2004 Nissan Maxima ST-L 3.5 V6
Summary:
What a mistake - I should have gone with my initial choice of a Subaru Liberty
Faults:
1. Occasional short rattle on cold start appeared after about 2,000km. Gradually increased in frequency, intensity and length over time until it was doing it every morning by 10,000km.
2. At about 8,000km, the engine started to ping loudly when fully warmed up under medium throttle with engine speed of between 1,800 to 2,200rpm.
3. Engine oil consumption appears to be higher than any the most recent 3 cars I've owned.
4. Engine appears to me to be harsher under acceleration than I remember it being when new.
5. Passenger side front window rattles occasionally.
6. Passenger side A-pillar internal cover often rattles against windscreen.
7. Driver's side door armrest padding partially unstuck.
General Comments:
1. The performance, smoothness and economy superb when new. However, over time, the performance has diminished, the smoothness has gone, but it is still economical. The consistent pinging is a big concern - extensive reading indicates it causes long term engine damage. This would explain the drop in performance, possible increased oil consumption and harshness under acceleration. Dealer has tried to resolve, but support to dealer from Nissan is terrible. I have serious reservations about its long term reliability.
2. It looks great and the interior is one of the best around in terms of appearance and efficient use of space. Quality of plastics (and the whole car) is dubious. This is not up to usual Japanese standards.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 4th December, 2006
27th Feb 2007, 00:51
I have posted the review of my 2004 Maxima here: http://www.carsurvey.org/review_97105.html
My comments to add to this review:
2. I have the rattle on start-up as well. I have heard it on 3 other Maximas of the same age as mine. It's definitely a common "feature", and I'm told it's related to the timing chain or variable valve timing gear. Mine also has the rattle from the engine bay while cruising - this appears to be engine pinging. I have driven alongside many other Maximas with my window down and heard the same thing. Another "feature".
4. My front passenger door lock has also stopped working at 67,000km.
5. Engine performance on my appears to be very dependent on outside temperature. On warm to hot days (25 degrees and above), engine performance drops noticeably. This is a hard one to judge without putting it on a dynamometer. At anything more than moderate acceleration, my engine is HARSH and not as smooth as I remember it used to be.
I don't have much regard for these Nissan VQ engines at all.