Yeah, they are VERY hard to get. I had to wait 2 months at Costco. They finally ended up requesting it as an "Emergency order". The maxima is the ONLY car that uses these tires. It's so hard to get. That's why the new 2004 SE is using 245/45 tires. More cars use them.
200 bucks for those tires? i just looked them up.. it's 175 on tirerack for the 16in ones.... i think im gonna stick with the Dunlop A2's! unless these pilots could last me 80,000 miles.... i can't see myself paying THAT much more for tires unless i could put some serious mileage on them
Wow, you guys are killing me with the mileage you have on your '00 Max's! 80k? 120k? Holy Cow! I just turned 32k and now don't feel bad about it at all.
As for gas mileage... that topic has been discussed so many times, and unfortunately there just isn't a lot people can say about why one car gets better mileage than another of the same exact make. I have a 5-speed '00 SE and get 24-25 every tank with a mix of city/highway driving. Who knows...
One other, cheaper alternative to changing out your headlights for HID's is to simply change out the bulbs to a better set of bulbs. I changed mine to a set of PIAA Super White's and can say there was a noticeable difference in what is lit up at night and was money well spent. When the '00 Max first came out people were saying that it threw too much light to the right side of the road, which I concur with. But the newer bulbs light up the road so much better, that issue has been resolved. You have to be careful when selecting bulbs since there are so many bulbs on the market, and a lot of them are "blue" to replicate the HID look, but actually decreases your field of vision.
My sister has a '98 Maxima GXE with the run of the mill cassette/radio (single DIN) unit and cubby hole underneath. I am considering getting a used 3-in-1 (Double DIN) from another Maxima on eBay. My question is whether it will be a plug & play situation or if I will be required to purchase a special wiring harness. Since the 3-in-1 is used in the SE/GLE Maxima, my guess is that I will just need to remove/unplug the existing unit/cubby hole and plug in the 3-in-1 unit. Is this assumption correct or am I just way off here?
Unfortunately, I can't check what the existing wiring is b/c we are 600 miles apart and she isn't willing to pull the head unit out...
I had Michelin Pilot Sports on my 02 Jetta when I bought it, so I know VWs come with them. The New Beetle, Jetta, and Golf with 17" wheels come with the Pilots, size 225/45HR17...
I see that Edmunds has a cash rebate on a 2003 Maxima of $1000. Does this apply to a lease? What do you think is a good lease payment with only about $500 down? Shouldn't they be looking to deal on these "old" Maxes. I'm looking for a 6 speed SE with a sunroof. Will it be hard to find? If not, they I can switch to an Altima SE, but they aren't quite as nice for a similar price. Andi
I can't answer your question put I doubt it would be plug and play. The unit will fit fine but I suspect you'll need to do some wire splicing. Go to www.maxima.org. There are a lot of guys there who can probably give you the details. Be sure to check out any FAQs before asking a question. Some of these guys get kind of nasty with people who ask a question that has been previously addressed ad nauseum.
I mean that only the nissan maxima use the size: 225/50/17 which makes it very rare. Everyone else is either 205 OR 215. When the tire size gets to 225, majority of the car manufactures use 225/45 not 50 like nissan. That's what I mean by nissan being W E I R D.
I think the fog lights for the 2000-2003 maxima is useless. Probably just for decoration. Has anyone been able to change them? I can not find where the screws are to open it. Someone told me that you have to remove the bumper. That's crazy; anyone know an easier eay?
I've seen some maxima's with after market fog bulbs and every one i've seen looks a lot better then the oem bulbs. Too bad I didn't flag them down and ask how they changed the bulbs. lol.
No, I didn't investigate changing out my foglights to anything available in the aftermarket. I rarely ever use them and am not one that typically has them on for the attention-getting effect.
jcw915 - I wouldn't doubt that you have to take the front bumper off. I had to take it off to install a mesh grill on my car (pain in the butt, by the way, but it looks good) and had to unplug the foglights in the process. There sure wouldn't be a lot of room to maneuver around with the bumper on, but I don't have any direct experience myself with it. I would think some of the guys on Maxima.org have done and probably have instructions listed on that site.
Join us tonight, 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for another round of automotive trivia and member-to-member chat. Test your skills (or multiple choice guessing ability) against other Town Hall members.
I need to shut this guy up. He bought an Audi A6 2.8 AWD (1999). Won't shut up about it. Wants to race me down the highway. Who do you guys think will win? Both cars are automatic, except I have a 3.5 liter...It should be an interesting match up.
jcw915 - I would explain to him that street racing is illegal and downright dangerous and that you don't do it but if he wants to go the dragstrip sometime, you'd be glad to meet him.
You will need the following tools: A flat head screwdriver, #2 phillips screwdriver, 10mm socket head, and a pair of needle-nosed pliers.
1. Crawl under the corner of your car, flat on your back. You will find a plastic cover surrounding where the foglight lamp would be. 2. Where the plastic cover meets the bumper, there is a plastic clip holding the cover to the bumper. The clip has a round cap set inside 4 plastic posts. Using the flat-head, slip it between the round cap and posts, popping the center cap out. The plastic clip will come out. Set this aside. 3. Using the phillips, unscrew the screw that holds the plastic cover to the wheel well. 4. Using the 10mm socket, unscrew the bolt that holds together a pair of covers. There are two bolts next to each other, but you only need to undo the one closest to the bumper. 5. Pry the cover free of the bumper and pull it down and away. It is very flexible. 6. Slip your head (if you can) between the plastic cover and the fog light. There are two bulb holders. Twist the larger one counterclockwise until it pops free. 7. A small, metal clip holds the bulb in place. Pry it free of the catch, and the bulb will pop loose. 8. Using the pliers, or fingers, pull the wires free of their posts. 9. Get the new bulb. DON'T TOUCH IT. YOU WILL GET OILS ON IT, REDUCING ITS BRIGHTNESS AND LIFE. 10. Replace the bulb. The new bulb needs to be pressed over the alignment key with the screwdriver so it lies flat. Once you do this, the metal catch holding the bulb in place should clip on easily. 11. Reverse the steps outlined. 12. Start from the top of the next foglight. Good luck!!!
Sorry I didn't get back with you sooner. I haven't been on here since the first of the week.
The treadwear rating on the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S is 400. It is a "AA" rated tire. IMHO this treadwear rating is excellent considering the performance level of the tire.
VOCUS: Yeah, I'm going to spend some bucks on the Max primarily because my plan to trade on a '04 has been altered for financial considerations.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, to get an '04 comparably equipped to my present SE they want 34,000.00 and that DOES NOT include the option package with the HID headlights. Nissan really burned my ^$^%*^& when they made a PREVIOUSLY STANDARD item (the HID's) an OPTION with the '04.
Frankly, I thought that was a "cheap move" but that's only MY opinion
$34K for a Maxima?! Sheez. I got a dealer calling me everyday to get me to come drive one. I should go see what the hell they are asking for them but I'm afraid I'll hurt myself when I fall down from laughter if they tell me $34K.
You are obvious the expert in foglite replacement...in changing yours,did you use the same oem lites or did you find something more powerful that made a difference...thanks..Joe D.
You can't put 225/45 on the SE unless your rim size is 225/45. Your rim size determines the type of tire size. I.e. it won't fit. I'm sure you don't want your tires falling out while you drive...
I live in the L.A. area and have had several dealers quote me $1500 below invoice on any 03 Maxima they have in stock. A little negotiating may get you another 300-400 off. But if you find one that you must have (color, options,etc), just take the 1500 below invoice and do not risk someone taking your car. Good Luck!
I just used the standard Nissan replacement bulbs when I had one burn out at about 94k. I did both after I figured out how difficult it was to change them!
i own a 94 maxima gxe with 110,800 miles on it, other than some very minor body work the car looks to be in perfect condition, but i've been told by 2 different car docs that i have some loose nuts in the exhaust manifold and it could cost anywhere from $600-1000 to repair. my car runs really well with the exception of the noise from the exhaust (and the fact that she's fully loaded doesn't hurt either), but seeing as this is my 1st car and i've only had it for a year, i'm thinking of trading her in for 98 chevy malibu, this is the only car i like that rates as well as my maxi and is also within my budget....can anyone offer a word of advice?
There is no way a Malibu is as reliable as a Maxima. NO WAY! They were one of the most unreliable vehicles in their day back in the late 90s. I would definitely stick with the Maxima and choose it over the Malibu. The Mal's reliability just improved recently, but it was awful before.
i hate the malibu... i need to rent a car for the next month for a business trip and i will refuse to take the car if they give me a malibu.. i would never ever trade a max for a malibu..
if i were you, i would just drive your max and ignore the sound coming from the exhaust...
Trade it in for a 98 Max, the Malibu is a piece of crap, that's not my opinion it's a fact! If a 98 Malibu is cheaper you're still not ahead because you will end paying alot more for repairs and it also drives like a boat. In fact you would also be better off with a boat as well!
The Max recommends premium, if you put something lower the engine just won't operate at peak performance and the mileage will suffer. The salesman was just being cheap.
Where in the world does a Malibu rate as well as a Maxima? A 94 maxima with 118K miles is still more reliable than a '98 Malibu with half that many miles. I'd also find yet another mechanic. I can't believe a couple of loose exhaust nuts should cost that much to replace.
The nuts are cheap, it's the labor they nail you for. I had to replace an exhaust stud for my 1990 MX6 and they ended up charging me 8 hours labour. I can't remember what they had to do but thay had to take apart half the damn car to get to it.
I may be wrong, but I don't believe there would be any mechanical problem with putting on 225/45's on the Maxima in place of 225/50's. They are all 17" tires of the same width. The only difference will be a slightly smaller tire diameter the OUTSIDE. Your speedometer & odometer will read slightly too high. But don't try going 90 and tell the cop you thought it was only 55. The 45's will not fall off the rims, unless you got 18" ones by mistake.
The other option is to put on 235/45's in place of 225/50's, assuming the rim is wide enough to handle the 235's. There is always a 20 mm +/- range that rims will handle, since they come in even 1/2 inch increments and the tires come in 10 mm increments. If you went with 235/45 you would end up closer to the same outside diameter as 225/50 (sidewall thickness of 235 x 45% = 105.75 mm vs. 225 x 50% = 112.5 mm).
that the only bulbs for replacement for these foglites are Sylvania OEM's..I couldnt find anything else...I gotta say those Sylvania Silverstar hi-perf. lites look really enticing...I dont know how they would look tho with the combined standard foglites being on...2 different colors maybe mite look bad. I noticed on the 2k2 and 3 foglites they have been severly blurred or dimmed..in my estimation useless..what was Nissan thinking there...at least on the 2k1's they've got "some" redeeming value..they light partial parts of the road...Joe D.
I've got 12k miles on my 02 SE so I'm not sure why I really care at this point, but it is good info to know. Regarding pricing, I was at tire rack's site doing 225/50/17 comparisons and was shocked to see something call a KUMHO for less than $100. It's not to be used in snow but the customer comments place it second in virtually all categories to the Pilot Sport A/S.
I agree that the fog lites on my 03 GLE are more for decoration than illumination. They are not that bright and only cast light no more than 15 feet ahead, although I don't think they are "severely blurred", as suggested by jdimotta. Well, since the HIDs are so bright and powerful (I have not tested them in heavy fog and I don't know how they perform), perhaps Nissan thinks that no additional help is needed from the fog lights.
I think Nissan is just trying to cut down on the costs on the fog lights. The 4th generation fog lights are great, their BRIGHT. Kenny keep in mind that the 2000-2001 models have the same fog lights as the 02-03 and the 00-01 didn't have hid on them. I also think the light design for the 00-01 are soo bad.
I've got an '01 SE. I've read on this board before that at around 20,000 miles, there may be some brake pedal modulation. Well, I'm at 21,500 and I'm getting some modulation, mostly when I brake above 55 - 60 MPH. Is there some recourse from the dealer? What will they do when I come in and complain about this? Will they true the rotore no charge? Is there a service bullitin on this. Otherwise, car has been flawless. Thanks.
I've been comparing the auto 2003.5 G35 with the auto 2003 Maxima SE and I need help making a decision and with some questions.
I think I can get the Maxima (with everything the G35 has, plus heated seats/steering wheel/side mirrors, a Bose stereo, and moonroof) for about $3000 less than a leather G35 with no options. I drove the G35 about a year ago, and the Maxima a few weeks ago, and the Max felt faster in a straight line(push you into your seat faster), but more bulky around corners. Then again I was driving the G35 with a salesperson that literally weighed about 175 pounds more than the Maxima salesman. So..
1) For someone who doesn't have money to burn, is the G35 really worth the extra $3000 (including fewer features)?
2) Is either faster than the other and can you tell? Does either handle much better?
3) Does the G35 without sport-tuned suspension handle bumps any better then a Maxima SE (which seemed a little rough to me)?
4) Did the 2003 Max fix any problems over the 2002 model or does it just allow you to choose new options such as the titanium package?
2} From reports the G35 is slightly faster, not enough to really matter. G35 would handle better(RWD)and no torque steer that the Max would have. If you don't have to worry about snow then the G35.
3]I drove both pretty much the same ride.
4] Packages are the only differences between '02 and '03.
I would get the G35. when you're spending that much what's another 3K. The car looks much cooler and at least you would have independent rear suspension. The new Max is already out so it's dated. I would take the G35 over the new Max as well.
You can take a look at message #6387 (page 320) and a few mesages after that one for a complete story including leads to the tech bulletin covering the problem. It should be fixed under warranty by an on-car rotor lathe.
I have a loaded 2000 Max GLE and just bought a new no-option G35. The new car is about $3k more than the old one was. I went for the G35 because I can't fit another Maxima in my garage (G35 is a critical few inches shorter). I'd say the Max is a much better value for the money, but G35 has a luxury name and perhaps a bit of prestige comes with it.
Comments
As for gas mileage... that topic has been discussed so many times, and unfortunately there just isn't a lot people can say about why one car gets better mileage than another of the same exact make. I have a 5-speed '00 SE and get 24-25 every tank with a mix of city/highway driving. Who knows...
One other, cheaper alternative to changing out your headlights for HID's is to simply change out the bulbs to a better set of bulbs. I changed mine to a set of PIAA Super White's and can say there was a noticeable difference in what is lit up at night and was money well spent. When the '00 Max first came out people were saying that it threw too much light to the right side of the road, which I concur with. But the newer bulbs light up the road so much better, that issue has been resolved. You have to be careful when selecting bulbs since there are so many bulbs on the market, and a lot of them are "blue" to replicate the HID look, but actually decreases your field of vision.
Unfortunately, I can't check what the existing wiring is b/c we are 600 miles apart and she isn't willing to pull the head unit out...
Thanks for your help... GearHeadBrother
THX,
sdiori
Andi
In any event, it's the 225/50 that is the odd size for the 17s on the Max.
I've seen some maxima's with after market fog bulbs and every one i've seen looks a lot better then the oem bulbs. Too bad I didn't flag them down and ask how they changed the bulbs. lol.
jcw915 - I wouldn't doubt that you have to take the front bumper off. I had to take it off to install a mesh grill on my car (pain in the butt, by the way, but it looks good) and had to unplug the foglights in the process. There sure wouldn't be a lot of room to maneuver around with the bumper on, but I don't have any direct experience myself with it. I would think some of the guys on Maxima.org have done and probably have instructions listed on that site.
Join us tonight, 6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET for another
round of automotive trivia and member-to-member chat.
Test your skills (or multiple choice guessing ability)
against other Town Hall members.
http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html
Hope to see you there!
I need to shut this guy up. He bought an Audi A6 2.8 AWD (1999). Won't shut up about it. Wants to race me down the highway. Who do you guys think will win? Both cars are automatic, except I have a 3.5 liter...It should be an interesting match up.
1. Crawl under the corner of your car, flat on your back. You will find a plastic cover surrounding where the foglight lamp would be.
2. Where the plastic cover meets the bumper, there is a plastic clip holding the cover to the bumper. The clip has a round cap set inside 4 plastic posts. Using the flat-head, slip it between the round cap and posts, popping the center cap out. The plastic clip will come out. Set this aside.
3. Using the phillips, unscrew the screw that holds the plastic cover to the wheel well.
4. Using the 10mm socket, unscrew the bolt that holds together a pair of covers. There are two bolts next to each other, but you only need to undo the one closest to the bumper.
5. Pry the cover free of the bumper and pull it down and away. It is very flexible.
6. Slip your head (if you can) between the plastic cover and the fog light. There are two bulb holders. Twist the larger one counterclockwise until it pops free.
7. A small, metal clip holds the bulb in place. Pry it free of the catch, and the bulb will pop loose.
8. Using the pliers, or fingers, pull the wires free of their posts.
9. Get the new bulb. DON'T TOUCH IT. YOU WILL GET OILS ON IT, REDUCING ITS BRIGHTNESS AND LIFE.
10. Replace the bulb. The new bulb needs to be pressed over the alignment key with the screwdriver so it lies flat. Once you do this, the metal catch holding the bulb in place should clip on easily.
11. Reverse the steps outlined.
12. Start from the top of the next foglight.
Good luck!!!
been on here since the first of the week.
The treadwear rating on the Michelin Pilot Sport
A/S is 400. It is a "AA" rated tire. IMHO this
treadwear rating is excellent considering the
performance level of the tire.
VOCUS: Yeah, I'm going to spend some bucks on the
Max primarily because my plan to trade on a '04
has been altered for financial considerations.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, to get an '04
comparably equipped to my present SE they want
34,000.00 and that DOES NOT include the option
package with the HID headlights. Nissan really
burned my ^$^%*^& when they made a PREVIOUSLY
STANDARD item (the HID's) an OPTION with the '04.
Frankly, I thought that was a "cheap move" but that's only MY opinion
berbel
I would be kinda embarassed to go around racing in a 2004 maxima...don't think it would look too good with mods done to it.
if i were you, i would just drive your max and ignore the sound coming from the exhaust...
Thanks.
A 94 maxima with 118K miles is still more reliable than a '98 Malibu with half that many miles.
I'd also find yet another mechanic. I can't believe a couple of loose exhaust nuts should cost that much to replace.
The other option is to put on 235/45's in place of 225/50's, assuming the rim is wide enough to handle the 235's. There is always a 20 mm +/- range that rims will handle, since they come in even 1/2 inch increments and the tires come in 10 mm increments. If you went with 235/45 you would end up closer to the same outside diameter as 225/50 (sidewall thickness of 235 x 45% = 105.75 mm vs. 225 x 50% = 112.5 mm).
I noticed on the 2k2 and 3 foglites they have been severly blurred or dimmed..in my estimation useless..what was Nissan thinking there...at least on the 2k1's they've got "some" redeeming value..they light partial parts of the road...Joe D.
Thanks.
I've been comparing the auto 2003.5 G35 with the auto 2003 Maxima SE and I need help making a decision and with some questions.
I think I can get the Maxima (with everything the G35 has, plus heated seats/steering wheel/side mirrors, a Bose stereo, and moonroof) for about $3000 less than a leather G35 with no options. I drove the G35 about a year ago, and the Maxima a few weeks ago, and the Max felt faster in a straight line(push you into your seat faster), but more bulky around corners. Then again I was driving the G35 with a salesperson that literally weighed about 175 pounds more than the Maxima salesman. So..
1) For someone who doesn't have money to burn, is the G35 really worth the extra $3000 (including fewer features)?
2) Is either faster than the other and can you tell? Does either handle much better?
3) Does the G35 without sport-tuned suspension handle bumps any better then a Maxima SE (which seemed a little rough to me)?
4) Did the 2003 Max fix any problems over the 2002 model or does it just allow you to choose new options such as the titanium package?
Thanks for the help!
Viche
2} From reports the G35 is slightly faster, not enough to really matter.
G35 would handle better(RWD)and no torque steer that the Max would have. If you don't have to worry about snow then the G35.
3]I drove both pretty much the same ride.
4] Packages are the only differences between '02 and '03.
I would get the G35. when you're spending that much what's another 3K. The car looks much cooler and at least you would have independent rear suspension. The new Max is already out so it's dated. I would take the G35 over the new Max as well.
You can take a look at message #6387 (page 320) and a few mesages after that one for a complete story including leads to the tech bulletin covering the problem. It should be fixed under warranty by an on-car rotor lathe.