I have been seriously looking into buying a Maxima/Altima and it seems like they have a lot of engine problems. With that said, could you all tell me any problems you have had with your car and at what mileage they occurred at? Also, were the problems due to standard wear and tear and would it be something I might need to deal with down the road if I buy a Maxima/Altima?
Additionally, what will it cost to fix the problems and do any of you have any tips when buying a Maxima/Altima? (i.e. things to look out for when i test drive them)
Sorry for the lengthy post, your feedback would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Common Problems??
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Amosnorider
- Posts: 39
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Re: Common Problems?? (kerobo0000)
Engine and transmission problems wont happen on maximas. They are pretty solid as long as you perform regular service. There are lots of sensors and coil packs to go bad though. Those components make the engine run poor. Usually pretty easy fix but sensors and packs are pricey. (4) O2 sensors ~$120 each.
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MinisterofDOOM
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Re: Common Problems?? (kerobo0000)
Depends on which year or generation you're looking at.
For the most part, common issues are electrical...sensors and other small components. All the engines used in the Max are supremely dependable and should treat you very well and last a long, long time. Transmissions probably won't last the life of the motor but with some preventative maintenance you can keep them going for quite a while. If you don't take care of the 4 speed auto, though, it can die pretty early on. The 5 speed auto used from '04 to '07 is much tougher.
The Altima is a whole different animal if you're looking at a 4 cylinder version. Earlier ones had the very dependable KA24 which is a low-maintenance motor that should last a long time. Newer ones had the horrible QR25. I would never buy a QR-powered car, they're just too problematic. If you're looking at the V6 Altima, the drivetrain including transmission is the same as the Max, so essentially what's true for the Max is true for the Alty. The Altima switched from the 4 speed auto to the 5-speed auto in 2005, so a 2005 or newer Altima is definitely preferable for that alone.
For the most part, common issues are electrical...sensors and other small components. All the engines used in the Max are supremely dependable and should treat you very well and last a long, long time. Transmissions probably won't last the life of the motor but with some preventative maintenance you can keep them going for quite a while. If you don't take care of the 4 speed auto, though, it can die pretty early on. The 5 speed auto used from '04 to '07 is much tougher.
The Altima is a whole different animal if you're looking at a 4 cylinder version. Earlier ones had the very dependable KA24 which is a low-maintenance motor that should last a long time. Newer ones had the horrible QR25. I would never buy a QR-powered car, they're just too problematic. If you're looking at the V6 Altima, the drivetrain including transmission is the same as the Max, so essentially what's true for the Max is true for the Alty. The Altima switched from the 4 speed auto to the 5-speed auto in 2005, so a 2005 or newer Altima is definitely preferable for that alone.
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time_tracker
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- Joined: Wed May 06, 2009 8:50 am
Re: Common Problems?? (MinisterofDOOM)
It`s only small problems like: injectors, coils, MAF, etc. Things you can fix yourself.