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Nissan Maxima 1995 Problems

Are you having problems with your 1995 Nissan Maxima? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 1995 Nissan Maxima issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 1995 Nissan Maxima in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Ask Smithy Xtra Burning smell in Maxima

The burning small could be from a hot engine. Check the cooling system and make sure it has coolant; I wouldn’t expect to be able to remove the radiator cap as easily as you say you can after running the car for some time. The fact that the temperature gauge is saying all is well doesn’t mean it is.

Used Nissan Maxima review: 1995-2009

Nissan Maxima has enjoyed sales success in Australia over many years. Success in a class in which others have struggled, that's because buyers show a preference for locally built cars in the big-six-cylinder market. Maxima is fully imported from Japan and can carry four large adults and a child with ease, five adults if they don’t mind doing some space sharing. 

The Maxima gives a smooth, quiet, comfortable ride. Though it's not quite as good on really rough corrugations as cars that are specifically built for Australian roads, it copes reasonably well with Aussie dirt roads. Handling is softer and less responsive than that of the local sixes, but the Nissan is safe and predictable and will suit many drivers. But those looking for a sports sedan should try elsewhere.

Styling of the big Nissan was nothing special in the pre-1995 models but has improved since. Maxima underwent a styling revolution in 2003, though with the 2009 model the designers backed off and went back to a more modest shape.

Maximas prior to the 2003 model, use a 3.0-litre V6 engine. The 2003 Maxima had upgraded power by courtesy of a 3.5-litre V6. With the introduction of the 2009 Maxima, Nissan Australia surprised us all with the addition of a sweet little 2.5-litre V6 as an option to the 3.5-litre unit. The smaller engine has more performance than you might expect, but traditionally buyers of six-cylinder family cars in Australia want plenty of grunt and the 2.5 doesn't really supply that.

Nissan Maxima was unusual in having a manual transmission option in a market that’s normally auto-only. However, the manual was only offered during 1995 and 1996 and only in the lower-cost model. This five-speed unit could be difficult to resell. However, many country drivers enjoy the added control offered by the manual gearbox and may be looking for a car just like this. 

The automatic transmission had four forward ratios until the interesting move in 2006 of specifying a continuously variable transmission (CVT) beside the engine. The CVT gives a little more performance and there's some reduction in fuel consumption. But not all may like the different sound and feel it displays. Then again it's an acquired taste.

Spare parts prices are often a little higher than average for this class, reflecting the fact that the Maxima is fully imported. 

The good home mechanic can do some of their own maintenance and minor repair work on older models, later ones are pretty complex in places. Underbonnet access is good but make sure you have a workshop manual before diving in too deep. 

The Australian Nissan dealer network is long established and works well with outlets in virtually every area, even those deep in the outback. However, the latter may not always keep spare parts on hand for the Maxima so you may face a wait if unlucky enough to have problems in the bush.

Insurance charges, though usually higher than for Aussie family sixes, aren't excessive. There can be a bigger than average range of premium charges so it's smart to take time to shop around.

The engine should start almost the moment you turn the key and idle smoothly and quietly as soon as it starts.

A smoking exhaust is probably a sign of expensive wear – and the older Maximas are often getting towards their use-buy date.

If the automatic transmission is slow to go into gear or harsh in its changes it may be due for an overhaul - though you may get away with simply having it serviced.

Check the brakes pull up the car in a straight line and that one wheel doesn’t lock before the others. If ABS is installed you should feel a pulsing through the pedal during hard braking, if it’s too harsh have an expert look it over.

Make sure there are no suspension noises, particularly when the car is driven on rough roads. Try a few hard corners and feel for a car that leans overmuch, but keep in mind these Nissans are set up for comfort not speed.

Look for body damage or repairs following a crash, an inspection of the front tyres for uneven wear and a look over the seats, door trim and carpets for signs of rough use. Always have a professional do a final inspection.

Budget on paying from $3000 to $6000 for a 1996 Nissan Maxima 30S Touring; $4000 to $7000 for a 1999 Maxima S; $6000 to $10,000 for a 2003 ST-L; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2005 ST-L; $12,000 to $17,000 for a 2006 Ti; and $21,000 to $29,000 for a 2009 Ti.

Cars aimed at drivers who prefer comfort often appeal to those who spend money on having them professionally maintained at all times. Ask to see the service books.

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Used Nissan Maxima review: 1995-1999

Nissan has had a knack of building good cars and disguising them so well few people get to see just how good they are. The A32 Maxima is a perfect example. It was a very good family four-door that went unnoticed by the majority of car buyers.

It was a similar case with the Skyline the company previously built in the 1980s. The Skyline had a refined mechanical package that was reassuringly reliable, it was well built, but its hard-edged styling was hard to accept. Those who cared to take a closer look, however, were pleasantly surprised and became ardent fans.

The Maxima is a similar case. It had a wonderfully refined mechanical package, was well built, and very reliable. Even better, its lines were much more attractive that its predecessor.

Despite the positives it was a car that failed to grab much attention, but like the Skyline those who looked closer found a great car, and also like the Skyline the Maxima is a car worth taking a close look at when considering your next used car.

MODEL WATCH

The Maxima first arrived here in 1991 as an imported replacement for the locally built Skyline, which had attracted a loyal following in the years it was on sale despite some early problems with diff noise.

While the Skyline was a competitor for the Falcon and Commodore, the Maxima was aimed at those who wanted more and were prepared to pay for it. Unlike the two locally built cars, and the Skyline, the Maxima was front-wheel drive, but it boasted good build quality, was smooth and refined, and very reliable.

Like many Nissans the Maxima’s styling was thought to be ultra conservative, and it was quickly given the tag of your “granddad’s” car. Sure it was conservative, as many Japanese cars of the time were, but it’s really being a little unfair to the Maxima, and yourself, if you disregard it on the basis of its looks.

The A32 Maxima is now almost 10 years old, but it has held its looks over that time, and still looks good on the road. That’s the upside of conservative styling, it simply doesn’t date as fast as some more edgy styling does.

Initially the model choices consisted of the 30J entry level, plus the better equipped 30G and luxury 30GV.

The 30J came quite well equipped with air-conditioning, driver’s airbag, central locking, power windows and mirrors, cloth trim, height adjustable steering wheel, power steering and ABS.

The 30G came with standard air-con, auto trans, alloys, cruise, driver’s airbag, wood trim, leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, central locking and CD player. The range topping 30GV had all of that plus leather, dual airbags, active suspension, power sunroof and fog lamps.

Power for all models was provided by a jewel-like 3.0-litre V6. The silky smooth double overhead cam motor had multipoint fuel-injection and pumped out a competitive 142 kW at 5600 revs, which was more than a match for the local six cylinder family cars.

Nissan initially offered a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto, both had floor shift, and drove through the front wheels. Auto became standard after 1996.

The 30S Touring sedan replaced the 30J in 1996. Features list included standard auto trans, ally wheels, rear spoiler, leather steering wheel and gearshift knob.

IN THE SHOP

The news is good for anyone who’s thinking of buying an A32 Maxima, as there is little that seems to go wrong with them in a regular or serious way.

Like any car things do break, and they’re always frustrating, but there’s nothing that says there’s a serious problem lurking under that very conservative skin.

The engine gives good service, and with a chain driving the camshafts, there’s nothing that needs replacing at regular intervals.

The transmission can give trouble, with the various electric solenoids in the ’box the main culprits. You can expect 200,000 km out of a trannie with little trouble, but try to find a car with a service record as these will be more reliable in the long run than a car that has been neglected.

The heater core can also be a source of trouble over the long term, if it fails it will dump its load into the passenger compartment and may drown the car’s computer, which is handily located below the core.

It’s a nuisance if it happens, and costly if the ECU is damaged, but it’s not enough to dismiss the Maxima as this is one great car.

LOOK FOR

• conservative styling won’t stand out in a crowd

• plenty of zip

• silky smooth quad-cam V6

• impeccable reliability

• check for service record

• high level of equipment

THE BOTTOM LINE

Conservative styling can be boring, but well balanced chassis, smooth V6, and great reliability make the Maxima a very attractive used car.

RATING

85/100

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Tacho on a go-slow

THE problem may not be with the tacho itself. It could be in the signal the tacho is getting, so take it back to the auto elecrician and have him check the system.

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