Used 1991 Nissan Maxima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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91 maxima long term report
very solid, reliable car, engine has been awesome - 122,000 miles & 6k since last oil change (way overdue) and oil level is still at the full marking. Rust is just now beginning to creep around inside the wheel wells and one rear door (Wisconsin winter salt). Only maintenance in 4+ years and 57,000 miles is alternator, distributor cap. Routine repairs of timing belt and water pump, exhaust, brakes, tires, cv boots, ft suspension ball joints.
Maximiz'in 4 ever
My husand & I purchased my 5 spd 91 Maxima SE in 96 when it had @100k already on it. Paid $7000 and every cent was worth it! I still own the car, speedo stopped working and was upset with husband when the replacement showed less miles (and doesn't keep up correctly) 7 of the years owned we have lived on a dirt road. Was told 7 yrs ago the rear seal leaks but still have not replaced and still no puddles in my driveway, doesn't burn oil. I can guarantee it has well over 320k miles. This car rocks! Only repairs have been for worn out parts and hitting one deer @ 80mph. Parts are hard to find these days and no one wants to sell including me. car will still easily do over 115+ mph. Love it!!
After 14 years it still drives like new
Having owned this vehicle for over a decade, I can vouch for it's reliability. The engine is remarkably strong coming up on its 14th birthday. Common problems are broken manifold studs (a $300-$400 one time repair if done right), shifter solenoid/ bushing can become tricky but easy to fix, LCD clock is unreliable, but are readily available on eBay in refurbished condition between $10-$20.
Great car
I got this car about 2 years ago and it is great. Even after 16 years it still gets good gas mileage.The transmission blew at 160k got it fixed. Replaced the timing belt at 180K. But i can't beleive it came without a single cupholder. Still going strong at over 185k and i plan to keep it another year. It can still get up over 85+ MPH.
OUCH.....
Good car....bought with 168,000 miles on. Only problem other that replacing complete front and rear brake system was that at 182,000 miles.... the crankshaft head snapped off! This may have been caused by a loose drive belt pully, spinning at different speed than crankshaft. Just a word of caution to all Maxima owners....check the torque on your pully bolt often and have a mechanic apply locktite as needed to make sure you avoid this costly problem. Next Maxima, I will make sure I know who replaced the timing belt and if they know what they are doing!!!!
fun and dependable
This car has continued to drive beautifully in both city driving and long cross country trips even after 200,000 miles. Some of those trips were 17-18 hrs. driving straight through with only short 30 min stops and gas. The brakes were the only thing that wore down quickly. Start right up even sitting out on cold Chicago winter nights.
Wonderful car
I bought my Maxima from my dad. He bought it from my grandfather who bought it new in 91. It has been the best car I've ever owned. Fun to drive, completely reliable, and great on fuel. This car has one of the nicest clutches I've ever used. Smooth as silk. I like it even better than the new Lexus IS I recently drove. Fuel economy is awesome for a V6. I got 31 mpg once on a trip (all highway). I bought it with 121K on it, and now it has 181K. Other than a leaky gas line, all repairs have been routine and preventative. This car was the best $2,500 I ever spent. When I do finally buy a new car, it will probably be a newer Maxima.
91 - Very reliable
I have just turned 200,000 miles. Only rebuilt the manual transmission. Had a few glitches with auto windows but that is it. Glad to buy another. Never buy a Chrysler - poor reliablity.
Two 1991 Nissan Maximas-both winners
We have owned two 1991 Nissan Maximas, one was a 5 speed other then that the exact same car down to the color. I am reviewing the automatic one because I never got to drive the 5 speed one my father bought with 100,000 already on the odometer. We got it to 220,000 before my sister traded it in, and only then was the engine starting to show signs of wear-burning oil. Now we own an automatic, we have no idea of the actual mileage because the odometer doesn't count the miles to well, but at least 150,000est. The car is SOILD. I can not tell you how well this car performs. Of course it makes creeks and noises. But the car is 19 years old and still so awesome to drive. Plan to restore it ASAP.
Yes
148k miles, bought at 42k. Forgot to change the timing at 60k, remembered at 130k (no problems). The front left power window is slow, as well as the speaker blew out, replaced the power antenna. Hard on brakes and they are noisey (recommended brake pads aren't sufficient). CV boot replaced, injectors (more bad gas, union 76), oil gasket leaked at 135k. I plan on driving this car to 200k+
excellent pick up
soon as hit 100K, normal time belt, water pump, cv boots needed replaced. at about 106K rear breaks and speedometer chip replaced (pretty expensive).but, about to sell--didn't expect so many problems. still a great car w/ excellent pick up (good for expressway/highway travel). a bit too light. overall A+
91 maxima ahead of its time
Best car for your money. Great acceleration. Bottom line...It kicks ass!
Great Car
This was my first car and I am very glad I bought it. I considered many different cars, and chose the maxima. I especially like the handling capabilities that is has. I have done a lot of hard driving in this car, and it has held up amazingly well. The suspension has handled everything that I have thrown under it, and still askes for more. The only problems that I have had, are that the air seal around the doors is starting to crack, and my trnsmission had an unusual and untimely demise. Other than that, this is one of the best cars I hace ever driven.
great car
i bought my gxe at 118k, and it still runs great. it is fast off the line, and comfortable at highway speeds. had to replace cv joints, front brakes, and timing belt at 123k. the engine gets rather loud sometimes, but hey thats what the bose stereo is for right? this is a great starter car for any teenager out there because its fast and reliable.
Great car & Great value
I bought this car new in 1991. I've done all of the scheduled work on the car (oil/filters/brakes/timing belt/water pump). All the work has been easy. I had leaky freeze plug that a local shop fixed for me. At 142,000 miles, my 5 speed SE still gets 28 MPG around town and 32 MPG on the hwy. Full compression in all six cylinders. I've been pushing this car hard since it was new and I was single. It's transitioned well to being a school bus that still has that 'fun to drive feeling' when the kids are home, the sunroof is opened and the speedometer is tickling 100 mph.
Still Crazy After All These Years
It's been a great car. The stereo and windows have gotten creaky with age. It took about ten years for reliability to become any sort of issue, and then it's just old parts, nothing major.
sweet
Ive had this maxima for about 8 months and ive put about ten thousand miles on it, it has been a pretty reliable car and rides smooth even when going a 120 on the highway it felt as tho i was only doing about 80, i have taken this thing through some construction sites with my friends and the shocks have worked great not that it is intended for off road but I thought id try it out anyways
A 1991 Mini-max Story...
what hout for broken exhuast manifold bolts. I read they always break and to fix this minor issue is like $300 bucks..Also, automatics like to act up when shifting and may require a new electronic shift sensor ($175)...Besides that, these car run the distance.
Long Term Reliability and Fun
Excellent car overall. Thought having to rebuild transmission at 100K was too early. At 168K I still have the original shocks! Fog lights have burned out too frequently, I will rip them out before the next state inspection. Engine has not lost a step.
great car
I bought this car used in 2003 for $3,200 with 139,000 on it. I put $1,000 in it for a timing chain thermostat H20 pump etc. Since then I have put 20,000 miles on the car and have had to replace the alternator and the master cylinder. Total cost $450.00. Other than those repairs the car has perfomed very well. The car has lots of power and a fuel economy of 23/28. I also love all the standard features of the SE. Cruise control,anti lock breaks,sunroof,five speed,bose sterio.
I'd Buy It Again
I bought this car new and have driven every one of its 182,000 miles. There's never been a major problem, just routine service and repairs. Great performance, responsive steering, firm but smooth suspension. I've gone new car shopping several times in the last few years but I never see anything I like as well as my old Maxima. If I could just get another one new just like this one was 15 years ago, I'd do it in a heartbeat!
Love my lil black nissan!
I have never owned a BETTER vehicle, fast, fun, sporty & great on gas. One of a kind & hard to find, mine was purchased at an auction for $2500 & everyone asks me when I'm going to sell...NEVER!!!!
Great Choice!
What a great car! Mine's got over 130k and it still drives like new. Solid feeling, no rattles, comfortable and a sturdy motor. This car has lots of leg and head room for taller folks. (It's the first vehicle I've owned that I didn't need the seat all the way back.) Quiet and comfy on the highway. I can see this vehicle going at least another 100k miles.
My old 91 Maxima
The transmisson shoul have a real filter to change instead of a wire screen screen. The transmission then should go 200,000 miles before needing to be rebuilt. I will buy another Nissan Maxima or an altima v6. It has been the lowest in maintenance and fewest repairs of any car I have owned ie I like good fuel economy/performance/comfort and extremely low maintenance and that is what the Nissan Maxima delivers. I am extremely happy. I own a 99LS400 which has extremely low maintenance and better fuel economy than the Maxima 26.9mpg/hwy and 20.3a city. The Maxima does sllightly better in city 21.5 average/city and 24-26 mpg/hwy.ie hwy. 75-85 mph average.
Sports and Luxury combine
This car runs like its brand new