1998 Nissan Maxima SE review from Australia and New Zealand
"Bulletproof and ultra reliable"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced shocks at 200,000km due to soft cornering on mountain roads, which are regularly travelled.
Replaced knock sensor at 209,000km - was occasionally performing like 2.0 litre car and was picked up by on board computer - surprisingly cheap repair at $300.
Replaced bushes on front lower arm mounts - had chewed out, probably due to plenty of travel on country roads with gravel surfaces and lots of potholes and corrugations.
General comments?
Car is unbelievably reliable - have never had such a reliable vehicle - even the brake rotors are original - a surprise if you knew how hard I drive this car.
Performs very well - strong and quick.
Extremely well spec'd for a NZ new model.
Reasonable fuel consumption for size and performance - long run average 9.5l/100km over 125,000k - can do 800km on a tank when treated gently, or 550km when thrashed.
Still no rattles or clunks in the cabin.
Front passenger seat is uncomfortable on the odd occasion that I sit there - possibly due to the fact that that seat is seldom used.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 120000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 245000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 3rd January, 2008 |