twiggy144

I totalled my 1998 GXE. ( Not me, but someone rammed into it). I loved that car. Considering buying a used Maxima. I like the 5th gen, but not the 6th. Will a 2002-2003 give me same satisfaction for reliability, comfort, and performance??

4MySwee

iTrader: (2)

Go get your 5th gen!!! You won't look back. (Except to check the rear view, and see who you left in the dust)!

(And for the record, my 6th gen ROCKS)!

mendon99

iTrader: (15)

you'll get better performance. for the others... id say so. do it!

make sure its a 6 speed

carrrnuttt

I currently own a 5.5 gen, and used to drive my old roomate's '95 Max almost daily. What you like about your 4th gen, you will find in spades in a 5.5, with the exception of moddability, FI-wise.

Gotrice4

I went from a 4th gen ('95 GXE) to a 5.5 gen and the only thing I really had to get used to is the turning radius. Besides that, more power, tighter suspension, it's an overall improvement. I was in the same boat as you, 5th OK but no 6th gen for me.

OC guy

iTrader: (7)

get 00-01 less repair cost and easy maintained.

gmax96

iTrader: (2)

definetly go with the 5.5 gen man everything u like about the 4th gen has it except the additional weight

The Law

iTrader: (39)

Don't listen to him. 5.5gen is way better than the 5th gen. Get a 5.5gen and you won't regret it. I have a 5.5gen but its an auto, i wish it was a 6spd. If you do go the 5.5gen route make sure to get the 6spd.

OC guy

iTrader: (7)

^ lol ok he should pay thousands extra just for additional 5L. doesnt matter if he gets 5th ot 5.5 gen he will have to keep her maintain anyhow. i am just saying that parts and labour on 5.5 gen cost way more than 5th gen.

__Kevin__

I'm going from a 4th to a 5.5. I can't wait....

The Law

iTrader: (39)

I don't know what parts and labor your paying for cause I have yet to pay for anything expensive for part and labor is free

Rydicule

5.5 gen 6 speed >= 5th gen 5 speed > 5.5 gen auto > 4th gen 5 speed > 5th gen auto > 4th gen auto.


There ya have it.

NOTE*** 5.5 gen 6 speed >= 5th gen 5 speed means "Greater than or equal too" depending on your preference. 5.5 gen has more power, but eats more gas, 5th gen is plenty speedy, but a lot smoother and has the rock-solid renowned VQ-30, known to be a bit more reliable than the VQ-35.

4MySwee

iTrader: (2)

A bit more reliable than the 3.5L? Um....what are your references, because apparently I am missing something Rydicule. I know there was oil burning issues, but that wasn't a statement for ALL 5.5 gens. It's even less for the 6th gens (Not even an option here).

Twiggy144,
Whatever you chose, I hope you the best. There is enough info on this site to help you in your endeavor!

Merry Christmas,

Swee

Rydicule

whoa whoa now Swee... don't get me wrong, I ain't bashin anything, and I am NOT saying the VQ35 is unreliable... I have one, I love it. When I say the "VQ35", I am talking about the block, and the block only, not everything under the hood. The VQ35 hasn't been around long enough for anyone to really drive it to high miles, like 200k+, while the VQ30 has plenty of vehicles in that range that are still running. However, from what I've seen personally over the web (and I can't recount months of webpages and reading, I don't remember what I had for breakfast this morning let alone what I was reading a month ago), for those that are post 100K miles on the 30 and 35 engines, the 35 seems to have more problems or require stronger protection against problems than the 30 does. Gbaur is the only one I know who has put serious miles on his VQ35, and he had to replace the engine (although the amount of driving he does isn't typical and makes this a poor example). Having driven regularly a 94, 99, 2001, and 2002 Maxima, I have to say the 99 and 01 just FELT the most solid to me (engine wise), that's not to say that they felt more solid totally (car wise). I suppose what I am trying to say is I feel more confident beating on the VQ 30 then I do about the VQ 35, and both of those cars had more miles on it than the 02. Not to mention, the 01 5 speed gets a good 2-4 mpg better than the 02 6 speed, however I suppose that is to be expected.

I'm not a Max basher, I love em all. Just pointing out some differences I've noticed personally, that's all.

4MySwee

iTrader: (2)

Got you!

Perhaps I was under the impression that the 3.5 was being bashed. My apologies.

I agree that there are AMPLE 4thgens out there. I see them a lot.

I would hope that the 3.5 performs as well. I agree that there doesn't seem to be enough of these with ample miles on the odometer to make a solid stance.

Merry Christmas,

Swee

Rydicule

Same to you. Stay safe for the holidays!