Blue Godess

OK well I've been trying to decide on a car for awhile now, and I think I've finally got my mind set on a maxima.. but there’s a few catches. OK, first off, I've got about 15,000 to spend.. this is high end, I'd prefer to spend a little less.. 10 or 12 would make me very happy. That’s the total amount I want to spend, including mods. Now.. I'm a big fan of big chrome.. so I know im gonna drop probably 2,000 on wheels... if not a little more. OK, now, the only thing bugging me is that the 4th gen maximas are a liiitle slow for my tastes (I know I’m gonna get flamed for that.. lol..) but I was really looking for a car with 220+ hp stock. I kinda fell in love with maxima's though so I'm torn.. the natural choice of course would be a 2000+ model, but I don’t quite think I have the funds for that.

SO! What should I buy? What can I buy/do to get a maxima that fits those things listed above within my price range? I'm not really all that knowledgeable about cars, just the basics (what can I say, I'm a gurl lol, I'm trying to learn though).. although my best friend’s dad is really good he used to be a mechanic and half his family is in the business.. so I at least have some source of help I guess if I have to do things myself. Well, hopefully my post wasn’t too confusing for you guys, sorry if it was, I have a tendency to ramble sometimes. So yeah.. any help would be greatly appreciated!

DJSmitty

It's pretty much accepted that even though the 2000+ Maximas have more horsepower, they are about the same speed give or take as a 4th gen (95 - 99). This is because of weight factors, and the shape of the power curve etc. You can usually find a great 97+ with 60k+ miles and the features you want for around 10-12 grand private party. Just have to keep your eyes out. Good luck!

-Smitty

max5spd

iTrader: (11)

Like chrome? Get a I30. A little too much chrome for my taste, but I still love my ride.

speedtrip

Excellant Analysis of performance between maxima generations.

Most people here are going to recomend a y-pipe and a high flow air intake as good beginner mods. Big chrome wheels look great but kill performance due to their wieght. You will probably be able to get a better equipped 4th gen max than a 5th gen, but I don't know what options you are looking for. 1997 model year and some 1998 model year maximas have a recall out to replace the alternators.

What kind of tranny are you looking for? Some manual transmission 4th gens have faulty differential bearings. A telltale sign is leaking transmission fluid from the driveaxles.

Good luck!

Blue Godess

I think I would prefer an automatic just because I'd rather not have to constantly be managing it if I dont want to

erty67

iTrader: (104)

I say go for a 4th gen and save a little cash for mods

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

my stick manages itself wanna see?

gtr_rider

iTrader: (50)

wope

iTrader: (1)

you won't be fast with 20s (big chrome)

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

get a 5th gen now and then save up for dubs. you can always save $ to buy rims. its alot easier to buy new rims rather than buy a new car.

iansw

iTrader: (7)

In ANY Car!!!

(OK, Maybe a M5 - but you said $15k)

Anyway - buy a used 97 GXE 5spd (you'll thank us) for $9.5k and throw a SuperCharger in there with a 3.25" Pulley and and APEXI AFC.

15k total, and you should be at about 340hp at the crank.

That's what I would do.




You're in VA, and I'm sure there's a ton of guys on this board in that area that would love to help you install it.

Blue Godess

yeah i had a boyfriend with that problem once.. it was so anoying.. he never was able to get his excitement under control, it was sad.. always being over before the show really even got started!





How much would that cost you think if it wasnt installed by me or someone i know? like i actually went somewhere and had it done? (just wondering.. i doubt id do that... and i mean normal price, not the "special discount cause i walked into the shop wearing shorts and a tshirt made for a 3 year old" heh)



About the rims.. dubs, as much as id like them, im assuming are a little big.. would make the ride kinda rough.. plus the performance problems you've mentioned.. what do you guys think is a good midpoint? 18s?

HYPE_MAX

i am ok with my 17's but not sure how da ride is on 18's..if good then deal with them..

iansw

iTrader: (7)

Well, I've seen quotes from $600-$1200 from mechanics, and that's without any hookups or anything. It just all depends.

SOme mechanics like to give breaks on that sort of thing because they love making cars faster, others hate people who modify cars. (No idea why), and charge more.

It's really not hard to install one - there is a step-by-step set of instrucitons on this site with pictures.

I did mine myself, (with a friend) and have had no major problems, besides just regular tuning and finding leaks and such. - And anyone on this board can tell you I'm not the world's best mechanic.

It does take quite alot of preventive maintenance (oil changes must be on-time, plugs changed more frequently, belts checked more often, etc) but MAN is it worth it!!!

I have 18's, and still think that slows me down too much, and the ride is a little too harsh. But I recently went from Sprint Springs (2" drop) to B&G's (1.6" drop) and that made it much better, but still a little harsh.

!8's would probably be fine for you. It's moreso the chrome that's heavy.

Chunger

iTrader: (1)

One of our beloved Moderators....

Get the year/style that YOU like (given your budget).... you can always add to it later... that's the fun part.

Blue Godess

Oh yeah, and how is a super charger going to affect my insurance?

HYPE_MAX

it could cost u alot of money or nuttin.. all up to u if u wanna tell them u have a SC

Freedog

You know, it's funny you should post this. I made up my mind yesterday to sell my car. '99 SE-L, Crimson Blaze, auto, 56,000 miles, black leather, sunroof, ABS, automatic climate control, Bose, Greddy catback, Stillen front tower bar, Stillen rear sway bar, K&N pop charger, clear bumper lenses, red/clear tail lights, gauge rings, Optima red top battery. I'm selling it because I don't drive it that much and I can't see making payments on something that sits in the driveway. You could buy my car and with the money left over you could add a 50-100 hp shot of NOS and smoke all your friends. Well most of them anyway.

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

i find myself guilty of that sometimes.. so i make it my best to go do a pregame show to make sure sportscenter will last 90 mins

T-bone

iTrader: (1)

Godess,

I think that 18's are as big as you want to go if you do a lot of driving in NoVA and DC I have 18's and I would not dare go any bigger. As other members have stated, chrome wheels are heavy and they will severely affect your performance. The 5th gens have more torque than 4th gens, so 5th gens will have an easier time moving those heavy wheels. However, due to their bulky body, 5th gens equipped with 18's will look smaller than they would on a 4th gen. You will find a lot more 4th gens than 5th gens in the price range that you have set.

MaximaRider

iTrader: (3)

Jeff in Long Island does S/C installs for maxima.org members for $500 and he knows what he is doing.

As far as rims i would stick with 18's on a 4th Gen, anything bigger your gonna cringe everytime you hit a pothole.

I would honestly just get a 4th Gen (5spd preferrably) get all the n/a mods some rims and drop and maybe a few cosmetic touches and your set all for under 15k. You'll have a peppy low 14second maxima not far off if not even from stock 2k2's(depending on their drivers)

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

but your dawg has 19's

Quicksilver

iTrader: (1)

Centerline and Weld both make wheels in our lug pattern that are 13 pounds or less each. If you're that worried about the weight of larger wheels...

Centerline's wheels are in 17x7 or maybe 8, Weld's wheels are 17x7 or 18x7.

Lime

If you don't know anything about cars, do not get into putting aftermarket boost on the car you buy.

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

hi mama

Lime

hi, sprinty.

Sprint

iTrader: (10)

what up.. how you been?

Blue Godess

mmm what happens if I don't and I wreck? would that void my contract or whatever?

T-bone

iTrader: (1)

Keep in mind that a super charger requires a good understanding of the engine. This is not something that you simply 'plug and play'.

Cutler

iTrader: (3)

I have a 2k I will sell you in the Fairfax area for payoff. Let me know! Its very clean and has all the options on it.
Thanks,
jason

iansw

iTrader: (7)

I know - I started out being fecicous.

But the more I think about it, as long as someone researched thuroughly on this board and took their time - then anyone can do it.

Colonel

Oh man WTMI!!!!

NyMaxedOut

iTrader: (8)

My man Jason .. a true salesman!

MaximaRider

iTrader: (3)

But my dawg lives in FL

carnal_c30

iTrader: (38)

trust me I know from experience

and expensive wheels suck

I say get a 4th gen and fix it up how you please, spend more to get a car in nicer condition and honestly, I doubt you'll find any Maxima 'slow' just the 5spd ones and the 2k2s are... 'fast'

max...to the ma

no offense but the old 130s dont look that nice compared even to the 4th gen rear (which i dont find bad)