I feel sorry for you poor souls that don't like your 2002 Maximas seats. My 2000 gle is more comfortable then my 96 gxe. I don't know what they changed as far as the seats in 2002 but maybe you guys can fined a set of 2000 seats somewhere. Mine are leather and as I stated before have driven from NJ to main non-stop except for gas in total comfort. I am 5.11 and have not experienced any problems with the cup holds or steering wheel position. My 2000 is light years ahead of my 96 in all aspects of comfort and convenience. What also boggles my mind is if the 2002 are so bad then why is it selling at a record pace over the 2000 and 2001 model years? Over 15000 were sold in March alone.
That person did not sell his G35 because the seats were uncomfortable, he sold them because he wanted cloth and was led to believe that the cloth had power adjustments. He was very dissatisfied with the dealer and experience after this error and decided he did not want the G35.
Interesting. I went to undergrad/grad school in Pittsburgh (CMU) in the late 70's when the Steelers were nearly impossible to beat. At that time, I was a Browns fan (grew up in Erie). Now I live in DC and am a Steelers fan.
On the Maxima front, I've had a good purchase and service experience with VOB Nissan in Rockville.
I've only ever driven manual vehicles(4 in total). My 2002 Max is mildly notchy but in a good sort of way...more like solid detents than any kind of inhibition. My last car, a Mustang GT 5-speed, was much more difficult. In the end, anyone who's going to look at buying a car with a manual tranny MUST drive it to see if it's o.k. for them!!
Sorry to tie up this board but I'm another displaced "Stillers" fan. Mon Valley/St. Vincent College and now live in Michigan but still hold 2 season tickets in the new Heinz. For more info (or if you ever need tix) reach me at jpscatena@t-one.net
My wife has the 2002 GLE with rail dust disease and I'm just getting out of a QX4 and into an A6 4.2
Maybe someone will helps us. I can only assume by the name that it is "dust" that falls from rail cars as the vehicles are being moved on them. It probably contains rust. I am sure someone will help us out.
Oooooo, this one will keep all of you Maxima fanatics up tonight! Rail dust is a condition that exisits when the tiny metal particles from the train wheels that transport our vehicles get imbedded in the paint and weeks, even months later cause tiny brown "rust spots" all over the lower surfaces. Especially noticeable on white cars. It could happen to you!
We have the same problem with our '00 Maxima. Twice I get down to the Maxima dealler - nothing was found. We change gas station, we try diff. gas grade. This was first step. But then, if you take out car key from ignition and reinsert again - this would help. And I am agreeing with you - this is problem with chip. Some how car key and ignition system did not recognize each other.
Thanks for you comments and observations. They will assist greatly in making a buying decision. There is no question that it will be another MAX SE..... the only question will be auto or 6-speed. A 20 mile drive over the "twisties" in east central Ohio will eventually resolve that question!!
I would continue to appreciate responses from other MAX SE owners with 6-speed transmissions!!!
They say in the drive of the 2002 Maxima SE that the Altima is preferred and is lighter on the wallet. A loaded Altima SE goes for something like $26K, and a loaded Maxima SE of the same equipment level is about the same. You get more power, some more luxury features, and a lot better interior trim with the Maxima. Anyone agree with me or what?
I sat in a 2002 Altima SE at the dealership when they came out, and I did not like them at all. Even in the 2.5S model (at $21K or so), I think the interior looks cheap. I have a Toyota RAV4 rental now, and it's kinda "industrial" looking inside, but still looks more "expensive" than the Altima, from what I rememeber. I don't get Edmund's sometimes.
Like ssn171, I too sold my 2000 Auto SE (to my in-laws) and bought the 2002 SE 6 speed. I've had 84 GTI, 90SE, 95 Honda del sol manuals (funny, they didn't offer my Windstar in a manual...). The throws are longer than a Honda and slightly notchy but NOT annoying once you get into the fun of driving.
Seats are fine for my 5'11" and my 5'6" wife, no problem finding a comfortable seating position. No problems at all with the car and it's lots of fun for a luxurious, roomy sedan.
djp2c; I wish you improved research and better luck with your next car. There's lots of variables and trade-offs with a major commitment like a car, house, spouse; choose wisely.
Just got my Black/Black 02 SE 6-speed and I LOVE it! I had to get out from under my transmission problem Chrysler. I owned a 96 Sentra and was pleased, just too small for my 6'6 frame. I fit just fine in my new Max though. Not quite the legroom as my Cirrus, but it's nothing to cry over. I don't think the shifter is notchy at all, although I haven't had a manual shifter in a while, but I do think this car is wonderful. I opted only for mudguards, floormats, sunroof and filter. I was a bit upside down on my previous loan, but the 1000 dollar rebate helped me get an out the door price of 26200. I'm happy with this purchase and can't wait to roll over 100K miles or more on this wonderful car.
Took delivery 4/3/02 on my new loaded 2002 GLE (except Nav system). So far so good. Did forget to get a pin strip. The car is Majestic Blue. Any suggestions on the color pin strip I should add?? Thanks.
pdrumans1: The g35 post I was referring to was #3799, in which the owner indicated the G35 seats were not comfortable:"I simply could not find a comfortable driving position". There are numerous other posts by people who test drove but couldn't get comfortable in the seats. gg2kkse and gmanzx3, and other 02MaxSe owners with fabric seats, would you do me a favor and compare the driver's seat with the passenger seat in your cars? My driver's seat is 3/4" further from the driver's door than the passenger seat is from the passenger door(and overhangs the console, whereas the passenger seat is 1/2" away from the console). Are the seats in your 02's the same? Are the side bolsters on the seat bottoms the same for the driver's and passenger seats? I think I have a defective driver's seat and I'm trying to make my case with the dealer. Any help is appreciated.
Just because you do not like the seats does not mean you have to get rid of the car. For the money you lose in depreciation you could instead have an upholsterer reshape it or by some Recaros and sell the stock ones. I have a 02 SE and do not find the seats offensive. There not perfect but there not horrible either.
I'm suspecting that the chip inside the key is giving all the problems. But I'm not 100% sure. It happenned to me again today.
This time I thought that, may be, I did not turned the key and held the starting position long enough to make it start. It started on the second try without a hitch. Although, sometimes it seems that I have to hold the starting position longer than normal to start the vehicle.
Well, I'm scheduled to have my keys reprogrammed at the dealer this weekend. I'll update this board about any improvements.
Other then the starting problem, my '01 gle is smooth, powerful, and fun to drive.
You should request or insist that they reprogram your key for "FREE". If they don't do it, talk to their superiors or call NISSAN CORP. And let the hammer drop on them!!!
yes vocus, what is with the Edmund editor's , the Altima sucks big time. Are they blind?? The outside is cool, but interior... what were they thinking? I was at the dealership for the pedal recall, and I sat in one of the low end Altima's, the plastic panels weren't even fastened down! In a way the Altima made many people get the Maxima when they go to the dealer.
Here's a blurb from Nissan: "The all-new Altima continues to outpace projected sales with unit sales of 18,917, a 20.4 percent increase versus March, 2001.... Maxima continues its momentum with sales of 15,162 units, a 44.3 percent increase versus last year."
There was a thread last year stating that the Max engine was very hard to start after a short running period, i.e. starting it, pulling into garage , and shutting it off 10 seconds later. My neighbor had this happen and he could not get the car started and had it towed. His dealer told him the car sort of "floods" on startup and needs a minute to use up the fuel. The dealer suggested to hold the accelerator to the floor and let it crank if it is hard to start.
Are you doing anything like this short running time?
You are 100% on the money with your comments re Altima v. Maxima. When the Altima hit the local showroom I happened to be there having my Max serviced. I spent about 10 seconds sitting in a Altima SE, got out and told the salesman that the interior looked "cheap." The car looks great on the outside with dual exhausts etc but your bubble is burst with the interior design. The Max is so much more refined!!!
I, too, have a 6-speed. Here's some (random) thoughts.
One of the main reasons I chose to buy a Maxima was the availability of a manual with a V6. I prefer having complete control over what gear the car is in at all times, and don't mind the extra "work" of shifting. They are just some things an automatic can't do, for example knowing that as soon as this oncoming car goes by you're going to pass the slowpoke ahead of you. With a MT, you can already upshift in preparation.
But anyway... my previous car was a 5-spd Accord, and I generally liked the transmission. I've been driving my 6-speed for about a month now, and am still getting fully used to the change. One thing I'm having to relearn is that I can't depend on engine noise to know when to shift. It's happened to me a couple of times that I've gone to redline (while passing someone) and forgot to shift because the Maxima engine is just so much smoother and quieter than my previous car.
I definitely love the power of 2nd and 3rd gears.
Shifting from 1st to 2nd is not always as smooth as I'd like. But that could just be me...
The feel of the shifter is generally fine with me. Someone else posted a comment about how the feel can change slightly from day to day. I've noticed this too, and thought it was related to temperature changes. But it's not enough of a change to bother me.
Another thing I noticed is that in first gear, if you put a little forward pressure on the shifter you'll feel a regular pulsation when you're moving.
One other thing to consider is that with the 6-speed you have the option of getting the limited-slip diff, if that's something you're interested in. I have it on mine, but it would be hard for me to tell you how much of a difference it makes since I haven't test driven a max without one.
Had our 6 speed Max for about a month and half. Absolutely love it. Shifter was notchy on the 2 to 3 upshift, but gets smoother everyday. weltonw is right on w/ the comment about not being able to shift by sound, I have the same problem coming from Honda/Acura cars. The Maxima is so smooth and quiet, the engine does not make a fuss as it approaches higher rpms. The hardest thing for me is getting off smoothly in 1st, just not used to the power. The shifter is not as slick as a Honda, but the power/smoothness of the engine more than makes up for it. But don't rely on others opinions. Go drive it yourself. Check out the Altima 3.5 SE as well. I think you end up w/ the Maxima.
canadiancl... Make sure to get the LSD to maximize its utility.
Future resale will likely depend upon current supply meeting future demand. And since Nissan isn't hardly building any, there likely won't be a large supply of them. But who knows if anyone will want one in a few years? Someone looking for a rather exclusive affordable sporty sedan might be quite pleased with a Maxima SE 6-speed. So maybe there will be decent demand in 3-5 years?
Guessin' the best course is either a pretty basic, almost stripped manual that will appeal to the sporty family man on a budget in 3-5 years, or go all out and fully load up the options (to have it compete nicely in future against used BMW 330i, Lincoln LS6, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS300, etc--a poorer man's near luxury sporty sedan.
Bigger issue of resale will be the next generation Maxima. If a huge improvement over current Maxima and if a significant change to the platform (e.g., say it went RWD), then resale of current Maxima will likely tank.
I'm thinking of buying a used Maxima. As I sometimes need to load long items (board etc.), folding rear seat would be nice. I heard that ~99 Maxima GXE's don't have that (only a pass-through). I wonder whether 00~01 SE and GXE have that. How about ~99 SE's?
Yesterday I took my daughter out car shopping. We were looking at sedans (today we're going to look at coupes). Anyway, having owned 5 maximas (all SEs), I wanted her to try the GLE, thinking the ride would be less firm (than SE) and more to her liking. We tested its ride on some fairly rough surface roads, and to my surprise, its ride was nearly as firm as the current generation SEs. Somewhat disappointing (just talking about ride compliance here). A question I'd like to pose to all you GLE owners is: What are your comments regarding the GLE ride quality? Primarily interested in those owners of the current generation GLE with 17" wheels. Maybe the tires on the car we tested had over-inflated tires.
By the way, we also tested the Hyundai Sonata LX (hey, why not? - looks decent, fully loaded car w/V6, fully independant suspension etc. etc. for ~$18,000; remember, its for my daughter and payments ARE a factor). Not a max by any means, but was pleasantly surprised at the ride. Much more compliant than the GLE and not a floater as you might suspect.
Regarding the previous post about rumored dealer cash on 2002 maximas ...
The dealer I visted yesterday (Ohio) is offering $5000 off MSRP on any GLE or SE maxima. This includes the current $1000 cash rebate from Nissan. Pretty good deal, since this brings the price down to roughly $1000 under dealer invoice ($2000 under if you include the rebate). So my thoughts are that there must be some dealer cash/incentives involved here for a dealer to sell a max for $1000 under apparent cost.
By the way, just 3 weeks ago I almost bought a 2002 Max SE w/6-spd for $26700 (MSRP of 30,400; same dealer as referenced above). So factoring in the $1000 rebate, I was at dealer invoice (their invoice included a marketing fee). So glad I didn't buy, since the dealer's current price beats the previous deal by $1300.
Happy shopping. I think 2002 Maxima pricing is trending in the buyers favor.
All 2000 and newer Maximas have 40/60 folding rear seats. If the objects that you want to put in there are quite wide you may still have problems though. The space available when the seats are folded is quite narrow and not very high. Much larger then a simple pass-through but not as large as many cars that I have owned in the past.
could anyone let me know where i could find more info for the 2004 maxima. i've heard that it will be released in the winter of 2003 and will be a V8, pushing 300HP+. True, not true? Thanks in advance Happy motoring!
My 00 SE has a split folding seat. However, the pass-through area from the seats to the trunk isn't the full width, so take a look at it. It's fine for boards though.
I am not a Maxima owner, but I would like to comment on the Hyundai Sonata and XG350L. They are some really IMPROVED cars, and they are on my short list of cars to shop for, especially the XG350L, you do know that with the XG350L, you can get just about all the features from a Maxima GLE for the price of an Altima 2.5SL? The horsepower want be much more than the 2.5SL though. They are nice cars, and the reliablity continues to improve. What I really want is a Maxima GLE with the 6spd manual transmission, wierd isn't it?
I heard just about the same thing as you. My source was a business contact who claims to know someone at Nissan who is supposed to know something. According to him, Nissan is planning a "replacement" for the Maxima now that they have the redesigned Altima to compete with the Cam-a-ccords. It is to be a larger car (Altima now larger than Max, can't have that) built on the same platform as the Q45 and may be a V8. Introduction late 2003 as 2004 model.
This is important to me because my lease on my 2000 SE 5-speed is up in January. Regrettably, it looks like I'll have to drop the new Maxima from my short list. The timing is wrong and I want a replacement no less sports-oriented than the SE. I asked the Infiniti dealer to call me as soon as they know when the G35 6-speed will be available. Latest estimate is January or February.
According to him, Nissan is planning a "replacement" for the Maxima now that they have the redesigned Altima to compete with the Cam-a-ccords. It is to be a larger car (Altima now larger than Max, can't have that) built on the same platform as the Q45 and may be a V8.
I keep seeing this rumor going around. It is false. The '04 Maxima will be built on the new Altima platform, not the Q45 platform. Production begins January '03 for introduction as an '04 model. That is so far the only verified information anyone has.
I think this may have been discussed in the past, but I'm curious if any of you Maxima owners have one of these things and if it actually does anything? From doing past searches on the board, it looks like most people have discounted them as being a scam. However, some people seemed to notice a little difference. Anyway, the device would be worth it if it saved only a slight percentage on fuel over the long-run. Feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
I am always amazed by people who make a mistake and are loath to admit it.
People who live with bad wells on their property swear their water is fine. (They may have to sell the house one day so I can appreciate their motives)
But when people buy cars and swear they are perfect when they are not------this I cannot understand.
OK, I went looking at Maximas yesterday and found a GLE that I am very interested in. It is a "demo" car that was supposedly driven by the manager and has around 4,000 miles on it. The MSRP on it is $28,805 and invoice of $25,862.
My question is, how much is a fair depreciation value for the 4k miles already on it? I was thinking that $0.30 per mile would be a fair reduction from straight invoice. So this gives me the following offer:
Invoice $25,862 Rebate (1,000) Mileage (1,200) -------- TOTAL $23,662, plus tax, tag & title.
Is this reasonable? Or is it TOO reasonable -- should I be taking even more than that off of my offer? I have never bought a "used" new car and need help estimating a fair price. Thanks for your help.
I asked him about that, because I had heard what you are saying. According to him, the car (Altima platform) you are referring to will be like a high-end Altima (better interior, etc.) The new car (with the Q45 platform), currently called "M500" or something like that, according to his story, will replace the Maxima as Nissan's flagship in the lineup because it will be the largest, most expensive, powerful, luxurious, etc. car with a Nissan badge.
I guess it seems to make some sense, because what's the point of having 2 same size/same platform FWD sedans in the line-up other than trim levels?
Of course, his "information" may be BS, too. Whatever, should be interesting what news and new product is available next January.
albatros43... Be smart, save money the old fashioned easy way: Right tires, proper tire inflation, good alignment, high quality modern motor oil with right viscosity for your car & season, high quality fuel with right octane for your car, smart driving designed to be safe but economical (e.g., use cruise control on highway, keep car in overdrive gear at speeds above say 40-45 mph), etc.
Do all of these and you'll easily maximize fuel economy!!!
Check out the Federal Trade Commission's web site. They have some information on automotive-related scams. FTC hasn't found a product like this yet that does what it claims.
Think it was either Car & Driver or Motor Trend that actually tested the Tornado. They found no benefit. Nor is there any reason--tied to laws of physics, thermodynamics, relativity, gravity, etc.--that would cause the product to work. Junk science/junk theory.
Actually, I was a little more interested in the claims made by the Tornado system that it could also increase horsepower. I guess in my mind, I was hoping that something less than $100 could actually boost the horsepower by 5-20 HP...not that the Max really needs it though. I already have a K & N air filter, which supposedly helps increase fuel efficiency and horsepower by allowing more air to flow through the filter. The Tornado system attaches before the filter, supposedly creates a vortex of air that allows for faster flow and an improved air to fuel mixture that boosts fuel economy and horsepower. I don't know much about cars, but this seems to make sense. However, I will trust your post riez that the claims are indeed a scam and hold onto my $80. Thanks for the feedback. I would still be interested to see if anyone has actually purchased one of these for the Max and noticed any difference, besides in their wallet :-).
I want to add a CD changer to my new Max. I have the standard Premium audio. I visited Goodguys and circuitcity. They told me there's no way to do the direct connection for this car. Only RF connection method is available. Does anyone have installed a CD Changer on a new Max recently with direct connection? Any input is appreciated!
I never had to hold or press down the gas pedal to successfully start the car. But one time, I had to pump the gas pedal once before the car was able to start after the third try.
I went to the dealer on Friday to have my keys reprogrammed. So far there is no indication that there is anything wrong with the ignition.
I was busy around town this weekend and drove the '01 maxima back and forth. There were many stops that I had to make and every time I started the vehicle it was very smooth and easy.
May be you should ask your neighbor to have the dealer reprogram the keys.
I have a friend that has a '01 Maxima like myself. The only problem that he encountered with the vehicle were the brakes. His car's rear brakes were making a rhythmic scraping or grinding noise when trying to brake at low speeds. This specially happens when driving the car shortly after starting the engine.
We thought that it was probably due to the metallic brakes and cold weather combined. However, the dealer found that his rear brakes were defective. He was told that there were a Bulletin Notice to this problem.
The dealer service dept. stated that: REAR BRAKE PADS AND SHIM KIT WERE DEFECTIVE OR POOR MATERIAL. REPLACE REAR BRAKE AND SHIM KIT PER BULLETIN.
After that, there were no more problems with his rear brakes. They didn't charge him anything, since the car was still under warranty.
Hope that this notice would help some of you that have this brake noise problem.
As for my '01 Maxima ignition problem, I had my keys reprogrammed and ran around town this weekend without any ignition hitch. There were many stops that I had to make. Every time I started the vehicle, it was smooth and quick.
Anybody have the TSB on replacing the coil packs on the spark plugs because of pinging. My 2000 SE pings horribly when I accelerate aggressively. I would appreciate a link to the TSB. Thank you.
Some Maximas do indead have had problems with starting after short running periods as gg2k2se stated. The problem almost always shows up when the car is run for a short period (usually a few seconds) of time and then left for a longer period of time (I.E. overnight). The car would then be hard to start. This is a known problem with the Maxima but does not happen with all Maximas (I have moved my Max from the driveway to the garage before going to bed many times and never had trouble starting it the next morning). This problem had nothing to do with reprogramming of the keys. A neighbour of mine had this problem with his 2000 GLE and when he phoned the dealer to come tow his car they asked him to try starting it with the accelerator pressed to the floor. This worked and he has never had a problem starting his car since.
The TSB is Bulletin Number NTB01059, dated 09/01/2000. The NHTSA link is www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/central2.cfm
Or do a search by year, make, and model at the NHTSA website. Unfortunately, they don't give you the text of the bulletin, you have to order it and pay about $35. However, in most cases its probably sufficient to know there is one and be able to refer your dealer (who should already have a copy) to it.
My wife leased a 95 GXE and then a 96 GXE and this type of problem happened one time with each car. When it happended on the 95, I call AAA to come tow the car and when the tow truck operator got to my house, he asked me to try and start it again. Wouldn't you know it -- it started right up. I called the dealer and they said if it happened again I should hold the gas pedal to the floor (seems like you would flood it this way), and turn the key. When it happended on the 96 model, I did as they said and it started right away, although it did idle rough for 10-15 seconds each time. It only happended one time with each car.
My wife leased a 95 GXE and then a 96 GXE and this type of problem happened one time with each car. When it happened on the 95, I call AAA to come tow the car and when the tow truck operator got to my house, he asked me to try and start it again. Wouldn't you know it -- it started right up. I called the dealer and they said if it happened again I should hold the gas pedal to the floor (seems like you would flood it this way), and turn the key. When it happened on the 96 model, I did as they said and it started right away, although it did idle rough for 10-15 seconds each time. It only happened one time with each car.
Comments
On the Maxima front, I've had a good purchase and service experience with VOB Nissan in Rockville.
Best wishes.
My wife has the 2002 GLE with rail dust disease and I'm just getting out of a QX4 and into an A6 4.2
Is this problem unique to Maximas?
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
Thanks for you comments and observations. They will
assist greatly in making a buying decision. There
is no question that it will be another MAX SE.....
the only question will be auto or 6-speed. A 20
mile drive over the "twisties" in east central
Ohio will eventually resolve that question!!
I would continue to appreciate responses from other
MAX SE owners with 6-speed transmissions!!!
berbel
I sat in a 2002 Altima SE at the dealership when they came out, and I did not like them at all. Even in the 2.5S model (at $21K or so), I think the interior looks cheap. I have a Toyota RAV4 rental now, and it's kinda "industrial" looking inside, but still looks more "expensive" than the Altima, from what I rememeber. I don't get Edmund's sometimes.
Seats are fine for my 5'11" and my 5'6" wife, no problem finding a comfortable seating position. No problems at all with the car and it's lots of fun for a luxurious, roomy sedan.
djp2c; I wish you improved research and better luck with your next car. There's lots of variables and trade-offs with a major commitment like a car, house, spouse; choose wisely.
Maybe my 2002 Max GLE is different than all the others! Seats are comfy, foot pedals, hand brake, sun visor, etc....all great!
Some people complain about anything! Check the car out BEFORE you buy!....
And to think, one poster has owned several Maxs and STILL complains....
This time I thought that, may be, I did not turned the key and held the starting position long enough to make it start. It started on the second try without a hitch. Although, sometimes it seems that I have to hold the starting position longer than normal to start the vehicle.
Well, I'm scheduled to have my keys reprogrammed at the dealer this weekend. I'll update this board about any improvements.
Other then the starting problem, my '01 gle is smooth, powerful, and fun to drive.
You should request or insist that they reprogram your key for "FREE". If they don't do it, talk to their superiors or call NISSAN CORP. And let the hammer drop on them!!!
Here's a blurb from Nissan:
"The all-new Altima continues to outpace projected sales with unit sales of 18,917, a 20.4 percent increase versus March, 2001.... Maxima continues its momentum with sales of 15,162 units, a 44.3 percent increase versus last year."
Are you doing anything like this short running time?
You are 100% on the money with your comments re Altima v. Maxima. When
the Altima hit the local showroom I
happened to be there having my Max
serviced. I spent about 10 seconds sitting
in a Altima SE, got out and told the salesman
that the interior looked "cheap." The car
looks great on the outside with dual exhausts
etc but your bubble is burst with the interior
design. The Max is so much more refined!!!
berbel
evaluations of the transmission in their Maxes.
A few more would be helpful. Anybody?
berbel
One of the main reasons I chose to buy a Maxima was the availability of a manual with a V6. I prefer having complete control over what gear the car is in at all times, and don't mind the extra "work" of shifting. They are just some things an automatic can't do, for example knowing that as soon as this oncoming car goes by you're going to pass the slowpoke ahead of you. With a MT, you can already upshift in preparation.
But anyway... my previous car was a 5-spd Accord, and I generally liked the transmission. I've been driving my 6-speed for about a month now, and am still getting fully used to the change. One thing I'm having to relearn is that I can't depend on engine noise to know when to shift. It's happened to me a couple of times that I've gone to redline (while passing someone) and forgot to shift because the Maxima engine is just so much smoother and quieter than my previous car.
I definitely love the power of 2nd and 3rd gears.
Shifting from 1st to 2nd is not always as smooth as I'd like. But that could just be me...
The feel of the shifter is generally fine with me. Someone else posted a comment about how the feel can change slightly from day to day. I've noticed this too, and thought it was related to temperature changes. But it's not enough of a change to bother me.
Another thing I noticed is that in first gear, if you put a little forward pressure on the shifter you'll feel a regular pulsation when you're moving.
One other thing to consider is that with the 6-speed you have the option of getting the limited-slip diff, if that's something you're interested in. I have it on mine, but it would be hard for me to tell you how much of a difference it makes since I haven't test driven a max without one.
Future resale will likely depend upon current supply meeting future demand. And since Nissan isn't hardly building any, there likely won't be a large supply of them. But who knows if anyone will want one in a few years? Someone looking for a rather exclusive affordable sporty sedan might be quite pleased with a Maxima SE 6-speed. So maybe there will be decent demand in 3-5 years?
Guessin' the best course is either a pretty basic, almost stripped manual that will appeal to the sporty family man on a budget in 3-5 years, or go all out and fully load up the options (to have it compete nicely in future against used BMW 330i, Lincoln LS6, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS300, etc--a poorer man's near luxury sporty sedan.
Bigger issue of resale will be the next generation Maxima. If a huge improvement over current Maxima and if a significant change to the platform (e.g., say it went RWD), then resale of current Maxima will likely tank.
I heard that ~99 Maxima GXE's don't have that (only a pass-through). I wonder whether 00~01 SE and GXE have that.
How about ~99 SE's?
By the way, we also tested the Hyundai Sonata LX (hey, why not? - looks decent, fully loaded car w/V6, fully independant suspension etc. etc. for ~$18,000; remember, its for my daughter and payments ARE a factor). Not a max by any means, but was pleasantly surprised at the ride. Much more compliant than the GLE and not a floater as you might suspect.
Regarding the previous post about rumored dealer cash on 2002 maximas ...
The dealer I visted yesterday (Ohio) is offering $5000 off MSRP on any GLE or SE maxima. This includes the current $1000 cash rebate from Nissan. Pretty good deal, since this brings the price down to roughly $1000 under dealer invoice ($2000 under if you include the rebate). So my thoughts are that there must be some dealer cash/incentives involved here for a dealer to sell a max for $1000 under apparent cost.
By the way, just 3 weeks ago I almost bought a 2002 Max SE w/6-spd for $26700 (MSRP of 30,400; same dealer as referenced above). So factoring in the $1000 rebate, I was at dealer invoice (their invoice included a marketing fee). So glad I didn't buy, since the dealer's current price beats the previous deal by $1300.
Happy shopping. I think 2002 Maxima pricing is trending in the buyers favor.
Happy motoring!
This is important to me because my lease on my 2000 SE 5-speed is up in January. Regrettably, it looks like I'll have to drop the new Maxima from my short list. The timing is wrong and I want a replacement no less sports-oriented than the SE. I asked the Infiniti dealer to call me as soon as they know when the G35 6-speed will be available. Latest estimate is January or February.
I keep seeing this rumor going around. It is false. The '04 Maxima will be built on the new Altima platform, not the Q45 platform. Production begins January '03 for introduction as an '04 model. That is so far the only verified information anyone has.
Look at this Nissan press release:
"The new Maxima will share a vehicle platform with the Nissan Altima."
http://www.nissannews.com/corporate/news/2001/reljanel20010927110025.shtml
People who live with bad wells on their property swear their water is fine. (They may have to sell the house one day so I can appreciate their motives)
But when people buy cars and swear they are perfect when they are not------this I cannot understand.
My question is, how much is a fair depreciation value for the 4k miles already on it? I was thinking that $0.30 per mile would be a fair reduction from straight invoice. So this gives me the following offer:
Invoice $25,862
Rebate (1,000)
Mileage (1,200)
--------
TOTAL $23,662, plus tax, tag & title.
Is this reasonable? Or is it TOO reasonable -- should I be taking even more than that off of my offer? I have never bought a "used" new car and need help estimating a fair price. Thanks for your help.
I guess it seems to make some sense, because what's the point of having 2 same size/same platform FWD sedans in the line-up other than trim levels?
Of course, his "information" may be BS, too. Whatever, should be interesting what news and new product is available next January.
Do all of these and you'll easily maximize fuel economy!!!
Check out the Federal Trade Commission's web site. They have some information on automotive-related scams. FTC hasn't found a product like this yet that does what it claims.
Think it was either Car & Driver or Motor Trend that actually tested the Tornado. They found no benefit. Nor is there any reason--tied to laws of physics, thermodynamics, relativity, gravity, etc.--that would cause the product to work. Junk science/junk theory.
I went to the dealer on Friday to have my keys reprogrammed. So far there is no indication that there is anything wrong with the ignition.
I was busy around town this weekend and drove the '01 maxima back and forth. There were many stops that I had to make and every time I started the vehicle it was very smooth and easy.
May be you should ask your neighbor to have the dealer reprogram the keys.
This specially happens when driving the car shortly after starting the engine.
We thought that it was probably due to the metallic brakes and cold weather combined. However, the dealer found that his rear brakes were defective. He was told that there were a Bulletin Notice to this problem.
The dealer service dept. stated that: REAR BRAKE PADS AND SHIM KIT WERE DEFECTIVE OR POOR MATERIAL. REPLACE REAR BRAKE AND SHIM KIT PER BULLETIN.
After that, there were no more problems with his rear brakes. They didn't charge him anything, since the car was still under warranty.
Hope that this notice would help some of you that have this brake noise problem.
As for my '01 Maxima ignition problem, I had my keys reprogrammed and ran around town this weekend without any ignition hitch. There were many stops that I had to make. Every time I started the vehicle, it was smooth and quick.
So far, so good.
Or do a search by year, make, and model at the NHTSA website. Unfortunately, they don't give you the text of the bulletin, you have to order it and pay about $35. However, in most cases its probably sufficient to know there is one and be able to refer your dealer (who should already have a copy) to it.