'04 Maxima SL

[Phil234]

Obviously a first time poster here, but am thinking about buying an '04 Maxima SL w/less than 45k miles. Car is well taken care of by original owner w/standard options that really max out. I like it very much, except for unusually wide turning circle (more like a truck than a car) and 4-speed autotranny. Price is right.... and I can live with the shortcomings noted. Are there any particular mechanical, electrical or suspension problems generic to this vehicle that I should pay particular attention to? Thanks for sharing your knowledge/thoughts. Phil

[MinisterofDOOM]

I think the most common issue I've seen is the slight steering vibration that some people experience...that's about as bad as it gets.

[Phil234]

Thanks. Yours is the only response I've received, and it isn't negative. From the lack of feedback, I can only assume that no one has any significant gripes

[chriskapinos]

booo buy a 6 speed.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Thanks. Yours is the only response I've received, and it isn't negative. From the lack of feedback, I can only assume that no one has any significant gripes

Yeah, we really don't hear about many problems with the '04+ models. In fact in my experience they're Nissan's most solid model right now.

My father owns an '04 SE that I've clocked a lot of seat time in, and we're both very happy with the car. It has has had very very few problems, and those it has had have been cosmetic or related to non-nissan parts (Nissans OEM tire choice back in 2004 was a bad one).

While the 4 speed auto isn't a bad transmission, the 5-speed auto is better. If you have the opportunity to shop around, I would try for one with that transmission. I don't know that it's a deal breaker if you've found one for a great price, though.