Nissan Maxima

letsrock

For some reason, the 0 - 60 times for the Max don't drop measureably each time they boost the hp (for 2000 and again in 2002). I recall Car and Driver had the 190 hp '95 SE 5-speed at 6.7 seconds. 7 year and 65 hp later and it's only .2 seconds quicker?

monte4

Well guys the 0-60 for the 2002 auto is faster than what you guys are claiming. Go to Maxima.org and some are running 6.5-6.7 to 60. I run 6.68 in my 02 auto consistently and remember guys "Car and Driver" tested the 02 heavier I35 a few months ago and got a 6.9 sec to 60 mph and the 02 Alti 3.5 Motor Trend last month 6.6 to 60. The 95 auto run about 7.3 sec to 60 according to Car and Driver May 1995. Some guys with the 6spds are running very low sixes and one guy broke into the high 5's.

roar1

Do you have a stock Max. ? Are your runs timed
at a drag strip ?

Quite frankly, I'm a little amazed that the
automotive journalists have'nt picked up
on this car. If I were the editor of a magazine
and a vehicle went from 3.0 litre/227 hp to
3.5 litre/255 hp, this would certainly warrant
a column !!! Call me crazy !! Have'nt they
noticed that there is a horsepower war going
on. Shades of 1968 ! ( Anybody remember muscle cars )

I think I just gave away my age :-)

gogrannygo

Roar1 asked if I was unhappy with the '02 seats on long or short drives and were the seats too hard or too soft? I've had the car a little over 2 months so I haven't taken it on a long drive. Matter of fact, I was headed to Daytona Beach this weekend and we chose to take my pal's car because of the awful Maxima seats.
I average about 35 mi/day on the car and I'm NEVER happy with those seats. The back, more than the actual seat, is the most uncomfortable. They have divided it into 2 or 3 "tufted" sections and I FEEL those division marks in my back. The back is too firm! Like someone else said, I can't get the lumbar adjustment comfy. The seats just plain suck. If you are considering an '02 Camry, the seat of that one is too short; won't reach back of your knees, thus no support for your legs.
I should mention the Maxima is FUN to drive and I just LUV leaving those other drivers sitting in the dust. Get outta Granny's way!!!!
Was hoping the new, improved Maxima might be the ticket for me in a few years but the spy photo indicates its gonna be even uglier than mine. Forgive me, but I think my Maxima is butt ugly. I bought it because of the way it DRIVES!

letsrock

I love reading your posts. You must be the coolest granny around (if you really are a granny). Either that or you used to be a biker chick.

roar1

I believe that a persons physical make-up is
more of a determining factor in whether a particular cars seat is comfortable for you
or not. Agreed, some cars do just have BAD seats.

For example, I desperately wanted to buy an Acura
TL-Type S. I test drove a car and literally after
" 5 MINUTES " my back was hurting. Sooo, I test drove 4 other cars. Same thing.

Obviously, there's something about the curvature
of my spine that does not conform to and is not
compatible with Honda's seat design. That's life !
Fortunately , I noticed this problem early in the test drives. Also, there are a heck of a lot of
people who don't have any problems with the Acura
seats because the cars are selling well.

Last note. I ALWAYS test drive a car for a least
25-30 mins.

maxamillion1

You are not even worth arguing with!

Anyway, back to the Maximas.

I looked at a few last night, and I think I like the spy shots of the 2004 model. I might just wait to see what they look like, although I am pretty sure that the new one will be too expensive for my teenage wallet. I'm really liking the Altima 2.5S fully loaded, but I do not want to deal with the interior. I am going to wait until the interior is redesigned before I cough out that kind of cash.

pat

fyi, maxamillion's "no thanks, you aren't even worth arguing with" is directed at a poster whose messages have been removed, not to the poster in the message just above his.

phyllisd

Manimal, since no one is answering your question - I purchased a 2002 SE in April. I really like this car, but I haven't driven any long distance yet. Planning to next week and will let you know. The only complaint I have is the bumps. I don't know if it's the sport suspension but bumps can be a little uncomfortable. Otherwise, you can't beat the options and overall quality. I will agree it's FAST!! Do the GLE's ride any better? I didn't even test ride them because of the price. The Altima was out because of the interior.

phyllisd

Talk about hard seats: My daughter has a 2001 Honda Civic and the seats are really hard. I also test drove a Toyota Camry - same thing. What are these car manufacturers thinking of???
Cheap, cheap, cheap.

monte4

Yes I am stock my times were done at a strip, several guy s at the Org are running times like mine in stock 02 Maximas.

mcontreras

Bought a GLE in March ... due to a dealer mishap during the addition of a pinstripe ... ended up drivng a new SE loaner for a few weeks. So maybe I can offer some comparisions ...

IMHO, the difference in suspension is fairly subtle - the SE is a bit stiffer (sport-tuned). In normal driving, the difference is miniscule - if you're doing hard-cornering or live in area with a lot of rough roads, you'll probably notice more of a difference. Just drove my brother's new Camaro and the suspension there was definitely much stiffer and it was a distinctly different ride from either Maxima model.

Also, if you are considering leather, moonroof and BOSE stereo, then the GLE is actually LESS expensive as it comes standard with some of the more costly SE options. A couple of nice GLE options, unavailable on the SE, are climate control and seat memory.

Either way, SE or GLE, these are excellent cars.

eblum

Just put a set of Yokohama Avid V4 on my 2000 SE. So far I am very impressed, the ride is quiet and cornering is pretty damn good. Cost me $100 per tire at NTB which was only $8 more than the TireRack.

Now, got to find an inexpensive steel wheel to mount my extra tire on so that I have a full sized spare. Any ideas who sells cheap new steel wheels?

gg2k2se

My 2002 SE 6 speed has auto climate control and seat memory. I believe all GLE items can be had on the SE except for wood interior trim.

Car is great, no problems after 5 months. Fully recommended for sporty, roomy, luxury.

Those spy photos resembled an Infiniti G35, which I think is a great looking car.

mcontreras

Ugh, that's my age showing -- I wasn't aware you could get the climate control on the SE ... oh well, it was a few months ago that I bought the car (now if it were ten or twenty years ago - I might have shot at remembering)

Ditto your recommendation for both vehicles.

jdb92626

I just leased a 2002 Maxima SE with 6-speed last Friday. The car is too fast esp. after I traded in my 2000 Honda Accord V6 auto. If you are looking for a sports sedan in the 20-27000 range, this is the one. If you are not concerned about having an auto, go with the 6-sp. Residuals are running 50% (36mo), 49% (39mo), 44% (48mo). I would not go any farther than 36-39 mo. since the warranty will be long gone after that. Can't speak for long-term quality - but my Honda had some problems both mechanically and physically. This car will blow away a Camry V6 any day. I negotiated the cap cost to $23,800 (down from the MSRP of $27,100). Nissan dealers are seeming to deal on Maximas now the Altima will be taking its place in the mid-20K range after 2004.

obiwankenobi1

The care doesn't look that bad from the side, actually. Looks like an oversized Altima, which is what I had thought it would look like. The front and back are my only concerns. They both look fugly, but hopefully Nissan will smooth everything out on the final product.

As it stands, I still like my 2002 SE better. We'll see how everything plays out, though.

Obi

jims55

I have been watching this board since I purchased my 02 SE Auto in Feb. I am amazed by how few real complaints there are about this car. I am totally pleased with my Max sept for one thing and it's only a minor irritant. The turning radius is way too big. I think the seats are fine. The suspension is firm but, not punishing and the body is solid. You can't find another car with what it offers for the price and it's heavily discounted.

jimxo

Amen, my 2000 SE has been flawless (62k miles). If you think the turning radius is bad in your Max try driving my wife's RX300, it's the worst I have driven since the straight axle I had in my 71 Olds cutlass when I was in high school.

vanbo57

Anyone have any feedback on how your 2001 SE with auto tranny is holding up? Mine has 9600 miles and has been flawless except for paint chipping to easily. I've got the 17" wheel & tires and yes, poor turning radius but, I don't mind. Handles great and plenty of power, especially passing power - like a sling shot. For my tastes, perfect interior. Best looking dash / consol out there IMO.

obiwankenobi1

What happened?

This place was overflowing with posts and now it has just shut down? No more Maxima info? Experiences? What gives?

Obi
P.S. It could be that people are taking a WEEK off for Memorial Day!! ;-)

kyleknicks

Well...is there anyone out there that installed a K&N air filter in their maxima?

I would like to find out if your's show any sign of dirt after 10K miles...

thanks,kyle

gymshoe

i'll take my specific dealership out of the letter....so here's some snippets.

xxxxx is in desperate need to acquire several pre-owned 2000 Nissan Maximas in order to fulfill special used vehicle requests. ...our new car managers have been authorized to buy back your current vehicle. We would like you to exchange your 2000 Nissan Maxima for any new 2002 Nissan car, truck, van, or sport utility vehicle. With factory incentives and generous trade-in values, we feel confident that you can make this exchange with little or no out of pokcet expense.....

So i call them up with the number on the letter. Talked to a sales guy and it sounded like it was EXACTLY like a normal trade-up....i want a newer car so i trade in my current one, except they're initiating it this time.

Has anyone heard of such thing? Sounds a bit kooky to me. I still owe $9k on my car. They also tried to tell me that a new 02 SE runs around $32k!!! I didn't know whether to be shocked or laugh my [non-permissible content removed] off. I can buy an Audi, I can buy a BMW...with some good haggling, for 32k!!!

They tried telling me also that Nissan is offering 0.9% financing ONLY for this super special event they're offering me. Then I check here at Edmunds, and it's got that 0.9% financing listed for nearly ALL nissan vehicles right now.

Does this letter belong in the pile of junk mail? or is this an opportunity i can't pass up?!

help!!

bodydouble

Creative marketing by using catchy phrases like "authorized to buy back your current vehicle", and "little or no out of pocket expenses".

afty

32k is outrageous for a Maxima SE. You can do much better than that.

That dealership sounds pretty sleazy.

mndrver

The reason their are no Maxima Posts is because all the Nissan Enthusiasts have moved over to the G35 board. In the past I looked at the Maxima thread almost every day since I am planning on purchasing a car in August. When the 2002 Max came out I was counting the days until I could buy the 255hp Max (currently driving a free company car through August). Three weeks ago I test drove a G35 and there is no comparison to the Max. For around 30K I can get a leather G35 compared to $26 for a similarly equipped Max. For 4 Grand more I get another year of warranty 4year/50K, RWD, much better handling, better performance, Infiniti name, brand new body style that isn't changing next year, slightly more horsepower and a lighter car. Even though I still love the Max and think it beats any other car in it's class I still can't help but think that the G35 is a much better deal. Plus the Maxima is starting to look dated, it looks like a three year old body style. If I feel like that now what am I going to feel like in 4 years when I'm still paying the car off?

I really think the only way to buy a Max right now is to go for the 6speed stripped down SE. Once you start adding leather, Bose, etc. it just isn't worth it. You can get great financing right now and still walk out the door on a stripped down SE for about 23K before taxes. Great Bang for the buck.

gg2k2se

Our entire world is becoming marketing. Just took my Windstar in for a recall and received 2 different calls from sales people lurking in the service department. One was very honest and said he had great deals on new Windstars. The other was more creative (sneaky?) and said she had somone looking for a used Windstar just like mine, so this would be a good time to trade it in.

You can get a great deal on Maximas with low prices and low financing. Just do your homework on invoice prices, get quotes from several dealers and stay firm on what you want, don't let them sell you anything extra.

92drexel

I think your right. The enthusiasts are probably looking at the G35 now. I love the look of the new G...but the G35 coupe that's coming out this fall looks even better (and has a slight bump in HP over the sedan). If you don't mind 2 doors instead of 4, I'd wait for that. I'm definately waiting for that (and the new Z)...one of those two will be my next car.

The G, though, does exactly what Nissan/Infiniti intended...it's a definate upgrade in class (not a knock on the max, I have a max). However even though a 4 grand swing doesn't sound like much in the grand scheme, figure that $1,000 of finance roughly equals $20/month, so $4,000 of extra finance or $80/month over a 4 or 5 year period will make or break a lot of budgets.

gkatz1

I bought the Maxima because of many factors. Performance, roominess (for my kids) and value. If I were to buy a G35, I would spend another $4K, for less family room, and have a useless car in the snow. Now, I do like the G35 very much, mind you, but they are two distinct cars. For the guy who needs a sedan with room for a family and still wants some performance and good manners in the snow, the Maxima still has little competetion.

mirth

Actually, the difference is even greater than that, because of taxes and incentives on the Max:

Maxima at $26,000, special 3.9% financing over 4 years, tax at 6%, 20% deposit is $496/month.

G35 at $30,000, 6% interest rate over 4 years, tax at 6%, 20% deposit is $597/month. If you only put as much down on the G35 as you did on the Max above, the payment is $617/month.

That's $100-$120 a month over 48 months = $4800 - $5760. Don't know about your family, but for mine that's a huge chunk of change. Not to mention that the Max has more cargo space for a family and FWD for winter driving. The G35 is a cool car, but I can't imagine why people would cross-shop it and the Max.

eseir

I am in the process of getting a car and I looked at the Maxima for the same reasons as all of you. Roominess, performance, and bang for the buck. They were advertising GLE for $23,999 w/o sunroof. The same dealer was selling base SE with aftermarket leather for $22,900. This ad was not for one car of each, but all of them. When you compare this to the G35, it is more like $6000 price difference. I drove the G35, and I did not feel very comfortable. I am 6-1 and I felt a little cramped. Eventhough the Max is an older design and is do for a change, the car is still very satisfying to drive, well priced, and it is just as nice as anything out ther. As a matter of fact the new Camry, which will be around for many years to come, does look too exciting to me.

jimxo

A full redesign was the 2000 model year, I don't think the car is dated. Most cars get a 5 year shelf life and the next generation is only a year away (spring 03). I think the 02 Max still will look better than the 02 Camry and possibly the 03 Accord.

obiwankenobi1

I am now VERY happy that I purchased my 2002 Maxima last August. It DOES look better than the 02 Camry, the 03 Accord AND the 04 Maxima (IMO, but the 04 Max is growing on me!).

I also love the G35, but I could only spend $25K, so my Maxima SE came in at $24,997 which was perfect. I love the car. I would love to trade up to a G35, but right now that is not feasable. I have been trying to talk my bro into getting the G35. Then I can drive his!! ;-)

Obi

godeacs

no way is the G35 a "better" deal than the Max! Let's see: better performance?...I doubt it!...better warranty?..OK, but with a Max you probably won't need it...lol...Infiniti name?...not worth much IMO when compared to their competiton like Lexus, Acura, etc...better handling?...I doubt that too...lighter car?..so what?...guess you can tell I'm very happy with my 2002 Max GLE!

For the extra $4-6K....it's just not worth it. If I'm gonna spend $30K on a car it would NOT be on an Infiniti!

bdlfe

Driving home from work in my 02 GLE Sterling Mist, this bad [non-permissible content removed] looking car was coming up behind me, a new Nissan? or Infiniti?..... it was a 02 SE Grey Lustre. The cowl with the Xenon lights and the big Nissan emblem is TIGHT!!! So fear not, This is the best looking Maxima ever and dare I say will ever be?

G35 sedan is nice, but $30K?? The leather lists for $29K and we needs the other options: Xenon $550, wood trim $250, heated seats and mirror around $600, sunroof $1K, premium package, $2K. Now that's more like $33K vs $26-$27K for a GLE. I'd pocket the $6-$7K. Thank you very much.

monte4

No way is the Maxima dated a 3 model year old design, it looks great and too alot of eyes it looks better than a G35 including mine. The G35 will not age that gracefully because it is sort of boring looking nothing special for the price you pay for it. The Base Maxima has just all of the features of a base G and some things that are options on the G arent on the Max. Performance straight line is barely a difference, handling is better on the G but how many of us actually race/challenge on corners very few of us mainly staight line. who cares if the style is changing in about a year if its the car you want get it, if y ou try to keep up with cars and their changing styles you will be in the poor house, they change often now a days because of competition. The Max has a strong enthusiast following just go over to Maxima.org, you just cant beat the Bang for the Buck and they are very reliable,probably want even need any major repair!

monte4

The 02 Max does look great, but I still think that the 97-99 Maxima SE has it beat on looks. They are very agressive and sporty looking cars.

gkatz1

Today I received front mud guards and Nissan all-weather floor mats from Courtesy Parts. The mud guards went on in a few minutes and look great. The thick rubber mats are top quality and fit perfect.

bdlfe

Has anyone seen the 03 SE Titanium Edition? I wonder if it looks like the 20th Anniversary Ed. with the newer design?

roar1

I'll bet that got your attention !!!!!!!!!!! No, not for Nissan.
Apparently, Honda has a recall out for Accords and Civics for the ignition switch.
( 1997-2000 ) The vehicle can stall while driving, thus creating a" slight" safety hazard.

BTW, still " drivin an lovin " my 2k GLE. Actually, last night I traded my '94 Alltima
in on a 2k2 Max GLE for the wife. SCHWEEEEET ! Merlot/Blond...loaded , no nav.

I'm actually going to miss the Altima.( believe it or not)

hmamontov

Hi

What is the name of that nice dealership? I'm in South Florida too and I'm planning to buy new Maxima this fall. BTW, I've never seen any good dealership in South Florida so I'm surprised you could find any.

eseir

Endiccott is advertising a new GLE for $23,999 and Plantation is advertising an SE with Leather for $22,900. If you call and they tell you that they have other fees such as dealer prep, freight, then walk away. But I think these ads are legitimate. They are trying to sell Maximas which are somewhat slower than the Altimas and they probably want to move them.

prayerfor

godeacs have you ever driven a G35? The reason I ask is because *to me* the driving experience was much different as compared to the current Maxima. I'm a huge Max fan and think it's a fun car to drive, but the G35 was flat-out exhilarating (and that's coming from someone that swears by manual transmissions).

As I see it, at ~$25K, the Maxima is a terrific value for a very good car; at ~$30K the G35 is a terrific value for an exceptional car. Both blow away their competition at their respective price points, and I couldn't fault anyone for choosing either.

Oh and as far as having an enthusiast following, the G35 has been out for, what, 3 months? It's already got more posts here at TownHall than the Max...

Dave

92drexel

I don't think anyone was knocking the maxima (this is my second max). I would recommend a max to anyone.

I was making the point that from what I've read, the handling characteristics of the G35 are just outstanding. Rear-wheel drive, independent suspension, 5 speed sport shift auto, stability control, etc, IMO has elevated the G35 over the max (which is what Nissan Corp intended). But these goodies come at a 4-5k premium (comparing apples to apples - invoice to invoice, sticker to sticker). If people have the means and don't mind paying extra, then that's the route I would take (after the dealers lower their asking price of course).

The new max will probably inherit a few of the G35's goodies so that'll close the gap. But, I love my max, and I can't wait to test drive the G (it's all in the same family).

Also, I think people cross shop the max with a lot of the so-called entry level luxury cars (I looked at a TL before I bought mine). That's because the max is a classic "tweener". It has no real competition so people tend to cross shop it with more expensive cars in my opinion.

godeacs

on "cross shopping" the Max. I started with the Audi A4 (also shopped Volvo/Saab/Lexus but didn't want to spend that much) and considered the Acura TL also. While a great car, no way could I justify the extra $4-5K, hence, I bought the Max GLE and love it!

prayerfor: No, I never test-drove an Infiniti because at that price range ($30K+), IMO, it just doesn't compete with the Volvo S60, Saab 9-5, Acura TL or Lexus ES300....plus the G35 is a new model..no way am I gonna plunk down that kind of $$$ on the 1st model year!

prayerfor

godeacs...

I can better understand now why the G35 doesn't appeal to you. The cars you listed definitely place a higher premium on luxury than sport, whereas with the G35 the opposite is true. In fact your choice of a Max GLE over a Max SE is probably the best proof of all that you're not in the G35's target market. At Infiniti, you'd be found in the I35 aisle, however I'd agree that your GLE is close to as good for less $$.

Incidentally the G35 has been sold in Japan for a while now with a Nissan Skyline badge, so first year woes should not be an issue.

dabronxr

So here is a little feed back
First off, I am still thrilled with my 2002 Sterling Mist black leather MAX. When I am not in it I am thinking...Hmmm where can I go for a drive.
A Couple of small (very small) annoying things are
1. Bad turning radious( I assume due to the 17 inch wheels)
2. I find my left foot always looking for a comfortable spot since the inside area near left foot sticks out too much for my comfort. But I must admit it is much less a bother now, then when I first got it. I guess I am getting used to it.
3. I thought I would be happy with the auto tranny. Being a little older and lazier now I thought I could drink a coffee, eat something, etc... with the free hand. Well with the power and handling this car has, I really, really, really, wish I had the manual tranny!
3. last thing that bugs me is weird.. the birds must love it 'cause every day they crap on it at work. It is very weird. I keep it sparkling but they hit it every day, I move it around the lot yet they get my car, no one else's!
I find the leather seats very comfortable! Acceleration is great, as is the breaking very smooth. All the controls for stereo are very nicely laid out on the steering wheel, although they are not back- lit, I dont find the need. When you have the car a week you will instictively know where to touch on the wheel whithout looking. The auto climate control is great. The wheels on the GLE (in my opinion) look MUCH better than GXE and SE. I am also of the oipinion that the spoiler on a car that is really not a racer looks silly. I am very happy withh the bose system, I do not find it to bassy as some have mentioned. If so all you have to do is lower the bass. My dauther's freind got in the car the other day and said "this is the nicest car I have ever been in". And I do not live in a low income area, there are many nice cars so that says a lot for the styling of the car. Sorry to go on so long but the board was kinda dying and I thought a little input would be helpful to some. Now ....Hmmmmmm.... wher can I drive to? In a nutshell "This Car is SUHWEET"!

blanef

Any new owners of 2002 Maxima SE's experiencing steering wheel and seat vibration at highway speeds? I've posted this message awhile back. At 65mph the steering and seat start to vibrate. The wheels have been balanced several times. Nissan and several dealers in my area say it's common with the SE's but no one in this Town Hall seems to be complaining. Maybe you have the problem and just think it's normal because of the suspension. I would appreciate if you SE's owners would let me know if your steering is rock steady at 65mph or do you feel a slight vibration. Thanks

dabronxr

I know you said SE's. I have a GLE but thought I would answer anyway. I have had no seat or steering wheel vibrations. Some had trbls. with hood vibrations, I was lucky I have not had that either. I forgot to mention in my post above, another thing I like about My 2002 Max is the Xenon headlights, the difference between them and normal headlights truly is "night and day".

godeacs

maybe I should have mentioned that (lol), I take luxury (at least as much as I can afford!) over "sportiness" everytime. Must be why I drove Volvos all those years, starting with the boxy 240...

Hope the G35 does take off - seems like a fine car....