1999 Nissan Maxima GLE V6
Summary:
Bad Choice! Go with Honda or Toyota
Faults:
Since I've owned the car the rear brakes have been serviced twice. After buying out the lease on the car to own the engine coils had to be replaced. I've put two fuel injections in the car. Currently the car is squeaking and after replacing the front tire rods the car is still squeaking. The dealer cannot resolve the problem. Also the leather interior is rough and hard to clean without damaging it. Gas mileage is excellent except as the car ages the gas mileage gets worse. I will never buy another Maxima because the chances of getting a lemon are too great!
General Comments:
Never buy a Maxima. The resale value is poor and the maintenance over time outweighs any luxury car benefits.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 4th April, 2004
21st Jun 2004, 23:32
Your recurring brake problem and poor gas mileage sounds like the inner brake pads sticking. whoever is "repairing" brakes is allowing the caliper pins to stick from either too much grease or none at all, leaving them to drag on the rotors. as for the well known defective ignition coils, my family has bought 3 maxima's from the same dealer and Nissan WOULD NOT begrudge me 6 coils for my 2000se which is experiencing "spark knock" since 50k miles.
Buy the coils and d.i.y.-it's disarmingly simple!
24th May 2005, 19:17
Having owned both a 96 and a 97 Maxima for a combined 180,000 miles, I was shocked to see all of these negative reviews for the 1999 model. Look back to the 95-98 reviews and they are profoundly positive. This coil problem seems to be a 1999 issue. As for buying a Honda instead, I can vouch that my previous vehicle (an Acura, which is a Honda) was much more expensive and troublesome than either of my Maximas.
23rd Jun 2005, 08:04
I will also disagree with negative comments regarding Nissan Maxima. Have owned a 1990 (165,000) and a 1995 (117,000 so far) and I am looking to buy a 1999 as I like the body style better. Only reason I traded and am now looking is due to accident damage. Only "abnormal" maintainence/repair during 282,000 miles over 15 years has been the brakes, which tend to wear out somewhat quickly now that I drive in the city more. I have not owned a Honda, but have owned a Toyota (1984 Corolla SR5 with 135,000 miles) which was also an excellent car for me. Aside from a occasional lemon, I do not think you can go wrong with any of these three brands. Thanks for listening.
6th Apr 2004, 16:42
I would have to disagree with you on this. Yes, your Maxima may have experienced this problem, but that's because you purchased a lemon. Always check the vin number and test drive twice (on highway and city) before buying a car. I owned a 2000 Nissan Maxima SE and never got any problems what so ever and I have over 60,000 miles. NEVER SAY YOU WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER NISSAN just because you experienced a lemon. If you own a normal Maxima, you will be rewarded with reliability, comfort, and performance. Overall, it is a BMW that's more reliable and much cheaper to own.