Post by
sliveslar »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/sliveslar-u101824.html
Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:51 am
I am currently on my fourth Maxima. Obviously, I have gotten excellent service from the first three. In total, I have owned Maximas for 20 consecutive years.
My first was a 1982 Diesel. I bought the car with approximately 80 K. At about 170K, it was so rusty that it was no longer worth repairing. I never had any major problems with the car other than the rust. I think that was common on cars of that era. The car was extremely reliable, except that it was hard to start in cold weather (not unusual for older diesels). As I recall, it only stranded me once when the clutch failed. The biggest repair that I can recall was that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. This was a result of not replacing torn boots. My second was a 1987 wagon. I bought the car with approximately 85K. I kept that car until around 175K, at which point I sold it. It was still running strong, but it needed too many little things. The only problem with that car was that it had a very clunky transmission. I had the fluid changed regularly, and just learned to live with the clunks. It only left me stranded once, when the alternator failed.
My third was a 1997 GLE. I bought the car off lease with around 30K. I kept that car until around 137K, at which point it was totaled. I was rear- ended while waiting at a light, and the car sustained a bent frame. The crumple zone worked as it should, and everyone walked away with only whiplash (which was to be expected). The car was drivable after the accident, but my insurance co declared it a total loss the day after the accident. This car also had a clunky transmission. The only significant work was to replace the starter and a rear caliper.
My current car is a 2004 SE. I bought it with only 12K, and it currently has 38K. This car is a delight to drive, and I hope to have it for many years. So far, the car has had a couple of recalls -- one for the lower frame, which rusted prematurely, and the other for tires made in China.
My overall experience is that I have never had any major system failure and never had any fluid leaks. I never replaced any part of the drive train on any car. I service my cars regularly, and don't drive them too hard. As a result, they have been extremely reliable and safe.