Nissan Maxima

ludacris · June 2001

what color is your maxima...the paint problems seem to be happening to the black color more often.

donato3 · June 2001

After haggling with Toyota dealerships for a Highlander for several months, I have decided to buy a Maxima. Since I won't need the vehicle until mid or late August, I am wondering if I could get a better deal on a 2001 at that time when the 2002's become available. Could someone advise me on this? I am interested in the 2001 Maxima GXE, Automatic transmission, with carpet mats, rear spoiler, and CD player in silver ("lunar mist"). Can I get a deal below invoice on that when the 2002's come out? Thanks. Donato3

jimmie8 · June 2001

I have a set of the Nitto NT 450 Extreme tires on my Maxima. I've had them on my car for around 26k miles, and it looks like I should probably get around 35k miles before I need to replace them.

Their dry weather performance is excellent (especially cornering...my friend has a Maxima with Bridgestone tires, and there is a noticeable difference). I'd say the wet performance is a little above average. Performance in the snow blows. If I'm on a slight downhill and I have to turn the tires to one side while I'm moving, I almost always end up skidding.

One thing to note: I bought a set of snow chains, and even though the chains claimed to fit the tire size, they didn't. The Nittos have such a flat profile, that I had to go to a bigger chain size in order to fit.

altavista · June 2001

My Max SE is black and I've had it for two months. I have 1300 miles on it - I put 200 on this weekend, I don't have a long commute to work.

Anyway, it drives great, but I noticed another paint chip today. On the top of the rear bumper, larger than the others, about 1/32 of an inch in diameter. It looks like the paint just popped off. Very lame.

I'm still not too upset, the only other choice was spending another 15K for a BMW 530i. However, I will say that my 15 year old black MR2 with 110K has no chips like these - at all!

Ed A. a.k.a. altavista

P.S. for anyone: I know that pushing the selector button on the remote audio control cluster on the steering wheel turns on the radio, but is there any way to turn it off remotely? It might be nice...

sgrd0q · June 2001

Just thought I'd add my experience - 7.5 K miles, Sunlit Sand, not a single paint chip. I wonder if this is specific to the color - anyone else with the same color and with paint problems?

warrenul · June 2001

It must be where you drive mostly

I travel the expressway (LI) and got so many paint chips I lost count. All my cars got them. Although the Nissan paint seems a bit more susceptable.

corkfish · June 2001

Anyone hear anymore more details about when the 260 HP SE-R is going to be available? Cost? etc?

txcarbuyer · June 2001

Thanks for the feedback on the Nitto NT-450. What other tires did you look at before deciding on the Nitto NT-450 for your Maxima? Where did you get the tires? About how much do they run. . .with installation?

Enjoy the ride. . .

jimmie8 · June 2001

Unfortunately I can't help you there...I didn't shop around for any other tires. I bought the car from a guy I know in Miami, and before he gave it to me, he mentioned the old tires only had about 20% tread left. So he went ahead and bought new tires for me at no cost! I asked him how much they were, and he said around $100 a pop. I do know that he looked at Pirellis also, but chose the Nittos. He's very knowledgeable, so I trust he chose the Nittos for a reason.

Also, keep in mind he probably gets discounts on tires since he's a dealer. I'd guess you could probably get them for around $120 each back then (2 years ago).

If I lived in Miami, I'd probably buy the exact same tires again, but unfortunately I live in the DC area. We get just enough ice/slush in the winter to warrant getting a better all season tire this time around. I've heard good things about Pirelli all season tires, and I'll likely go with them.

leoniv · June 2001

Does anyone know of a place where I could pick up a cheap bra for the new 2001 Max? I just bought a black/frost GXE w/conv. package and noticed all the postings on paint chips for black Maximas. This has me concerned since I also just found a chip on the end of the passenger side door's plastic molding (very small, but nonetheless annoying), really ticked me off since the car is only 2 weeks old. I really only want the bra for road trips to prevent rocks from beating up the hood. I'll take it off during normal driving. I know there have been previous postings on this, but I can't find a way to search through this entire Maxima message board without scrolling up every 20 messages. Thanks.

eclipsegs · June 2001

Fill me in on the "R" option. I'm very interested.

bahhumbug · June 2001

bahhumbug · June 2001

We went to Nissan Dealer and they wanted $106.00. So we went shopping and found through the weekly flyer that Farm and Fleet in Sterling, Illinois had them on sale for $49.99. They are called LeBra. Regularly they were priced at $65.00. Check around as ours fits perfectly. You may have to make a special order, we did and it only took about 10 days to get it. On the box it says that you can drive it dry - a very good plus; that works also as we checked it out.

txcarbuyer · June 2001

I recently got a nose guard for my "2 week old" Maxima. One dealer in Houston wanted $111 for the bra. . .2 dealers wanted $106 just as in your case.

I went on the internet and found a Nissan dealer in Sherman, TX that was selling it for $95.80 [includes "free" UPS shipping].

http://www.nissan-accessories.com/PP.asp?PID=93

It arrived within 3-4 days. The only thing is that the Nissan box instructions indicate that should include 4 parts: bumper bra section, hood bra section, instructions, and storage case. The storage case was NOT in the box. An email to the site has gone unanswered.

gerapau · June 2001

Yes qx4, nissan did offer an Maxima ES in Canada prior to 2000. It was not however a GXE with leather and so on as you mentioned. It was actually an SE WITHOUT leather and sun roof. In Canada all SEs come fully loaded and the ES was introduced so that Canadians could purchase an SE without all the extra equipment (and extra $s).

leoniv · June 2001

Thanks for the info bahhumbug. I'll see if I can't look them up in the yellow pages online. That price sounds tough to beat, even the regular price of $65. If you have a number or website URL for them, that would be really helpful too.

speedracer3 · June 2001

Official Info on the 2002 Maxima check it out

http://maxima.cardomain.com/member_pages/view_page.pl?page_id=131822&page=2

bahhumbug · June 2001

Sorry no web site but I have an address and telephone (800) number.
Saddleman, Inc.
2101 Enterprise Drive
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Telephone: (800) 950-9502 Ask for the nearest dealer.
All Maxima 2000 - 2001 #55799-01

Hope that this is of some help for you. Please let us know if you find a dealer and if you get a LeBra. We really like ours. Have a good day. Bahhumbug of Illinois
P.S. We like our Maxima better than the Bra of course. Ha! Ha!

pwash19 · June 2001

I was the proud owner of a 2001 GLE until the wife called broke down on the side of the road with 1432 miles on the odometer. The torque converter has gone bad. It would start and run beautifully but when you put it in to gear it would die. We are told the parts are in and we will have it back tomorrow after three days at the shop. I still am keeping my fingers crossed that this will be a great car. I will keep everyone posted of the outcome.

tgif888 · June 2001

Wow, good info. When it will hit the show room floor?

qx4 · June 2001

i called it a GXE with extra options rather than an SE minus options based on the fact that it had GXE suspension and not the firmer SE suspensions.

from what i know thats the primary difference between the SE and the GXE&GLE

some one verify please

and my mistake about the leather.....for some reason i thought it had leather.

ludacris · June 2001

thanks for the info! wow Xenon HID headlights for every model? i wonder if we'll be able to swap headlamps...some pix of the rear would be nice too : )

does anyone know where i can find the anniversary edition chrome side sills? and would it be a pretty easy install? ive seen several non-AE models with the chrome side sills installed and am thinking on gettin them.

strooper · June 2001

Go to the following webpage:

http://www.courtesyparts.com/secondtier_a33.html

You will find the door sills.

Trooper

altavista · June 2001

speedracer3, great info! Thanks for the link.

The 6-speed, memory seats and HID headlights would be nice - although I'm not sure I want the first year of a Maxima with a new engine and new transmission. I waited for the 2001 Max because I didn't want the first year of a significant model change. And I'm very glad I did - the 2001's are less problematic and include several small improvements, compared with the 2000's, judging by various forum responses...

The more powerful engine is nice, but I have to say, that the existing car is quite quick and fast. I'd trade better paint and a longer warranty for a few less ponies.

Ed A.

har1bush · June 2001

Looks good... I don't have a Maxima so I don't know about the paint, but the best thing to do would be to give it a whole lot of waxing and cross your fingers. If that works, 260hp will make the existing engine a thing of the past. If you are worried about having problems with the 3.5L engine though, I wouldn't worry too much b/c Nissan's not some American clunker and it's still the same VQ V6 engine that is bored and stroked to a larger displacement. Besides, 5 yr powertrain warranty isn't too bad. If Nissan could keep the same prices for these Maximas we have ourselves a winner here (much of the same goes for the new upcoming Altima). But, if they must raise the prices, wouldn't we all rather get an Acura TL or even Nissan's very own Infiniti I35? Let's hope that they realize this and make the extra features on the '02 models free.

hammerhead12 · June 2001

I had a LeBra on my (shameful car) Dodge Daytona Turbo Z. I would have to say the bra was better engineered than the car. So if you are planning on buying a bra for the Maxima, LeBra is the way to go. The ability to drive it dry is nice. Some you had to take off when they got wet, what a pain. I left mine on all the time and never had any problem with paint fading or discoloration.

jimmie8 · June 2001

These were the two cars I was considering when I bought my Maxima 2 years ago. I chose the Maxima because it was the only V6 I could get in a 5-speed that was in my price range (and I thought it was a little more fun to drive). Rumor has it that the TL-S (with 260 hp also) will get a 6-speed transmission in 2003. I think Nissan has to keep the price of the 2002 Maxima atleast a couple grand below the 6-speed TL-S if they are to sell as many as they hope.

jcthom4 · June 2001

Hi!
Planning on getting a new Max SE or GLE.
Can we buy a new Max and immediatly drive it 1,000 miles over mountains etc. on vacation, or do we need to have a "break-in" period. If so how long or how many miles?
GLE or SE? Is the ride really rough in the SE if we were to load it down with family of 4 and luggage?
Thanks in advance!!

corkfish · June 2001

Currently in the Pathfinder.

ludacris · June 2001

Nissan recommends a break in period (first 1,000 miles i think, im probably wrong). they say not to go over 55 mph or something, but the main thing is not to overwork the engine, not really keeping under that limit. just dont accelerate too hard or overwork the engine and it should be fine. i dont know about the ride of an SE, someone could help u there...

ludacris · June 2001

and thanks for the link!

ekster · June 2001

It's time for the 30,000 mile service on my 2K GXE. Any recommendations (or non)on service depts north of Boston.

Thanks

canadiancl · June 2001

I don't think the ES had the rear spoiler, did it? But it did have the nice-looking SE alloys though.

maxamillion1 · June 2001

I saw one ES model maxima once, and I thought it looked better than the SE because it didn't have the rear spoiler, which I didn't (and still don't for that matter) like.

warrenul · June 2001

I noticed on the Courtsey webpage that the accelerator pedal is sold as an entire lever assembly. Has anyone installed one yet and how complicated is it?

I saw aftermarket pedals and they all clamp on as with the 20 aniv. brake and clutch pedals. I am surprised that you need to swap out the entire assembly for only a pedal cover change. Thanks.

Boy, am I envious, the 2002 model has so much neat stuff that I wished I would have waited, then again lets see what 2003 brings! Too bad I planned that to keep my 2K for 10 years, Hmmmm...

gerapau · June 2001

The Canadian ES did actually have the SE suspension. As I said, in Canada the SE is the same as in the States but fully loaded. The ES was an SE without some of the options (like leather, sun roof, and as others pointed out, the rear spoiler). The ES had all the standard options that were included with the American SE including the suspension plus a few of the options.

habitat1 · June 2001

Inasmuch as I am planning on purchasing this fall or early 2002, I'm glad to see the new 3.5 liter Maxima will be hitting showrooms in a few months. My 2 cents on a few items from past posts:

One of my current cars is a 95 Maxima SE(5-speed). First year for that generation and engine. Not a single problem for 109,000 miles. I wouldn't be worried about buying a new model, although there were apparently some problems with the 2000/01 generation.

Thanks to Nissan for increasing the displacement. My 95 with 190hp/205lbs definitely feels quicker than the 00/01 with 222 hp. Apparently you can only "tweak" 3.0 liters so much and the nominal increase in torque from 95 to 00/01 didn't make up for the increased weight. I'm relatively more impressed with the 246 ft-lbs of increased torque the new model will have than 260 hp. Perhaps if I lived in Germany and drove the Autobahn daily, I would feel differently.

Even if the price goes up slightly, I respectfully disagree with a few posts suggesting the Maxima will lose relative value compared to the Acura TL or Infinity I35. Having owned an Acura and driven/riden in a TL extensively, even the TL "S" doesn't provide the handling feel and fun to drive factors of my 1995 Maxima. As for the I-35, it will only come with an automatic and softer suspension. No thanks. My personal purchase decision will likely come down to a 530i (sport)or a 2002 Maxima at $12-15k less. I have to say that, in spite of my preference for BMW handling, build quality and rear wheel drive, the last 6+ years of troubleproof Maxima experience doesn't make the decision any easier. Perhaps I should go with the Maxima and put the savings towards a "Z" car for weekend fun???

Final note: The 2002 may be the Maxima year for driving enthusiasts. If I understand correctly, the body style redesign for 2003 will be larger and likely heavier. From my experience, that's not the direction I would want to go in.

speedracer3 · June 2001

I know I am gonna get heat for this. I drive a 2k Maxima SE and it reminds me so much of parents's 80's BMW 525i. Granted the Beemer was more luxurious, but it was a headache. That is the real trade off with German cars, great fun, but when things go wrong get ready open up your wallet. Having said this, when my Maxima lease is up the new Audi A4 as well as the BMW 325 will be on my shopping list.

wilsontl · June 2001

Looking to buy a new 01 max within a couple of weeks, was going to wait until next spring but a Tahoe rear ended me and took away that plan. Need to gather my info as I go in to shop for a new max so today I stopped by the edmunds forums to get the lates pricing and other rebate info. My ?'s are does anyone know the current rebates on the 2001's and if there is any specail finacing. Thanks

raybear · June 2001

wilsontl · June 2001

I've seen where most maxima's are selling below invoice just how much is my ? Should I start a couple of thousand below invoice or just quote the $500 below invoice. Plus what is the special financing.

raybear · June 2001

Yikes! They'll toss you out in a heartbeat!

Try a few hundred below, if they say yes then tell them you expect to get the rebate also.

My info shows 3.9% on 24 months, 3.9%-4.9% for 36 months and 3.9%-5.9% up to 60 months. It seems the rate varies according to credit.

wilsontl · June 2001

Thousands pretty sneaky with the rebate that way. BOW my credit score is a 726 so I would think that would qualify me for the 3.9 for 60 months. Looks like I'll go fishing at the Nissan dealer and see what I hook. PS thanks for the info.

jimxo · June 2001

I purchased a 2K Maxima in July 99. I love this car, however I have not been satisfied with the A/C since day one.

It seems to take at least two minutes before I get cool air. When I finally do it seems to warm slightly when I accelerate hard.

I read some post at the New Q45 post with similar complaints.

Is there a A/C issue with Nissan?

txcarbuyer · June 2001

I purchased a 2001 GLE on May 26, 2001 & got abotu $50 < Edmunds TMV AND 3.9% financing for 60 months.

You might call a few dealers and confirm if the financing is still good in June.

Enjoy the ride. . .

gnl · June 2001

The above complaint about the air conditioning is the first I've heard of any problems in that area. Mine (Y2K, bought July '00) works fine. In general, some people say that the new refrigerant is not as effective as the now-illegal freon, but I suspect the problem is more that your system was slightly under-charged. If it's been like that for two years, don't know if warranty still covers it, but I'd take it to an automotive a.c. specialist for evaluation.

ludacris · June 2001

our 2000 (bought in september) maxima's a/c works fine too...

koski1 · June 2001

just got my 01 gle tinted. looks great,but at night, lights look like their reflecting off water out the rear window . its unbearably distracting. the defroster lines cause it . Did I get a bad tint job? anyone else have this, or not?

akuma1 · June 2001

My dad is looking for a car in the Maxima GLE price range. What is the best Canadian price you guys got?

jmaxe · June 2001

koski1,
I have the same problem with numerous reflections off the defroster lines on my 01 GLE. I had the tint job done soon after purchase and I don't remember if there were abnormal reflections before the tint. I've gotten used to it and I don't notice it much now. Hopefully you'll do the same.

Nissan Maxima

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