1989 Nissan Maxima SE review from North America

Recently, @ 182,000 miles I replaced the alternator.

I have replaced a water pump, thermostat, and the part that regulates oxygen and fuel mix. All of these repairs occurred within 90,000 to 110,000 miles on the vehicle.

It is a sad day for me, as I have made the decision to put the 89′ Maxima up for sale. Purchased new from the new car sales manager (my brother) of the Nissan dealership, long since gone, this car has served me well. By far, the best automobile to date that any past and present family member can recall within its grips.

This car was spoiled its first 10 years, having been garaged, and only acquiring 54,000 miles. records show during this period the car obtained 3,000 mile oil changes, religiously. It looked new when it was passed on to the next generation family member, no garage, and acquiring another 120,000 miles in the next 10 years.

At 154,000 miles, a cross country trip with over 500 lbs of cargo added to the one person passenger list. The car rack used has left small dents in the roof, from the excessive weight. An oil change in So. Cal. just before the trip, another upon returning to the west coast from Fort Lauderdale, FL.. 20,000 miles since returning, an alternator had to be replaced, and this I suppose, was the clue for me to now part with this gem. If it were not so expensive to do, I would surely ship it across the sea, where I am now relocating.

This car still cruises up and down the “Grapevine” on Interstate 5 in California, at 85 without even a flicker on the temp. gauge, which never budges from just under normal. If it were not for the gauge starting out dead cold in the morning at start up, I would have thought the gauge were broken, and stuck at this position. Rare that the car is ever taken out of overdrive, which in itself has enabled me to obtain average MPG’s of 30, and better, on a regular basis. Not bad for this 6 cylinder, that drives like a sports car.

Goodbye my friend. You have served me well, and no doubt, will continue to do the same for another.