Is A 2003 Nissan Maxima A Good Car?

A performance car made to last, the Nissan Maxima. The Maxima has a lifespan of between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. Accordingly, if used properly and maintained, a vehicle can last 1013 years or longer with an average annual mileage of 15,000 miles.

Is the Nissan Maxima a reliable vehicle?

How Reliable Is the Nissan Maxima? The estimated reliability rating for the 2022 Nissan Maxima is 93 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.

How durable are Nissan Maxima engines?

The quick answer to how long the Nissan Maxima lasts is as follows: A Nissan Maxima should last for 200,000 kilometers. The typical American travels 15,000 miles annually. If you adhere to this standard, your car will perform faultlessly for 13.5 years before you need to make significant repairs to it.

Timing belt on 2003 Nissan Maxima?

Both the VQ30 and VQ35 engines are robust, reliable ones overall. Both lack a timing belt in favor of a timing chain. But in order for this engine to last, it must be kept in excellent condition; otherwise, it can become problematic at high miles. Timing chain problems are rather typical.

What is the lifespan of a Nissan Maxima transmission?

A Nissan Maxima transmission’s entire life duration mostly depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design problems and how hard you drive both play a role in this equation. However, the Nissan Maxima transmission typically lasts between 130,000 and 80,000 miles. However, a high-quality replacement transmission can live significantly longer if all of the problems in the original design have been fixed and the car has been kept up.

How much does a Nissan Maxima transmission repair cost?

Depending on the car, a new Nissan Maxima transmission might cost over $3,500. In contrast, transmission services like fluid changes and fluid flushes are significantly less expensive, sometimes costing less than $150.

Is a used Maxima a nice car?

A used 2017 Nissan Maxima is one of the best pre-owned large sedans you can purchase for the money, according to Consumer Reports. The 2021 and 2022 Maxima are likewise likely to be dependable later model years.

It’s interesting to note that two of the best used Maxima models according to Consumer Reports are the ones that Vehicle History least suggests.

This demonstrates how value can occasionally be subjective. Are overall quality and dependability factors important to you while looking for a used Nissan Maxima? Cost alone? Features? The Nissan Maxima may have different best and worst years, depending on what you’re searching for. However, avoiding these Maxima models may be worthwhile in any case.

When were the best Maximas?

The top Nissan Maxima models have been produced starting in 2018 and from 2011 to 2015. The worst Nissan Maxima models, on the other hand, are those from the model years 2004–2006, as well as 2009 and 2010. If you want to buy a used Maxima, it’s crucial to pay attention to these model years.

Maxima versus Altima: Which is better?

The mid-size sedans 2020 Nissan Altima and 2020 Nissan Maxima will both get you where you need to go. With identical Independent Strut Front Suspension that reduces bumps and jerks for maximum comfort, they both offer an exceptionally smooth ride. The 2020 Maxima solely provides front-wheel drive, while the 2020 Altima is the only model with an optional AWD. The 2020 Maxima, meanwhile, features a more potent engine. In contrast to the Altima’s 2.5L 4-cylinder engine’s 188 horsepower, the Maxima’s standard 3.5L V6 engine produces an astounding 300 horsepower.

What year shied away Maxima?

You should avoid all Nissan Maxima generations save for one. Avoid the Nissan Maxima from 2004 to 2008.

Nissan Maxima models from the years 2004, 2005, and 2006 are reportedly plagued by issues, according to the CarComplaints database. Particularly the 2004 model year has received high marks for average mileage and repair costs. The 2004 model year was labeled “Avoid Like the Plague” by CarComplaints, which says a lot.

This version of Maxima has problems with the transmission slipping and jerking after about 100,000 miles. The cost of repairs increased from $2,500 to $3,500, and many owners chose not to address the issues at all.

For the whole Nissan Maxima generation, which ran from 2004 to 2008, Nissan was served with a class-action lawsuit. Although the final decision is yours, we strongly advise avoiding Nissan Maxima models from the years 2004 to 2008.

If a sixth-generation Maxima’s transmission issues weren’t enough, you could also anticipate running into issues with the power steering pump, the AC lines, the camshaft position sensors, the crankshaft position sensor, and a few more.

The sixth generation saw the end of serious transmission troubles, however problems persisted during the 2009 through 2011 model years. Although the bulk of the faults weren’t as severe as the transmission troubles that plagued the previous generation, these model years did experience steering and electrical concerns. Particularly annoying was the steering lock issue, which costs over $1,000 to replace. The steering lock issue is related to the electrical issues.

Model year 2011 was largely dependable. It’s not a year to fully ignore. At 100,000 miles, there were a few transmission issues, but they were very uncommon.

Finally, there have been a few minor issues with the 2016 model year. The problems are a result of the Maxima being a new generation, and they were solved for subsequent years. Nevertheless, it is safe to buy a 2016 Maxima.

The best approach to purchase a car is through the CoPilot app. We’ll show you all you need to know about each listing, including how long it’s been on the lot and whether or not there are comparable cars in the area for less money. We’re built using the same technologies that dealerships use.

Are Nissan Maximas fuel-efficient?

For a sports sedan of its class and ability, the 2022 Nissan Maxima’s fuel economy is outstanding. The new Nissan Maxima delivers up to 20 city mpg and 30 highway mpg*, ensuring a smooth journey to all your Memphis and Arlington destinations.

Does Nissan produce reliable motors?

One of the most trustworthy vehicle engines on the market right now is the Nissan 3.5 VQ35DE. It has a 10-year or 200,000-mile lifespan. However, you may increase its life expectancy to 15 to 20 years with the right upkeep and repairs.

When should the Nissan Maxima’s timing belt be changed?

Although timing belts are important, they don’t necessarily need to be replaced on a regular basis unless specifically advised to do so in your Nissan owner’s handbook. Between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, some automakers advise changing the timing belt, while others don’t. Many timing belts available now can last 100,000 miles or more before they need to be replaced.

When did the Maxima acquire a CVT?

Only the US, Canada, and Mexico saw sales of the sixth-generation Maxima, code-named A34. It was created between 1998 and 2002, with a design freeze in March 2001. [24] It made its public debut as a 2004 model at the North American International Auto Show in 2003. In the US, it was available with either the optional traditional style moonroof or the venerable VQ35DE, a DOHCV6 engine that produced 255 lb-ft (346 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm and 265 hp (198 kW) at 5,800 rpm. The SkyView fixed glass paneled roof ran down the middle of the roof (from front to back). The SE and SL trim levels were offered for the sixth generation of Maximas. The sportier SE variant included an optional 6-speed manual transmission as well as 18-inch alloy wheels, P245/45R18 V-rated tires, a firmer suspension, and a rear spoiler as standard equipment. The opulent SL variant had leather seats, HID headlights, P225/55R17 H-rated tires, wood inside trim, a 6-disc CD changer, a Bose system, and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment. Heated front seats were an option. The SL model’s suspension is modified for a gentler ride, and the manual transmission was never available. For all variants, the Altima-like multilink suspension was used in place of the previous independent rear suspension.

For 2007, the only gearbox option for the U.S. Maxima was the standard Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which is comparable to the CVT found in the Nissan Murano. A manual transmission was no longer available, but the CVT had a manual mode. It had been given a new front fascia (lacking the center block, the new grille closely resembled that of the 2007 Altima). The margins of the headlights were likewise more angular. The updated interior features included a new center console, new white-and-orange gauges in place of the previous pure orange ones, and an Intelligent Key system with an integrated ignition tab.

Due to new EPA measuring techniques, the Maxima’s fuel economy for 2008 decreased from 21MPG-City / 28MPG-Highway to 19/25. For 2008, both SE and SL trim levels gained a Platinum Edition package of practical features.

The Maxima in Australia used the same engine, but Nissan limited the maximum output to to 170 kW. (228 hp). Since it was based on the Nissan Teana, the Australian version, code-named J31, shared the VQ engine with the North American version and initially only featured a four-speed automatic transmission. A mid-life redesign and brand-new CVT automatic transmission were added in 2007.

Other versions tended to place greater emphasis on comfort, whereas the North American Maxima was renowned for striking a balance between performance and luxury.

Has the Nissan Maxima a timing chain or belt?

Every Nissan Maxima includes a timing belt or chain that synchronizes the internal combustion engine’s moving parts, placing it at the nexus of performance and luxury. The serpentine belt loops around every driving pulley, just like the timing belt does with the camshaft and crankshaft.

Nissan Maximas’ transmissions are they problematic?

Nissan’s CVT gearboxes have been the target of class action lawsuits and numerous consumer complaints due to persistent safety problems. Nissan has been forced to extend warranties and provide monetary settlements to several Nissan owners as a result, and it continues to be sued over alleged similar problems in more recent models.

Drivers of Nissan Maxima vehicles have reported multiple persistent CVT transmission faults, in contrast to other Nissan models including the Altima, Sentra, and Rogue that became well-known for their CVT transmission issues. These CVT problems include lurching, problems with acceleration, overheating in the car, and early transmission breakdown.

We have prepared a sample of complaints sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to provide you an insight into the problems with the Nissan Maxima CVT transmission. Please be aware that the Nissan Maxima transmission complaints have been modified for clarity and language.

How much does it typically cost to rebuild a transmission?

The degree of transmission damage and the transmission’s location are the two most important factors that affect the overall cost of a rebuild.

An average transmission rebuild will run you between $2000 and $3000 in labor and parts.

This is true for thorough rebuilds, although depending on the part being rebuilt and the particular automobile type, the cost could be more or cheaper.

Location Of The Transmission

Since most cars with rear-wheel drivetrains have a more accessible transmission, the position of the transmission has a considerable impact on labor costs.

How frequently should a Nissan Maxima have its oil changed?

One of the most fundamental and challenging maintenance for your car is an oil change. Generally speaking, synthetic oil needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. For traditional oil, Nissan advises changing your 2020 Nissan Maxima’s oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.