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lich-I'm in MN and open my SR periodically in winter on balmy days.
To better regulate in cabin temp., I wonder why the auto makers don't put in electrochromatic glass windows which dims (tints) the glass automatically depending on the amount of outdoor light and temp. If this feature is mass produced, the incremental cost should be nominal. May be they are already offering this feature in high end luxury cars, does anyone know?
By comparison, the 4-speed automatic version of my 1995 Maxima SE was barely 1 rung up the ladder from Fred Flintstone's car. The performance difference back in 1995 (and through 1999) was huge.
The only reason the 2002/2003 4-speed automatic equiped Maximas closed the gap with the 6-speed manual in performance was the added torque of the engine. Essentially, the 3.5 liter FWD Maxima with a 6-speed is overpowered beyond what can be effectively used. The extra torque did help the antiquated 4-speed auto, however.
IMO, if you put Nissan's 4 speed automatic up against its 6-speed manual in a RWD platform, the 6-speed would seriously outperform the 4-speed auto. I'm not sure if the new 5-speed automatic in the 2004 Maxima is any better, but clearly, IMO, Nissan's automatics are it's weakest link. They are no match whatsoever for the BMW "steptronic" (let alone the semi-manual SMG) or the AMG "sport-shift". Those automatics give up very little to their manual counterparts in performance on a RWD car. Even Acura and Infiniti offer much better performing automatics (5&6 speed) Nissan.
Regarding Octane: I noticed on my '04 Maxima SE rental that premium is now only "recommended" for maximum performance. A co-worker has run 87 octane in his VQ Pathfinder with no noticable damage. He says it does perform better with preimium, however. My opinion would be that engine management systems are sophisticated enough to detect the quality of the gas and adjust performance accordingly to avoid any damage to the engine.
Back in the eighties many BMW owners got their fuel injectors fouled because for some reason these people would buy the cheapest fuel that could find anywhere, and apparently some of that fuel was mixed with larger than permitted percentage of ethanol. So not only it matters what octane, but also where do you buy the fuel. I would stay away from nondescript discount places. Stay with good quality major brand fuel and you will save yourself potentially a lot of headaches later. I get 27 MPG combined using premium fuel in my 98 Maxima and I never used anything else but brand name premium fuel. I would never go to regular 87 octane to see what would happen.
Ethanol in the fuel, in my experience, is a "good thing" (up to 10%). The fuel burns much cleaner, all other things being equal. It also mostly eliminates the need for gas drying additives, because it is just that. There is less energy in ethanol, so you will get slightly poorer mileage. Downside to ethanol is the gas station must be careful with their underground storage tanks, as the ethanol can absorb water from the air and support corrosion of their storage tank.
Some fuel gets a higher octane rating by adding tolulene. This is a "bad thing" in my opinion, because it burns incompletely, leaving lots of carbon "soot" in the engine (requiring frequent "decarboning" cleaning sessions - check around with service centres - they will explain the need and how it's done).
What we really need is "low sulpher" fuel. The sulpher can take out the O2 sensors (expensive). It also causes deposits in the engine, and they are much harder to remove.
Seriously, if you like it, go for it. Who cares what anyone else thinks? Its your car, go with what you like.
My .02. I have a 2000 SE auto so it's not an issue for me.
Like ccmack said, if you stomp on the gas from a dead stop or rolling start, hang on. As weight transfers to the rear, you can feel the front tires having trouble holding on. However, if you apply, steady, progressive use of the gas pedal, the torque steer is minimal and the accelleration still outstanding.
Traction control on the automatic or the limited slip differential o the manual is supposed to help with the torque steer.
Here's his original article from April
http://money.cnn.com/2003/04/22/pf/autos/nissan_maxima/
Thanks!
great choice for me because I need a large, comfortable family sedan.
Something the G35 isn't. I'd never buy the Altima over an Accord because
the exterior style isn't right with those rear lights and the interior is
just plan SUBPAR. Stylewise, I got at least three complements and even more
admiring glances on the looks of the rental Maxima I had for a week. I
don't imagine this would happen with an Accord. So, the Maxima is the
Nissan for me.
You know, Car and Driver made a lot of the same comments that Ulrich did in
their first review, particuarly regarding the 6spd. and throttle response.
At least Car and Driver acknowledged that the car they drove was a
pre-production model. None of the subsequent reviews I've seen have
mentioned this issue.
I recall seeing somewhere where Canadian laws prohibit mini-spares, so perhaps there is a Nissan full size spare wheel that fits flat in the wheel well. I doubt Nissan would design Canadian trunks differently than US ones.
I wonder if the Canadian wheel well is designed slightly differently. Has anyone else tried putting a full size spare in their (US) Max?
We've got 6 inches here in Minneapolis, so its a question on my mind today.
I may venture out over lunch for a test drive before the side roads get too clean.
I live in Grand Rapids (MI, not MN), and I actually took delivery of my 03 Max SE this past March in a blizzard. It's slow going to be sure, but I didn't get stuck.
This season I'm going to see how it goes, and maybe swap the Potenzas out next fall if they're too dangerous.
Does this seem like a goos rate?
to tell u the truth, i think one of the reasons why i want her to get the 03 maxima (i might get one myself in a couple of years when they come off of lease) are the HID's.. but i just can't see myself paying $1500 to install them on my 2K GLE
do you think i have a case with the nissan service dept (getting the work done on warranty, or getting new rotors) given how this is the second time it has happened (i know about the tsb), and how little the brakes are used.
If I were you, I'd go through the dealer to get to the Nissan represntative and push hard to get a full set of new rotors free (under warranty). And if they don't give you any satisfaction, I might go so far as to looking into some sort of class action. It seems like I've read a lot of posts such as yours that suggest Nissan took a big step backwards in the engineering of the 2000+ Maximas.
Based upon my fear that the Maxima has gone downhill in terms of build quality and reliability since the 4th generation, I would consider the new TL 6-speed as a possible FWD replacement, when the time comes. I would never have said this, based upon my superb experience with my 1995 SE, but your story resonates. Feel free to print this post and show it to your dealer, if it helps to make your point.
i would never let anyone sell me a car that's "used" for the same price as one that's new.. ~8 to 12 miles on the odo. they basically used that car to let others test drive (in my opinion, that's used) on your dime...
but that's just me and i'm real picky about things like that