So after giving up on an Altima for the GF, as she thought they felt to small with 2.5 in them, we were going to look at some with the 3.5 as GAM and DTP have me fairly convinced they are not bad engines. I got looking on the web, and realized that there are some 04-05 Maximas in that same price range as the 05-06 Altimas, so I showed the GF, and she definably liked them better looks wise, so we are going to go test drive a couple today.
Anything I should know, or be looking for in these cars when I test drive? Or is it just a like/dislike scenario for GF?
On a side note, the loud noise under the front of the old GTP turned out to only be a broken front stabilizer bar, which has already been replaced, and the old girl is running like a champ again. Still can't get a diagnosis on the depleting MPG yet though, but I would think if that gets solved, she may just want to keep it for a while longer. For someone who makes more money then I do, she sure is cheap sometimes, haha.
Back to the Maximas. Anything you know, opinions, etc. Post them, so I know what to look for going in.
Thanks guys
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
The 3.5's have some balls. I drove one when i worked for a dealer and left a nice one-wheel peel across 2 lanes. (3 lane road) The interior wasnt bad but then i dont care too much for imports.
"Project 69'"
1969 Chevrolet C/10, 1/2 ton, 2wd
-Boosted LS1?
-Richmond ROD 6-speed(will get sometime)
-Posi 12-bolt(built w/eaton posi unit and richmond 3.73 gears)
-Disc brake and 5 lug swap
+little extras
Hows the air filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs on the GTP?
After that would be your o2 sensors, injectors.
I don't remember, did you look at the 5.3L ss impala, monte carlo, GXP etc etc?
Edited 2 time(s). Last edited Friday, February 08, 2008 8:01 AM
05 M6 YJ GTO 1 of 447 12.523@111.30
Ya, we looked at the GXP and SS, loved them. I have an old thread on it somewhere on here. They may be an option, but there are still a bit more then she wants to spend.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
look for tranny leaks and the rear main seal. also the was 1 other seal thats a none proplem on them. two of my friends have them and both had the same proplems. one of them works at a nissian dealer so he knowes all the proplems for them. one was a 03 SE with the tap @!#$ tranny. i drove that thing ones and wasint impressed at all. you hit the gas and the tranny didnt no what to do then when it finally did pick a gear it was fun.
You might be able to find a used SS or GXP for a good price.
05 M6 YJ GTO 1 of 447 12.523@111.30
oh forgot to add they are awful in the snow. the 03 my brothers ex gf has she hated it in the snow. she got stuck in her driveway and we had to pull it out with her brothers jeep. then we had a snow storm a month ago here and there was the same year maxima stuck in the middle of the road with about 4 people trying to push it into the gas station parking lot.
A used 06 GXP/SS is 8,000-14,000 more then an 05 Maxima around here.
Too bad though, we really liked them. But, she wants to get AWAY from premium gas, and frankly, I don't really blame her. She didn't choose the GTP, she loves it now, but she wouldn't have picked it. I gave it to her when she was still in school.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
As far as winter driving. I can't imagine a Maxima would differ much from an other large FWD sedan. The ones you saw that were stuck likely were that way as a result of not having the proper tires for the season, combined with poor seasonal driving skills.
The GTP was crap in the snow the first winter, but I could get it around. When I gave it to the GF, I bought it some winter tires and rims. Now it is a absolute tank in the snow. My driveway is a nightmare, even after I plow it, some FWD cars still can't get up it after I plow, but the GTP never spins a tires, just crawls right up.
She would put winters on any FWD car she would buy.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
Maximas are a little bigger than I'd like them to be. The current Altima should have been the Maxima, but that's neither here nor there.
They're pretty damned big, heavy, and they're fun to drive with the VQ35DE in there. If you or your girl decide to upgrade, you're going to want to look at the Engine inserts and possibly ARB's and LSD first. None of these are a priority though, the car is meant to be a boat now (imho).
I haven't heard of any major complaints from them, but it'd be a good idea to look up @ nissanclub.com and see what's being said.
BTW: if you decide to ditch the factory rims on a Maxima please please please give me a shout! I need winter rims, and I can't find 17-18" Steelies to fit over the SE-R's brakes
im not DTP
and GAM, i got winter wheels on i paid 800 for the wheels an blizzacks, 17" alloys baby lol
DrPaul, DropTopPaul, sorry, I didn't think is right after I posted it. But you can see my confusion.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
How did your shopping go?
05 M6 YJ GTO 1 of 447 12.523@111.30
I liked the a lot. So did she. They are nice to be in. Handle well, and the engine is nice and responsive. We are just discussing it right now, if we want to get something right away, or wait until spring.
I even liked them so much, I inquired what kind of deal I could get for trading in my 02 Sierra SLT on one, and the local dealer said if he gets an 04 with 80,000-110,000kms, he could work out a straight up trade. Does that sound like a decent deal or no? I would have to buy another 4x4 before next winter, but I could just get something cheaper.
But, if she decides she wants one, I won't get it. That's a little much to have matching cars.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
DrPaul84 wrote:im not DTP
and GAM, i got winter wheels on i paid 800 for the wheels an blizzacks, 17" alloys baby lol
I was going to get a set of Steel wheels... can't find any for my life. Something about aluminum in winter... just doesn't sit well with me.
Either way, my rims are curbed up pretty bad now, so I may just say huck it and get a set of factory rims.
Does a Maxima require premium gas?
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
can't seem to get away from that no matter how we try.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
What about the straight up trade of my 02 Sierra, for an 04 Maxima? Does it sound like a good deal?
Premium doesn't bother me, I am sure I will still spend a lot less on gas then I do now.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
Unless you don't need the truck, I'd figure out what you need more.
I forget if the Maxima's have a fuel usage gauge, but if not it's handy to have.
Well, I do have to have 4wd for the winter, that is a no question. Someone has to make it all the way up to the house, in order to get the tractor out and plow the driveway, so the anyone without 4wd can get up.
I was just thinking, I don't want to pay $600 a month for gas 12 months when I only need to for 3-4 months, and the other 8 months I can drive a nice car, and spend less on gas. Still have a beater 4x4 for the winter, and be set.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
You have a 3rd vehicle, do you?
I'd definitely go with the Maxima, and a good set of winter tires. If you go to Mr. Gas or MacEwens (or whatever) and get the 89/90 mid grade with 15% ethanol, the VQ's love that.
No FWD car, even with winter tires can do my driveway before I plow it. So, even if I get a car, then I would need a 3rd vehicle, which would have to be a 4wd truck/suv.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
The Maxima does not require premium fuel, if you check the gas cap it says Premium fuel for maximum performance. I have a 2004 Maxima SE, and I run regular gas, I also work at a Nissan Dealer and I can assure you that you do not need premium fuel, just regular is what we use.
Same goes for the Murano
If you get into the G35 or 350z you need premium fuel.
Although Im talkign about like Bronze 87 which I dont know how that relates to where you are which state....
