DaBoxSE

iTrader: (5)

After doing a Transmission transplant two months ago, along with replacing clutch, flywheel, rear main, both axles, control arms and bushings, sway bar, all calipers, rotors, pads, starter and other small things here and there, I thought that I was trouble free for a while. I was terribly wrong.

The new-used transmission is now starting to grind like the old one did, T/O bearing is rattling, cracking noises coming from the front end, alignment thrown completely off, both drivers window regulators break, climate illumination dies, door lock timer dies when its cold, and now an exhaust leak in the rear. Not to mention I haven't had the opportunity to replace my 3 blown struts and 2 worn mounts with the Tokico's that have been sitting in my basement since April.

Its now time for me to move on. Style, Performace and Comfort was what my car provided for me. Those are top on my list, and this car still provided all three exceptionally. However, as far as reliability goes, that time is up for it. I used to have a lot of time to spend under the hood and under the car keeping it up and tweaking it. Now, I have a more involved job that takes up a lot of my time, possibly going to get a second job to keep some extra cash in my pocket, and at the end of January, I'll be taking a couple classes again. My girlfriend lives 35 minutes from me and I am there almost every day. Reliability is now a must. Thats why I am now thinking of a newer car and doing something I have always been against...getting into a car payment.

I've been thinking a lot about it recently and its time I had a peice of mind when driving. I hate driving and thinking of the next repair...when and what will need to be done.

So now for the cars... Right now my interests are in a 00-01 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro or if the price is low enough, the 1.8T. -Or- 02 Maxima. Now I know that this is a Maxima community and I think that it is the best for the buck as well, but I am now leaning toward the A4 for a couple reasons.

A4:
Quattro (definitely would love this)
Turbo (good for later tweaking)
Style (In love with the classy interior)
Quality

Max:
VQ (enough said)
Size (a little bigger)
Performance
Comfort
Maxima.org
Price

I am looking to keep the price around $18k or lower. So I want to know what you all on here to give me your opinions on what to do... Even if you suggest another car to look into thats fine...I plan on keeping my 3rd gen, but if I absolutely need to, I will use it as down, but I know that I wont get much for it. Its worth more to me in my driveway than as a gift to a dealer.

Thanks!
-Clark

MaxedOutOfCash

tough choice man. . . .let me just say that the audi is a quick quick car. . . my best friend has an 02 passat 1.8T (which is the same engine and everything as the a4) boosted the turbo to 9psi and he is flying. . . . that thing just kicks you into the seat. . . . plus you gotta love the german interior. . . .
But it's definitely your decision. . . test drive both and see which one you like better. . .
Sam

Dave B

Everything you listed is a wear and tear item and that's what happens when you own a 11-year old car.

As for the Audi, sweet car, but DO NOT kid yourself into thinking it's a reliable car. If you think the Maxima is expensive to fix, just wait until something breaks on the Audi.



Dave

MrGone

iTrader: (30)

your going to break nubiannupe's heart

DTR Maxima

i was in a similar situation with my 97' max. I loved the ride and the performance (other than its auto trans) it was big, comfortable, but the reliability was going downhill and it just kept getting worse. I just ended up selling the car for an acura.

I think the A4 is a very nice car. interior is prime, nice transmission, and a very good luxery/sport combo. Only problem is that if you are looking for a fast car, the audi can get expensive. personally i would take the audi over the newer maxima just because of refinement and quality of parts.

good luck

erty67

iTrader: (104)

Clark, i didn't think of this when i was talking to you the other day. One of my friend's GFs had an A4. She had nothing but trouble with it. After like 1-1/2 years later, she traded it in for an Accord and she hasn't been happier since. If you're going to go with a newer car, I strongly suggest the maxima. You already know what they're all about and how well it will treat you. I say get the 5th gen.....or a low mileage 4th gen.

...and i still think that 3rd gen would look good in my driveway


edit: i had one more thought....there's a 92 VE 5sp near me going for $500. it needs a motor. If you want to stay cheap...motor swap

dcmaxclub

I understand how you feel. When my car got to be about that age it was just a money pit. I loved it but it had to go. I know I put over 12,000 in repairs from 97-02 in my 1990 3rd gen, and the guy I sold it to put another 5000 into it already. definitely go for something more reliable.

MaximamixaM

The A4 is too problematic. The 97-01 1.8 quattros have leatherette (vinyl) not leather. I've also heard stories about electrical probs with A4s. The early 2.8s are somewhat weak,but I think later ones may be 5 vavle per cylinder with good performance with a 5 speed. Still, neither seems too reliable or cheap to run. 2002 Maximas are cool, I want one someday. But factor in stolen HIDs, Maf failures on modded cars, etc. I'd look for a 97-99 GXE or SE, as I think they are some good values with decent miles, but are getting old enough that the original rich owner$ are trading them in. Although it does sound like there have been some 5 speed problems with the gen 4s. Or, try and repair your current Maxima-probably for less than the tax on an 18K maxima.

subs1000w

just take a week off work spend a grand in parts and replace all that **** and youll have a nice relieble max again.

those are basic repairs except for the tranny grinding which for one should not be a suprize since you put in a used tranny plus you could just live with it

you can do what you want but just remember its a vicous cycle on any car you could get a newer car now but youll end up in the same position in a couple years anyway but youll come out way cheaper in the long run with fixing the problems with your current max

2k2kev

and you're posting this because .... ??

Either suck it up and fix your 10 year old car or get a new one.
Either way, does it deserve a thread on "what you should do" ?

SR20DEN

iTrader: (7)

The word at my new job is that Audi quality isn't so good. The other techs despise working on Audis and never seem to have anything good to say about them. But we're primarily a BMW shop so that may influence the comments.

MaximaGXE93

A4, looks nice I guess. Too many damn problems and expensive to repair. Get a 02 Maxima.

packetattack

iTrader: (1)

Maybe that's why Audi has that fantastic warranty that covers everything, maybe stuff breaks a lot?

I don't know, but they've seemed to be very high quality cars to me, after Audi got their act together. I've driven a few of them older 5000CSs, newer A4s and S4s. The performance on the chipped 2.7T motor is awesome.

The handling is great as well, and the whole car seems very well put together, giving me a much more solid feel on the road than I get from my Maxima.

The Quattro is amazing in itself, having fulltime AWD with EDLs for inclement weather is worth the money if he can get it with the warranty still active. Without it, if something breaks, you're in for $$$$ repair$.

lophix

iTrader: (3)

man o man do i sort of understand your position...but KNOW this: no car payment (except you're getting a base model kia rio) will be cheaper than fixing your car that you already know everything about. If car payments are something you want to get into, go for it, but i'd definitely advise you against it.

exhaust leak: how bad can it be? worst scenario (if, as you said, it's coming from the rear) it's the muffler...$120 - $150 for a 5th gen...cannot possibly be more than that....unless there's something i'm missing...
bailing wire is a temp fix for your regulator...$100 if you want to buy 2.
door lock timer: j-yard
climate illuminaion: wazzat?? mine has been sporadic for about ...heck i cant remember! but it's something i can live without...can you?

alignment: be like me...buy the $12*.** lifetime alignment from firestone and you can go in ANYTIME for life. I have it. Best decision especially if you like changing your suspension yourself often.

The MAJOR error you made was buying a used tranny though i understand circumstances that would have made you do so.....unfortunately, there isn't any other solution to that problem: get it rebuilt/buy a rebuilt one or f-it.

I feel your pain, Clark, but like I said, if you feel car payments are for you,

Oh and happy, maxima-problemfree 2004!!

nubiannupe

iTrader: (9)

Clark.... I guess you gotta do what you gotta do, man! And like some have already pointed out, Audi's ARE kinda expensive from a repair standpoint. But then again, ANY car is expensive - just the nature of the beast.

Your comment brought to mind a funny (and totally off-topic) story. But I'm sure you'll get my point once I'm done:

My brother and I were talking with these guys about cars, modding, and such. One guy says out of the blue, "WTF do you wanna screw up a perfectly good running car for, and why do WE need to know about it?"

My brother proceeded to beat the crap outta him. His stupid friends decided to step in and try and stop them, and my brother beat the crap out of them too. My brother then said to the first guy, "If you REALLY didn't want to know about it, you could've walked away and been happier than you are now."

Anyway, good luck on your decision, Clark.

lophix

iTrader: (3)

lol that's a good one.

Matt_NZ

Heh, there's also the Infiniti I30/I35's Techically you can call 'em a Maxima, that's what they're badged here in New Zealand and in Australia Not sure what prices are like though...

2k2kev

If you're staying, stay. If you're leaving, leave. No need to announce "I'm having troubles with an 11 year old car so I'll probably get one from a different manufacturer."

And just to keep this on his topic (which is still off-topic, BTW) audi reliability sucks. Two people I work closely with have them and they both had the exact same problems with the transmission and air conditioning. A/C not a big problem, you say? That A/C problem was NOT covered by audi. BOTH people had to pay for their own repairs because audi somehow claimed they caused the problem, and both repairs went into the thousands.

Now both fear they're going to have the same problem with the tranny in another 30k miles and it won't be covered and they'll be screwed. I wouldn't touch a used audi with a 10' pole, and I doubt I'd get a new one for fear of getting a bad one... and from my experience 100% of them have bad trannies and A/C units.

twiggy144

No matter what make, starting at 8 or 9 year old any vehicule will require frequent
repairs. Every few months is normal. Consider replacing the vehicule for a
younger one if :

a- the last rolling 12 months cost of repairs exceeds $1000 to $1500,
or
b- the cost for the next 12 months to come is expected to exceed $1500;
or
d- reliability is an important issue for driving to work, earning money, or other reasons
or

c- you get stranded to the point you are fed up!

I did a big mistake hanging on a 9 year old 1992 Caravan, cause I had spent
a thousand dollars in the last couple of months, and wanted to " benefit" from
those expenses at least another year. My stubborness ended up costing me a new tranny, alternator,
battery, radiator, gas tank, brake lines, brake drums, door hinges, couple
wheel bearings, engine mounts, brakes and calipers, car rental while being
tranny serviced, etc. All this in a 12 month span. Ended up paying twice as
much in repairs as the market value of the car, not considering being at
the garage every month. GNAHHHH! Completely absurd. Still biting my teeth.

Dont love something that cant love back. Say goodbye to your Max.

Daniel

Owned 13 cars in the last 25 years, from brand new to 14 year old cars...

SteVTEC

agree with 2k2wannabe

If you want a reliable car, an Audi is *NOT* the car to be looking at. New(er) Max, Camry, or Accord would be right down your alley. There are deals to be had on the Mazda 6 also. First year reliability on that car was among the best according to Consumer Reports. Even beat out the Accord.

Shugarhi

iTrader: (1)

A4 - Heavy Fat Boi

Synki

Sounds like you are sick of the car and tired of fixing it. That is more then enough of a reason to move on. Sure you could have it fixed but Im sure you've dealt with it enough Clark. It happens when cars get older.

If you want a newer car then go for it.

This is just MHO. Opinions are like as$holes, everyone has one.

Lord Dain

My firiend drove an A4. He now drives a 2K Maxima. A4 == Bad bad bad car.

RastaManMax

iTrader: (5)

Don't get the Audi if you want reliability. Look into the 2k2-3 Maxima more closely and others such as the Accord and Camry. I would lean more towards the 2k2/3 Maxima or Accord Coupe because they are more performance oriented than the Camry and still have very good reliability ratings. The Mazda 6 is a very sharp looking car, but i don't know about the build quality down the road.

LEMAR

Iron Scimitar

iTrader: (38)

get the 02.

MaxPerformanceSE

iTrader: (2)

Clark check your PM.

Shugarhi

iTrader: (1)

please for the love of god just dont buy a camry =)

DTR Maxima

it kinda seems like you are looking more towards the luxery factor, but if you want a fairly reliable car that is fast w/ allwheel drive, why not a wrx.
they are in your price range, but are not the most refined cars. It makes up for it with the AWD and tubo though.
anyways, a 2k3 TE 6speed max would own!

BOZOnPJs

did you consider the Altima 3.5 loaded?

Wisky97SE

iTrader: (1)

for 18G's you could be getting many cars.

I would concider (although different from the Max)

SC300, 400 - The 400's are quick, and either way I think they look great.

LS400 (93-96) - Quick, Sleek, Classy . .

E36 M3 - You could find one for less than 18 in pretty good shape . . . If you look hard enough.

GS300 (400 if you could find one in your price range)

Acura TLS (if you could find one in that price range)

Volvo 850R (or t-5R) dont be fooled, these volvos are FAST and will Rip a Maxima easily, with a MBC (manual boost controller) you could easily make it alot quicker than it already is.

Audi A4 1.8T quattro - before I purchased the Max I wanted an audi with quattro, and I heard many issues about reliability, expecially from higher milaged cars. Although I still think they're great cars, it all depends if you can afford the maintence.


Dont feel bad because you're leaving the Nissan family, there are many cars out there that are just as good and better than the Maxima, what fun is it driving the same car. As much as I love my Maxima, if it got stolen or if anything happened to it, I would want to get a different car, a new experience, change is good. Good luck on the decision, its a hard one, and make sure you make the right one.

lophix

iTrader: (3)

man, you probably have another 3000miles before that tranny really craps out on you. take your time and decide during that period and make up your mind...btw how many miles do you have?

deezo

iTrader: (3)

Whassup Clark!

My sister wants to get rid of her 3rd Gen too. I don't have a lot of time to work on it and she needs more room for her growing boys. Why not go for a 4th Gen? I'm sure you can find a reliable one for good money.

MaDMaX024

ed, we tried to pick that car up and the guy said it was sold! if its still there in a week or so we're going back..did someone say trailer queen track car?

so clark, i guess this means you dont want my springs? haha
my buddy has a 98.5 A4 2.8QM and its been reliable, at 62k its needed valve cover gaskets and a clutch(clutch has yet to be replaced), but he really beats on it so i'm not surprised. it also needs a timing belt.
incredible car, awesome handling with just springs/struts. hes got the PES G2 supercharger waiting to go on in the spring. its going to be pretty nuts.
i love the interior, the steering is very tight and responsive..all around a beautiful car, but very expensive to repair.
spring the extra $7k and get an S4

dmontzsta

iTrader: (8)

If she wants more room, then going from a 3rd gen to a 4th gen she is going to be more cramped, especially if she sits in the passenger seat due to the design of the dash, that is one of the first things I noticed when I get out of my 97 and hop into my 92.

deezo

iTrader: (3)

Well, she wants a truck so that will change everything.

PAPA SMURF

ehh, not to sure about the 02, but my gramp's 99 passat surely is lacking in "german interior" quality...

dmontzsta

iTrader: (8)

That will be roomy enough. Make her get a Lightning.

Dave B

The 4th gen is both wider, taller, and longer on the inside than the 3rd gen. It obviously has more interior room too. The only difference with the dash board is the 3rd gens is nearly upright whereas the 4th gens looks much like the Benz dash boards of the early 90s (slopes out and slopes back in). You must be a very tall guy because I'm 6' 2" and when I'm in the passenger seat with the seat set only 50% back, there is tons of room. The dash feels very far away. If you think a 4th gen is cramped then don't consider an F-150 I've used those for months at job sites and even with the seat pushed all the way back, I can't cross my legs. In my 4th gen with the seat all the away back, I can.


Dave

maxima105

I have a 2000 Passat and the parts for it are outrageous....German cars are expensive to repair and maintain!!!

dmontzsta

iTrader: (8)

I am 5'9" my GF is 5'2" and she is the one who complains about them. She goes to put her legs up and hits the dash everytime. If she scoots the seat back then my son in the back seat will start complaining that the seat is too close.