WHAT IS IT?
The Malaise Era was essentially a global phenomenon, at least as far as what was being offered in the U.S. market. Nissan’s third-generation Maxima was yet another sign that the dark days were behind us. Here was a mid-sized, FWD Japanese sedan with an independent trailing arm rear suspension, and nearly 200-horsepower from the brilliant 3.0-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V30DE V6 that packed variable valve-timing and aluminum heads. Oh, and a limited-slip differential was standard, and five-speeds (like this one) got a dual-length intake manifold. Sophisticated stuff for a moderately-priced sedan in the early 90s. Nissan famously marketed it as a four-door sports car. Sure, it was a bit of marketing puffery, but back in the day, when BMW was offering an E34 525i with substantially less power, it was a big deal to which Bimmer drivers could only respond, “but front-wheel-drive!”
WHY THIS CAR HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
Quite simply, this Maxima presents as nearly new in just about every respect. While the odometer shows 49,000 miles, it looks more like 4,900 miles. The underside is simply remarkable and totally honest-looking, no dry ice blasting, just honest cleanliness and lack of corrosion. The engine compartment looks dead original, the velour interior is absolute perfection, as is the trunk, even the tires look like period Bridgestones, which is what this car might have ridden on new. And while we tend to lean harder into condition than spec, the fact that this is a 5-speed SE is the icing on the cake. At $36,000, it ain’t cheap, but let’s face it, that probably won’t buy a new Camry today, and we know what we’d rather daily. It’s on sale at Duncan Imports in Virginia.
while we tend to lean harder into condition than spec, the fact that this is a 5-speed SE is the icing on the cake.
