Description
Top of the Range QX (4th Generation Maxima/ A32), full leather, air con, computer, etc. Smooth V6 power, drives very nicely. Completed 2000+ mile summer tour this year (inc NC 500). Never failed an MOT in its life. Recently fitted new full exhaust system, starter motor, alternator and all 6 coil packs (preventative maintenance). Also recent new front discs/ pads/ refurbed calipers. Very rare car in the UK in this spec but parts are plentiful and cheap due to popularity of model worldwide. Happy to keep it but could do with a space in the garage. Brochure and workshop manual included. Extensive maintenance record. Purchased from a retired motor mechanic in Aberdeenshire in June 2024. He was a long-term owner and owned it twice. Driving it back to Hampshire overnight, it performed faultlessly. MOT'd until end of May 2026. Nissan QX (1995 – 1999) – Designated Nissan Model A32
The Nissan A32, otherwise known as the ‘4th Generation Maxima’ was sold in various markets around the world as the:
Nissan QX (UK)
Nissan Maxima QX (EU, Turkey, Russia)
Nissan Maxima (USA, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East)
Infiniti I30 (USA)
Nissan Cefiro (Japan & Asia)
Regarded as one of the best engineered cars ever made by Nissan, the A32 is a spacious, front wheel drive saloon with smooth V6 power, fine ride & handling and superb fit and finish. In the US, the A32 Maxima was Motor Trend’s ‘Import Car of the Year’ for 1995 and made Car and Driver magazine’s ‘Ten Best List’ for 1995 and 1996.
Capable of 300, 000+ miles before major overhaul, the 190 BHP VQ30DE engine was specifically developed for the A32 and subsequently further developed into the VQ35DE (fitted to the 350Z) and the VQ37VHK (370Z). Indeed, the VQ30DE earned 1st Place on Ward’s 10 Best Engines and featured in the Top 10 for 18 consecutive years. A smaller 140 BHP 2 litre V6 (VQ20DE) was available in UK and European models whilst a 2. 5 litre (VQ25DE) was standard for the Japanese home market.
Popular throughout the world, except the UK, well over 1 million units were sold during the 4 year production run. UK consumers largely snubbed the QX due to its relatively bland looks and lacklustre image. Just over 3, 000 were sold, the majority with the smaller 2. 0 V6 engine. In 2024, there are just 32 examples (of all variants) registered for use on UK roads, making it a rare sight. Depreciation was brutal. In 1998, a 3 year old/ 30, 000 mile top spec example (£30, 000 new) could be bought for as little as £8000 leading to an Auto Express Review calling the QX ‘Hidden Treasure’.
It’s predecessor, the A31 rear wheel drive Maxima, was widely slated as being deficient in many areas for the UK/ European market. It’s successor, the A33 Maxima QX, began to show signs of penny-pinching and reduced quality as Nissan fell on hard times and operated a component rationalisation drive with its new partner, Renault.
Other A32 Bizarre and Interesting Facts
• A 5 door estate, known as the ‘Cefiro Wagon’, was available in Japan (designated WA32), production lasting until August 2000, 1 year longer than the saloon.
• An A32 featured in ‘Fast & Furious’ as Vince’s car. It was painted Viper Blue & became a HotWheels diecast model.
• In the USA, The A32 Maxima was only sold in 3 litre form with a Manual Gearbox as standard. Whilst automatic transmission was an option, and standard on Infiniti models, the Maxima was marketed as a ‘sports saloon’. The manual achieved a respectable 0-60 mph time of 7. 6 seconds with one review claiming a best of 6. 6 seconds. In contrast, in the UK, 3 litre models were only available with automatic transmission.
• The A32 was built under licence in South Korea by a joint venture and was marketed in 1998 as the ‘Renault Samsung SM5’.
• A32s command high second-hand values in Eastern Europe, Turkey and ex-Soviet states where they are regarded as ‘status symbols’.
Notable YouTube Reviews
1. Hubnut – “Real (NZ)Road Test: 1996 Nissan Maxima 3. 0i (QX)”
2. Scotty Kilmer – “This Nissan is Better Than a Toyota”
