1986 Nissan Maxima 3.0 V6

Summary:

Reliable and well built

Faults:

Really the only thing we needed to do to this car is put a new battery in it, and toss some new brakes on the car.

General Comments:

We bought the car for $300 for my Wife's Father, and I was really amazed it even ran. Then I sat in it and saw it has almost 300,000 miles on it, and I almost died.

But we got in the car and drove it 250 miles back home without a problem, and what amazed me is that the thing got around 28mpg. He's had the car for the last 2 to 3 years and hasn't had any real problems. Just the ones stated above. It's amazing that this car still runs, let alone how well it runs. The engine is solid, runs smooth like a new car.

I would say if you're looking for an inexpensive reliable car, an old Maxima would be the way to go. Especially knowing you can at least get 300k miles out of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 28th April, 2009

29th Apr 2009, 11:39

I agree that this is a good car. Back in 2004, I bought one for 950$. That was also my first time being ripped off. For starters, the tranny fluid was black, OD didn't work and burned a lot of gas. I couldn't identify these problems during the beginning. But a real good car.

2nd May 2009, 03:27

They are absolutely the BEST cars built. I bought one in 1987 brand new, drove it until 2008 and only let go then because it was t-boned. Not one day did I regret this purchase. ONLY issues other than scheduled maintenance were brakes, alignment and power steering issues. This was one of my better investments, would do it all over again if I had to.

25th Nov 2009, 16:24

I got my 1986 Maxima from my parents and it was the best used car I ever bought.

The Nap-Z engine was from the 280/300 ZX model and it was extremely quick, it had every electronic gizmo that you could think of.

New it was approx 17k, which in 1986 dollars was pretty darned expensive, Cadillac/Lincoln money, but I dare say it was more reliable and definitely better put together.

1986 Nissan Maxima Base model 3.0 V6

Summary:

Hard to keep up with

Faults:

Exhaust system, starter, both CV axles, struts all around, power steering hose (recent), battery.

General Comments:

Reliable for a twenty year old car. I bought it two years ago for 950$. The owner said it was sitting for four years and it needed an exhaust.

When I was able to drive the car on the highway, I noticed the overdrive didn't work. It would hesitate to accelerate sometimes, or wouldn't work at all. The tranny shifts fine, but I think it needs mounts.

The motor is the best thing on the car, and I never had a problem with it.

The parts for this car are expensive, and the labor is ridiculous.

I'm in the market for a well kept 92-94 model, hopefully without the tranny problems. Also this car is reliable, and I would recommend it for a first driver.

Could someone help me with this tranny problem?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2006