If you are going fast enough you may not catch it in time. The idea here though is that with traction control you do not have to think about it. Don't get me wrong though. I do think that traction control is pretty much useless 99.99% of the time. I also agree that a good set of winter tires will help much more then traction control will.
Yes, the leaves are changing. It is pretty, but also hints at winter knocking on the door. My car came with traction control and everything else. I always buy cars with all the options. It's easier than trying to find one minus a few, as other people have stated. The only thing that has me looking forward to cold weather is the heated steering wheel. I can't wait to try it out on a really cold morning. I already tried it, but it was in the low 50's.
I think there pretty useless. I have one on my Saab 95 wagon, fortunately Saab provides a TCS on/off button. TCS is only good when you're moving from a standing start, otherwise it's of little use.
People need to just drive more carefully when the conditions deteriorate. No technology will ever make fool-proof driving. it's up to the driver to take some responsibility!
Hey, Anybody ever put one of these in a Max? I got sucked in by the infomercial and ordered one. I received it but haven't put it in yet. I've got a 2000 SE Auto. Now after reading a couple posts over in the aftermarket section I'm feeling quite leary and as if I've been duped. I'd still kinda like to try it just for the heck of it, but I'm having trouble getting the gusto and may just send it back. If anybody's tried one before can you please let me know how it went, where exactly you put it, and any noticeable gain.
I was wondering if I could get some opinions on if I am getting a fair deal on a 02 Maxmia SE. It has every option except sunroof deflector and navigation. The dealer wants $28,300. Is that a good deal or just a fair price? Thanks
It isn't terribly high (at least compared to invoice), but you can probably do better. Try pricing the car out on carsdirect.com and see what price they give. Assuming the price is better, print it out, take it to the dealer, and ask them to match it. Worst thing he can say is no, and it should give you some leverage in any event.
At least in my zip code, the max is sold at $500 over invoice, which I think is about $400 less than the dealer's offer to you.
...are JUNK. I can't believe that company is still allowed to sell them.
Think about it, you probably paid around $70 for it, which means it probably costs around $10 to make. If it added an average of 10% hp/torque to an average car, every car manufacturer would be putting one in standard.
Try and equate it to this: You know those little sparkly fan/windmill thingees on a stick that you used to blow on when you were a kid (and they would turn)? Well, try and imagine that someone on the other side of the fan was feeling twice as much airflow as you were blowing...its impossible. Any air friction the tornado fan uses to turn itself is lost power...no way you are adding ANY power to your engine.
Just wanted to set a few things straight on the 02 Max after reading some of our recent posts.... I traded in my 00 GXE for a super black 02 SE here in North Carolina, and after 1400 miles I just love it. The 255 hp engine is noticably stronger (low end and high end) than the 222hp 00 model. Using a rider with a stopwatch, and setting the automatic in "2" and flooring it, I have timed 0-60 in 6.8 seconds consistantly, sometimes 6.6 and 6.7...real quick. Now for some clarifications and observations: Gas - I have been using alternate half tank (about 8-9 gallons) fillups of 92 or 93 and the mid range 89. Performance is great with this method, and the cost averages out a little lower than all premium. I followed this policy with my 00 Max and it worked just fine...never 87 octane. BTW, my 00 had 28,000 carefree miles with absolutely no expense except oil changes and tire rotations. Engine mounts - All 02 Max automatic have four (4) liquid filled electronicic control engine mounts. Micro air filter - all 02 Max have this as a standard feature. However, it looks like you have to take the entire dashboard apart to clen or change it, perhaps best left to the dealer to do. SE suspension - yes, noticably stiffer and I feel more bumps than I did with the 00 GXE, but trade off is acceptable with the tighter handling and cornering...this is definately no Chevy or Buick!!! Steering wheel radio controls - don't know how I lived without them!!! Anyway, I'm real pleased with my "upgrade" from the 00 GXE; Max is definately a lot of bang for the buck
Just called the local dealer abt the Maxima SE. They gave me a price around 23.8k and they say that they can still work on the figure a little bit. This pricing assumes bare SE with just floor mats & splash guards. Invoice on this is : 23.55k. (kbb price)
Looks like a pretty good price compared with GXE that I was quoted (23.6k). SE adds 17 inch wheel,titanium gauges,spoiler,fog lights... it's a much better deal !
Also I was told that there is a special APR for 48 month loan => 4.9. For 60 month loan,it's 5.9 APR. This assumes that u are in tier 1 for credit rating.
Well, I think so, that's what I have. Exterior is Satin Blue Pearl. The frost can show scuff marks down in the foot well section but overall I prefer it to black, which is your other option with Sterling Mist. I picked my car more by the exterior color, and the frost was the only interior available with the light blue.
Sterling Mist is attractive, seems to be a popular color. C'mon, c'mon, buy the car and start having some fun driving!
Last night I purchased a 2002 Max GXE for $23800, @ 5.9 %, 60 mos. Sticker was $25700. It's Sterling Mist/Frost. I live in the Chicago area. From what I see here I probably could of got it a little cheaper, however GXEs are hard to find. I thought I paid a fair price so that's all that counts. I also get a free loaner when I bring it in for warranty work and oil/filter change for $9.95. Take care.
I'm looking for a Maxima GLE in Florida but all the dealers add about $600 in extras such as undercoating and pinstriping. This is pure profit for them. Is there a way to get around this?
My loaded '00 SE is going great, nearing the 2 year mark. Frost interior has held up well. I asked the dealer to throw in a set of gray floor mats when I bought the car and I use them instead of the frost mats since I think the light mats would get dirty very fast.
In midstate NY, I always purchase 4 snows on rims for my vehicles, just for safety sake. For the Max I replace my 17" with 16" Blizzaks on Borbet rims purchased from Tire rack.
I believe TC only helps when starting out or going up some of the long, steep, slippery hills we have here. I think its worth the money, but don't expect it to save your butt in a slippery corner.
Yeah, I wish the '00 had those steering radio buttons, might be my justification to buy a late model year 2002.
I got frost cloth on my 02 Sterling Mist SE. I think it looks great! Plus, the floor mats that came with it are dark gray and not light gray. They don't show that much dirt. Good idea on Nissan's part.
djp2c - I can't help you on your spring problem. My SE suspension is rougher than the GLE and I have no problem with it. I like to feel the road. I am sure it is the solid rear axle that is probably bothering you. If only the Max had an IRS! Ahhhhhh, but then it would cost more. At least the Maxima gives you a lot for the money.
Just arrived home with my new 2002 GLE (Stirling Mist). Came down to a 2001 GLE (Merlot) with a sunroof (which I don't use that much) and the 2002 w/o sunroof. Opted for the new model w/extra HP, 6 CD changer, etc. A very pleasant buying experience - they even bumped up my trade value an extra $400 yesterday when the 10 day period expired. After being "low-balled" by several dealers it was nice to be treated courteously. No high pressure from the F&I guy to buy extended warranty, etc - even got me an interest rate of 5.15% with a local credit union which was a real pleasant surprise!
Congrats, you made a good choice! Does the 2002 GLE have the driver's side memory seats as well? The Sterling I think is much more attractive than the Merlot. Have fun driving.
Interest rates in general have really been coming down. From a borrower's point of view, this is a good time to take out a loan.
Yes, it has the driver's side memory seats and love the sterling mist with the frost interior. The merlot was too close to the color, inside and out, of the Volvo I traded in (trying to forget that car)...btw, no traction control but hopefully won't need here in Texas.
Well, left a little aside to help my son out! Told the Nissan folks I might bring him back for a new Sentra!
Has anybody heard if Nissan will be offering any 0% financing deals? Seems like almost every car manufacture is now offering some sort of 0% financing? Mazda just announced their 0% deal today. Anybody care to speculate?
don't hold your breath! Altimas are selling at MSRP here, and most other places. Nissan is offering 4.9% for 48 months and 5.9% for 60 months - still good deals. I was able to get 5.15% with a local credit union that works with the Nissan dealer...
don't hold your breath! Altimas are selling at MSRP here, and most other places. Nissan is offering 4.9% for 48 months and 5.9% for 60 months - still good deals. I was able to get 5.15% with a local credit union that works with the Nissan dealer...
also, Nissan is still offering 3.9% on remaining 201s....
I'm just curious (aka nosy...) why did you go with the 5.15 from the credit union instead of the 4.9 from Nissan? Won't make a lot of difference but looks like the Nissan financing would have been slightly better, wouldn't it? Or were there other charges?
Were you able to buy the GLE at a few hundred over invoice, or are they holding the line on prices?
Your son will probably like the Sentra unless he's really tall. I just test drove one a few weeks ago with a friend. He loved the car but there wasn't quite enough room for his long legs - like the Maxima, the Sentra's steering wheel comes down a little bit too low for him. For me, it's fine. The interior design of the Sentra was one of the best I've seen anywhere, from standpoint of both looks and convenience - loved that little bin on the top middle of the dash!
Just drove home in my new 2002 Maxima SE (sterling w/ frost cloth), traded my '93 Maxima. New wheels are very impressive - quick, quite and comfortable. Suspension is firm, but even with all the pothole streets here in New Orleans, the ride is outstanding. This car is a great value.
wanted to finance for 60 months to keep payments down and let me pay off early when $$ are there. Best Nissan could do was 5.9% for 60 months plus I had a 5.5% (variable) offer from USAA that I would have used. But 5.15 fixed for 60 months was better....
Price was about 3% over invoice which I thought was fair because I was dealing with a "no haggle" dealer that has an excellent rep, great service dept plus they offered more for my trade in...
For example, a competitor offered a lower price but then tried to "job" me on the trade allowance ....like $3.6K less!!!
I just bought a slightly used 2000 Maxima GXE. This is an unbelievable car, especially for someone who has been driveing the same 4 cylinder 1987 Pontiac 6000 for 15 years! Ouch. I was wondering if anyone knows if I can swap the 2000 front grill with the 2002 front grill? I prefer the new grill with the larger Nissan logo! If it is possible, do any of you guys know of a website where the 2002 grill can be ordered? Can this be ordered from Nissan? THANKS!!
This weekend, after much debate, the wife and I finally purchased a 2002 GLE (Super Black w/ Frost). I have followed this board for a while and found it quite helpful. I wanted to share some of my experiences for others.
First off, the dealer seemed quite happy to match Carsdirect numbers. I think with some effort, I could probably have done better than that. But I was satisfied with the price.
As others have experienced, the car was delivered w/ 45 PSI in all tires. No big deal really, but you'd think they would check.
Also, the instructions that come with the owners manual for programming the Homelink transmitter for rolling codes are just wrong. I would go to the Homelink website for instructions, it will save you some aggravation.
All in all, a pretty good dealership experience. BTW, we love this car!
I also posted in the Smart Shopper Nissan Questions section, so I apologize for cross-posting... I just received a quote for 2002 GLE with sunroof and side airbags for $26,890. Is this a good deal or just okay? I am having trouble deciding between the Camry and the Maxima, each has various qualities that I like, and so it basically boils down to which has the best deal that will make up my mind. Thanks for any input!
Except for maybe price, I can't imagine any qualities the Camry has over the Max. When are the 6-speeds supposed to hit the lots? I can't wait to test drive and buy a new 2002 Max but I have to wait until I at least break even on the trade-in of a 2000 Grand Am GT.
I had 2 questions: I'm shopping for my 1st car (a maxima). Edmunds lists invoice as 24,894 (including destination). And Carsdirect.com lists invoice as 25,294. Why the discrepency?? Since Maximas are not selling as well as Altimas in the DC area, i was going to negotiate with a price of 1% over invoice. Is this reasonable considering the current economy?
conleyr - I don't think I can argue the points of a Camry over a Maxima to a Maxima lover :-) But I can tell you that the reasons I like both are that they both have the comfort and safety features and a reputation for reliability I want at a similar price. I have driven both and there is no doubt that the Maxima out-performs the Camry, and I would certainly enjoy that, but peformance/speed is not my main priority as a person who spends 3 hours a day in traffic. My main priority is reliability, comfort, class and a nice, smooth ride. The six speed doesn't interest me as I currently have a five speed and cannot wait to not have a clutch in traffic :-) So, can anyone shed any light on the quote I received for a 2002 GLE with sunroof and side airbags for $26900? I would really appreciate it - thanks!
For my 2002 GLE (delivered Saturday), sunroof, no side airbags I paid $26,300 + TTL. (Birmingham AL) You might do a little better, but it wasn't worth the hassle for me.
If a good deal is your primary concern, I think you will make out better in the Maxima. It's taking a distant second to Nissan's marketing efforts aimed at the "new" Altima. As such, I suspect an "XXX over invoice" deal will be easier to get on the Max then the Camry. And, I would add, the 2002 Maxima appears to be at least as significant an improvement over the 2001 model as is the new "redesigned" Camry.
As far as reliability, my 1995 SE with 115k miles has been completely trouble free, and still looks great. I have a friend with a similar vintage Camry XLE V6 with only 85,000 miles. His has not held up quite as well. Mechanically or appearance wise. He attributes part of that (paint deteriortion) to the fact it was built in the states and has vowed to never buy another "US import". I don't think you can extend this one experience into a generalization, but I would take some comfort that the Maxima is still assembled in Japan. Also, look at the little things. When I bought my 1995 Maxima, it had original equipment tires that were top of the line, all wheel disk brakes, etc.. Neither the Accord or Camry matched up. After 115k miles those kind of things have made a difference.
As I've posted before, even though I am likely to be getting a BMW 5-series as my next car, the decision to go for the Max seven years ago proved to be a great move.
Hey, I'm guessing the discrepancy between the Carsdirect and Edmunds invoice is a 400 dollar advertisement fee that my dealer swore all Nissan dealers have to pay....how come I doubt it? Also if you're talking 1% over invoice on an '02 Maxi, I think that would be a really fair deal, both for you and the dealer....hope you get your ride. Wish the hell I'd waited for an '02(with all the cool new stuff) although I like my '01 better every day.
Question to owners or drivers of 2002 Maximas: Have you noticed significant torque steer when accelerating hard from a standing start (with automatic transmission)?
Numerous reports on the new V-6 Altima report much torque steer there, and the Maxima's engine is even more powerful.
I just replaced my 215/55/16 toyo's on my 2k gle with Continental ch95 grand touring 215/55/16 tires. I got them for 89 dollars each. Toyo's are 139 each!! So far I am impressed with the ride and handling.
Thanks for your post, I visited NTB, Discount Tires and even Firestone. Everyone has something to offer at different prices, its very confusing to say the least. When it comes to brakes and tires I take things serious.
Four wheel alignment with 4 tires is coming in around $550.00 w/tax. I guess it's a roll of the dice!
I've found that they have the best prices and a huge selection of tires in your size. Plus it gives you access to information from people who have actually bought "X" brand of tire. Very good site. Even if you don't buy from tirerack, it's still a good place to research the different brands (i.e. treadlife, snow traction, rain traction, etc, etc, etc).
I own a 2001 Maxima SE, cloth w/ automatic transmission. I love it. Have had it exactly 1 year now, and the car has just under 17,000 miles. I had a problem with the CD player in the 1st month of ownership, and it was replaced. The only other problem was a faulty service engine light that came on and stayed on. The dealer reprogrammed the computer and it hasn't reappeared. My wife has very slowly taken over the Max, and I have been relegated to driving her 98 Altima SE. Great car mechanically, absolutely zero problems, but very slow and boring compared to the Max. It has 69K miles, and I am ready for a new ride. Here's my dilemna: Should I buy a loaded 2002 Altima 3.5 SE for 2% over invoice (around $27K), which I have been quoted by the local Autonation dealer? Or should I buy a 2002 Maxima GLE for invoice at the same dealer for $26K? The Maxima has more power, is more luxurious, and is a better deal. However, the Altima is sportier and won't be redesigned in 2004 like the Max. I really am torn and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
but personally, I'd go for the Maxima because I don't like the way the redesign is going to go, with rear-wheel drive. Also people have been saying the interior of the Altima looks somewhat down-market as compared to Max, especially to the GLE, and I like those luxury touches. If you keep your cars a long time I'm guessing you'd be happier with the Maxima, considering your "more power, more luxurious, and better deal" comment.
Comments
People need to just drive more carefully when the conditions deteriorate. No technology will ever make fool-proof driving. it's up to the driver to take some responsibility!
Anybody ever put one of these in a Max? I got sucked in by the infomercial and ordered one. I received it but haven't put it in yet. I've got a 2000 SE Auto. Now after reading a couple posts over in the aftermarket section I'm feeling quite leary and as if I've been duped. I'd still kinda like to try it just for the heck of it, but I'm having trouble getting the gusto and may just send it back. If anybody's tried one before can you please let me know how it went, where exactly you put it, and any noticeable gain.
Thanks
It has every option except sunroof deflector and navigation. The dealer wants $28,300. Is that a good deal or just a fair price? Thanks
At least in my zip code, the max is sold at $500 over invoice, which I think is about $400 less than the dealer's offer to you.
Think about it, you probably paid around $70 for it, which means it probably costs around $10 to make. If it added an average of 10% hp/torque to an average car, every car manufacturer would be putting one in standard.
Try and equate it to this: You know those little sparkly fan/windmill thingees on a stick that you used to blow on when you were a kid (and they would turn)? Well, try and imagine that someone on the other side of the fan was feeling twice as much airflow as you were blowing...its impossible. Any air friction the tornado fan uses to turn itself is lost power...no way you are adding ANY power to your engine.
Return it!
Now for some clarifications and observations:
Gas - I have been using alternate half tank (about 8-9 gallons) fillups of 92 or 93 and the mid range 89. Performance is great with this method, and the cost averages out a little lower than all premium. I followed this policy with my 00 Max and it worked just fine...never 87 octane. BTW, my 00 had 28,000 carefree miles with absolutely no expense except oil changes and tire rotations.
Engine mounts - All 02 Max automatic have four (4) liquid filled electronicic control engine mounts.
Micro air filter - all 02 Max have this as a standard feature. However, it looks like you have to take the entire dashboard apart to clen or change it, perhaps best left to the dealer to do.
SE suspension - yes, noticably stiffer and I feel more bumps than I did with the 00 GXE, but trade off is acceptable with the tighter handling and cornering...this is definately no Chevy or Buick!!!
Steering wheel radio controls - don't know how I lived without them!!!
Anyway, I'm real pleased with my "upgrade" from the 00 GXE; Max is definately a lot of bang for the buck
Looks like a pretty good price compared with GXE that I was quoted (23.6k). SE adds 17 inch wheel,titanium gauges,spoiler,fog lights... it's a much better deal !
Also I was told that there is a special APR for 48 month loan => 4.9. For 60 month loan,it's 5.9 APR. This assumes that u are in tier 1 for credit rating.
Let me know what u guys are getting for this car.
Sterling Mist is attractive, seems to be a popular color. C'mon, c'mon, buy the car and start having some fun driving!
Semper Fi
In midstate NY, I always purchase 4 snows on rims for my vehicles, just for safety sake. For the Max I replace my 17" with 16" Blizzaks on Borbet rims purchased from Tire rack.
I believe TC only helps when starting out or going up some of the long, steep, slippery hills we have here. I think its worth the money, but don't expect it to save your butt in a slippery corner.
Yeah, I wish the '00 had those steering radio buttons, might be my justification to buy a late model year 2002.
Went over a fairly bumpy road last nite and I thought the rear end was going to fall out of it.
Does anyone know whats going on?????
djp2c - I can't help you on your spring problem. My SE suspension is rougher than the GLE and I have no problem with it. I like to feel the road. I am sure it is the solid rear axle that is probably bothering you. If only the Max had an IRS! Ahhhhhh, but then it would cost more. At least the Maxima gives you a lot for the money.
What a V6!
Interest rates in general have really been coming down. From a borrower's point of view, this is a good time to take out a loan.
And did you get the traction control? You're in TX, right? So maybe not as much of an issue there.
Well, left a little aside to help my son out! Told the Nissan folks I might bring him back for a new Sentra!
also, Nissan is still offering 3.9% on remaining 201s....
Were you able to buy the GLE at a few hundred over invoice, or are they holding the line on prices?
Your son will probably like the Sentra unless he's really tall. I just test drove one a few weeks ago with a friend. He loved the car but there wasn't quite enough room for his long legs - like the Maxima, the Sentra's steering wheel comes down a little bit too low for him. For me, it's fine. The interior design of the Sentra was one of the best I've seen anywhere, from standpoint of both looks and convenience - loved that little bin on the top middle of the dash!
Price was about 3% over invoice which I thought was fair because I was dealing with a "no haggle" dealer that has an excellent rep, great service dept plus they offered more for my trade in...
For example, a competitor offered a lower price but then tried to "job" me on the trade allowance ....like $3.6K less!!!
/direct/view/.ee9e7ed/3177
First off, the dealer seemed quite happy to match Carsdirect numbers. I think with some effort, I could probably have done better than that. But I was satisfied with the price.
As others have experienced, the car was delivered w/ 45 PSI in all tires. No big deal really, but you'd think they would check.
Also, the instructions that come with the owners manual for programming the Homelink transmitter for rolling codes are just wrong. I would go to the Homelink website for instructions, it will save you some aggravation.
All in all, a pretty good dealership experience. BTW, we love this car!
Thanks for any input!
I'm shopping for my 1st car (a maxima).
Edmunds lists invoice as 24,894 (including destination). And Carsdirect.com lists invoice as 25,294. Why the discrepency??
Since Maximas are not selling as well as Altimas in the DC area, i was going to negotiate with a price of 1% over invoice. Is this reasonable considering the current economy?
As far as reliability, my 1995 SE with 115k miles has been completely trouble free, and still looks great. I have a friend with a similar vintage Camry XLE V6 with only 85,000 miles. His has not held up quite as well. Mechanically or appearance wise. He attributes part of that (paint deteriortion) to the fact it was built in the states and has vowed to never buy another "US import". I don't think you can extend this one experience into a generalization, but I would take some comfort that the Maxima is still assembled in Japan. Also, look at the little things. When I bought my 1995 Maxima, it had original equipment tires that were top of the line, all wheel disk brakes, etc.. Neither the Accord or Camry matched up. After 115k miles those kind of things have made a difference.
As I've posted before, even though I am likely to be getting a BMW 5-series as my next car, the decision to go for the Max seven years ago proved to be a great move.
Numerous reports on the new V-6 Altima report much torque steer there, and the Maxima's engine is even more powerful.
Four wheel alignment with 4 tires is coming in around $550.00 w/tax. I guess it's a roll of the dice!
I've found that they have the best prices and a huge selection of tires in your size. Plus it gives you access to information from people who have actually bought "X" brand of tire. Very good site. Even if you don't buy from tirerack, it's still a good place to research the different brands (i.e. treadlife, snow traction, rain traction, etc, etc, etc).
Goodluck.
My wife has very slowly taken over the Max, and I have been relegated to driving her 98 Altima SE. Great car mechanically, absolutely zero problems, but very slow and boring compared to the Max. It has 69K miles, and I am ready for a new ride. Here's my dilemna:
Should I buy a loaded 2002 Altima 3.5 SE for 2% over invoice (around $27K), which I have been quoted by the local Autonation dealer?
Or should I buy a 2002 Maxima GLE for invoice at the same dealer for $26K?
The Maxima has more power, is more luxurious, and is a better deal. However, the Altima is sportier and won't be redesigned in 2004 like the Max. I really am torn and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!