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Nissan Maxima A35

2009–2014 · A35 · sedan

Seventh-generation Maxima, sold in the US 2009-2014. 3.5L VQ35DE V6 (around 290 hp), paired exclusively to Nissan's Xtronic CVT. FWD only. No manual transmission offered (the 6-speed manual was dropped after the A34). The 2009 redesign brought tauter sheet metal and the more aggressive 'four-door sports car' marketing positioning that carried into the A36.

Watch out: The Xtronic CVT is the dominant long-term concern. Some 2009-2010 cars were covered under Nissan's extended powertrain warranty (10 years / 120,000 miles) after a class-action settlement. Symptoms: shudder under steady cruise, hesitation from a stop, whine at speed, and high-RPM 'rubber band' acceleration. Owner reports of CVT failure between 80k-120k miles are common. VQ35DE timing chain stretch shows up at very high mileage. Pre-purchase: verify VIN-specific warranty status with Nissan, check CVT fluid history (Nissan NS-2), and watch for shudder on a sustained 35-45 mph cruise.