14th Jul 2002, 10:34
My 1990 Maxima is the best car I have ever owned. It has 135,000 miles and runs like new in most situations. I've had the same stereo, windows, antenna problems that others have had, but that doesn't bother me much. I have not had any transmission or significant engine problems. Brakes and CV joints have been a problem, but my daughter is in the brake business... so that helps.
9th Oct 2002, 09:50
I also have a 1990 Maxima and it truly is the best car I have ever owned. I bought it new and today I have over 247,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. I had to have the transmission rebuilt last year at about 219,000 miles, but I didn't think that was too bad. It does not burn oil or drip oil. I have had the same problems as others with windows, stereo head unit and speakers, but I hope to continue driving this car until it gets at least 500,000 miles. I wish I had a dozen more just like this one.
11th Oct 2002, 11:12
I have a '95 Maxima SE 5 speed and have never regretted it. She's been a very reliable car and drives like a tank in the snow. Recently replaced my first set of brakes @ 90,000 miles. Outstanding! Makes me feel comfortable and secure. However, as I approached 100K miles, a few major components have gone on the fritz--replaced the odometer ($700) and may now may be facing a replacement of the catalytic converter ($1,000) and just yesterday the tachometer died.
I was so hoping to be able to drive this car to 200K, but not if I end up having to replace every major system. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.
Katiej.
27th Nov 2002, 23:06
Same story here, to wit:
Replaced all 4 window regulators, at least once.
Radio antenna hasn't gone done in years.
Bose Radio ended up being the worst (especially when you're stuck with them even if you're willing to get a new radio, due to their individually amplified speaker "technology").
Every repair is at least $250!
But what I can't understand is how everyone keeps saying, "...but I'm happy with my Maxima"!!
There's no doubt that every Nissan dealership, along with Nissan Motor Corporation themselves, have been aware of these repetitive problems since the beginning, however, obviously, they never felt any responsibility to remedy them. Hey, and why not? We all contributed to the easy "repair" money they so shamelessly grabbed.
I've learned my lessons. And my friends and family have learned by watching. It's back to Toyota or Honda for us.
Nissan's Maxima repetitive repair performance was nothing short of criminal on their part.
And, if all that weren't enough, my local Nissan dealer (ABC Nissan in Phoenix, Arizona), broke my exhaust manifold studs when doing some clutch housing work and then told me it was up to me to pay for repairing them because the studs were "old").
20th Jan 2003, 21:53
I would like to say I recently bought a 1990 maxima with 129,000 miles... It seems to not be a bad car except for before I bought it the windows wouldn't work and stereo is shot.. How ever when I drive the vehicle for long periods of times my engine has a hesitation to it and it seems to be getting poor gas mileage. From what I have been reading here, It sounds like it might be the fuel injectors. Any help or comments would be helpfull..
SWPA.
21st Jan 2003, 19:30
I owned one 1990 GXE was like new bought at 190k miles drove till 280k then my girl friend used it a hose blew overheated head gasket blew, changed the motor found a good used low mileage motor car would have lasted forever, but it was hit RIP maxima "best car I have ever owned"!!
10th Mar 2003, 22:47
I just bought an 89 Nissan Maxima today, and it seems to be a fine car, but I noticed my windows won't work either.
Ah well, she runs, which is a great thing considering the 1000 I spent.
7th May 2003, 18:43
Well, I have had my 90 Maxima, Chinky as I call her, for over a year. Since then, I haven't felt any fresh air because my motors are also shot. As far as the humming coming from my radio, I recently broke down and invested my $$$ in a whole new system. Awesome decision. I also had to invest in a new water-pump and timing belts. I'm at 173K miles and she runs like new. Until yesterday. She died on me. Maybe a flywheel? Maybe an alternator? Maybe a transmission? Whatever it is, its going to be expensive!!! I bought the car for $1500, and easily put the same amount into her, so now I have to decide whether or not see if I can reach my goal of 250k miles. Wish me luck...
Danny
Melrose Park, Illinois.
19th Aug 2003, 11:59
Maxima's are a great car, but can take a toll on you. First, the transmission, then the stuttering in the engine (oh by the way the stuttering was cause by a clogged fuel injectors #1 & #3, the Nissan Dealership couldn't figure out the problem so I ventured out to find it myself.) New injectors: cost $600.00 with labor), then the rack & pinion, then the RUST, then the struts,...
I think I rebuilt the entire car. But I still love my Maxi.
19th Nov 2003, 19:50
I bought a 92 Max SE when it was new. I love the car, but as it has aged, the repair bills have grown. I was gratified to see the many references to the window regulators as I have replaced all 4 and 2 twice. I have often wondered why Nissan never issued a repair bulletin on them. I also have had the same problems with the vaunted Bose stereo, the very expensive-to-repair radio antenna, the clock and power door locks. I didn't see any references to the body parts fading or the major problems I have had with the Coils going bad. But, all in all, I'd buy the car again.
4th Aug 2004, 08:25
I have a 90 Nissan Maxima car run great except for an idle fluctuation problem, took it to dealers they couldn't find the problem, they said it maybe injectors or ****.if any one out there has had this problem please email me at gmills@vertisinc.com.No windows or antenna problems. mileage 137,000.Oh had no check engine light.
3rd Oct 2001, 03:33
Have a 90 Maxima, same problems with the speakers. Had the stock radio replaced, and the speakers go on and off at will.
Have problems with the exhaust and timing belt. I thought Japanese cars were supposed to be better?!?