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http://www.autopia-carcare.com/painchiprep.html
Hope its useful.
rm
Thanks.
Anyway. it is still going great except for an intermittent problem for the last couple years (which the dealer and numerous mechanic have attempted to fix). After every few hundred miles or so the engine would start to shudder, not continuously, but then it could happen every few miles. It could happen for a few days in a row, then goes away for another few hundred miles of driving (a week or two).
Has anyone experienced anything like this?
I have replaced the wiring harness, computer, ignition cables, vacuum hoses, distributor, fuel pump, fuel injectors and tested with a new air flow meter, to little avail.
http://www.his.com/wc/maxima/tsb039.pdf
rm
I have been in love with the Maxima since it came out but I never bought one and I hate the styling of the new one (post-'94). Now, the mileage on a typical '93 or '94 is over 100,000.
Should I buy a car this old or buy the slightly newer Infiniti? What are some of the maintenance issues that pop up above 100,000 miles with a Maxima?
...Anything that can be done about it?
I usually turn up the radio
Seriously, not that I know of. I only find it bothersome when using the defroster mode (something I don't need to do often in Southern Az).
--Walter
Urgent matter - edmunds say the dealer should give me $9500 for my 96 gxe (power driver side seat, moon roof, bose, security system, keyless entry, and something else i forgot.
Galves service ($4.95 for 24 hours) says my car is only going to bring $7600 from the dealer. Who is right??
Romeo/Pateros...If you've cleaned the antenna properly (windex on a paper towel will do), and used the proper lube (Use DRY SILICONE spray ONLY), then you may need to replace the motor.
use of any "WET" lube, such as any kind of grease, will collect dirt too fast.
Sgrd0q...Right...The rears ar not toe adjustable but, all they use the rears for is to line up the front wheels. be sure that your wheels are in fact out of alignment....test them on a FLAT highway, not a crowned road. if you're still not satisfied, then take it back and request they re-do the alignment properly. Even close to spec should keep you from feeling anything out of the norm.
Yes...you can leave the blower fan alone if it doesn't bother you.
Asleep...You may have an idler pulley out of wack or even a bad component pulley. The easiest way to tell is to start the car and look for anything other than perfectly straight belt operation...in other words...they should not wobble from side to side...and...KEEP YOUR HANDS AWAY !! LOL...I say this for a reason...I had a customer try and grab the moving belt.
JmeDocs....TSB# NTB00039 deals with just that problem. Make an appointmebt with the dealer, and give them that number. Good luck.
Tallawah....have they checked the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor)? That can cause a number of problems...though they usually just go bad..not on and off.....can't hurt to have them check it.
Brook....A 96 GXE probably won't get you much more than 7g from a dealer. Try selling it privately....and ask 10.5....you may be shocked at the bites you get.
Joe
Has anyone diagnosed and/or fixed the leak around the rear passenger windows or door?
Apparently there is a TSB on blower noise which involves ordering a cover for the motor. I had this cover installed on my 2kgle and now I can't even hear the motor on LOW speed. Check with your Dealer !!! And yes, the whole HVAC system is louder than in my `86 Max.SE which I find interesting !
The Maxima seems to combine good styling, features, and from what I read here, a great V6 engine. And one seems to be able to expect excellent reliability.
Any comments - do I seem to be on target here? I did notice a few comments about an annoying wind noise - certainly something to look for in a car we test drive. Should I watch for anything else?
Thanks for the comments!
I read one post that you can use reg gas, implying that the engine has a detonation sensor and retards the timing to keep the pistons from getting holes in them. Is this true? Most of my driving is pretty sedate commuting, just gliding along about 45 mph and stoplights. Occassionally I'll get on it for a merge, but I was thinking I could probably use regular. Anyone else use Reg and have problems or not have problems?
Why the Olds- (looking at the loaded GLS)? Well, its cheaper with more options, handles well, actually about the same or slightly faster with auto. Doesn't come with 17" tires, so hard to compare to the SE but the 225x60x16's are like the GLE. Fully independant suspension, easier to work on the motor for maint., regular gas, lower insurance. But the Max is sportier and a little better looking even with the horrendus rear end IMHO.
Anyone else compare these two cars? I'm going to a olds/nissan place today again and do back to back test drives and make a decision.
Funny on the Max how you have to buy the leather to get climate control, and the meridian edition to get a low washer level indicator? I laughed pretty hard reading the options list, my clunker '88 shadow came with a light for if gas was low, and if the wash fluid was low, reading light, lumbar adjustment, etc. Here's a nice car and they don't even have that standard! And intermittant wipers? another option? give me a break.
Thanks,
Slope
Slope - just a note: Olds might be a collector item one day. I believe you will be happier with Olds, IMHO.
Thanks for any guidance.
Both very nice cars, although the Maxima, especially in SE guise is more of a sport sedan. The Volvo S60 is more of a touring sedan. I found the Volvo seats THE most confortable of probably any car I've sat in. As far as reliability, the Maxima is built very well. Consumer Reports reported some serious problems with Volvo trannys especially the S80. I dunno if the S80 tranny carries over to the S60, but other than that I believe Volvos are in general reliable.
Good luck
Speed
As for the Volvo S60, I did seriously consider a 850 Turbo when I bought the Maxima. Nice car, but definately more expensive to maintain. Also, the turbo in my neighbor's S70 went out at 75,000 miles and cost him in excess of $3,000.
Good luck with your choices.
I am in the market for a new car this year and Maxima has been on my list. Safety and crashworthiness is obviously one very crucial factor.
Thanks in advance for any responses.
Ken
Slope, Intermittent wipers are standard, what isn't standard are the variable intermittent. If you're looking at the GLE, you probably know that most everything is standard on the GLE. The upgrades off the base GLE include: meridien (heated seats and side mirrors, side air bags and low washer fluid light (I agree that's an odd one)), 6 CD changer, sunroof and .... that's about it I think. I would suggest sticking with premium gas. You can try going down a grade, but the lower grade fuels fire sooner.
Ostrosky...the fuel cut problem is an 5 spd issue. You'll like the GLE, it has more room in front and rear than the Forester. It is a very solid feeling car. I like mine a lot. 6400 miles, bought Aug. 00.
Now, all we have to do is to hassle with the dealers.
Thanks again everyone for your ideas and keep them coming.
If I buy a Maxima, I'll make certain to revisit after the purchase and offer my experiences.
Edmunds will equip you with all the details of Maxima pricing and negotiating strategies, so dealers cannot pull wool over your eyes. Which makes you an informed buyer.
Also, you can get (and print) quotes from online companies (CarsDirect.com, Priceline.com, several others) and take those printouts to help you cut hours from negotiation. I actually bought online and saved myself several $g as well as most of the hassles.
As long as we're talking deals on 2001's, don't forget about the option to go to Canada to buy and save money. I bought in Canada in September and all went very smoothly. The posts I've made before have been lost many pages back so I will summarize again here.
So why would you do this? Save some big money! The exchange rate just keeps getting better for the US. Here's some sample selling prices for Maximas in Canada (converted to US dollars, and including duty):
1) Maxima GXE, auto trans, traction control, and convenience pkg. Convenience pkg contains everything in the Meridian and Com and Con pkgs. $21,100. (US dealer invoice is $22,740)
2) Maxima SE 20th Anniv Edition. Auto trans. Includes traction control, Bose, Meridian pkg, and leather. Does not have the ground effects though. $23,800. (US dealer invoice is $28,006)
3) Maxima GLE. Auto trans. Includes traction control, sunroof, Meridian pkg. $23,100. (US dealer invoice is $25,852)
Here's the answers to the most asked questions:
- Yes, it's perfectly legal as a US resident to buy a new car in Canada.
- Maxima meets all US safety and emissions requirements (California too).
- You will have to pay some Canadian sales taxes, but they send you a refund after you take the vehicle out of the country.
- The warranty is honored in the US.
- It's identical to the US Max, but in Canada they come better equipped with options.
- Speedo is in km and miles; odo is in km, but can be changed if you prefer.
- Yes, I have found some dealers willing to sell over the phone at close to invoice, far below list price.
- Get your financing at home first.
Quick summary of the process:
1. Call dealer and make a deal. Get VIN number.
2. Call Nissan and get US emissions and safety compliance letter (will fax if in a hurry).
3. Go to Canada, pay, drive away.
4. Stop at Canadian customs. Get a form stamped.
5. Stop at US Customs. Show compliance letter. Pay 2.5% duty.
6. Register vehicle and pay your state's sales tax when home just like normal.
7. Get Canadian sales tax refund check in the mail.
As I said it went smoothly for me and I know of over twenty others who have followed my lead for either a Maxima or a Pathfinder. It's not difficult at all. Sure, there's a little paperwork to do. And many people are surprised how close to Canada they really are. Anyone from Chicago to D.C. is easily within a one days drive of Toronto. And much of the West Coast is close to Vancouver.
I'll be glad to help anyone out with questions or good contacts. Just email me.
-Jon
jonlofquist@aol.com
http://popularmechanics.com/popmech/cbg/guide/2001/features/2000CBGFCM.html
Very interesting post. I have been looking at 1.52+ Canadian Dollars to US Dollar and thinking of buying a BMW in Canada. 540i 6-speed could be had for about $48,000, or at least $6,000 less than in US. However, the BMW dealership that I contacted (B-K Motors in Ontario) said BMW of North America strongly discourages such cross border sales. The customs office I contacted also said it can be difficult to get the emissions compliance letter out of BMW. Any experience with BMW or other comments/suggestions?? Thanks.
Each of the auto manufacturers has a different outlook on Canadian sales to the US. Nissan, as I mentioned above, has absolutley no problems with them. They are actually a pleasure to do business with and the compliance letter is no problem. The process is easy and you can save thousands.
Some other manufacturers are not the same. "Discourage" is the word I often hear because they cannot legally prevent sales to the US. But they can penalize a dealer by withholding bonuses and allocations. Honda does this and will not even honor the warranty in the US if you do happen to get one home anyway. Of course the reason to prevent sales to the US is to keep prices higher here while the US dollar is still strong.
For BMW I've heard conflicting info. So you get to do some work yourself. If the dealer will sell to you, then get the VIN and call BMW for the compliance letter. Just say you need the letter - they don't need to know anything else. For all they know, you could be a Canadian citizen moving to the US. Then you are set. Please do let me know what you find. I also have copies of the couple forms you will need along with details on the process.
Again, for Nissan though it's a piece of cake. Nothing to worry about except how to spend the savings.
-Jon
jonlofquist@aol.com
A very good explanation of why dealers (and their US distributors) don't like the sales from Canada.
But I will disagree with you slightly about the Canadian/US exchange rate. Exactly four years ago the rate was 1.35; now it's 1.52. That gives us in the US a huge advantage. The import manufacturers can't put in huge price increases on their vehicles just because the Canadian dollar is weak. They need to remain price competitive with the domestic brands.
A couple Canadian people told me of how they used to come to the US to get their cars since it was cheaper. Now it's just the reverse.
BTW, my local dealer didn't care at all that I bought in Canada. He even did the warranty conversion for me.
-Jon
I have a doubt, If I want to buy a 2000 Maxima GXE today then how much depreciation I should calculate over it and how much I should quote to the dealer ?
Can anybody suggests or comment ?
Joe
Ken
1. I was surprised to hear the sales associate tell me that she was using mid-grade gas (91 oct, I believe) in her Maxima. Then I look in the manual and they say that 87 is acceptable !! This appears to be in steep contrast to the 97's, which wanted 93 octane. Did the engine design or some other engineering change warrant the octane change? Should I be looking at mid-grade as opposed to the premium stuff?
2. Also, any feedback, good bad or indifferent on the Toyo tires standard on my GLE ? How do they compare with the Michelins that were stock on my 97 GLE?
Also, a word of thanks to all of you that have participated in the past (and will continue to, I hope !) to this forum. Your suggestions and information have been invaluable to me and a lot of other current and prospective owners. This note is especially for joenissan.. glad you're back.
Then it gets hairy: Nissan engine has an electronic sensor to adjust your timing so that your engine will not knock with pretty well any gas, according to various reports that I have read. But your mileage may suffer as a consequence. Some people have reported an improved mileage with regular gas, though. And finally, not all stations' 87 octane is the same. That applies for all gas grades. Sorry, that is a summary of not so helpful comments. (I use 91 or 92 Costco - no experiments with a new engine for me...)
The original Toyo tires are pretty good in all departments (Traction A, Temp A, and Wear is 240, which is pretty high, too). They give you a fairly sporty feel, which goes with the character of the Maxima.
Enjoy and welcome to the Max family!
oh ya, you know what? the TCS isn't worth $1!! i was on a local street yesterday, and had to turn into a driveway at work... after slowing down, tried to turn into the driveway, i had stepped on the brakes and wham... went slidding ... right into a snow bank... couldn't get myself out till after shoveling out snow from under my tires and i have the 16in tires. THEN, i locked myself out while the key was in the igition.. i thought it doesn't lock unless i pressed the button to lock the doors!! POS!!
Another interesting note, couldn't obtain touch up paint; said it wasn't available yet.
'01 SE Sterling Mist, 5 Spd, C&C, Bose, Leather
A week after getting my windshield replaced I noticed a small pit when cleaning it for 1st rain-x application. I didn't notice it before so I doubt I'll have any luck with glass company. Maybe they'll have some kind of filler.
Toyos have been great in snow and rain as well as dry pavement.
A friend of my 12 yr. old son got into the back seat the other night and said "wow, this is really nice. There's so much room." His dad drives a Lexus rx 300.
Anybody know if the paint finish is different between the Grey Lustre and the Super Black, in regards to the recent posts about the chipping paint on the hood? I seem to recall hearing somewhere that the Grey Lustre has a pearlized finish, whereras the Black doesn't. Thanks in advance for any input.
If anyone has ever changed the oil in their maxima they will graduate to the next level of expertise. If they happen to know what a torque wrench is even if they have never used one then they are considered a real expert here.
I guess most people are happy that joenissan is back because he enjoys so much spoon feeding people information that have never even changed their own oil, or even know where the tire pressure label is located in their cars, not to say they would be able to adjust the pressure in their tires.
The biggest joke is when I read individuals posting information about a subject that they clearly no nothing about, but no one else knows anything about that subject either so it sounds good to everyone reading it even if the information makes no sense or is completely wrong.
To bad most of the people that could talk about maximas have left except for the ones that can still change fuses in their maximas. Good luck.
Maxima's in Canada have painted mudguards; they look really nice. You could probably order mudguards from Canada, or have a body shop paint them.