Nissan Maxima

kyleknicks · September 2001

i just read the new Car & Driver mag and read that the G35 (equivant of the Skyline in Japan) will be in the US in a yr or two..

sgrd0q · September 2001

With Overdrive off, basically, you take away the highest gear; so the car cannot shift to the highest gear (4th for Maxima). This, is useful when climbing hills - you don't what the car to shift to 4th simply because you let off the gas pedal for a moment (e.g. to take a turn), only to have the car downshift again when you continue climbing the hill. Depending on how steep the hill is, you can actually set the shifter to 2 or even 1 - meaning the car cannot shift above second gear or first gear, respectively.

So Overdrive off - 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears are available to your car;
2 - 1st and 2nd gears are available to your car;
1 - 1st gear only is available.

I also use the above when going downhill for a long time – that is I use the gears to slow down the car, rather than using the breaks all the time.

If you never drive in the mountains, I guess you never use anything but D.

amazing2u · September 2001

G35 in a yr or two...

Try next spring!

Early 2003 model.

eminade · September 2001

While we're on the subject, i have an old light green '89 maxima that i'm tryin to pretty up. I think i want to put in a black cover on the back hood between the lighst similar to the backs on the newer white colored models (its all red right now in the back). I was just wondering what that would cost me and where i could get some info about it. Did i explain that well?

ludacris · September 2001

We use overdrive everytime we get on the freeway onramps (especially the ones where there's a stoplight and you really gotta accelerate from a stop). Helps get up to speed and impresses some because instead of accelerating onto the freeway a lot of times were actually going faster than them hehehe.

Eminade- Do you mean you're trying to make your taillamps look smoked like the 2000-2001 SEs? You could try the Maxima.org forum- Third Generation. A lotta the 3rd gen owners have those BMW style headlamps, that would make your stand out.

wtierney · September 2001

Can anyone tell me what the GXE and GLE are selling for ie how much over invoice for both the 2001 and 2002. thank you

kyleknicks · September 2001

anyone know what size socket to use for the drain plug?? i remember someone,maybe warren or someone wrote about the steps to change the oil..but that was like in maxima 4 or someting. i want to go get the correct size before climbing under the car...

tgif888 · September 2001

If you can still find the 2001 GXE, it should be selling for at least $500 below invoice. Since the 02 is already launched, you should be able to buy it lower. As of the 02, Nissan only made 5% of all Maxima is GXE. And Carmax is selling the 02 Max at 300 over invoice.

aes1519 · September 2001

I just purchased an 01 se on saturday (Yeah!) for $500 under invoice, 3.9% nissan financing. I've gotta believe the gxe & gle would be running about the same right now.

jji7363 · September 2001

I test drove a 2002 Maxima GLE this Saturday. Nice ride! The sales guy said that Nissan is telling them that it's a 5 speed auto, but the gated shifter reads 1-2-3-D. How can it be a 5 speed? Sure would appreciate any insights that folks here can offer.

albatros43 · September 2001

Just took a look at Nissan's site and it explicitly says the automatic is 4 speed (go to nissandriven.com and look at specifications for maxima). I have a 2001 without a gated shifter and it reads 1-2-D, but it has an overdrive off button on the left of the shifter that is the same as 3. Like most salespeople, he must not know what he's talking about. I've found that I know twice as much about every car I've looked at than the salesperson by looking at the manufacturer's site, edmunds, etc.... Hope this helps....

obiwankenobi1 · September 2001

Sheesh!

Those salesman sure can be dense! Me being an auto broker knows the way around the "New Vehicles" block!

But then again, I've always love cars!

Obi

eflcll · September 2001

I can't see how they're selling so many of these cars without having an independent rear suspension. I bought an '01 GLE in March and I hate driving it (I believed the publicity about this being a drivers car). The car is fine except if you hit bumps (which are everywhere) where it responds 'very' harshly and bounces around quite a bit. I replaced a CAMRY V6 XLE with this car and it turned out to be a big step down. The Camry ride was too cushy, but with a fully independent suspension it behaved normally and soaked up bumps pretty well. I've owned this car for 6 months and can't wait to get rid of it!

mannie31 · September 2001

I have no problem with the max and to say its a step down from the camry is a joke and like someone posted early u cant have everything if it had a independent suspension someone would be complaining about something on the car. To me all cars has its + and - like the max power and handling (se model) is better than the camry it also depends what your taste is do u prefer better ride or more power. I think nissan is doing a gj with the max by giving u more bang for your buck by designing an excellent car.

jimmie8 · September 2001

"I bought an '01 GLE in March and I hate driving it." Did you test drive the Maxima before you bought it? Like I've said before, the GLE is NOT the trim level that Nissan was thinking of when they claimed the Maxima as a "drivers car". If you hate the GLE suspension so much, why did you not buy an SE? There is nothing on the GLE that you can't add to the SE. The only real major difference between the two is the suspension.

obiwankenobi1 · September 2001

My 02 SE handles great! It takes bumps a little rough, but I expect that from a sports sedan. Also, the only thing I can say that I don't like is going over speed bumps (which it bounces too much on the back.), but then how often is that?

This car handles better than any front wheel vehicle I have ever owned.

Obi

eflcll · September 2001

I only test drove the car on the roads I was directed to by the Salesman, mostly smooth roads. I didn't buy the SE because I'd read that its suspension was 'overly harsh' and that the GLE was a fine compromise. I actually feel the car handles well, and I expected some harshness, what I didn't expect was the Pogo effect after bumps; it feels to me like the struts have no dampening. With my parents in the back seat, the car actually bottoms out pulling out of my driveway!
Does anyone know what the suspension difference is between the SE & GLE, maybe I can upgrade. The only aftermarket stuff I've seen will lower the car, which I don't want to do. I was also surprised & disappointed to see that Koni doesn't make anything for this car.

gnl · September 2001

Have you checked your air pressure in the tires? I have a GLE and what you're describing does NOT sound like how my car drives. I have no complaints with the handling.

habitat1 · September 2001

...according to your profile, you own a Honda, not a Maxima. And now you claim to have traded in a Camry for the Maxima you are now trashing. With all due respect, your credibility to comment upon handling ability is non-existent.

The GLE may not handle as well as an SE, and the SE is no match for a BMW 5-series, but as far as anything else you've owned, claimed to own or might eventually aspire to own, the Maxima is the best you're ever likely to experience.

Get a life and/or get back to selling Honda's or Toyota's.

vmaturo · September 2001

Well said epn2.

mirth · September 2001

While we're on this thread, what is the difference between the SE and GLE suspension? I'm considering getting the '02 Max. My current car is a sports car, and I'm getting tired of bouncing around so much on the third world roads here in Michigan. Should I be looking at the GXE or GLE?

drmp · September 2001

I guess the GLE's ride is tuned more for normal driving which is to say, softer and more comfortable and more family-oriented.

The SE is sports-oriented or for sport enthusiast who enjoys driving to the limit of handling and performance. The ride is a little firm but it less tendency to bottom and less bouncing.

drmp · September 2001

I think I read somewhere but I'm not sure about 2002 models with relocated lateral links. I want to know the details. Can anyone show me the link?

Thanks.

JHermon · September 2001

I'm also in SE Michigan and am considering an '02 Maxima as well. Have you spoken to any dealers in the area? Have any experiences (good or bad) with particular salespeople?

I leased a '97 Max SE from Suburban Nissan (at the Troy Motor Mall) and had a good experience there; seemed to be a a fairly aboveboard operation. Its been 5 years since that experience, though, and I don't know if things have changed.

Any input, experience, etc. would be appreciated.

eflcll · September 2001

Sorry to confuse you about the cars, but have you heard of a 2 car family? The Maxima (and Camry) is my wifes car and I drive a Honda Prelude. I'm also sorry you're offended by my not being happy with the ride (not the handling) of the Maxima, but I'm here looking for solutions or constructive feedback (such as provided by gnl) and yes I guess I'm comming off as overly disappointed. My dealer is useless; when I asked him if I could purchase the SE suspension, he said it doesn't pay since the 2 cars have the same suspension. I know this can't be true. Anyway, I'll end this so no one busts a gut. You can get back to talking about MSRP's and other superficial stuff.

jimmie8 · September 2001

The SE and GLE suspensions are almost exactly the same in construction, however Nissan tuned the SE suspension to be stiffer (ie to not bounce as much going over bumps). This means it also reacts quicker to a bump (to minimize the time that the tires don't have adequate contact with the road).

As for the relocated lateral links....the Nissan homepage only mentions:

Front independent strut suspension
Rear multi-link beam suspension
Front and rear stabilizer bars

with the SE Sport Tuned Suspension having firmer front and rear springs, front struts and rear shock absorbers, and also a larger front stabilizer bar.

Mo mention of these lateral links, although maybe they just don't advertise them...

mirth · September 2001

JHermon - sorry, I've never bought a Nissan before, so I can't help with dealer advice. Thanks for the info on the Troy dealer. I probably won't start looking until next spring.

JHermon · September 2001

I need to replace my car by the end of November (end of lease), so I'll beat you to the punch. I'll let you know what I find.

mirth · September 2001

Thanks. I'd appreciate any insight.

felixdacat13 · September 2001

Does anyone have an ideas what a lease rate would be for a SE?
I would like a 36 month lease with 12K per year with no money down and no ballon payment at the end. I have a 750 Beacon score.
Are there any lease incentives from Nissan considering their poor sales so far?

obiwankenobi1 · September 2001

Information from my end (because I finally figured it out!):

I paid $300 over invoice on my 02 Auto SE.

My lease payment for 48 months is $380.00 even and I put $1,189 down for drive off.

Does this help anyone? Does anyone care?

Obi

booboo9 · September 2001

I own a 2001 GLE with 1500 miles. So far I like the car quite a bit. It rides well and is comfortable, though the suspension is a little soft. The handling is good as well. Acceleration is fairly strong, but not great. My opinion is that the GLE is a family car with some sporty attributes, but not a sport sedan. In this regard it excels and I am very happy with it to date.

obiwankenobi1 · September 2001

I forgot to mention those lease numbers were based on 12,000 miles a year.

albatros43 · September 2001

That seems like a lot of money to pay for a 12,000 miles/year lease. The reason I say that is because my new 2001 max SE automatic is financed for only about $411/month/60 months with $1500 down. What is the residual of the max after all those payments? It seems like with all your're paying on the lease, you should only have about $5-6K to pay if you want the car after 4 years. But then again, if you are leasing, you probably have leather, Bose, etc... Mine is a standard SE automatic.

tgif888 · September 2001

Why lease for more than the factory warranty? Wow, 60 months. The warranty only runs 3 yr, 36000 miles. It means you have to pay all the maintenance for the rest of the lease.

sgrd0q · September 2001

albatros43 meant he was financing/buying the car, I am sure.

obiwankenobi1 · September 2001

albatros - Those are REAL good numbers! I do know for a fact that even on lease, I paid about $300 over invoice. I just don't believe in 60 month leases. 48 is my max.

The lease was through Chase and $380.00 X 48 = $18,240.00.

Car was $24,987 (or close to that). I don't know what my residual is off hand. I'll have to check. Only options I have is auto and roof on my 02 SE.

Obi

aaronw1 · September 2001

Hi - i thought i posted this a while ago, but now i can't find it, so i'm not sure if i did or if i just thought i did.. anyways, here it is again.

I have a 2000 Maxima SE. With the interior lights on, i'm noticing something. On the driver side door panel, where the various controls are for the windows, door locks, etc, i've noticed that the button for the window lock is not lit. Is it like this on everyone's car?

gnl · September 2001

Mirth, where in Michigan are you? I bought my Maxima at Cole-Gilmore in Kalamazoo. They were very good to deal with, no games, straightforward on the numbers. I was just in Michigan temporarily though, so can't comment on service or after the sales follow-up, as I am now on the east coast.

Aaron, sad but true, the window buttons do not light up at night.

vanbo43 · September 2001

Hello all. Just bought a new 2001 Maxima SE with the comfort & convinience package which contains the 17" wheels and tires. Bought the car with 2 miles on it ($24,000 + tax). All is very well really like the car exept that under moderate acceleration, there is a quick "thump" somewhere. Seems to be up front although a freind thinks it is in the back. THe Mechanic at Stamford Motors here in CT thinks it may be inherent with the "electronic engine mounts". Said that they had a 2001 with similar complaint, couldn't find the problem with that one and Nissan said to change all the engine mounts on that car but same noise after that. Couldn't figure it out. I am going to drive another one or two at their lot to see if others have same noise / sensation. Any ideas? If I have to leave it next week, should they give me a loner?

albatros43 · September 2001

The figures I gave are for financing the car. My opinion was that seemed like a lot of money to pay for a car where you can only drive 12K miles/year. After paying a little more than you are per month for a year longer, I will own my Max. I agree, I wouldn't lease a car for 60 months either. I guess it just seems like in the long run, you will be paying a good bit more for the 2002 than the 2001.....

jmaxe · September 2001

Aaronw1 - I have a 2k1 GLE and the window lock button is the only one that is not lit.

sgrd0q · September 2001

Well, actually all the buttons on the steering wheel don't light up either. So operating the cruise control at night may be a challenge, until you get to use it often enough to remember where each button is relative to one another.

oehrlein · September 2001

Any of you 2K Max owners have your front suspension repaired or adjusted? I already had my front driver side strut replaced. The new strut eliminated the crunching like noise going over curbs or just turning and parking. Actually I've always had the current noise which sounds like a hollow knock. I only have this sound when I hit a sharp hole or a deep street sewer cover. I'd appreciate any advice.

Thanks,

Semper Fi

aaronw1 · September 2001

Cool - thanks very much for the feeback. I just wasn't sure if it was my car that was broken with the window lock button or if for some reason Nissan decided not to light that button (although why eludes me...)

Yeah, I also noticed about the cruise control buttons (I don't have steering-wheel audio controls), but i was pretty sure that they weren't supposed to light.

66falcon · September 2001

I have an '01 GLE. My only legitimate complaint besides the too sensitive paint is a squeaking/grinding brake noise which happens especially when the car has just been started. The noise occurs as I release the brake, not as I depress it. I've also noticed it as I let off the brake at stoplights. My dealer is 65 miles away so I thought I'd ask if anyone else has experienced similar problems before making the trek.

This isn't a noise I notice when driving and braking at highway speed. Otherwise a great car with only 3500 miles on it. Wonder if this could be something that could go away with a few thousand more miles? Thanks in advance for any replies...

mirth · September 2001

Thanks for the info - but unfortunately I'm on the Detroit side of the state.

amarin30 · September 2001

Does anyone know what the going rate to buy an 2002 maxima GLE (i.e. how close to invoice can i get it?) Are there any incentives (APR / Rebate) coming up or is that an unrealistic expectation at this point of the year.

Thanks for the info.

psriniv · September 2001

AMARIN 30
I done a bit of homework on 2002 MAx GLE pricing. I could get the best price only from carmax (depends on where u r located). Carmax has nissan dealership at whitemarsh, MD. I got a quote of 27,998 for a fully loaded GLE (heated seat etc- meridian package, z-edition-traction control, air filters, splash guards and relative minor stuff).
I got this price for the base maxima GLE from most of the dealers. Check out their website for the new cars, they have all the info and they do have a 1-800 number.

wittb · September 2001

Hi all
I am considering trading in my 2001 AE for a 2002 SE with every option you can put in one. My question is what is the trip computer, what does it do, and where is it located in the car, and does the navigation system screen play DVD's. It would be really cool if you could use the screen to play DVD movies as well as having the map, and are the Xenon HID headlights lifetime warranty. I understand those are pretty expensive light bulbs.
Thanks wittb.

Nissan Maxima

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy