1999 Nissan Maxima GLE 3.0 from North America

Summary:

A disappointment

Faults:

I have already changed out 5 engine coils.

Idle control valve.

Knock and 3 O2 sensors.

Front end support.

RPMs shoot up over 3000.

Speed increases to 40-45 mph by itself.

General Comments:

I loved this car for years, until I bought one.

It rides nice, handles good and is pretty comfortable, when it works.

I am lucky that I can perform general car care, but have been soaked dry because every couple months it's another sensor, valve, coil or some other obscure part that just happens to have been placed INSIDE motor so everything has to come out to get to it.

And now no one can figure out why car speeds up by itself (and no, not a Toyota joke) and rpms go sky high to over 3000.

I got money in it now, but I guess I should cut my loses and just buy American.

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

Review Date: 1st March, 2010

19th Oct 2014, 13:25

Everything you mention as having to repair is normal for a car in excess of 140,000 miles. It amazes me that people think cars will run forever with no service needed. My suggestion is that you buy a car with 20,000 miles on it otherwise you will never be happy.

1999 Nissan Maxima ES 3.0 V6 (VQ) from North America

Summary:

Pleasant, good looking sedan with some muscle and secure handling

Faults:

Minor exhaust leak at muffler -- expected wear.

Tie-rod ends -- expected wear.

Seized rear brake caliper.

General Comments:

I bought a well-maintained one-owner '99 Maxima ES with automatic, alloys, the electronic climate control, power heated seats, and traction control, when it had 176K on the odometer. Now, it's at 192K, and it's been pretty well trouble-free, except for things (see above) that are expected to fail on a ten-year-old car. It seems the most important thing with these cars, is to keep the V6 tuned up, and the body and undercarriage clean so as to prevent rust (this one has been rustproofed since new).

The Max, as we call it, performs well, handles nicely, and is good in the snow (we use snow tires). The V6 likes the (premium) fuel, and is a little thirsty for the size of the car, but not an outright guzzler. We also prefer the looks of the '99 model to the '00; not to mention this one was still built in Japan (better quality, perhaps?)

Overall, I'm pleased with our Maxima. It's provided the same service to us as a vehicle that would be half as old, and cost twice the price.

Yet another good example of why used Japanese cars are generally such a good value.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st September, 2009

23rd Sep 2009, 06:43

I agree! I have a 1997 Nissan Altima with 224,500 miles and it's very reliable. This is my first Nissan and my next one will be too!

1999 Nissan Maxima XE from North America

Summary:

Not happy with it

Faults:

Coils misfiring again.

General Comments:

The only problem I've had is with the coils misfiring, second time having coils replaced. I think I'm getting ripped off with the cost of a coil ... I saw at one website that they cost %55.48, however Meineke is charging me $194.00 for one coil and $84 labor. I think that is way too much ... I wish I had come to this site before I took my car in ... actually, all I did was take it in for an inspection and so far it has cost me $1,488.00 and it's still misfiring and the 'check engine light' is still on. Now what???

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th May, 2009

28th Feb 2013, 17:03

I have the same problem with my 99 Nissan Maxima GLE. I cannot think great for Nissan any more. They issued a bulletin to their techs on the coil pack issue, which advised them to replace all six when they see an issue with one. They should have recalled these vehicles and fixed it for winning our loyalty, if they care!!

For now, please go ahead and find a reliable mechanic who can tell you 6 coils cost and labour should not be more than $100. 6 coil packs are sold cheap on eBay, but they don't fit well. I suggest you buy from the mechanic's supplier to avoid these suitability headaches. Expect a good 6 coil pack to cost around $300 or more, but not less. I bought a cheaper set ($150 for six), but they didn't fit well or work well. Returned them, thanks to their good service (JCW). You have no choice but change these immediately to avoid damage to other cars.