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<p dir="ltr">Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.</p>


NISSAN

MAXIMA QX

<p>The Nissan Maxima QX is not the executive model it promised to be, and falls well short of the best in its class</p>


Used Nissan Maxima QX Saloon 1995 - 2003

<p>The Maxima QX suffered catastrophic depreciation as a new car and lost 80% of its value in the first three years of its life. That means it's a lot of metal for the money as a used buy.</p>

<p>However, it will cost you in other ways. For example, with no diesel model to offer decent fuel economy, the miles per gallon figures aren't that great. The official numbers are 29.1mpg for the 2.0 and 27mpg for the 3.0, but you'll struggle to reach those in everyday driving.</p>

<p>Sourcing replacement parts could be a problem, given the age of the car now, but at least Nissan bills tend to be lower than average, even if you use a main dealer for your servicing and repairs. But, if you want to cut your bills even further, there are plenty of independent garages that specialise in Japanese makes.</p>

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The Nissan Maxima QX is not the executive model it promised to be, and falls well short of the best in its class

<p>The QX was only on sale in the UK for two years - it was launched on an X-plate - and there are just two models to choose from. Both are V6 petrols, a 140bhp 2.0-litre and a 200bhp 3.0-litre. Our pick of the pair is the latter.</p>

<p>The smaller engine struggles in such a large, heavy car, and with the optional four-speed automatic it's very sluggish. By contrast, the auto-only 3.0-litre is much stronger and delivers a decent turn of speed.</p>

<p>There are two trim levels, SE and SE+. SE is only available on 2.0 models and has remote central locking, alloys, a CD changer, climate control, and power-operated windows, mirrors and sunroof. SE+ is the best bet because it adds leather upholstery. All cars have anti-lock brakes, and twin front and side airbags. In security testing, the car was found to be very good at keeping out the thieves.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

<p>Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.</p>

<p>The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.</p>

<p>And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.</p>

Executive

<p>Build quality on this car is - in the main - good, and the Japanese firm's record on reliability is an impressive one. The QX's rating is well above average in data supplied by Warranty Direct.</p>

<p>That said, to minimise your risk, beware of high-milers. This car was aimed more at the fleet market than the private buyer, so many will have travelled big distances in a shorter space of time than normal.</p>

<p>Check for cars that could have been kerbed, because a linkage in the front suspension was found to break if subjected to an impact. Nissan warned this could affect the QX's stability and make the car difficult to control.</p>

<p>Brake discs have also been known to warp, so find out from the seller when they were last replaced. Inspect the headlamps, too, because faulty or damaged ones are particularly pricey to replace.</p>

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<p>It's important for an executive car to pamper the driver and the Nissan Maxima QX doesn't do too badly. It provides a decent high-speed ride, and around town it's fine. However, the handling just can't compete with the German models that dominate this class. The steering is lifeless and it feels nose-heavy through the corners.</p>

<p>The two V6 engines are the car's strengths, pulling smoothly right through the rev range. They're quiet, too, which sadly means you can hear just how much road noise there is.</p>

<p>As you'd expect of a Nissan, the dashboard is well laid out, but the cabin has none of the quality in the QX's rivals. There's no reach-adjustment for the steering wheel, either, and taller drivers will find it short on headroom. Rear passengers get the best deal, with acres of space to spread out in, but the way the suspension intrudes into the boot limits its practicality.</p>

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Used Nissan Maxima QX Saloon 1995 - 2003 review

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