Nissan Maxima

p100

I recently test drove two brand new 03 SE's with a 6 speed manual. Both had Bridgestone Potenza V rated tires. I must say that I am seriously disappointed with both of these test rides and decided not to buy either car, even though the price was very tempting. I could feel vibration in both cars around 60 MPH as if the tires had flat spots in them. The second car I drove had about 6 miles on the odometer before the test drive and the hood was shaking terribly even on smooth level road. When I test drove my 98 Maxima SE 5 speed years ago I was profoundly impressed with it and bought it on the spot. It rode smoothly as a dream with no trace of roughness or vibration at all and stayed that way until tires started wearing out. Even though the 03's have more power, they ride much rougher, the clutch engagement is not as good as on 98 and it appears that you have to rev up the engine more to get the power out of it than in the 98 version. Seems to me that the Nissan quality has gone down considerably on the late model Maximas.

giant56

My wife and I just purchased 03 SE (Glacier Pearl). I would like suggestions concerning synthetic vs. conventional oil, nose mask/bra, and waxes. Does the use of synthetic oil void the warranty? The best bras available and does it need to removed from time-to-time? Which wax works best (try saying that 20times). This is our third Max and we really enjoyed the previous two. BTW, not too crazy about the 04 Max. Thanx in advance for any responses.

dklanecky

I've used both Meguiars and Klasse. I am currently using only the Klasse All in One and their klasse sealer which are outstanding in shine and protection as well as ease of application. (The Meguiars is good also, but has more steps involved.)

I switched to Mobile One full synthetic at 10,000 miles and change both oil and filter at 5000 mile increments. I'm up to 123,xxx on my 00 Maxima SE and 192,xxx on my 95 Maxima GLE. Both still run great.

The nose mask (I've only used the Nissan ones for the best fit) must be taken off if it gets wet. I take mine off weekly (sonetimes every other week) and try to keep it from getting wet (ever).

My reasoning has been that if I can use it half the time, I'm limiting the chance of front end damage from rocks etc as much as possible.

With a brand new car, you may want to consider the protective film that is applied once and you never have to worry about it after that (especially on a white colored car).

Check some of the other message boards for types and brands. X-Pel comes to mind as well as Stoneguard. If I was getting a new vehicle today, I'd do the clear mask/bra just for the ease of not having to mess with taking it on and off all the time.

Good luck with your new Maxima.

habitat1

On the wax front, I've use Meguiers Professional #26 liquid wax ($10/bottle at Autozone, etc) for the past 8 years and 136k miles on my 1995 SE. It's easy to use (one step) and the finish still looks great.

Two Saturdays ago, when we had a break in the weather, I washed and waxed our Maxima, S2000 and Isuzu Trooper in slightly under 4 hours total. The fact that Meguiars is easy to use keeps me motivated to do it every 4 +/- months.

jdimotta

I just saw a newly purchased 2004 Maxima on the street today...E-GADSSSS...what did Nissan do to our beloved Maxima...it looks like a JAPANESE CADILLAC.....It has no character at all..a giant Altima..I wouldnt even consider trading my 01 Max for an 04 even if they gave it to me...and to think they'll be 3 years of these..get yer 03's while ya can peoples...Joe D.

kestrel02

I agree, someone at work got one of the new 2004 Maximas late last week, and it has been the subject of much laughter and snickering behind the persons back, unfortunately. I hate to see our whole reputation go out the window with that hideous car. That whole front grill...*shudder*

monte4

Yes that 04 is sore sight to the eyes, what is executed well in the 02/03 Altima and 350Z just isnt done right in th 04 Max. It looks weird from most angles with the best angl being from the back, the 03 looks much better and has a more agressive stance to me. I agree with the guys get an 03 if you want a Max and yest they have the 3.5 just like the 04.

brilligg09

hey: posted this on a different part of site, but someone must know about this unusual problem: Bought the car used 120,00 miles a few months ago, apparently it had been kept up, died out of owner's driveway -- altenator. Now, been in shop two weeks. It's a v-6, ran great until I turned off the OVERDRIVE when I was driving locally. The Maxima began thunking loudly behind and under driver's side-door, hesitating, losing power, regaining power, losing power, etc. Noise I had never heard before. Very strange phenomenon. Still is in shop. Anyone have similar experience? The mechanic doesn't think it's transmission -- I suggested fuel, fuel filter, etc. -- he still doesn't know after ful tune-up. Anyone else ever have this stalling/thunking mid-car on driver's side? Come on and help me if you've heard of it, okay? I'll buy you a cup holder for your '93 Maxima in return. Thanks.

92drexel

I had a 1992 maxima that stalled and stumbled occassionally. I had a bad fuel injector. It started at around 150,000 miles for me. I did some checking when it happened and found that a few others had the same problem. The dealer tuned-up the engine, replaced the cap and rotor, etc, etc, etc before they discovered that it was a bad injector.

Hope this helps you.

noeleon

I got a quote for Six Thousand dollars off MSRP here in the Bay Area, should I take it?

zhiminwen

Sorry if this had been discussed before in depth. I am about to replace the original Goodyear Eagle RS-A 215/55-16 tires (with 45000 miles) on our 2000 Maxima GLE. The RS-A has been good (but again I have no experience to compare it with other tires), although lately the read noise became excessive. What is a good replacement or should I just stick with it? I am not into aggresive driving but looking for overal great performance, quiet and comfortable ride, decent handling, great dry and wet traction. I am in Texas, so snow traction is not a big factor.

kestrel02

I've been very happy with the Dunlop SP Sport A2s I recently put on my 2001 GLE. Top rated for the class by CR and on tirerack.com, they handle great and brake extremely well.

collinjeremy

I'm seriously considering an '03 GLE w/all the bells and whistles. Dealer is offering for $25k & 1.9% financing. About the only option it doesn't have is the useless rear decklid spoiler.

Think I should jump on it or wait to see if they go lower?

dklanecky

Most posters are reporting deals of close to $4,000 off of MSRP.

What's the MSRP of the vehicle your looking at for $25k(+ttl?) If it's around $29k, then yes your getting a great price on a very nice car that will last your for as many years as you care to drive it.

The only risk to your strategy of waiting is you may lose out on the exterior color/interior color combination that you like. There are no more 2003 Maxima's being produced so as they leave the lot, there aren't anymore available.

How's your dealer's selection right now?

Enjoy your new ride!

kyleknicks

take it and run!

bobfeld

I bought an 03 MAXIMA GLE on monday 3/31(last day of month-always a good day to buy a car)car had floor mats and splash guards..list price of 28,297.there was a doc fee of $99..i paid $23,000..according to my research the deal was $2,589 under cost figuring the doc fee in or 5,396 under list figuring the doc fee...i live in st.louis..theres tons of SE"S around but the GLE"s are getting scarce..hope this helps potential buyers

bobfeld

Anyone know of a good place to get accessories for the MAXIMA other than the dealer? thanks

lmp180psu

In the philly area, Thompson Nissan in Doylestown is advertising SE's with sunroof for 22,300 (msrp 27,400). Most dealers in this area have around 20 SE's, and 3-5 GLE's, except Concordville (south of Philly) has 10-15 GLE's and 10-15 SE's. With this many still left, these advertised specials can certainly be bargained down a few hundred dollars more.

kyleknicks

hmm... sounds interesting...

if you could pay 23k for msrp of 28.5k, then what can you get for a base model SE that MSRP's for around 26K? Can you get a base SE for 20 or 21K?

collinjeremy

The MSRP on the particular car I am looking at is $29,300 (roughly). It has leather, faux wood trim, Bose sound system w/CD changer, power seats w/memory, HID headlights, moonroof w/deflector, 17" performance wheels and all the standard stuff. It is 25,400 not including tax and lic. fees.

Nissan must be offering an incentive to dealers to move their '03 inventory.

collinjeremy

This is the last GLE at this particular dealer but there are others (I think 15 or so total) in their inventory at 3 other nearby dealers (all part of the same dealership).

lmp180psu

Yes, Nissan is offering a factory to dealer incentive, according to carsdirect, but they do not tell you the $$ amount of it.

dgraves1

I'd offer them $6000 off MSRP and hold firm at no more than $5000 off. The dealers near me are advertising $5000 off sticker on all 2003 Maxs, so I would think you could get them for a little less.

bobfeld

re: my post 6649...i ALSO got 0.9% financing for 36 months

bobfeld

does anyone know how to get those little round car seat stickers they put on the seats in the rear? theres 4 on my car....i have leather interior....would appreciate any advice...gotta be the dumbest thing ive ever seen :-)

bobfeld

does anyone know where the 03 MAXIMA is made? my window sticker says final assembmy point of los angeles?? i thought they were made in Japan?? thanks

vocus

You aren't suppose to take those off by law. They are part of the explanation of the safety system for the child seats.

1wiseguy

Anyone buy an SE 6 speed in Canada recently? I'm interested in doing so and would like to know what others have paid. Just got the pricing info on the TSX and am seriously starting to consider other options.

collinjeremy

All the '03 Maximas I've seen say they were manufactured in Japan right on the window sticker.

maxima97se

Hi folks, just bought a 97 SE 5-speed today. Has all the options and is absolutely beautiful. I have heard pennzoil and a few other motor oils are bad to use, and I wanted an opinion from someone with a VQ engine on what is the best one to use. The car has 72,325 miles as of today. Also has anyone had problems with burning oil this early on? I haven't noticed any yet obviously, but I need to know if this is an issue. By the way, I just smoked a new mustang and a jetta turbo today. What a car.

dgraves1

My '90 Maxima SE with almost 150K doesn't burn any significant oil. It goes from one oil change to the next (5000 miles) without needing to have any added.
I personally don't believe there are any significant differences between brand name oils. Just change it regularly and I doubt you'll ever have an oil related problems.

socal_racefan

97se: I have a 96se with 113K on it. First half of it's life it lived in the midwest and I used Valvoline. Now it's in So Cal and I take it to Jiffylube and I think my local one uses pennzoil. I've never had any problems yet with the car at all. I just replaced my first cluch at 111k miles. Biggest problems to deal with have been brake rotors warping and keeping the wheels balanced and alined. I'm hoping to put at least 200k+ miles on it before it's done. Oh, and by the way, I've had this car to RED line more than I can count!!!

jimku

What dealer in St. Louis did you buy your Max 03? I am looking for a good deal here but so far haven't had an offer as good as yours. Give me some info, please. Thanks.

aromas

Put in synthetic oil,better safe than sorry and your engine will thank you in the long run especially if you have bad winters. It's worth the extra cost.

bobfeld

MOORE NISSAN....BOMMARITO NISSAN has tons of 03 maximas also...im sure u could get just as good or better of a deal there....bought mine at moore cause they had the interior/exterior color combo i wanted

bobfeld

my guess is anyone willing to wait a few months and not picky about color etc. will probably be able to get an 03 max for about $8,000 off list

bobfeld

ummm...ok.....so how do you get them off?

bobfeld

the dealer where i bought my 03 maxima has gotten in 10 04" maximas...has sold 0..surprise,surprise...what a GOD-AWFUL looking car that is

habitat1

Congratulations on your 97 SE. Regarding your oil question, I also don't think there is a significant difference, but I've been using Castrol 5W30 on my 1995 SE 5-speed for 8 years and 136k miles and have never had to add oil between changes (every 3,500 to 5,000 miles).

By the way, if your 97 is the same as my 95, you can change your own oil by jacking up and removing the front passenger wheel. The drain plug and oil filter are within easy access behind a hard plastic shield which unscrews easily. I get a few odd looks from BMW/Mercedes driving neighbors when I change it myself, but I can do it in under 30 minutes, including a short trip to the corner gas station to give them the old oil. The nearest Jiffy Lube is a 45 minute round trip. If only my S2000 were so easy.

otoluva

Based on what that makes you believe the 03 Max will be dicounted by $ 8000? Heck..for that I would jump on one even in the prime never mind the color!

kyleknicks

that would make a fully loaded SE $29,500 being sold at $21,500..... i doubt that'll happen..

dealerships are gonna want to make a lil money off the 2003's since they know no one's gonna even come test drive the 04's let alone buy them. have you guys seen the commerical for the 04's? i hate to say it, but kill off the maxima now... otherwise, we'll be the laughing stock of the auto world.... i loved nissan products up till now... it's a sad sad day for nissan fans..

dgraves1

habitat - You have to take a wheel and cover off to get at the drain plug and filter? That's a pain. On my '90, I can just slide a drain pan under the front, pull out the plug and reach the oil filter from up top. Easiest oil change ever.

I had to get a Griot's Garage oil extractor for my other car. So now it's even easier.

bcohen

Just curious how much you paid for your 97 SE. I'll be buying a 97 or newer with as many miles or fewer and am curious what they are selling for. Thanks.

brymil

Hello-I am new to the Maxima Fan Club. Have a couple of questions. How much torque steer is normal? I know it is a hard thing to explain. When I accelerate sharply in my '02 SE I get a hard pull to the right--basically have to fight to keep it straight. It is not safe to floor it while driving with only one hand. Dealer says alignment is fine.

Also, I get a quick pull to the left when braking. Seems like a sticking caliper. Do you think Nissan will cover under warranty or try to tell me it is normal brake wear at 30k miles? I do not want to get stuck paying $200 for a front brake job through the dealer when I can get it somewhere else for under $100.

Other than those two minor problems, the car is excellent!

Thanks!

p100

Right now, $ 5000 off is about the best I have seen. The Nissan dealer in my area even has a new left over 2002 SE 6 speed and he is only willing to take invoice minus $ 1000 rebate for it, which is less than $ 4k off the sticker. Buying this car makes no sense because there was no price increase for 03s. However, you never know what Nissan may do next. They may be forced to heavily discount the 04 models if they do not sell, and do the same for 03's just to get rid of them. They can increase the rebates significantly, or special dealer incentives that they do not tell anybody about.

collinjeremy

A car should not pull to either side under braking. Take it in and have them fix it. This is not normal.

As for the torque steer, all front wheel drive cars do this. I've driven a few new Maximas though and never really noticed an unusually pronounced pull under acceleration. Then again, I didn't floor it. Getting on a freeway and accelerating hard was not a problem though.

kcc455

Edmunds lists Nissan holdback as:
2% + 1% of the Total Invoice (holdback = floorplanning allowance)

What exactly is the 2% & 1% on?
1.) Is it 2% of the total MSRP and 1% of total Invoice?
2.) Is it 2% of total Invoice and 1% of the total Invoice?

I am close to buying a 2003 Maxima SE and need this information.

Thank you.

kp40m

I'm looking to buy a 2003 GLE with everything but Nav and spoiler. MSRP of $30,022. Dealer offered $24,800 + TTL. Sounds like a good deal. Waiting may save a few more $'s but will limit the selection. Looking to buy this weekend.

kp40m

Which would you choose? With discounts on Maxima's the two are within $300 of each other (Accord less) similarly equipped. The styling of the Max is okay (IMO) and I do not like (but do not hate either) the styling of the new Accord. Basic pros and cons of each are appreciated. I drive 40 highway miles each way to work.

f1jules

I own neither car and have only driven the Maxima (I have driven previous Accord EX V6s though). My vote would be for the Maxima. That engine is so smooth and powerful that it is hard to beat. Also, the '03 Maxima is the last of the made in Japan Japanese sedans in this comparo and I think that is a plus. The new Accord is also a first year model and after having owned a first year model Toyota vehicle I don't think I would do it again (I am more than likely going to trade it in this weekend on an '03 Maxima).

I do like the interior of the Maxima over the Accord also.

My .02