60 time in a big car, fun to drive, best in class IMO.

MObruin

YES!!!!

I just got my 2nd 6th gen Max!

-MO-

gec

Yes I will --- but this time I'm going to wait until the next generation

04BlackMaxx

I didnt want frost interior, but now I see that in the evening at dusk frost looks gorgeous...it reminds me of my dream car's interior, SL500.

Also this ridiculously hot summer here in buffalo, hottest on record, im glad my interiorr isnt black.

joe3906

More than likely. Maxima's are good. I have an 04, and an 05. I trade up every other year, and I might trade up the 04. Still haven't modded the 04 out. Lets see what happens with the price of gas.

Joe B.

Max2n

Most definitly.Just traded in 2000 silver Max for a 2005 smoke one.Matter of fact I traded in the 2000 for the 2005 to try and time the intro to the 7th gen Max to trade in the 2005.So I'll be able to get 2nd year model(the first year always got the kinks)These maxima just keep getting better and better.

jm8mr

don't know gettin pretty pissed off with the front -end

04BlackMaxx

I went and chacked out a 2003 E500 sport that was on a dealer lot around here. Those cars are amazing to me, and the build quality is 2nd to none. Ive even driven 3 of the previous generation E classes and loved them, im sure the new one is all that and more...I couldnt appreciate it until I got up close to it, it was silver, with 30k on it, and they wanted $45,000, they also had an 03 non sport E500 with 18k for $40k...Id prolly go that route bc it was black and then I could put the sport pkg on it. And damn, that gray trim inside on the black leather looks tight. Well...in a couple years I hope I can get one, if im making enough it will be a no brainer.

george_rem

Why?

1. I was very disappointed by the dyno numbers.
2. I realized that I want an AWD coupe/smaller car. An STI would
be great, if it didnt have the turbo lag.

george_rem

It'd me more helpful if you gave your reasons!

jackconly

You may want to check out what Consumers Reports has to say about the Mercedes before you put your money down. From '03 on they rate all of the models as "do not buy." Quality has been the problem with malfunctioning computers and engine parts. Benz has been hemmoraging money trying to salvage its once pristine repuation for quality. I'd give it a couple of years before you bought. ...and look it up in Consumers Reports -- they are totally unbiased.

RHMax

The first year that I have the 03 E500 (first model year), I had a few issues; radio/command center, ABS, transmission were the biggies. Those issues were taken cared of by Merc. I went through a few dealerships though, because some of the service advisors or the dealership themselves weren't helpful, worst than some Nissan dealers. For the past year, however, no other problems other than the sun visor that I broke, replaced under warranty. I agree there are issues, but all of mine has been solved thus far.

Oh, and Comsumers Reports -- do favor some brands more than others.

04BlackMaxx

RH you got an 03 E500? Id most likely get a brand new one and be covered under warrenty anyway, so I really wouldnt care all that much. My max was in and out of the shop for some things really early on and it wasnt a big deal to me. If all I cared about was having something Id drive for a decade and never have to fix id get a toyota....but I still salivate for the E class....and theres always the possibility you will have no problems at all. They also have starmark used cars....if they are so bad, people would not want to pay the price to have them but they still do.

04BlackMaxx

This was what it was exactly, Id excuse her for being high maint. because shes so fine.

chernmax

iTrader: (15)

OK, I'll Bite, WHY? No disrespect to your reasons...

DrKlop

iTrader: (3)

I don't think it'll be Maxima but most likely Nissan/Infinity

RHMax

That be it! Silver/ash. It's on a lease until next spring, then moving on. On the up side, I get to drive other cars as loaner cars when in for service, like C230, ML's, even Volvo, BMW, Saab; what ever the dealer has available. Got a Camry once

Pause

The Benzes look good, but in my opinion they are way too overrated and overengineered. I bought a CLK brand new and at 60,000 miles I couldn't get an inspection sticker for it unless I paid to get the faults repaired, it cost me 1500 to get everything right (and that was cheap) before I decided to just get rid of it and get the Max. The Max has had it's issues too (clunky suspension) but so far it hasn't had the electronic glitches that the Benz had.

FreeRyder

I actually got a C240 for a demo car when I had my Max in for the body kit install and paint. The vehicle felt underpowered and was a pretty basic modle. This kinda blew me away as a vehicle that costs this much would have so few features. I would much prefer the car that was full load and cheaper vs. a bare bones better car.

jaydabee

Probably not, I'm ready to move up to an Infiniti. FX and M's are what I'm talking about.

Blaxima

I'm w/ you...I hope I can swing a FX when my lease is up

MiamiBlackMax

not sure yet.i had a SR 240sx and jump to his. way more room but not sure would like to maybe try something else as times passes but im a nissan blood type of guy so who knows its still up in the air

Mike_TX

I don't think I've weighed in on this yet, so I'll say this:

I've had nothing but good luck and excellent service from my Max for the last 33,000 miles. It's always rarin' to go and it does it with the best gas mileage I've had in years. It's roomy and it rides good. I also think it is one of the best-looking bodies on the street.

I will be looking for another "secondary" car to help keep the excess miles off My M45 in less than a year, and I've been studying the TL and the G35 very closely. The TL strikes me as the better-looking of the two, but hang out on the TL forums awhile and all you'll hear is b!tchin'. That car looks plenty hot, but I'm about to decide it just has too many problems. The G35 just fails to impress me for some reason. I've driven several of them, both in test drives and as loaners while my M is being serviced, and they just somehow don't do it for me.

That basically leaves the Max, a car that I still admire every day, and which delivers continuing good performance. They're apparently doing a freshening next year for the '07 model, just in time for me to trade up.

So, the answer for me is "yes" ... I'll probably get another Maxima!

jasonjm

iTrader: (1)

2nd Lemon from Nissan.........in a row. Back 2 back. (can you understand my fustration?)

Almost everything save the engine has been replaced. 5 different 'parts' have been replaced 4x or more. I'm going to stay vauge until all legal hurdles are done with.

ParaMax

I'm on my 3rd Maxima (3rd, 4th, and 5.5gen)! What can I say, Nissan is an addiction. I also have an 83 280zx. I can imagine not owning another Maxima but I can't imagine driving anything that's not Nissan. Maybe one day when I earn more cash, I'll take the Infiniti route. R35 Anyone?! Although I know I won't be able to afford that when it hits .

I do agree that since they started making Maximas here in the states, the quality has gone down. On the other hand, the power keeps going up! I can deal with shoddy interior plastic and road noise. I get my rocks off with VQ Power! I do hope though that Nissan starts churning them out with better quality. I can't wait to see what rolls out as the 7th gen. I believe Nissan won't let us down with it.

To answer the initial question though, Yes, I most definately will own another Maxima as well as nothing else besides Nissans!

Maxima2006SE

after I graduate i'll get a Mercedes S600

FrostMaxima

iTrader: (1)

Not if the 7th Gen looks like the current Maxima "down under" (Australia).

chernmax

iTrader: (15)

Wow, great, than you'll have to post threads on

www.Mercedes.whatever

Digital

iTrader: (1)

Already did buy another, this is my 3rd max. Owned a 96 first. Now I have a 97 and a 04.

Original Owner

Original owner of my '97 SE, and now looking to possibly upgrade to an '06 SE.
Only 50k on mine, so it's hard for me to want to sell it. What a great car!

install30

So far so good.....I'd buy another Max....later down the road....

manchur

I purchased my 2005 SL 2 months ago. The wife liked it and it had nice features ( My wife has an '05 Altima 3.5SE). Here is why I am not diving it anymore, she is. I guess it's all in the details.

2005 Maxima – Likes and Dislikes
Likes:
- Very smooth engine, no vibration at idle. Very very good acceleration.
- Transmission works quite well overall.
- Fairly smooth ride (SL model).
- Quite roomy and well finished inside.
- Very good vision all around, even towards the rear despite the high trunk.
- Nice overall sport luxury look.
- Courtesy light system is quite well designed with progressive on/off's.
- Fit and finish is quite nice throughout.
- Standard wheels are actually nice for an OEM alloy wheel. Wish it was available chromed.
- Rear window go all the way down! Very nice.
- Rear window defogger is very effective and quick.
- Front defog is amazingly good especially on a frosty windshield.
- Xenon lights are great. Not for incoming traffic though!.
- Auto light control is quite nice.
- Sound system sound quality is awsome.
- Really appreciate seat/steering memory feature.



Dislikes:
- Noticeable downshift from 3 to 2 when coasting to a stop.
- Gas pedal a bit too sensitive and spring too soft.
- Auto anti-dazzling mirror: no manual override. This feature is flawed. When driving with constant illumination from rear, all 3 mirrors dim very nicely and provide a fairly good glare reduction. The problem is that the minute the illumination in the rear disappears, the mirrors turn clear. In stop and go traffic, or if a car follows too close, the mirror is too slow to respond and the driver gets full light intensity in vision. A manual override to keep it on at night would solve this.
- Sound system: no mp3 support. Most other manufacturers (including Infiniti or 350Z) offer this either standard or as an option. Having 6 cd changer built in just does not do it. One mp3 cd is worth about 10 normal cd as to music capacity. I installed a JVC 12 disk mp3 changer, works great.
- Poor design of controls for heater/ac system. Buttons are too small to operate with gloves in winter. Driver must read them to properly identify. Trying to hit "rear defrost" without looking carefully will quite likely get you the front defrost. At this point, any settings you have selected are gone as there is no way to turn the front defrost off but by selecting some other mode of operation. You can always press "Auto" but it possibly will not blow the way "YOU" wanted it to do before. On "Auto", the system is usually adequate only for normal situations. Quite often in the winter, I have the system set for heat on my feet to dry the snow on the boots. The present system on the Altima is vastly superior.

- Curved door panel armrests: nice design but my arm is straight. Not comfortable.
- Air bag indicator on dash top. Why would I want to know that there is nobody sitting beside me!. This indicator attracts the eye at night as it is too high. Either put it somewhere on the console or remove it altogether.
- Console adjustable armrest. Very nice when up as it lines up with door armrest. Of cours, in this position, you cannot access console storage compartment. It also prevents easy access to seat heater controls. Why not have those controls on the console near the shifter?
- 12V power outlets: they do not operate unless the vehicle is left with key in the ignition at accessory position. Why? If one is concerned the a constant drain on the battery might discharge it, then leaving things just make it worse.
- Manual shift: I don't see why a manual shift feature is provided as the computer will override the selection whenever it feels like it. If I want to select a gear that is way out of range, then fine. But if I want to keep it in a specific gear, then the computer should be out of it!.
- Car is a bit noisy: sometimes it almost feels like a door is oppened a crack. More insulation in the doors??
- I just hate the noisy flasher indicator. In my opinion, a luxury car should be quiet!
- Foglight operation: why can't the foglights be turned on on their own? You must have regular night driving lights on for the foglights to turn on. It defeats the purpose of having low mounted lights to drive in fog. As they are now, they only provide minimal illumination increase.
- Storage compartment at bottom of dash: difficult access when car is parked. Also, qute small. Cassette deck should have been deleted to make room for more storage.
- Dash display console: when trip or fuel economy displays are selected as well as the radio being on, the trip readings do not stay on. They only display for about 15 seconds. The display of radio channels and trip do not compete for space, why then not leave the information I request when I want it displayed! Frustrating. When you need to use the trip odometer, it is because you want to see it!
- Cruise control indication. The dimmer control for the dash and console controls illumination of everything BUT these two green lights. Very annoying when driving at night with cruise control. Two bright green dots! also, why would I need to know it is ON and SET! One indicator would have been enough.
- Speedometer indication: why not use a larger portion of the display? As it is, the normal 0 to 100 kph covers only about 75 degrees. Altima speedo vastly better.
- Trunk lid heavy to open. Due to the strut system. Of course this way they don't extend into the storage area, but it makes it harder to open. Light in trunk fairly dim too.
- Leather seat heater not quick enough when it's cold outside.
- Heated steering wheel temperature varies quite a bit: from cool to almost too hot to hold without gloves. Also hard to find button in the dark with gloves.
- Torque steer is really too pronounced. The car needs rear wheel drive.
- Vehicle Dynamic Control: not always the best unless you are not in a hurry. Also, cannot turn it off. Switch only turns off traction control.

Maybe I am picky, but I thought that buying a nice new car would do it. I guess not. Back to my old '64 as soon as the weather turns warm again!

BadBlackMaxSL

iTrader: (1)

^^^^^^ I guess a test drive didn't fit into your schedule before you plunked down @ $32,000 for the Max.

I agree with the AC controls on how it changes settings on you, on auto I would like it to AUTO the temp only not the vent options nor the AC on/off. MY Acura AUTO would adjust the fan speed and air flow into the cabin to keep the set temp without changing the settings, like my Pathfinder LE does too. But for the rest of the list.....

maxedout4

This is my 3rd maxima, I had a 95, a 2000 and now a 04..so that means Yes.. I just wish that they improved the suspencion on the 07.