94 - 99 Maximas

I want my dad to get rid of his problem child T bird Super Coupe. I think the 4th gen Maxima would be a good car to replace it. Are they?

I think so. Especially if you get a 5 speed SE.

I'm fairly underwhelmed by my '99 GXE (V6 5-spd) even with a new suspension all around (Tokico Blues, Tokico lowering springs, poly LCA bushings, etc.).

I'm told the timing belt service bill will make you cry. Assuming you pay someone else to do it, it approaches a challenge budget--for a berkleying belt replacement! Sweet engine, STUFFED into a too-small engine bay. Don't think I'd try doing the belt myself, either. . .

As I understand it, that generation uses a chain. That's one of the reasons I was looking at them - you don't have to trust the seller about previous belt replacements.

btp76 wrote: As I understand it, that generation uses a chain. That's one of the reasons I was looking at them - you don't have to trust the seller about previous belt replacements.

I had a 95 Maxima and it had a timing chain. No belt replacements needed. The VQ engine in the 300ZX had a timing belt if I remember correctly.

I loved mine. Drove great and had plenty of power for what it was. Stone reliable. I had the 5 spd and it was worth it.

I think they are pretty good cars despite the obvious that they are wrong wheel drive. Reasonably fast, reliable, comfortable. They will get over 30mpg on the highway with a few bolt ons.

btp76 wrote: As I understand it, that generation uses a chain. That's one of the reasons I was looking at them - you don't have to trust the seller about previous belt replacements.

I stand corrected. . .sorry for the misinformation. I must have had my generations mixed up. . .oops!

I loved mine. Great car. Don't hit a GMC, though, you won't win.

The wife's 96 has almost 200k miles and the only repairs have been O2 sensors, a cleaning of the EGR vlave and a radiator.

Disagree about "losing" to a GMC. Sure it won't win the battle, but won't lose it either. My wife got t-boned by a women who ran a red light (not sure what kind of a car it was). Our car was repaired and you can't tell it was ever in a wreck.

I often tell people considering a car for a youngster to consider a Maxima. A lot of crush space compared to a civic or old accord. Problem is that are a bit fast.