Faults:
Both rear windows regulators have been replaced (by myself) for less than $100 (for both.)
Had new shocks (all 4) and tires replaced for little over $2,000.
Power door locks quit working a while back, but I don't care. Key still let me in every time.
Digital clock comes on when it wants to. - big deal...
Quite a bit of noticeable road and wind noise at speed >50 mph.
Only get between 20-22 mpg on mixed city/highway commute.
Radio system still works with only front speakers. Every now and then all speakers will come on for about a minute or two then the rear goes out again. It sounds like the wiring is shorted out somewhere. The radio is mainly used for news, weather and traffic so this is sufficient.
Speedometer doesn't work sometimes. Quite a few times it showed 0 mph while I was driving > 65 mph. This doesn't bother me so I'm not going to have it fixed.
Steering wheel fluid started to leak a little (about 1 drop a week.) I put in a little bit of the stuff that's supposed to fill in the crack and fix the leak. It may take a few days for this to work, I guess. Will update this later.
Intermittent problem with transmission right now. It drives as if it got stuck on the 4th or 5th gear the whole time. Possible problem with the speed sensor that tells the trans. to shift improperly. This problem's been continuous for the last 2 weeks so I'm dropping it off with local Nissan dealer to have this diagnosed and fixed as necessary.
General Comments:
I've had 4 other Nissan's ('79 Datsun station wagon, '87 Sentra, '99 Max, and '01 Frontier Supercharged) and loved every one of them. All except the '93 Max. have been either sold or traded in.
I'm keeping this one as my daily commute. I've spent almost $4,000 on it for the last 12 months. I could spend up to $2,000 more this weekend depending on dealer's diagnostic. I plan to drive this baby til at least 200k miles. I figure it's still cheaper than making $300/mo car payment on a new car that I may not like as much as I do this one.
I like features such as heated rear view mirrors and selectable modes for transmission (comfort and power.)
Seats are comfortable and hug body well.
This '93 Max hasn't disappointed me at all since I bought it about 10 years ago.
21st Dec 2009, 22:47
Hate to say it, but I think you need a new transmission. Once you lose reverse, that pretty much tells you she's done for. I suggest looking for a used one, and have an independent mechanic you can trust put it in.
I had a used tranny with 68,000 miles put in my '98 Chevy for less than $800.. Japanese cars can be a bit more complicated, so labor may cost more, but it's still much cheaper than going to a place like Aamco or buying a new car. (Provided nothing else is wrong with it).