1990 Nissan Maxima 4DSC from North America - Comments

1. Driver's side window doesn't work at all - the other three work when they feel like it.

2. Clock works when it feels like it.

3. The factory BOSE stereo...crap. Had to unplug two of the speakers because of the horrible noise coming out of them, the rest of them come on and off as they please. (Real pain in the a**)

4. Had my transmission replaced not 6 months after I bought it (about 130,000 miles) and guess what... looks like I may be doing that again real soon.

5. Also leaks transmission fluid. I am putting a bottle of that mess in a week.

6. It idles funny... I guess due to fuel injectors?? I have almost stopped caring at this point.

7. The antenna is stuck up.

I bought this car from a friend in 2002 for a good price. It was (and still is) a nice looking car, and I loved the way it drove. But boy did I learn my lesson. I can't say I still "love my car" because it stresses me out so much now. I will never buy another Nissan - any model or year - after this experience. I feel like I own a money trap instead of a vehicle and I will probably be throwing money away trying to fix the blasted thing until I get smart and buy a new car... which won't be long. I can't keep driving something so unpredictable, especially considering I have a baby on the way.

Totally agree with you there.

It looks like you bought a 12 year old car and expected it to run like it did right off the lot. There are 2 1990 Nissan Maximas (SE trim with 5 speed) in my family and they are both running strong. One of them is approaching 300,000 miles. No, that isn't a typo. If you do some research on the third generation Maxima, you will find that there are problems with the power window regulators, exhaust manifold studs, and fuel filler neck. Don't judge an entire automaker on your experience with one car that was probably a wreck when you bought it from your "friend".

I owned one of these couldnt give it away in the finish, the clock, odometer, cruise control, heater etc, ant, lights dipper didn't work, the leather seats fell apart, the paint cracked, two window winder motors had to be replaced the head gasket failed then failed again, windscreen leaked, which drowned the computer which cost a grand, apart from that it drove well, plenty of power, but wouldn't want one again as once you have one you are stuck with it.

I have to agree with the guy who pointed out the age of your car at purchase. Also, that you never mentioned if your friend disclosed any problems. I've had very good fortune driving Nissan cars. From the venerable 510 ('72) and 240Z ('72), to the '88 Pulsar I've been driving for years without so much as normal maintenance. It's odometer failed a few years ago @ 209,990 miles. Lastly, my most recent Nissan acquisition is a '90 Maxima w/5-speed. $1540 at auction w/185,000 miles showing. It took me on a thousand plus mile trip to San Diego and back in style, comfort, and speed without a grumble. The clutch has since gone out, but that's life with a high mileage car. I'm pretty certain I'll get more than my monies worth from it after all is made right. Better luck on both your next car, and choice of friends.

My girl friends daughter purchased a 1990 Maxima with the automatic transmission. She has had it for 2 years and now has 172,000 miles on it. With the exception of the fuel filler neck problem (that has caused body rot on that side of the rear) the car runs great, all the parts work well and she has put about 45,000 miles on it since she purchased it.

I am currently talking to Nissan about the recall for the fuel filler neck problem. They don't think it's worth performing the work necessary, and I do. I would definitely buy another Maxima when the time came.

I hate my maxima too. I got the car in april and it has cost me more money then when I bought it!

Sounds like a splendid buy, well done.

It sounds as though you got a lemon car, like what the guy said before, it all depends on how the previous owner took care of it. You can buy a top of the line Mercedes and if you don't keep it maintained, you'll have problems too. No car is exempt from that rule, and no used car is perfect. I own a 91 Maxima which we bought from my uncle. It had a tranny rebuilt before I purchased it, but the work was done by a back road mom and pop shop. The tranny broke down proably after 6,000mi of it's first rebuilt. Luckly it was still under the shop's warranty, and it was serviced without costing a dime. But that aside mine runs strong, I love that VG30E motor, especially when it hits 6500rpms. Yah although it needs new shocks and a control arm and having 150,000, no interior defects at all, I just have to keep it clean. But yah, it's a 4500lb 17 year old 4door GXE sedan that can get 0-60 in 8.9sec that I can drive 35mpg to work and college.

I'm a hardcore Honda fan, but this car gave me a new perspective on Nissan. Out of all the models, I like the 3rd gen, it's interior and exterior looks just looks down right mean, and not to mention it's $1200 cash car.

I have had a good time with my Maxima, even though it has 195,000 on it. I haven't had any major problems with it.

I got my 90 Maxima from a friend @ 152,343 miles and have been putting 1000 miles a month on it, and I have nothing but good things to say about the car, it gets decent mileage and walked past an SVT Contour going up Stevens Pass @ 90 mph.

I have the vg30i backed by the 5-speed, and the only things I have had to replace are the piece of crap stereo and the original clutch.

I would recommend this car to anyone that wants an inexpensive sports/luxury touring sedan!!

I too have had many problems with my Nissan Maxima as well. I purchased mine from a private owner that only had the car for a few months. He needed a car temporarily while he was waiting on finance approval for a new truck. The car was purchased new by the previous owner and was meticulously maintained as far as oil changes and service.

So, here we go, the car was garage kept (it looks brand new) and was never driven hard, but after 84,000 miles it needed ball joints, sway bar links, struts and strut tower supports, timing belt (I understood on that one) and a water pump ($800).

Then, when I thought I was out the woods, IT BROKE DOWN AGAIN! Now it needed an alternator ($300) and a new battery ($100) Keep in mind, this car was never abused in any way. Then, 2 weeks later the starter went (another $200).

Hi again, I didn't have enough space to finish... so, after basically rebuilding the front end as far as the suspension and replacing the starter, alternator, timing belt, water pump, struts, fuel pump, exhaust system head pipe (flex pipe) and so on, this car has cost me more to keep on the road than any other vehicle I have ever owned. I, no exaggeration, have spend almost $5000 on a car that only has like 94,000 miles on it, I will never buy a Nissan ever again... Chris feel free to respond.

That's funny! You think those are problems. That is normal wear and tear. And you bought the car before a major service interval (90,000mi). Of course it was going to cost a few thousand dollars to get back up and running since you didn't fix anything yourself. What did you own before? A Camry?