1993 Nissan Maxima GXE from North America

Summary:

I Bought for Reliability

Faults:

Cruise control disabled, along with key-less entry system at around 70K miles. I thought it was electrical... dealer doesn't know why -- I haven't fixed yet.

The factory BOSE CD Player failed after only three years. I'm glad I replaced it with a Sony 10-disk CD Player in the trunk for $300.

Water pump rotor cracked while driving at 100K miles. Replaced with timing chain for about $800.

Auto transmission starting to "slip" now (won't engage overdrive between 45 - 55 mph unless downhill) ; may need to replace electric solenoid - anyone have estimate?

General Comments:

Comfortable, fast, and reliable.

Relatively low cost to maintain.

Leaving the reading lights on, won't drain the battery.

Got the rear windows tinted for $250.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2004

7th Jul 2005, 04:35

I replaced my solenoid in a shop for 200, they got it from a dealer for 90. but I have seen the same part on-line for up to 150, so you may have to look a little bit for one.

1993 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 V6 from Argentina

Summary:

An unreliable GREAT sport sedan

Faults:

ABS braking system was broken by unexperienced mechanic job, cost over 1200 to replace (not a Nissan fault)

ALL front gear train had to be replaced after 50.000 miles.

Starter motor failed at 80.000 had to be rebuild.

Air conditioner inside temperature sensor stop working at 80.000 so air conditioner worked when he want it to, no matter real temp. REALLY ANNOYING.

Water pump had to be replaced at 80.000.

Remote windows openers failed and had to be replaced at 100.000.

Finally at 120.000 a mysterious electrical failure appeared which will turn the engine off for no reason at least every 50 miles, even when riding at high speed on the freeway. Ignition coils were replaced, but problem still there. Since the car would re-start again right away the computer does not detect the problem so it was impossible to fix at local Nissan dealers.

General Comments:

The car is very powerful, handles real well and it's a pleasure to drive, but I found it very unreliable.

Interior is just great, leather is outstanding.

BOSE stereo system was broke beyond repair and was replaced, such a pity since it sounded real well.

If you have a decent Nissan service center you can trust it's a great car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2004

5th Jan 2006, 10:24

I have a Nissan Maxima 1993. My radio comes on, but I cannot hear it could you tell me what could be wrong with it please.

9th Aug 2007, 11:07

I have a Nissan Sentra 1991. Still running great and smooth. The engine is strong. However, since I bought it I had to replace the starter three times, & had to get roof painted once (a common problem with Sentra, gray color). The driver's side door lock jammed two times.

The other problem I noticed with Sentra of even later models: the climate control fan stops working on #1,#2 and #3 setting, but works at #4. I took it to the mechanic. He told me that he had to change the whole climate control unit (though later I found out that it is just a resistor problem (part# 27150-6Z500 MSRP $21.32).

Though my fan started working at all the settings, I noticed that my air conditioner became erratic since then. It worked well with good cool air for first five minutes and then compressor stopped and did not kick back. I took it back to the mechanic, but he told me that it was due to a compressor problem and I should go to "auto air conditioner specialist".

I took my car there and found out that the compressor was working well and there was some electronic problem which could not be fixed. I know the car is old (and time to buy a new one) but it still runs great although no air conditioner. Could some one tell me how to fix the problem? Thanks.