Any of you driven one?? New or an older model, doesn't matter. Reliable? Comfortable? Good cars or P.O.S.?? I have a chance to buy either of these models (used) from about 4-5 years back, say '97 or '98. Any of you have any experience with any of these cars? Mind you, I'm not talking about the latest models (way too pricey for me). I'm thinking 4-5 years ago.
97 maxima. about 77k miles. has been a great car (knock on wood). only problems so far (not counting damage from theft): replace brakes, replace tires, replace battery, replace some kind of solenoid. the car has been very reliable. i keep up with all the scheduled maintenance, so that helps. one thing to note - nissan recommends at least 91 octane gas for my maxima. it's pricey these days, but i plan on keeping the car as long as possible, so i shell out the extra dime(s) per gallon.
Q45 is a great car but doesn't have good quality track record. Some cars would start making noise after you put 40k miles on it. For a luxury car as quiet as Q45, any noise is annoying. Nissan Altima/Maxima are okay, but if you want most bangs for your bucks, you might as well buy Honda Accord 03 with 6 cylinder 240 HP engine. Honda really improved their 6 cylinder accord in 02. they fixed all their bugs for 03 version. Honda's next generation TL and CL are going to be based on 02 Accord.
Not all Jap cars are equally reliable. A friend of mine specializes in working on Japanese cars. According to him Toyota and Honda are still the best. While he advertises himself and is a Toyota and Honda specialist, most of the drive up customers he has with emergency problems are in Mazdas, Nissans, Mitsubishis, and Isuzus. According to him they aren't very impressive in terms of reliability compared to Honda or Toyota. If reliability is what you want go for those or an Acura or Lexus which are made respectively by Honda and Toyota.
I test drove a few Maximas....but the premium gas thing turned me off. I settled for a Pathfinder. I probably pay about the same for gas as I would have with a Maxima. BTW...I did love the Maxima. I just thought with all the crap I have the Pathfinder would be better.
I've heard now a few times that Nissan isn't the best quality product. But to be fair, I have an Lexus IS right now and had to get the differential replaced two months ago. The thing ran for 5 grand to replace - but it was covered under warranty (thank goodness). But for the most part, people I know with Toyota don't have so many problems. Only thing I think Toyota lacks in is power. All of that could change though if they make a new Supra.... (fingers crossed!)
all three suck.as most cars designed for women and girly men do. I mean c'mon.. a Maxima?what do you work in a hairsalon?