My 2000 Max SE has its first problem and its a doosie. At 40k miles I noticed a humming sound (very faint) on the front drivers side only when I turned my wheel to the left. Now I have 50k miles and its very loud and is noticible even when driving straight.
I thought I had a broken belt in my front tire and was sure it would go away with my replacement tires-no dice. So I went immediately to Nissan and was told by the service department that they were 90% sure I had a hub & bearing problem. They never inspected the car and quoted me around $450.00 parts & labor. I called my close friend who works on foreign cars and he agreed this was most likely the problem.
I took the next step and special ordered these parts (non refundable) $200.00. I asked my friend to do the repair (labor $100.00) and gave him the parts.
Well he just called me and said the work is complete and the car is still the same. What the hay! He is lost for answers and went through every part of the car. He said it could be the transmission. Now here's where I need advice. I'm taking the car to Nissan tomorrow to tell the service writer I wasted $300.00 and still have this problem. With 50k miles on the car it is outside the 3/36 warranty. Is there a Nissan representative to call that could assist and "wave the magic wand". I'm really mad at myself, the dealer and my mechanic but mostly myself. I thought I could save some money, but now I'm in damage control mode.
This is my first Nissan and can't believe I'm already replacing parts such as these. Any thoughts of how I can resolve this with spending my Christmas budget on this car would be greatly appreciated.
isn't the powertrain warranty 5 yr 60 K on the 00-02 Max's? I just went ahead and got the extended warranty and will hopefully not have any problems. Best of luck and let us know what you find.
Is the sound only present when you are actually moving? Did your mechanic friend thoroughly check the brakes? If its not the hub/bearings, yet its getting worse over time, my next guess would be the brakes...
..from the buyers of 2002 Maxima's...has Nissan listened to the cries of their consumers and finally lit the controls on the steering wheel or do you have do like I do and feel your way around in the dark like reading braile as I do in my 2001 Max...mannn it's annoying and such a simple fix...Joe D.
I've used the factory touch up paint on my silver Max...It looks "ok" as long as you use a real fine artist brush...I've seen articles on how to repair chips properly...trust me you wont have the time or inkling to do it right, because of the way the car chips so frequently...I'm also looking into Turtlewax Color Cure products...has anyone had any positive results with that stuff???..Joe D.
The brakes are new and were checked over just in case. It is definitely only when the car is moving. The front tires were also placed on jack stands and the trans was engaged, but no noise was detected when there is no weight on the tires. I spoke to the service manager today and he seemed sympathetic to my case. He will let me know what he finds.
Wow, a person wanting to buy a Maxima in Canada who actually LIVES IN Canada :-) I get mail all the time from US people wanting to know how to buy from Canada, but the Canadians never write :-(
I heard a price the other day of CAD$35,900 for a SE 6spd with the leather/bose/sunroof package. In other words, fully loaded! If you need a contact to try, let me know. Toronto and Vancouver still seem to be the best. The US conversion is about $23,400 at today's rates, including duty to bring it to the US.
Which city are you in? If you're in Vancouver I would recommend Southside Nissan without hesitation. From my experience, excellent sales and service staff.
I am in Toronto, my hesitation is some of the dealers seem so cheesy. Does one get a loaner car owning a Nissan product, I have had infiniti's and the service is to die for.
I was at Sherway Nissan, near my home, and although they have zero Altima's there are about 15 Max's. Given the economy one would think there would be a real push to move these...
Well, after almost 2 1/2 years of researching, procrastinating, etc, I finally bought a new car - the '02 Max SE. I test drove the 2000s & 2001s, but never pulled the trigger. I'm married and have a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old. I've been driving a '90 Celica GT with a nonexistent backseat that I bought new as my first car out of college. Unfortunately I have to wait until tomorrow to pick up the car... ugh!
I wrestled with many, many factors in my decision (I'm about as organized and anal as you can get). I'm what you'd classify as an overly rational person. To me, this was a very irrational decision - but it sure feels great! We lost (on paper, at least) a very good portion of our nest egg in the market over the past couple of years, which made the decision even harder. Also, I usually spend every extra dime I have on my kids... but my wife convinced me that it was time that I did something for myself. I always thought I'd be "rational" about the next car that I bought, e.g. buy a high end used car, like a 98 Lexus or Infiniti, since it would hold it's value better after the initial buy (as you devout followers of the book "The Millionaire Next Door" know, you just don't buy a new car). However, I've come to realize that being rational is overrated...
When I went to the dealer up here in Boston, I came armed with printouts, quotes, reviews, financing scenarios, etc... turns out that I got the 2002 Max SE for below invoice, and I really didn't have to work that hard for it. They must be hurting for sales. It was actually a pretty darn good experience, and the dealer in question does not have that great a reputation.
Anyway, the specs are exactly what I wanted... unlike most folks I'm sure, I didn't want leather, heated seats, Bose, etc... my only requirement was a sunroof. I got the 2002 SE w/ sunroof for 23,400. Not a FANTASTIC deal, but I'm content with the result.
Anyway, there's so many stories within the story, but to keep this post from getting too long, if you have any questions on my particular experience (dealer, other cars I test drove, etc) I'd be happy to post in reply.
has anyone heard of Nissan dealers who offer the sale of "Program cars". These are apparently corporate cars that had been leased to executives. My husband was at a Nissan dealer today and saw a 2001 Maxima with around 20,000 miles on it for $14,995 and a 2001 Pathfinder for $19,995. These sound like great steals! Has anyone heard of this? Are these considered good deals?
Often is just another term for a car coming off lease. You hear dealers claim these were corporate executive cars, but seems like a heck of a lot more of them are for sale each year than the companies have executives!
Congrats! If you keep this car for 8 years (and looks like you tend to keep your cars for a long time!) you will be about equal in money spent to someone who buys a car 3 years old and keeps it for another 5. That's considering likely costs of repairs, etc. So don't beat yourself up too much, you made a good choice! And you'll have the fun of having a new car, and the peace of mind of knowing how it was driven during the break-in period. Enjoy the drive! P.S. What color?
Write me and I'll pass along the name of the manager at the Toronto dealer all the US people have been using. Excellent feedback and no hassles. I also know of one in Vancouver that does the same. I don't like to mention names here 'cause it looks like advertising or that I have some financial interest. -Jon
Welcome to the group! I have the exact same car. Only option was the roof (a must!). BOY DID YOU GET A DEAL!! My car's purcahse price was $24,997 but that was before the Sept 11th events. It is bad to say this, but only if I would have waited!
Maxima SE with sunroof for 23,400. That sounds like GREAT deal for me. The invoice is 24,490, you got it for 1,090 UNDER invoice. Yet you don't think that is great deal, wow! I am curious because that is what I am looking for , how did you do that ? What were you expecting to pay? Were you at all swayed by 3.5 Altima? Oh yeh ENJOY your new wheels!!!!!!
Any1 know how much Nissan saves by having "sem-independent" rear suspension in Maxima, instead of fully independent like they have in new Altima? I know they new guy who took over Nissan in America had to fight tooth and nails to get new Altima with fully independent rear supsension. Seems the bean counters in Japan were intent in saving money, they sure won the battle of saving in the interior of Altima.
So true, my friend - buying a new car and being rational truly are mutually exclusive. I have a humorous aside for you... my wife drives a 94 Corolla. No, I'm not kidding! Too funny. I think we need help. Do they have support groups for couples like us?
I purchased mine at Quirk Nissan in Braintree. They are supposedly the #1 volume Nissan dealer in New England. Get all of your test drives out of your system and go there when you are ready to buy. No nonsense at all there. I test drove the Camry, Accord, and Passat. I narrowed it down to the Passat and the Max. Then I went to a VW dealer and a Nissan dealer that were within two miles of each other to do a comparison. It became clear that my personal preference was for the Max (although the tiptronic on the Passat was very, very cool).
Yeah, I reread my original post and it does sound like I'm second guessing myself. Don't believe it for a minute - I'm very happy! I'll be a lot better when it's actually sitting in my driveway.
The car is black with gray (frost?) interior. This is a bit funny, because I had a prerequisite that I did not want another black car. The car I've been driving for the past 11-12 years? Yup, you guessed it... black with gray interior. LOL. Went as far as to tell my mother-in-law and a close friend, both of whom just bought new black cars, that I'd never buy a black car again. It stinks in the winter with the salt, sand, and snow, tough to keep clean, etc, etc. Yes, they are both having a field day with this. But the car had everything I wanted, and nothing I didn't want, and I don't HATE black, I just wanted a change. But it looks sharp, I have to admit.
I am deciding between the Maxima and New Altima. Have driven both, It was a short ride on smooth roads. In simple terms could someone please describe the difference in the ride between the Altima and Maxima. From what I have read, the Maxima does not have is a rear stabilizer bar. I am no race car driver, enjoy a fun road am looking for a fun car. Have had a rough riding Firebird in the past and do not wish to go there again. Currently drive a 96 Interpid, which is big and roomy and a pretty smooth ride. Although I have know clue what suspension is on it.
Thanks for the warm welcome. Believe it or not, I've been lurking on the Maxima board for, well, it seems like forever. All of your names are so familiar to me. I've loved reading all the posts. Actually, this Town Hall in general has helped me quite a bit - I like reading everyone's perspectives.
So, you and I have the same cars, eh? That's great. I'm curious, though - has all of the excitement worn off, or are you just as jazzed as when you first brought it?
PS --> You sound like a good guy too. Thanks for the best wishes!
LOL! To tell you the truth, I went into the dealership looking for a great deal on a 2001 Max, because the 02s were a bit out of my range. A couple months ago, when the 02s and the Altimas came in, I was quoted about 21 for a 01 SE (the GLEs weren't much more, either), so my simple mind told me "wow, it must be even better, now". Nope. Turns out I waited too long... most of the 01s are long gone. So, it's not that I don't know I got a good deal on the SE, it's just that I wasn't prepared to throw down that much cake on a car in general. Ah, but then I fell in love...
As to your question on how I did it... it was a weird experience. I went in there with an entire backpack FILLED with research - printouts, financing scenarios, web deals, emails, quotes - boxing gloves on, brass knuckles in pocket, ready for a fight. I never really had the chance. I showed him his ad from the Boston Globe that read very clearly "02 MAXIMA SE 22,999" and proceeded to list all of the standard SE equipment. Also said in big type "SAVE OVER 3100" and "3.9% FINANCING AVAILABLE". It then listed 12 models available at this discount. When I got there, he gave me the runaround. "No way - can't do that. It's below invoice." My wife was with me, and I began to say little asides in front of the salesperson like "I smell a scam" and "how can you run this ad?". They then tried to tell me it was only for one car, and it had been sold. I showed him that it read quite clearly that there were 12 models, and asked him to look up to see if all 12 had been sold. He disappeared for a while, and returned with two different key boxes.
What they wound up doing is taking the same 3100 off of the car I eventually bought - a base SE with a sunroof. I was unhappy with the trade-in cash that they offered, so they slashed the car another couple hundred. The 3.9% turned out to be just for 2001s. I told them the ad said for 2002s. They told me oh yeah, 3.9 for 3 years, 4.9 for 4, 5.9 for 5. Sigh. So I told him that I really couldn't go through with it, and that I was going to walk. Another couple hundred came off, and I paid cash. My home equity line is prime-2% first year (currently 4%) and prime thereafter (6%). And that interest is tax deductible...
As for the Altima, yes, I was interested. I put off buying a new car until the pricing was released on the Altimas. Never test drove one, though. I've driven my sister in law's 2001, but that's like comparing apples to oranges. I checked them out at the dealer. The interior looks as roomy, if not roomier, than the Max. I LOVED the exterior - very eye catching. I didn't like the looks of the interior. Reminded me of a cockpit with all of those pods. Looked a bit cheap, I thought... but just my opinion. What killed me on the Altima, though, was that they started at a nice base price, but Nissan seemed to really hit you on the options - e.g. paying extra for ABS. When I was looking at the stickers, the base price was very attractive, but then I would see all the options listed and the price at the bottom... well, suffice it to say that I had "sticker shock" when I saw that 3.5s sticker. Yikes. I thought that if I was going to pay that, I might as well buy a Max. However, I do think that the 2.5 is a great alternative for those who want to balance price and power (yeah, its not a V6 but hey, it's what, 170hp? Wow... that's a lot of pop for the money). Like I said, though, I never test drove it.
canadiancl - You know what??? Aw, never mind! I don't have it in me! I need to finish my beer as well!
mfrances - No, the excitement has not worn off! I still love the car. MAN is it quick and nimble for a big sedan! The Nissan engineers did a real good job with that solid axle. I don't think you'll be let down.
Obi 2002 Nissan Maxima SE 3650 miles Sterling Mist/Frost Cloth
I found the clutch high and deep, at least compared to the 99 SE. It is firmer than before, and need getting used to. The stick is shorter yet closer within reach. It felt light, but a little notchy. Plenty of power, and a big smile on my face while test driving
I have owned a 93 Maxima GXE for the past year or so and until lately it has given me no problems. In the span of a month, I had to replace the brakes, rear window motors, and cooling pump.
Now, the engine has begun shaking sometimes. It's very strange because it will shake for a while then be very smooth. Sometimes, also, the car will vary in levels of acceleration. For instance, I'll accelerate and feel nothing, then a brief surge of power, then very little, then a surge. All in the same gear. This happens more rarely.
I'm wondering if there might be a problem with the clutch, but I really don't know enough to say. I took it to a mechanic who looked it over and said the bearings on the engine were all tight. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Comments?
I would like to nominate "mfrances" post #3364 as the most refreshing I've ever read on any Edmunds board.
"I usually spend every extra dime I have on my kids".
Back in September of 1994, a new 1995 Maxima SE was a stretch for me. (We had our first child on the way and I was starting my own company). The only option I got was the $1,000 ABS brakes (bumped the car over the $20k barrier). No sunroof, Bose, leather or anything else. In the 7+ years and 116,000 miles since, I have spent a grand total of less than $4,000 for ALL routine maintenance and repairs, including tires, brakes, etc. And, whereas I would have liked a sunroof, the ABS brakes have saved me from at least 3-4 serious accidents on the Washington Beltway and elsewhere.
Well, we now have two beautiful daughters and I've done relatively well in business, so whatever we get next won't be a stretch. But, after reading mfrances post, I almost wish it was. Forces you to think about what really is important in life.
Thanks, mfrances, for the refreshment and I hope the next seven years with your Maxima are as safe and troublefree as my last seven have been.
dabronxr... Only Nissan's cost accountants know what their suspensions really cost. I'd like to know what parts, if any, of the Maxima's rear beam axle are shared with the Nissan Quest minivan. Buying more of anything tends to lower per unit costs over time and over huge production runs.
bigcheez... The Maxima DOES have a rear stabilizer (anti-roll bar), as well as a front one, too. To appreciate the difference between IRS and non-IRS, you need to drive the Maxima and new Altima a long time over the same road course. Make sure it has smooth portion, bumpy portions, twisting portions, etc. Then pay attention to the way the rear of the car behaves on the varying surfaces. You'll really notice it if you are going fast in a decent curve and go over a bump.
The latest issue of Motor Trend has a nice report on the Infiniti I-35 Sport. Very, very similar to Maxima SE automatic.
U got a very good price ! I got my base SE for 23,700+ (including front & rear splash guards, floor mats) and it was ok. People in Michigan are somehow always ripped by dealers. Carsdirect.com 's prices are also outrageous in this area too.
Other than all this, the car has been great. I still like the Maxima compared with Altima. 3 factors won me over: Made in Japan, Nicer interior, more value for money , standard HID lights !
Boston is one of those areas where you can get Nissans for around invoice. Both my dad and his friend got invoice on their Maximas ('99 for my dad and '00 for his friend) at Quirk in Braintree.
In Michigan Nissan prices seem to be higher for some reason. Maybe it's because more people around here buy American cars and there's not a lot of competition for foreign models? Not sure how that matches up with any economic model I've ever heard of...
I hope to make purchase at end of this month on '02 Maxima SE. I plan on buying with cash. I am wondering if letting dealer know this will work against me (no financing). I would also like to know if any1 other than Mrfrances (thnx 4 the info) has bought the same. What I would like to know is what I can expect to pay for it. I thought $300 over invoice was good deal. When I saw Mrfrances got it for about $1,000 under invoice I got curious. I guess the carsdirect price(300 over invoice) is not that great of a deal. Any1 willing to talk #'s ...thnx
I still can't understand an SE selling for $1K UNDER invoice....a few more deals like that and a dealer would go out of business - or at the very least, a new sales mgr would be hired! Would love to see the paperwork on that transaction. Trust me, that is NOT the norm! I bought a GLE and considered 4% over invoice a fair price. Having said that you should be able to do better though don't see where paying cash is gonna help much...good luck!
Most Nissan incentives expired 10-31-01(at least in NY area where I am). Does any1 know of any new incentives, or maybe they will just extend previous ones?. I was hoping to see some cash back to either me or dealer on the Maxima. All they(news people) keep talking about is the troubled economy...heck I'd do my part REAL QUICK(bing, bing, bing!) if they would give me some CASH incentive. I was looking at Volvo and found they have near $2000 to dealer on some 2001 models. That made the S40 and S60 look REAL good to me. But still leaning towards Maxima or Altima.
you might want to scan the boards for the S60 and S40. The S40 boards are full of folks gnashing their teeth and weeping about problems with reliability and quality control. On the S60 boards people seem happier but really nervous about what is widely seen as a general reliability problem with recent Volvos.
Geez, I guess I have to reply to that post since you seem to be questioning my integrity. As if I don't have better things to do than post false info on a board. I'm just sharing my personal experience, as so many before me on this board have done. It's definitely your choice, and yours alone, whether to believe me or not. I can respect that.
I invite everyone on this board to visit the link below to see this week's "Advertised Specials" at Quirk Nissan in Braintree, MA. It clearly states that they'll take off over $3100 of the '02 SEs. Just apply that to the MSRP of the base SE w/ sunroof only, throw in about $400 in dealing that I did, and you'll arrive at the number. Not that I feel that I am obligated to defend myself. I know that my experiences and intent are honest. Just didn't think I would be questioned on that.
Once the page loads, click the link below Recent New Vehicle Ads (currently Saturday 10-27-2001). It's the internet equivalent to the weekly ad that they run in the Boston Globe. Have a great day.
I believe mfrances price for the SE. However, I would say that it is the only dealer I know who will deal with this price. Your pricing varies depending on the place that u live. So don't expect this pricing to be available elsewhere. But u could use it as a bargaining chip when u are dealing with your local dealer.
Any recommendations on how to protect the new car paint from harsh winters ?
I just got the car last weekend. I just measured the tire pressure for all the tires. Man, it's only 26-27 psi. According to the center console lid, it's suppose to be 32 psi.
Sigh... dealer don't even bother to check for u when u buy the car from them. Crappy service.
I was NOT questioning your integrity! Just the dealer who makes deals like that. I stand by what I say - this is NOT the norm or they would go out of business. Also don't remember if a trade was involved or not - that can make the price look good when they low ball your trade. You got a great deal, no doubt about it.....
Excellent advice. As an ex-Volvo owner of 19 yrs I just went through that. Reliability has gone down like you said and I just didn't feel comfortable with 1st yr production S60s (plus didn't like the interior). S40s and S80s have serious issues the 1st few years. Am happy with my new Maxima and saving $$$...
To be fair, I agree that godeacs' skepticism was directed at the dealer. Although if it was a straight cash deal with no trade, I can't see how they could manipulate the numbers on the deal UNLESS they sold you something other than a brand new car. A demo? Fleet cancellation return?
Comments
I thought I had a broken belt in my front tire and was sure it would go away with my replacement tires-no dice. So I went immediately to Nissan and was told by the service department that they were 90% sure I had a hub & bearing problem. They never inspected the car and quoted me around $450.00 parts & labor. I called my close friend who works on foreign cars and he agreed this was most likely the problem.
I took the next step and special ordered these parts (non refundable) $200.00. I asked my friend to do the repair (labor $100.00) and gave him the parts.
Well he just called me and said the work is complete and the car is still the same. What the hay! He is lost for answers and went through every part of the car. He said it could be the transmission. Now here's where I need advice. I'm taking the car to Nissan tomorrow to tell the service writer I wasted $300.00 and still have this problem. With 50k miles on the car it is outside the 3/36 warranty. Is there a Nissan representative to call that could assist and "wave the magic wand". I'm really mad at myself, the dealer and my mechanic but mostly myself. I thought I could save some money, but now I'm in damage control mode.
This is my first Nissan and can't believe I'm already replacing parts such as these. Any thoughts of how I can resolve this with spending my Christmas budget on this car would be greatly appreciated.
I just went ahead and got the extended warranty and will hopefully not have any problems.
Best of luck and let us know what you find.
is using the touch up paint advisable ? or is there a better solution ?
I heard a price the other day of CAD$35,900 for a SE 6spd with the leather/bose/sunroof package. In other words, fully loaded! If you need a contact to try, let me know. Toronto and Vancouver still seem to be the best. The US conversion is about $23,400 at today's rates, including duty to bring it to the US.
-Jon.
I was at Sherway Nissan, near my home, and although they have zero Altima's there are about 15 Max's. Given the economy one would think there would be a real push to move these...
I wrestled with many, many factors in my decision (I'm about as organized and anal as you can get). I'm what you'd classify as an overly rational person. To me, this was a very irrational decision - but it sure feels great! We lost (on paper, at least) a very good portion of our nest egg in the market over the past couple of years, which made the decision even harder. Also, I usually spend every extra dime I have on my kids... but my wife convinced me that it was time that I did something for myself. I always thought I'd be "rational" about the next car that I bought, e.g. buy a high end used car, like a 98 Lexus or Infiniti, since it would hold it's value better after the initial buy (as you devout followers of the book "The Millionaire Next Door" know, you just don't buy a new car). However, I've come to realize that being rational is overrated...
When I went to the dealer up here in Boston, I came armed with printouts, quotes, reviews, financing scenarios, etc... turns out that I got the 2002 Max SE for below invoice, and I really didn't have to work that hard for it. They must be hurting for sales. It was actually a pretty darn good experience, and the dealer in question does not have that great a reputation.
Anyway, the specs are exactly what I wanted... unlike most folks I'm sure, I didn't want leather, heated seats, Bose, etc... my only requirement was a sunroof. I got the 2002 SE w/ sunroof for 23,400. Not a FANTASTIC deal, but I'm content with the result.
Anyway, there's so many stories within the story, but to keep this post from getting too long, if you have any questions on my particular experience (dealer, other cars I test drove, etc) I'd be happy to post in reply.
20 hours and counting...
My husband was at a Nissan dealer today and saw a 2001 Maxima with around 20,000 miles on it for $14,995 and a 2001 Pathfinder for $19,995. These sound like great steals! Has anyone heard of this? Are these considered good deals?
-Jon
You seem like a good guy! CONGRATS!
I know they new guy who took over Nissan in America had to fight tooth and nails to get new Altima with fully independent rear supsension. Seems the bean counters in Japan were intent in saving money, they sure won the battle of saving in the interior of Altima.
Automatic
www.cars4DU.com
They will fax you their price and they work hard.
I am sorry I did not buy my present car through them but I will buy the next one through them.
Yes they are brokers but honest ones.
Uh oh, I see Obi getting out of his chair...putting down his beer...reaching for his keyboard...twitching and foaming at the mouth
Don't worry, Obi, you're cool!
The car is black with gray (frost?) interior. This is a bit funny, because I had a prerequisite that I did not want another black car. The car I've been driving for the past 11-12 years? Yup, you guessed it... black with gray interior. LOL. Went as far as to tell my mother-in-law and a close friend, both of whom just bought new black cars, that I'd never buy a black car again. It stinks in the winter with the salt, sand, and snow, tough to keep clean, etc, etc. Yes, they are both having a field day with this. But the car had everything I wanted, and nothing I didn't want, and I don't HATE black, I just wanted a change. But it looks sharp, I have to admit.
Have driven both, It was a short ride on smooth roads.
In simple terms could someone please describe the difference in the ride between the Altima and Maxima. From what I have read, the Maxima does not have is a rear stabilizer bar. I am no race car driver, enjoy a fun road am looking for a fun car. Have had a rough riding Firebird in the past and do not wish to go there again. Currently drive a 96 Interpid, which is big and roomy and a pretty smooth ride. Although I have know clue what suspension is on it.
Any advice is appreciated :0)
Also, this will be my first Nissan Car.
Thanks
So, you and I have the same cars, eh? That's great. I'm curious, though - has all of the excitement worn off, or are you just as jazzed as when you first brought it?
PS --> You sound like a good guy too. Thanks for the best wishes!
As to your question on how I did it... it was a weird experience. I went in there with an entire backpack FILLED with research - printouts, financing scenarios, web deals, emails, quotes - boxing gloves on, brass knuckles in pocket, ready for a fight. I never really had the chance. I showed him his ad from the Boston Globe that read very clearly "02 MAXIMA SE 22,999" and proceeded to list all of the standard SE equipment. Also said in big type "SAVE OVER 3100" and "3.9% FINANCING AVAILABLE". It then listed 12 models available at this discount. When I got there, he gave me the runaround. "No way - can't do that. It's below invoice." My wife was with me, and I began to say little asides in front of the salesperson like "I smell a scam" and "how can you run this ad?". They then tried to tell me it was only for one car, and it had been sold. I showed him that it read quite clearly that there were 12 models, and asked him to look up to see if all 12 had been sold. He disappeared for a while, and returned with two different key boxes.
What they wound up doing is taking the same 3100 off of the car I eventually bought - a base SE with a sunroof. I was unhappy with the trade-in cash that they offered, so they slashed the car another couple hundred. The 3.9% turned out to be just for 2001s. I told them the ad said for 2002s. They told me oh yeah, 3.9 for 3 years, 4.9 for 4, 5.9 for 5. Sigh. So I told him that I really couldn't go through with it, and that I was going to walk. Another couple hundred came off, and I paid cash. My home equity line is prime-2% first year (currently 4%) and prime thereafter (6%). And that interest is tax deductible...
As for the Altima, yes, I was interested. I put off buying a new car until the pricing was released on the Altimas. Never test drove one, though. I've driven my sister in law's 2001, but that's like comparing apples to oranges. I checked them out at the dealer. The interior looks as roomy, if not roomier, than the Max. I LOVED the exterior - very eye catching. I didn't like the looks of the interior. Reminded me of a cockpit with all of those pods. Looked a bit cheap, I thought... but just my opinion. What killed me on the Altima, though, was that they started at a nice base price, but Nissan seemed to really hit you on the options - e.g. paying extra for ABS. When I was looking at the stickers, the base price was very attractive, but then I would see all the options listed and the price at the bottom... well, suffice it to say that I had "sticker shock" when I saw that 3.5s sticker. Yikes. I thought that if I was going to pay that, I might as well buy a Max. However, I do think that the 2.5 is a great alternative for those who want to balance price and power (yeah, its not a V6 but hey, it's what, 170hp? Wow... that's a lot of pop for the money). Like I said, though, I never test drove it.
mfrances - No, the excitement has not worn off! I still love the car. MAN is it quick and nimble for a big sedan! The Nissan engineers did a real good job with that solid axle. I don't think you'll be let down.
Obi
2002 Nissan Maxima SE
3650 miles
Sterling Mist/Frost Cloth
Now, the engine has begun shaking sometimes. It's very strange because it will shake for a while then be very smooth. Sometimes, also, the car will vary in levels of acceleration. For instance, I'll accelerate and feel nothing, then a brief surge of power, then very little, then a surge. All in the same gear. This happens more rarely.
I'm wondering if there might be a problem with the clutch, but I really don't know enough to say. I took it to a mechanic who looked it over and said the bearings on the engine were all tight. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Comments?
"I usually spend every extra dime I have on my kids".
Back in September of 1994, a new 1995 Maxima SE was a stretch for me. (We had our first child on the way and I was starting my own company). The only option I got was the $1,000 ABS brakes (bumped the car over the $20k barrier). No sunroof, Bose, leather or anything else. In the 7+ years and 116,000 miles since, I have spent a grand total of less than $4,000 for ALL routine maintenance and repairs, including tires, brakes, etc. And, whereas I would have liked a sunroof, the ABS brakes have saved me from at least 3-4 serious accidents on the Washington Beltway and elsewhere.
Well, we now have two beautiful daughters and I've done relatively well in business, so whatever we get next won't be a stretch. But, after reading mfrances post, I almost wish it was. Forces you to think about what really is important in life.
Thanks, mfrances, for the refreshment and I hope the next seven years with your Maxima are as safe and troublefree as my last seven have been.
bigcheez... The Maxima DOES have a rear stabilizer (anti-roll bar), as well as a front one, too. To appreciate the difference between IRS and non-IRS, you need to drive the Maxima and new Altima a long time over the same road course. Make sure it has smooth portion, bumpy portions, twisting portions, etc. Then pay attention to the way the rear of the car behaves on the varying surfaces. You'll really notice it if you are going fast in a decent curve and go over a bump.
The latest issue of Motor Trend has a nice report on the Infiniti I-35 Sport. Very, very similar to Maxima SE automatic.
Other than all this, the car has been great. I still like the Maxima compared with Altima. 3 factors won me over: Made in Japan, Nicer interior, more value for money , standard HID lights !
In Michigan Nissan prices seem to be higher for some reason. Maybe it's because more people around here buy American cars and there's not a lot of competition for foreign models? Not sure how that matches up with any economic model I've ever heard of...
I invite everyone on this board to visit the link below to see this week's "Advertised Specials" at Quirk Nissan in Braintree, MA. It clearly states that they'll take off over $3100 of the '02 SEs. Just apply that to the MSRP of the base SE w/ sunroof only, throw in about $400 in dealing that I did, and you'll arrive at the number. Not that I feel that I am obligated to defend myself. I know that my experiences and intent are honest. Just didn't think I would be questioned on that.
Here's the link:
http://www.quirkcars.com/specials/nissan/nissan.htm#
Once the page loads, click the link below Recent New Vehicle Ads (currently Saturday 10-27-2001). It's the internet equivalent to the weekly ad that they run in the Boston Globe. Have a great day.
Any recommendations on how to protect the new car paint from harsh winters ?
Sigh... dealer don't even bother to check for u when u buy the car from them. Crappy service.