1999 Nissan Maxima ES review from North America

Minor exhaust leak at muffler -- expected wear.

Tie-rod ends -- expected wear.

Seized rear brake caliper.

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.