Are the 04's that bad?
08-08-2005, 12:00 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 38
Are the 04's that bad?
Hey guys-
I've been reading here and it looks like the 04' models seem to have the most problems, are they that bad that I would wait for the 05's to come down a little when the 06's come out and snag one?
Jeff
I've been reading here and it looks like the 04' models seem to have the most problems, are they that bad that I would wait for the 05's to come down a little when the 06's come out and snag one?
Jeff
08-08-2005, 12:15 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,383
its not that they are that bad. i have an 04 and really have no performance problems at all. my only problem is with my a/c. nothing a new compressor wont fix. but just like any new model year. there are always bugs to work out. but hey you might get lucky and get a good one like i did. i also just got the base model. so there are less things to worry about going wrong. all i wanted was the engine.
08-08-2005, 12:20 PM
#4
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 38
Yeh, I'm looking for something a lil' more.. upscale than I am currently driving.. 
I've done the whole "build a race car thing" the next car will be on that I can get in, start it up if I have a headache and not wish I was in a completely different car or if I can make it over speed bumps, etc.. I love my current car and I know I'm going to miss the performance, but I've been driving a 97' Maxima while my car is being "fixed" and am thinking this is the road I need to take..
Maxmale - I love your grill man..
I've done the whole "build a race car thing" the next car will be on that I can get in, start it up if I have a headache and not wish I was in a completely different car or if I can make it over speed bumps, etc..
I love my current car and I know I'm going to miss the performance, but I've been driving a 97' Maxima while my car is being "fixed" and am thinking this is the road I need to take.. Maxmale - I love your grill man..
08-08-2005, 12:29 PM
#5
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 599
Originally Posted by Tramsootru
Hey guys-
I've been reading here and it looks like the 04' models seem to have the most problems, are they that bad that I would wait for the 05's to come down a little when the 06's come out and snag one?
Jeff
I've been reading here and it looks like the 04' models seem to have the most problems, are they that bad that I would wait for the 05's to come down a little when the 06's come out and snag one?
Jeff
08-08-2005, 03:12 PM
#11
Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 49
My '04 is doing great too. I can't speak for its entire existence, since I bought it used. But I've never had any real issues with it...and it's got well over 30k miles now. It wouldn't hurt to go the '05 route though, since there do seem to be less problem-cars in that model year.
08-08-2005, 03:41 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 951
Originally Posted by Tramsootru
Hey guys-
I've been reading here and it looks like the 04' models seem to have the most problems, are they that bad that I would wait for the 05's to come down a little when the 06's come out and snag one?
Jeff
I've been reading here and it looks like the 04' models seem to have the most problems, are they that bad that I would wait for the 05's to come down a little when the 06's come out and snag one?
Jeff
08-08-2005, 04:04 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 289
data
I get the clear impression that there are more problems with the 04's than the 05's. My impression is from anecdotal information from this site, not from hard statistical data. I test drove a 2004 and it had the "shimmy" problem. I had to pay a little more for my 05, but I'm glad I got a 2005 model.
08-08-2005, 04:12 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 107
Great car besides having both struts replaced (another one sounds like it is going now), glove box out of line, roof trim faded, piece of trim in the back window area needing replaced, drivers seat pops to the left, rotors needing turned twice before 15k, one splash guard popped out of place, a new rack and pinion is on order, wheel bearings, new rotors, and Michelins replacing the factory tires trying to get rid of the shimmy. Other than that it really has been a great car to drive. I am just one of the unlucky ones going through all the crap.
Go for an 05 the bugs are about gone in an 05! Don't be one of those stuck with a problem like me. With all of that said I still love it.
Go for an 05 the bugs are about gone in an 05! Don't be one of those stuck with a problem like me. With all of that said I still love it.
08-08-2005, 05:09 PM
#18
The "Other" project
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 312
I like alot of people have had my fair share of problems with my 04......some just much worse than others...... but the car itself is a nice ride. I would opt for the 05 though, most of the major fixes have already been applied from the factory.
08-08-2005, 07:29 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: toronto
Posts: 371
45000KM and 2 yrs in 5 days time ..... biggest problem I've seen with max's .. is the DRL burning out (changed mine 3 times and see a whole lot of other Max's with theirs burned out) ... but you will not have that problem in the US!
08-08-2005, 08:32 PM
#22
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 38
Rock on.. You guys make me feel much better about getting an 04'.. However, I think I may just opt for the 05' after the 06's come out.. it will be a few months until I can get into a position to find TIME to buy a new car..
08-08-2005, 09:48 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 1,994
I ran out my warranty on a 5K mile trip. I'm now home with 37.5K miles on her and time to change the oil again. My biggest problem were the OE tires which I replaced at 32K miles. I believe the 05 and 06 models have the same tires. Other than a few minor warranty issues, nothing big.
If the used 05 prices will go down when the 06s come out, the 04 prices will also go down at the same time. Look at both and pick the best you can find for the money
If the used 05 prices will go down when the 06s come out, the 04 prices will also go down at the same time. Look at both and pick the best you can find for the money
08-08-2005, 10:14 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
Posts: 8,143
I drove my new '04 SL for six months, carefully checking and listing every tiny discrepancy, then took it in with a detailed listing of what needed fixing.
The heated steering wheel switch was replaced, the passageway latch/lock between the right rear seat and trunk was replaced. The rubber bumper on the glove box lid was replaced with a longer one for proper alignment, and the power sunroof left 'A' pillar drain tube was unblocked. I also had the HID low beams lowered below specs, as I felt more comfortable knowing I was not blinding other drivers.
That was it. The dealer fixed them all, and there has not been even the whisper of a problem the last eight months. And I am a very particular driver who wants everything just right.
I cannot tell in words just how much I enjoy driving this car. Knowing everything is absolutely perfect (at least as far as I can determine), I would not swap this car even-up for an '05 or '06, although those are doubtlessly wonderful vehicles.
The heated steering wheel switch was replaced, the passageway latch/lock between the right rear seat and trunk was replaced. The rubber bumper on the glove box lid was replaced with a longer one for proper alignment, and the power sunroof left 'A' pillar drain tube was unblocked. I also had the HID low beams lowered below specs, as I felt more comfortable knowing I was not blinding other drivers.
That was it. The dealer fixed them all, and there has not been even the whisper of a problem the last eight months. And I am a very particular driver who wants everything just right.
I cannot tell in words just how much I enjoy driving this car. Knowing everything is absolutely perfect (at least as far as I can determine), I would not swap this car even-up for an '05 or '06, although those are doubtlessly wonderful vehicles.
08-09-2005, 09:31 AM
#25
Nations 1st 6th Gen Turbo
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Displaced New Yorker in Southern, MD
Posts: 10,202
My 04 has been Rock Solid, considering all the Modding I have done to it. Only problem my 04 had was a slight hessitation problem and the stealership fixed it under warrenty with 3 new spark plugs... Still only 16K TLC miles and my b!tch sleeps in a garage... Good Luck...
08-09-2005, 10:03 AM
#29
Nations 1st 6th Gen Turbo
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Displaced New Yorker in Southern, MD
Posts: 10,202
misspelling
Originally Posted by Tramsootru
Do any of you guys know if you buy a used vehicle still within warranty specs of Nissan will honor that warranty?
08-13-2005, 07:34 AM
#35
Front right strut blew at 800 miles, replaced both of them when it went in at 850 miles. Outside of that, my only issue is the numerous creaks and moans and the uneven glove compartment box, but nothing mechanical has broken or been in need of repair.
09-18-2005, 02:27 PM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 231
I bought my 04 at the end of July this year... I'm one of the unfortunate ones with the infamous "Shimmy Issues" (elsewhere on the forums). Besides that, no major problems, but haven't had that long none-the-less. The shimmy oddly enough isn't that bad for me to down this great car.. have been a fan of maxima's since they came out!
Other than that, Rock Solid... 
