1998 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 from North America

Summary:

Excellent car, great long term driver

Faults:

Wear of shims on drive shaft sliced the boot causing transmission fluid leak.

General Comments:

This is an excellent car with good performance and outstanding reliability.

The stock tires stink and need to be replaced with something having more grip.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th July, 2004

1998 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 VQ from North America

Summary:

A great car, but could be a bit better

Faults:

Driver-side mirror heater defunct when purchased.

Alternator replaced via recall just before my purchasing.

ABS Warning light on; dealer mechanic indicates it needs a new module, $300 plus labor. I have letter into Nissan hoping they'll agree to fix something that the dealer declined to fix.

The prices to fix this car scare me, prompting me to purchase an extended service warranty.

General Comments:

A wonderful car! I thoroughly enjoy driving it. Lots of power. However, it's a little frustrating/hesitant on the power curve until it really kicks in at 3000 rpms.

The Bose stereo is impressive for a stock unit.

My Bridgestone all-seasons give this car amazing handling on snowy roads... almost better than dry pavement?!?

The seats are nice, but could be a bit more enveloping with a bit more cush... but I'm happy.

This car was build in Japan. I'm thinking about a new Max, but I'm hesitant about buying a Max built in Tennessee.

It may be that the last really good year for Maxima was 1998.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2004

24th Jun 2004, 22:57

Nissans built in the US are still well built.

9th Dec 2004, 15:55

Nissans built in the states WERE well built... until the latest over-americanized generation of Nissans came out. Look at the new Altima and 2004+ Max, heck all the cars that use the new 2.5 and 3.5 litre engines. They aren't well built in light of the older Nissans.

1998 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

The best buy in used V-6 sedans

Faults:

Driver's Side Airbag Wiring harness causing the SRS light to appear 3 times.

Alternator at 145,000 km, but covered under recall although no dealer ever offered or notified me about recall.

Stereo replaced prior to ownership with another Maxima unit.

Trunk Seal broke prior to ownership.

Starter seized this winter at 145,000km.

Seems to require an extra litre of oil every 5000km.

General Comments:

Driver's over 6'2" will have to forego the sunroof. It lacks headroom.

I wish it had telescopic steering.

The seat is made for small behinds and not very comfortable for larger drivers. 38" waist will is the limit for long drives.

I believe it is the best sedan for the money long term. They tend to cost less than the loaded, v-6 powered Camry and Accord.

Reliability of the older ones is well proven and this motor has been proven to last.

A find this car to be very smooth handling.

It is more exciting than most sedans with the 5 speed and V-6 combined.

The Bose stereo is amazing.

16" SE alloy wheels are cool.

Heated seats are a must-have in winter especially on leather.

I have little use for the sunroof and would trade it for another inch of headroom.

I find the ES model looks nicer than the SE because it does not have a spoiler.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th January, 2004

1998 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0 DOHC from North America

Summary:

Amazingly well-built and dead reliable

Faults:

Nothing has broken on this car in 130K miles. It had new struts at 100K just because they were getting tired and a new battery/tires. I have all the original paperwork on the car and it's never had a failure, just an alternator recall when it was a couple years old.

General Comments:

Absolutely the best car I've ever owned (and that's saying a lot because I've had a ton). The all aluminum DOHC engine is amazingly smooth and strong. The seats are comfortable, and the handling is crisp (for a 4dr sedan). It even gets good mileage (~25mpg).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2004

24th Oct 2008, 19:45

I agree, I had the alternator replaced at 128K. Three sensors failed at 128K but otherwise very reliable. I still have my original struts (not leaking) and some are saying I should replace. I wonder how long this car can go?