By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
such as www.tirerack.com and see who they have listed as their
tire installer in your area. Co-incidentally, this is what I did and the
tire store they listed for my area did a fantastic job. Again, no
guarantee, but they will probably do a better job than a car dealer.
I feel for you buddy !! Nothing I hate worse than to see the passenger
seat shaking and vibrating. Good luck !! Let us know how you make out !
I have:
1) 2k Max.........bulletproof
2) 94 Altima......bulletproof
3) 92 P'up.........bulletproof
I had:
1) 86 Max.........bulletproof
I think I see a car buying trend :-)
I've owned several Toyotas ( no Hondas), and in my opinion,
the Nissans have been superior to the Toyotas.
Also, if you do a lot of highway driving, like I do , and you are
surrounded by Dump Trucks spewing their loads all over your
car, you might want to try the 3M Clear Mask.
PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
MANY THANKS
ADDRESS
NAPANEERIVERBEND@SPRINT.CA
I have 2002 SE 6 SP with approx 2200 miles on it. I have been very impressed with the smoothness of the engine and how it fires right up when starting. As far as the hood vibration and paint chipping goes, I haven't noticed any hood vibration and it is too early to tell regarding the paint chipping (no problems so far).
A couple of things I have noticed about the car since purchasing it: there is wind noise coming from the back part of the car. It sounds like one of the back windows is partially open. I am going to have the dealer look at this. Also, if you purchase an SE, be prepared to pay some $$$$ to replace the stock tires. The stock tire is not only expensive to replace, it has a very low (160) trend wear rating. So be prepared to replace tires more frequently and at a much higer price. Why Nissan put such a rare size tire on this car is beyond me.
Agree with you, for under $25K, it's right at the top of the list...believe me, I looked for several months.
When it does come time I can suggest Michelin Pilot Sports (tread wear rating 400)in the same size. I ordered a set from Tire Rack.com and paid $202 each + shipping. Had them installed yesterday along with the SmartTire pressure monitoring system.
What an outstanding tire! Much quieter and smoother ride than the Potenza's that the car came with standard. Hasven't had a chance to really put them to the test yet (raining for two days) but I believe they're gonna be great.
Expensive, yes but when you consider they're the only thing between you and the pavement, might as well stay in as much control as possible.
The Smart Tire system is also outstanding. It provides both air pressure and air temperature in each tire (one tire at a time). For what it cost, I don't understand why manufacturers don't make this standard (or optional)equipment.
Scott
Was leaning toward the SE but the GLE with leather, moonroof and the 6-CD Bose was less than a similarly equipped SE. Purely personal preference, but I think the GLE interior is a bit nicer as well. And the auto-climate control and seat memory features are really nice creature comforts.
We LIKE this car. The V6 engine has a great reputation for reliability. The power with 255 HP, the Xenon headlights standard, the autodim rearview mirror, ABS standard, no sunroof (which we didn't want.) No problem with hood flapping (tighter than our 93 Accord hood), only one pinhead sized paint chip on the Max hood after 3K miles, and we get 28-29 mpg with mid octane gas. After seeing posts here that gas mileage goes up with higher octane, we might go with the premium. Our Honda 4 cylinder only gets 29-30 mpg and of course has a lot less power than the Max. Another major consideration in getting the Max is that it had way more room than the other sedans (Camry/ Accord) that we looked at. My husband is 6'3" & 240 lbs. He likes the shoulder room. We got the Max for close to the price if not better than the Altima with ABS because of the rebates. We paid $23,200 drive-out including $1300 tax. The Altima DOES NOT HAVE A CASSETTE player. The Max does. Small thing but it mattered to us. BTW, I *like* the way the Max looks from the rear with the round tail lights. Also the 02 Max is made in Japan and next year I think it will be made here. I can't help but wonder if that will affect quality as it has in other foreign makes. This is a great car!!!
11,500 miles and counting! Not one prob with my 02 SE!
Obi
But my GLE has 17" wheels and a spoiler with integrated light and no brake light on the rear deck, just a color coordinated plate ...
Thanks for the info on replacement tires for the Maxima SE. I will keep your suggestion in mind when I need to replace the stock tires. A treadwear rating of 400 sounds great for performance tires. One question though. Did you shop around a lot for the best price. Was tirerack.com the lowest price?
If so, what are the results of using one. Do you notice any difference in performance, mileage, etc? Is it worth the added cost compared to stock air filters?
I too installed a K&N filter on my SE for all the
reasons you cited. I've got about 60,000 on my SE
and have cleaned the filter a couple of times. Had
I stayed with the OEM filter, I probably would have
reinstalled "several" of them by now. Yes, I'm a
little "anal" about my car!
Re replacement tires posted by dllanecky. For
purposes of clarification............
Michelin offers TWO "Pilot Sport" tires. One is
simply called a Pilot Sport and the other is called
the Pilot Sport "AS." (all-season). The latter is
actually "W" speed rated while the first is "Z" rated. I believe dklanecky is referring to the
Pilot Sport AS @ $202.00 per tire @ Tirerack.com.
berbel
I was actually please that I personally knew the dealership I bought my SE from. They put GLE wheels from their loaner on my SE for $60! I also got away with the Turanza'a the loaner had. Both cars had about 4K on them when the swap was done.
Now I have an SE model wil GLE wheels! I looks really good. Plus, I have 20% tint all around. I could not feel a performance difference between the Potenza's and the Turanza'a, and I know the Turanza's will last longer.
Like I said before. One happy 02 SE owner here!
Obi
2002 Maxima SE (02 GLE wheels)
Sterling Mist/Frost Cloth
Dark Tint
11,500 "Passat Ripping" miles
I have a '98 Maxima GXE 5sp. with 69,000 miles. About 5
weeks ago after an oil change at the dealership, service
advisor told me the Power Steering suction hose is beginning
to leak. Since then I haven't noticed any drop in the P/S
reservoir and there aren't any squealing noises when turning
either.
Instead of breaking my wallet (BMW
fix this leak, should I go for one of those "Power Steering
Sealer" products? Has anybody had any experience with them?
They claim to not harm any steering parts and to cure leaks
within 200 miles of driving if the leak is minor? Are there
any drawbacks or pitfalls to using these prodcuts?
Thanks
For the size, weight and engine, I believe that's pretty good gas mileage.
Guiduan,
I have a 2002 SE 6sp with 2500 miles. The highest mileage I have obtained is 26 mpg with mostly highway driving. I use premium fuel and measure the fuel mileage after each fill up (don't use the trip computer). I am satisfied with the mileage so far given the engine hasn't been broken in yet and the fact that the engine delivers such lively performance.
Re:Treadwear ratings
Gerapau,
Good point regarding treadwear ratings. I had michelin pilot XGT'S on my former car with a treadwear rating of 300. I got 43000 miles out of them. So I would expect to to get more mileage out of the michelin pilot sport AS (treadwear rating of 400) with similar driving habits and tire maintenance (i.e. balancing, proper tire pressure,etc.).
Another solution to getting a longer lasting tire (as mentioned above) is putting the GLE sized tire on the SE. The diameter of the GLE sized tire is not much different than the SE's stock tire. It is also much easier to find a better price on the GLE sized tire (not as rare) than the SE using TireRack pricing as a source.
K&N air filter - I put one in my car about 12,000 miles ago and 2 days ago, the check engine lite came on... so I took it in and they reprogrammed the ECU.... they didn't say it was cause of the filter, but I assumed that it was since that's the only thing I changed and it wasn't because of the gas cap. I put mine in cause of cost, performance wasn't an issue with me but whatever extra performance I get out of it is a bonus. The question I have about the filter is, do you guys notice any dirt accummating on the filter? I noticed on the regular stock filter, you actually see how much dirt gets trapped by the filter, but on this K&N, it looks clean after 12,000 miles. any ideas?
particulars such year of vehicle ( the older the better ) paint color, how long
it's been on, etc. Has it turned yellow ? Has it cracked ? Have you taken it
off ? What does the paint look like afterwards ? Your general thoughts and
opinions would be appreciated !!
1. I've read in several places that the 'Majestic Blue' color is going away for '03; anyone "in the know" know if there is going to be a similar dark blue? I think it's an amazing color on that car. I like it so much, I'd kick out of my GMAC lease early to snatch up one of the '02s before they go away.
2. I generally liked the ride of the SE, but going at high-speeds over some rough highway was terrible. It felt like I was driving over raw buckboard. Is the GXE/GLE's ride softer, but still hold corners like the SE? I'd go test drive, but I have this strange guilt about joy-riding when I'm not actually ready to buy that day.
Thanks for any advice!
Thanks.
i think the altima se may be a good choice for the money. does anyone have the same thoughts.
I too think the GLE rims look better, the SE's look, well, stock.
As far as smoothness, I just simply wait until I get perfect roads to open it up, (like DE or MD, they have great roads next to the most WORSE roads on the planet PA. Rough roads are harsh on the SE for sure. (but so is a Ferrari - heh heh!)
So for you racy types, this idiot in a Mustang GT Conv. went to pass me from behind on an entrance ramp on the hash marks, I was already going 70, shifted to 3rd from 4th and nailed it, and pulled away from him, I could hear his V8 screaming too! Took 3rd out to 105 and hit 4th, cannot imagine the top end on this car - would require a super-speedway I suppose!! (about 6500 RPM What a rush!) Still very smooth, and felt in full control.
You wrote you hit 105 in 3rd... Wow! I also have a 6-spd and I've done 85 in 3rd, but I was at redline. The manual says the suggested top speed for 3rd is 80. If I assume my reading was right, that means you hit about 8000 RPM. I'm impressed.
Murray Discount Auto Parts located in the Chicagoland area has a special deal if you purchase a K&N air filter. You get the cleaning kit, retails for $9.99, FREE.
Read your article about the the Altima test drive. I was in your same situation where I couldn't decide which way to lean. I have owned two Max's (96, 99) previously and after driving both I went with another 02 SE. The Altima was bigger on the inside, has great looking guages, and an excellent factory CD player. However, the ride in this car is way too STIFF! You will have to drive that on new pavement everyday not suffer backaches from the constant jolts. I also feel that car is way overpriced! I looked at a 3.5 SE in auto, with spoiler, and roof, and invoice was almost $24. Remember the base line Altima is only $16,999 and after a few years every rental company will dispose of these (4 cyl.'s) and the trade-ins will be around, and then I believe you'll find the 4 cyl. to be very cheap (in value) making it very difficult to sell a 6cyl. for $5,000 higher. The new 3.5 255 hp and body style in the 02 Max SE is awesome (except for the fish eyes in the rear) compared to the old style's and is less money than the Altima. I'm not bashing the altima here, I just don't believe it is a better buy than a Max. Remember there are no 4 cyl.'s in the Max line so they hold there values fairly well.
If a WRX can be a Mustang GT, then an 02 Max SE can beat a WRX!
Thanks for the info!
Obi
Thanks.