Nissan Maxima Reliability

[Bobber]

My brother in law has one of these that's probably about 10 years old and has nearly 170,000 miles on it. He's offering to sell it to me in another year as a kid car. I know he's taken good care of it, but have generally been leery of Nissan's because of their repair reputation. I am nervous in particular about their transmissions and as they run CVT's and not regular transmissions. This one has the V6 in it. Curious if any Fanatics have these and what your experience has been with them?

I know this can vary a lot as I have a Toyota, Honda, and Dodge now and while Dodge's don't have great reputations, mine has been really good and actually I've spent less money on repairs on it than the other two!

Would appreciate any feedback from people who have experience with these. Thanks!

 

[Pat]

I think Nissan over the last decade has made pretty reliable cars. I have an similarly aged Sentra - markedly lower mileage - and have no complaints. CVTs appear to be the norm now, so prepare yourself.

 

[brokenloginagain]

10 yrs and 170k miles doesn't answer your question?

 

[hoosman]

I drove a 2006 maxima for 5 years . Never had one problem. the biggest ownership mistake I have ever made in 44 years of driving was trading it in for a BMW.

 

[imaclone2]

My 2006 Nissan Altima has been great.

 

[Bobber]

10 yrs and 170k miles doesn't answer your question?

No 15 years and 220,000 would....

 

[BigBake]

My brother in law has one of these that's probably about 10 years old and has nearly 170,000 miles on it. He's offering to sell it to me in another year as a kid car. I know he's taken good care of it, but have generally been leery of Nissan's because of their repair reputation. I am nervous in particular about their transmissions and as they run CVT's and not regular transmissions. This one has the V6 in it. Curious if any Fanatics have these and what your experience has been with them?

I know this can vary a lot as I have a Toyota, Honda, and Dodge now and while Dodge's don't have great reputations, mine has been really good and actually I've spent less money on repairs on it than the other two!

Would appreciate any feedback from people who have experience with these. Thanks!

What year? I had a 93 and 98 with high miles and they were built super solid in the 90s and early 2000s. Always had a rep as a reliable car. Nissan's overall (as of last few years) don't have near the reputation. I wouldn't be overly afraid of a Maxima for a kids first car...especially if the price is right.

 

[jdoggivjc]

My 2006 Nissan Altima has been great.

So has my 2008 Altima. The only issue it has ever had was it had a defective Sentra suspension on it. Once that was replaced, though, no other problems.

 

[isu81]

I've had two Maximas. Loved them both until the transmissions went out. First one went out at about 70,000 miles. Current one is a 2013 and transmission went out right at 100,000 miles. I've never had a transmission go out of any other car. Damn, they're great to drive, though.

 

[CyCrazy]

I've had two Maximas. Loved them both until the transmissions went out. First one went out at about 70,000 miles. Current one is a 2013 and transmission went out right at 100,000 miles. I've never had a transmission go out of any other car. Damn, they're great to drive, though.

Love them? Sound like junk to me.

 

[OPButtrey]

I’m on my 3rd maxima. Number 2 did have a transmission issue but the other 2 have been great. They really are a 4 door sports car and are fun to drive.

 

[Bobber]

I've had two Maximas. Loved them both until the transmissions went out. First one went out at about 70,000 miles. Current one is a 2013 and transmission went out right at 100,000 miles. I've never had a transmission go out of any other car. Damn, they're great to drive, though.

So what did it set you back getting those replaced?

 

[isu81]

So what did it set you back getting those replaced?

Don’t remember the first but about 3500 on the current one.

 

[I@ST1]

If you can pay cash - I’d say go for it… if you’re looking to finance - I’d pass.

 

[ruxCYtable]

Nissan’s reliability declined markedly when they were bought out by Renault, a notoriously ****** automaker. As you mentioned, their CVTs have been problematic. But the sun even shines on a dog’s ass now and then. 170k well maintained miles, you might have a winner.

 

[cyputz]

Give more details,
2010 below average
2011/12/13 average dependability
2014 far below

Ask for all service records, and insure recalls were addressed

 

[mywayorcyway]

10 yrs and 170k miles doesn't answer your question?

If you haven't, you should check out used cars and prices. It's tough to buy a car right now. You're not going to walk into someplace and buy a 6 year old car with 70k miles without paying handsomely for it. 10 yr/170k is becoming the new normal for used cars.

 

[mywayorcyway]

We had an 09 Murano that we sold at 175k last year. One of the best cars we've owned. The CVT gave us no trouble and it drove great - I preferred that transmission.

 

[Cydkar]

Nissan’s reliability declined markedly when they were bought out by Renault, a notoriously ****** automaker. As you mentioned, their CVTs have been problematic. But the sun even shines on a dog’s ass now and then. 170k well maintained miles, you might have a winner.

Perfect answer. We had luck with an Altima, for a kid, but I wouldn't buy a post-Renault Nissan.

 

[Bobber]

Is actually a 2009.