Nissan Maxima

afty

Quirk Nissan runs those ads every week. They are legit, as I've heard from a couple of people now who were able to buy Maximas at the advertised price from Quirk. Not sure how they can sell them so low, but they do.

canadiancl

Maybe they are grey-market cars - imported from Canada and converted to US specs?

habitat1

..I doubt that a reputable US dealership would do it. Fastest way to lose your franchise and, I believe, subject to significant fines and other criminal penalties if it was done without full disclosure to the purchaser.

On the other hand, I'm thinking of doing it for myself. I can get a fully loaded Maxima SE 6-speed (all available US options except navagation system) for $38,000 Canadian including freight and a/c tax. At today's exchange rate (1.59), that's equivalent to $23,900 for a car that lists for $30k in U.S. and invoices for roughly $26,800. Even after paying 2.5% duty tax, it's $2,300 under US invoice.

I have only found one dealer outside Toronto (Guelph) that actually has SE 6-speeds in stock and they are selling at full MSRP. Any of you friendly Canadian posters have any other dealers that you recommend? Thanks.

obiwankenobi1

Went to the local Nissan dealer yesterday and saw a 02 GLE. I REALLY liked the wheels on the GLE better than my SE so I called another Nissan dealer (one I buy a lot of cars from, you know, being the auto broker I am.) and told them that I wanted those wheels. The fleet lady I work with said I could swap my wheels with their demo 02 GLE for only $65 labor because we buy a lot of cars from them.

I went ahead and did it. Looks MUCH better. The only problem was I had to take the Turanza H rated tires in swap for my Potenza RE92's V rated tires(they had the same miles on them). So now I don't have the performance I used to, but the GLE wheels fill up the wheel well better. I have driven it, and I really can't tell the difference. The Potenza's were 225/50 VR17's and the Turanza's are 215/55 HR17's.

So did I do ok? Should I have kept the SE wheels? Hey, I have the only Se with GLE wheels now!

Obi

canadiancl

I think the '02 GLE wheels do look better than the '01 SE's because I like the look with the bolts exposed. So this leads to my question: How come you didn't swap for the '02 SE wheels? IMHO, those look even better than the GLE'S

godeacs

sorry if mfrances took it the wrong way. My pt about trade ins influencing "price" of new car is this: last month local HOnda dealer was offering (screamer ads) 2002 Accord EX-V6s for $23K or so -a great price! When I mentioned I had a trade-in the price was still $23K BUT they offered me $8K on my Volvo which was almost $4K less other dealers and $5K less than "book" value. Needless to say, I walked out and ended up with a Maxima - better car anyway!

Like afty said I'm not sure how that MA dealer does it....great deal if you live in the area for sure...

canadiancl

Has anyone had a chance to compare the Maxima's standard 120 watt non-Bose stereo to, say, the JBL unit in a Camry or the one in the Accord EX?

How does the Max's standard unit compare to the others in terms of frequency response, clarity, distortion, etc.?

skips2

I own a 2000 Maxima GLE with traction control. Ocassionally, the TCS light and slip light (both on the dsah) will come on while under a normal driving condition. Has anyone else had this problem? What's the fix? I know there is a technical service bulletin on this problem, but I can never get it to repeat itself at the dealer. The dealer has to see the condition before they will do anything. It only happens ocassionally. Thanks.

danny25

Canadiancl,
I believe Obi has a 2002 SE, so he actually swaped the SE wheels you like for the GLE wheels.

Obi,
How do GLE wheels fill the wheel well better since they're the same size wheels as the SE. Is it because the tires are a little taller than the ones on the SE wheels?

canadiancl

That's right! Obi does have an '02, not an '01. Me silly and forgetful!

bigbadboss101

Hello folks, can you tell me deals in Canada for this vehicle that you have seen/heard? I know what the MSRP is, but am curious what people are able to get.

What is the base price for the SE with leather, 6 speed?

Add 966 for PDI.

Add either 7 or 15% tax.

Total price?

I live in Alberta so tax is 7%.

Email to bigbadboss101@yahoo.com if you like

obiwankenobi1

Yes, they fill the wheel well better because they are 55 series as opposed to 50's.

As I said, they ride a little softer, but I haven't really noticed a performance difference. I'll have to wait and see.

I DO like the 7 spokes better than the 6 spoke SE's.

Obi

maxamillion1

I saw a new 2002 Nissan Maxima GLE on my way to Charleston this morning. I've got to admit, it looked real nice, it was Glacier Pearl with the new GLE wheels. I like the GLE wheels way better than the SE's wheels. For one, they look more futuristic and they shine a lot more than the SE wheels, the SEs look a little plain to me now.

hawks1

Can leather seats be ordered as an option on this paricular model? Are any dealers selling this model for less than MSRP? Edmunds has a TMV suggested MSRP price for around $23.5K. Do any owners out there have any data on what kind of gas mileage one might expect with this 255 HP V6? And finally, can you burn 87 octane regular with this engine?
Thanks in advance.

mherron

I do not think leather is an option on the GXE.I bought my GXE on Oct. 6 and paid $20.5K.The MSRP was $25.2K with destination charge and invoice was $22.8K.I bought it at Darcars Nissan in Rockville MD,so yes some dealers are selling below invoice too. After 1700 miles I have averaged 22-25 mpg in mixed driving. You can run 87 octane,but it's not recommended and I only use 93.

black_tulip

Does the '02 GXE require premium fuel? Edmunds specs indicate that the engine requires regular fuel.

riez

hawks1... You should stop by a Nissan dealer and take a test drive, as well as pick up a brochure. Per brochure, leather is available on the base GXE but only as a dealer-installed "accessory". I'd be leery to get leather after the fact.

Brochure strangely silent on fuel, but believe Nissan recommends premium for the 3.5L V-6 (not surprising since it uses CVTC. Its engine management control system will allow use of lower octane fuels but you'll likely see a degradation in engine output and fuel economy. EPA rating is 21/28 for manual and 20/26 for automatic. (The Altima 3.5 SE automatic gets 19/26, but manual gets 21/26. Go figure.)

raaizin

Was this car new or a demo. I am interested in an SE, and if I could get 4700 of MSRP like you did, I would jump on it. How did you arrange such a low price.

lofquist

Guys,
The Canadian and US Maximas are the same. There is no "conversion" needed. They meet all US and California emissions and safety requirements. Nissan will give you a letter stating that. There is no gray market.

Dealers are catching on to the savings just like we have, and will import cars from Canada themselves. Nothing wrong with that at all. Last spring a local dealer had gobs of PT Cruisers on his lot from Canada when none could be had anywhere else around.

As I understand it Nissan does not like these dealers trades, but they have no problem if we do it ourselves as individuals. Go up and get one yourself and save the money. How can you resist a new Max for $3000 - $4000 under invoice?

-Jon

obiwankenobi1

I had been putting 87 octane in my 02 SE and it was knocking a little bit. Switched to premium and the knock is gone.

I think I'll run one more tank of premium through it and then switch to 89 and see what happens. I'll keep you posted.

Obi

gerry18

There are three potential impacts of going with the lower octane fuel. The first, knock - not good for the engine, you have already encountered with your 87 octane test. The second and third are horsepower and mileage. As has been written previously in this forum, the engine control system minimizes knock by retarding the ignition as necessary and to the extent it can. Retarding the timing tends to reduce both HP and mileage. Considering all that is available with the 3.5L engine, chances are in most driving you won't notice the difference - unless you are trying to pass on a two lane road. However, any reduction in mileage could negate any savings from the lower priced gas. Keeping your foot off the throttle will minimize the mileage impact. But of course, that will take much of the fun out of owning the Maxima, won't it? :~(

peteroddo

Just keep piling on the polyurethane coating. Seems to work so far for me (5 months, 8700 miles, and no chips on Sunlit Sand). Another option is a noseguard for highway and winter road driving.

hawks1

After reading some of the recent posts, I believe I will take a closer look at dealing for a new Maxima instead of the Altima. Had seriously considered an Altima but the dealers have been reluctant to deal down from the MSRP. What I'm hearing here is that the Maxima can be dealt for below the MSRP and actually price out cheaper than a comparably (or better) equiped Altima.

habitat1

I am pretty frugal, but I also subscribe to the "don't be penny wise and pound foolish" philosophy.

I have used nothing but 93 octane premium in my 1995 Maxima SE. According to my log book, I have used 4,834 gallons for 116,100 miles (24.02 mpg). Assuming I would have saved an average of 10 - 15 cents a gallon by going with regular, I theoretically would have saved $483 to $725 over the past 7+ years ($70 to $100 per year for 16.5k+ miles/yr). This assumes NO loss of milage. If it dropped by just 1 mpg, I would have used 213 more gallons of gas at an average of $1.25+. The added cost of $267 would wipe out 35-50%+ of the savings.

My 1995 Maxima runs like new, with literally "no discernable engine wear" (according to my service manager). Whatever the reason - oil changes every 4k miles, premium gas, or just good fortune - I'm not changing a thing.

My recommendation is to fill up with premium at Exxon on "thrifty Thursdays" when it's 6 cents cheaper. And, if you really need to save some more money, raise your collision insurance deductable from $250 to $500 or $1,000. I did that, drive a bit more carefully, and it's saved me $1,000+ over the past 7 years. At least it's a quantifiable risk and, IMHO, beats putting cheap gas in a good car.

sgrd0q

I think it is just wrong to put regular gas in the Maxima.

The engine was made to run on premium gas and when you put regular in, the engine has to compensate by retarding the ignition. In that mode the engine will be inefficient, burn more fuel, and possibly negate any savings.

Not to mention that this is not good for your O2 sensors, and the engine, generally.

riez

Anyone tried ethanol in their Nissan 3.0L or 3.5L V-6? Here in midwest we have 89, 89.5, and 90 octane ethanol at various stations. Costs about same as 87 octane. What does the Nissan owner's manual say about ethanol?

otis12

Test drove a Max SE and Altima V-6 this weekend. No comparison, dashboard of Altima was too plasticy. And ABS is not standard!? Plus more $$$ for Xenons! Sorry but the Max is a much better value and a far better ride, the wife agrees. Question: has anyone done better than the carsdirect price quote when buying? also, can anyone recommend a decent dealership in NJ? Thanks.

mirth

The Car Connection has just posted a review of the '02 Maxima:

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=4347&sid=180&n=157

sglator

otis12:

I bought my new 1999 SE a few years ago from Warnock Nissan in Morristown, NJ (Rt 287). Went thru edmunds.com online dealer-referring service and they sent me there. No issues whatsoever - bought my Maxima at invoice minus the rebate that was in effect at that time.
The whole transaction - from filling out form at Edmunds to picking up my Maxima - was complete in a day. They even beat my financing I got from carfinance.com.
Never been to their service department though so can't comment on that.

jimmie8

This topic has been brought up many times on this forum over the past couple years. Car and Driver (I think) recently did a comparison of 87 vs 93 and the results are exactly what I'd expect. With the exception of the M3, none of the other cars had any real detectable performance differences between 87 and 93. In fact, some cars that require 93 actually performed a little better on 87, and vice versa, some American cars that claim 87 is best performed better using 93. The bottom line: unless you have an engine that is running at the limits of its capacity (ie a 333hp engine with only 3.2L displacement), you will see no difference.

Even though this is the case, I still use 93 because I get more than 1 mpg better gas mileage than with 87, and as habitat1 indicated, this increase in fuel efficiency pays for itself assuming you get 2 mpg better (which I do).

Obi-are you sure you heard the engine knocking? My 97 has never knocked before (even when I used to use 87)....its not supposed to be able to because of the anti-knock measures.

gymshoe

went car shopping for the wife last night and went to look at the new altima and the maxima.
while talking to two sales guys (a sales manager and a normal sales guy)...I tried to get them to explain to me why i would buy an altima when after it's optioned out the way i want, the price is already close to the maxima's ...and the maxima is so much of a better car. The sales manager said stuff like...oh, there's a huge price difference....you're talking like a 10 thousand dollar difference! I replied in fake astonishment...You've gotta be kidding! ....sales manager... nope, new maxima is around 35k! I then got pissed for some reason and blurted out.. If I was gonna spend 35k on a car, why the hell am i buying a nissan, I'd be shopping for and infiniti, or an audi or lexus or benz!...the sales manager just stared at me and replied...uhm...I don't know how to answer that.
what the hell was he thinking..trying to tell my a maxima is gonna cost 35k. I bought a brand new 2000 Maxima SE for 25k a year and a half ago.
anyway...just wanted to share my story of stupid sales people. Oh....and after the sales manager left, the sale guy we were talking to said...oh..don't worry about the price he said..that's MSRP ...we work from there.
hehe...nice try buddy...a fully loaded GLE is only 32k MSRP

-James

silvercoupe1

This is taken directly from Car and Driver, "Cheapskates burning regular in cars designed to run on premium fuel can expect to trim performance by about the same percent they save at the pump. If the car is sufficiently new and sophisticated, it may not suffer any ill effects, but all such skinflints should be ready to switch back to premium at the first sign of knock or other drivability woes."

The article also said, "Our tests confirm that for most cars there is no compelling reason to buy more expensive fuel than the factory recommends, as any performance gain realized will surely be far less than the percentage hike in price"

So, the rule is to use the grade of fuel that is recommended in the manual.

mherron

Sorry I'm slow getting back,been busy.The car was new,only been off the truck for 2 days and had 3 miles on the odometer.Darcars had been running an add on 2001's every Saturday with great prices,but they were selling the cars within hours of opening.I had planned on getting a 2001 for the clearance pricing and low financing,but the next Saturday they had a 2002 for $19985 + $540.Went in and took it for a test drive and bought it for $$20503.I don't know how they sold it that cheap, I had called at least 15 dealers and couldn't get a 2001 for that price. They have not run an add for another one at that price since. They have been running an add for 2002 SE's for around $23.5.If you live near D.C. check out the Washington Post.

fischda

I haven't been here yet, but was hoping some of you could give your opinions. I'm looking at buying a used, '90 to '93, Maxima for reliable driving until I purchase new truck next Fall.

Anyone who owns one in that range, I'd appreciate your comments about the car's merits and faults...
Thanks!!

92drexel

Here is the link to the Car and Driver article:

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/features/2001/november/200111_feature_gasoline.xml?keywords=premium

Basically they tested a few cars requiring regular unleaded (Mustang GT, Dodge Ram, Honda Accord) and compared them to cars requiring premium Saab Turbo and BMW M3. The ran all cars on regular, then on premium, and dynoed the cars to determine if there is a horsepower difference between grades of fuel.

I think they saw no real difference between grades in the Ram, Mustang, and Accord (so its a waste of money burning premium in these), the Saab produced more significantly more power burning premium (which is the recommended fuel for a Saab Turbo) and the M3 was inconclusive because the engine is regulated below redline when the drivewheels turn with the car not moving (i.e. the engine won't let the wheels spin in place on a treadmill).

Anyway (sorry for the long post), the story concludes that running an engine requiring premium (i.e. the Maxima) on regular diminishes your gas mileage to the point where you're not saving any money by running the cheap stuff. Make sense???

92drexel

Anyone see the December issue of Car and Driver? They test drove the upcoming Nissan 350Z, apparently Nissan is using a front and rear multilink suspension set-up.

Interesting.

jhunterbob

I asked this question before. The 2002 maxima says regular unleaded, the 135 says premium.

for those of you who have a 2002 maxima, what does the car say? I would assume premium, but if not, how can these two supposedly identical engines require different fuels?

mherron

2002 Maxima recommends premium.

ramped1

I've put 87, 89 and 93 in my '92 Maxima SE since it was brand new, and barely notice a difference in mileage or performance. It has never knocked. This is mainly Florida driving, often in 90-plus degree heat. Great car. Recommend the Max to anyone.

canadiancl

but has any of you current Maxima (or Altima) owners installed an aftermarket alarm over top of the factory system, and if so, any glitches? Some (or maybe all!) of you may find my concern trivial, but I find the Maxima's alarm system pretty basic and unsophisticated for a fairly upscale car, especially the '02 which is almost in the near-luxury category. In the 5 years that I had my '95 Max, one of the few things I didn't like was the factory alarm, and I'm surprised with all the upgrades done to the Max since, the alarm is still basically the same.

bigcheez

I am going back and forth trying to decide between the altima or maxima.
Have been reading both sites. Lots of complaining on the altimasite.

Anyway, has anyone dealt with dealers in Central Illinois, Miles (Decatur) or Royal Oaks (Springfield).
Or possibly dealers in southern Il. or St. Louis.
I want to get the best deal, but do fear taking the car in for service at a dealership where the car was not purchased.

Any advice would be appreciated.

raaizin

Thanks for the info. I to was lookinf for an '01 but looks like I missed the boat. I was looking for the low financing. I guess I will check the papers to see any ads. The best I was able to do was 24,700 for a base SE with auto and sunroof only. I hope Nissan will bring 3.9% for 60 months as the model year ends.

pwitz

Dealer in Upstate NY is said he will go $300 over invoice on a 2002 GLE! This is with the following options:
Meridian Package
Floor Mats
Front Side Air Bags
Sunroof
Traction Control
Sunroof Deflector

That plus the 3.9% for 36 months...has anyone done better?

inemer

We have ’00 Nissan Maxima. Starting last Sunday, when we park our car in a garage trunks open him self. Our bedroom right over garage and all night I can hear clinking sound of trunks opener. Their two new thing in our house that was not here before Sunday: water heater and cell phone. I have another idea; maybe a button on a key remote control from Maxima gets stack and that why trunks opened every 1 min. I will check this theory tonight. Any other thought?

tiger8

Big Cheez: Try Uftring Nissan in E. Peoria. Let me know where you buy.

stebu

Gremlins... and not the AMC kind ;-)

canadiancl

When you said the trunk would open by itself every minute, you mean the trunk would open, you would run down to close it, it would open, you close it, and on and on and on? You have the patience of a nun! Could be the remote, or could be the electrical trunk latch.

dabronxr

That was funny. I was laughin' my [non-permissible content removed] off. Just picture the poor guy ...snug as a bug in a rug, then he hears trunk runs down closes it and back up to bed...then all over again. Like an old Laurel and Hardy movie. I would simply make my wife sit on the trunk all night, then bring it in to dealer ;->

dabronxr

When ever I go to a review on the Maxima, be it magazine article or actual owners, I very rarely find a bad comment. That speaks volumes for this car! Think about it.. all these complaints on other cars, and the Maxima...uhhh a trunk hinge someone didn't like!!!! I hope to buy the SE at end of November, just trying to find a reasonable price both dealer and I can agree on. I started my shopping with the Altima. I don't see how one can stay with the Altima unless you are looking at BASE level only. If you want safety, power, refinement...your search (in the mid 20's price range) will end with the Maxima.If you even consider the Altima 3.5, you will have to add the Abs, maybe traction control. and with dealer mark up, BAM! You are at same price of the Maxima SE, with standard abs, and more refined interior and ride( although the altima does have ind. rear suspension). Any1 able to tel me What they were able to get the Maxima SE for, I would appreacite that. Right now I was under impression 300 over invoice was fair, but I have seen a few posters talking about getting it for invoice and even under. Is this possible? By the way I am in Westchester county NY. Any chance of rebates on 2002 model ??? nah.....

sb55

dabronxr,
I too am in Westchester and started looking at the Altima. After driving it I am now planing to get the 6 speed Maxima, even though I haven't driven it yet. I would be happy with $300. over invoice and I'm wating for the 6 speed to come in. Anybody know of any in this part of NY?