Nissan Maxima

tgif888 · September 2001

Hmm, I believe the Navigation is CD base?

wittb · September 2001

Maybe Making the Nav system into a DVD also would be a suggestion to Nissan North America if you can't already do it.
Wittb

vanbo43 · September 2001

I posted a note (#2892) on 9/7. I went back to the servis dept. today & here is what I found out. The service guy & me took out a 2001 SE for a little ride around the lot. This was an unsold unit. after the car was warmed up, the thump noise that I have been experiencing on my car was replicated in that car. The service guy as well as the manager tell me that they had another car in for 3 days with the same noise. Motor mounts were eventually replaced, prompted by the tech line that these guys call with problems that have them scratching their heads. After that, that car still made the same "thump" on moderate accelaration. They tell me that this seems to be inherent in '00 and'01 SEs and I believe them as I heard it myself in the other car I rode in. Please try this yourselves and let me know if you notice it, especially after warm up and you've driven a couple of minutes. Again, it is kind of a thump sensation / noise in the front. The tech that was with me explained that the ECU controls the motor mounts (2) in the SE and hypothosises that it is sending the wrong signal to the mount or mounts under moderate accelaration. It does not seem to affect the performance at all but a little odd for a car with a 27K sticker. This tech. tells me that he is almost certain that a bulletin will eventually go out on this, assuming enough complaints are found. He also told me that the '02 that he was "prepping" does it also. Again, please try it with yours & post what you find. Another way to replicate the "thump" is to put it in drive if automatic, hold the brake down and goose the accelerater a little like you may have done in the "old days" to check for busted motor mounts. Thanks alot for taking the time to read this and thanks in advance for the help.

steedm · September 2001

I briefly test drove an 02 SE Auto Maxima and an O2 2.5 4 cyl Auto Altima today. I though the Maxima was very impressive, great pick-up, powerful and sensitive brakes, and very nice to drive. The only negative is that the rear head room was not great. However the Altima did not impress me at all, the design was nice but it was not inspiring to drive, it did not have ABS and the sticker price was close to the Maxima. Methinks Nissan have not got a clear strategy here. Any other thoughts....

amarin30 · September 2001

I got quoted for a 2002 Maxima GLE (Meridian, TCS, Power Roof, Front Air Bags, floor mats, & mud guards) for:

MSRP $29702
Quoted Price $27250 ($200 over dealer invoice
$500 over KBB's
Dealer's invoice $27050
KBB had it at $26683
Is KBB accurate in invoice pricing? This still seems like a good deal even with the dealer's invoice. Anyone got better quotes?

I promise this is the last post i'll have re: pricing. Thanks.

6head · September 2001

A dealer tells me that the difference between KBB and the dealer invoice is a regional advertising charge. If you look at the footnote at the bottom of the pricing page at KBB, it states that invoice prices may not include advertising charges and other mfg charges. I don't know if this is true, but I was told it is. $200 over invoice seems pretty good assuming the regional advertising is real.

ruski · September 2001

I think that's the exact impression Nissan is trying to create. They still want people to like Maxima more than Altima. Otherwise why bother trying to sell it?

raybear · September 2001

Amarin-does KBB show an advertising fee? It's on every invoice I've seen.

mikemajesty · September 2001

b0th the 3.5 se's. The altima is completely outclassed by the maxima. It drove like my friends old renault(the altima). It was loud, jittery and didnt seem very solid. On the other hand, the maxima was amazing. they were both automatic, but the maxima seemed to have much greater throttle response.
The thing was, i was offered the same price on both vehicles, though they were identically equiped. I would never ever pay 27 grand for that altima, but would probably pay 35 for the max(hope nissan is not listining). anyways, just my two cents.

vocus · September 2001

I went to the Nissan dealer the other day and saw a "basic" Maxima SE with only a sunroof. I also saw the new 2002 Altima SE3.5. Both cars were priced within mere dollars of each other MSRP wise (about $200 apart otherwise). So why should I not spend the extra money for the Max? Also, do Maximas hold their value well? Just curious.

djp2c · September 2001

I have been unable to see a Maxima with the Glacier Pearl Colour.(color in U.S.)

If anyone has seen one would you let me know if it is a stark white or is it toned down.

Also how do you like it?

I am waiting for one to come in and, believe it or not, if the colour is not acceptable to my wife and I we are going to get a VW Passat in Fresco Green.

Any help appreciated.

gsd@canada.com

obiwankenobi1 · September 2001

Spend the extra $200 and go for the Maxima!

I bought a base Maxima SE with only a sunroof and BOY is it swell! Geez! Do yourself a favor.....

BUY THE MAX!!

pdubois · September 2001

I wanted to buy a 2002 Maxima GLE with leather and side airbags. However, I am tall and have a long torso and I just don't fit in the car with the sunroof. Side airbags are important to me (am I wrong?).

I tried a Maxima SE, automatic, cloth and no sunroof. It has the side airbags and would be fine for me (I like leather but it is not absolutely necessary). My only problem is the sport tuned suspension. I really liked the softer suspension of the GLE and find this one too harsh for my taste (I don't drive sportly as you can guess).

Is there an inexpensive way to "detune" this suspension so that it is more like the GLE? Do you have to replace both the springs and the shocks? Would that have a negative effect on the handling (I mean worse than the GLE)?

Does the Max SE have LSD as well as traction control?

My other option is to buy a used 2000 Toyota Avalon (11,000Km). It has everything I want with leather, sunroof (I fit), traction control and skid control. It would cost a few thousand more and maintenance would likely be more expensive... I am not sure about the reliability of the car either, lots of complaints on the Toyota Avalon board...

Suggestions are welcome!

Thanks,

Pat.

mrdetailer · September 2001

Try putting in KYB shocks in the front. These performance shocks are softer to start out with then become stiffer when the demand increases.

You might also consider an adjustible shock. KYB and Tokico both make them. You can then make them softer.

habitat1 · September 2001

Not sure about Canadian models, but in the US the GLE does not come standard with a sunroof. It may be hard to find one on the lot, but it could probably be ordered. If I were you, I'd rather try to get a GLE without a sunroof than mess around with an SE's suspension. You'd kill the resale value, not to mention the warranty implications.

As one other suggestion, you could try putting on smaller wheels and higher profile tires on the SE. 16" wheels with 60-series tires would probably soften the ride a little. A lot less radical of a "fix" than the suspension.

sgrd0q · September 2001

Actually, I got my GLE with all options less the sunroof. I even got the color I wanted. Had to wait a couple of months though, until the dealer found my car.

pdubois · September 2001

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, in Canada the GLE comes with the sunroof. I asked if I could order one from the factory with a sunroof delete option on it and it was not possible...

ricblac · September 2001

I JUST BOUGHT A MAXIMA WITH NO SUNROOF.. I PRESUME THAT THIS IS TECHNICALLY A GENERAL QUESTION BUT HERE IT GOES.. I WANT A SUNROOF. ARE AFTERMARKET ROOFS DEPENDABLE? IS THIS A WISE DECISION ..WHAT'S AN AVERAGE COST? WHO IS THE BEST? THANKS FOR ANY HELP. EMAIL ME AT PLEASE RICBLACAZHELL@WEBTV.NET

humble_rex · September 2001

Pat,

Try getting Infiniti I30 with sunroof delete option and you might get what you want.

Check out the I30 board for current prices etc. Also consider the cost of Insurance. ..

We were looking at Maxima and I30 last year. I30 was about $2000 (USD) more then MAX SE...but was $500 per year less to insure. (with out driving records and in Scottsdale, AZ area)
If you are planning to keep the car for five or more year Max and I30 are same....

Just my humble opinion.

Humble Rex

leoniv · September 2001

Rex,
Just wanted to add to your post above. Even though insurance may be cheaper for the I30, depreciation for the I30 is very bad, whereas the Maxima is about average. pdubois, I'm not sure how depreciation is in Canada for the I30, but here in Atl, GA it's pretty bad. Just my .02

sysadmin1 · September 2001

Hey all...has anyone upgraded either the tires/suspension on their GLE?

I am replacing the original tires, Toyo's 215/55/16, this Sat with Michelin Pilot XGT V4 225/50/16. Should be a much better handling tire. SInce I am doing this, and really wished I had the SE, but wife didnt like the firmer susp. I am also replacing the springs/struts as well. (Quietly) heehee...putting Eibach springs/Tokico struts front and rear. Am told it will drop front by 1.3" and 1". I hate the big gap in the front fenderwell.

Sorry for the long post.

Has anyone else attempted this? BTW..car has 27K on it..wore the Toyo's out pretty good. Wish I had an SE...

max2001 · September 2001

Go to Maxima.org. Whole bunch of people have done this.

pdubois · September 2001

Thanks a lot for the information, it's a big help!

Pat.

sysadmin1 · September 2001

Been there already...saw some pictures, but not the amount of detail I found here...people write what they have done, but not too much. I like this board better. I have a page there and will be posting pics before and after for all to see. ALl I want is tighter handling, less gap on front/rear wheels.
WIll let you know.

dklanecky · September 2001

Consider a Front Strut Tie Bar (FSTB) for improved handling 1st. Between $80-$150 depending on brand. Then look at tires and wheels.

I have a 95 GLE which came with 15" alloy wheels back in late 1994 and I've always had the same issue with the looks of the car as you, the wheel wells were way too big for the 15" tires!!

Last fall I added a set of 16" painted 5 spoke wheels and 16" low profile tires and the car finally looks pretty decent (IMHO). (Came from TireRack.com)

I used the 15" alloys for a set of snow tires on my 00 SE which has the 17" wheels and tires.

amarin30 · September 2001

I just bought a 2002 Maxima GLE ($200 over dealer's invoice / $500 over KBB) with 5.9% 60 months financing from Mike Spallone's Nissan in Springfield, VA. I also paid for the additional 6yr/60K warranty for another 1K. Is this extended warranty worth the money?

tiger8 · September 2001

Anyone who has driven the '02 Maxima, what is your estimate of the car's acceleration? Specifically:

0-60mph

quarter mile in ___ seconds

speed at end of quater mile

obiwankenobi1 · September 2001

I would like that question answered as well!

Obi

tgif888 · September 2001

Is your extended warranty from Nissan or third party? In my personal opinipon, if you are going to buy an extended warranty, go with the one from the manufacture.

nissanlover · September 2001

Help..
I have noticed weird rattle noisy when I drove under 15 MPH. It just happened few days ago, and I couldn't duplicate same problem at dealer. I only have 46K miles on my 97.
Also, I get all sort of feedback from gas pedal. For example, I can feel gas pedal shakes long enough to feel shifting gear on my Auto Tranny. Also, higher RPM it goes, more shakes/feedback I am getting. Is this normal? I never got any feedback from my pedal on my 240SX.

nissanlover · September 2001

Today, I went to Rt22Nissan because I got a free oil change for life time deal when I purchased Pathfinder last month. After waiting for 2 hours for oil change in my 97 Maxima, service person told me he recommends me for

Rear Brakes($215)
Rear Brake cable($400)
45000 Mile Service($300)
Wheel Alignment($80)
Belts ($80)

I told him, I have got a rear brakes service 7 month ago(9000 miles ago), and I got wheel alignment then. But what he told me was, previous dealer didn't ADJUST rear brakes correctly and it wore off and this causes bad brake cable. (I was like WTF..) It didn't make sense to me, because I though Brakes works by hydraulic system not by cable. He said, I have cut in my cable hose, and in winter, salty water can cause rust whole thing, and cause failure.
So I just left dealer, and went back to old dealer whom I got my brake service before. They noticed, both brake cable were bended, and it seems like they didn't adjust lifter when they lift up my car. That's how those hose got cracked in same place for both sides. I tightly overwrapped the 1" crack with black electrical tapes several times. Do you think I need to replace brake cable?

tiger8 · September 2001

Anyone have a recommendation for the best Nissan dealer in the metro Chicago area for purchase of an '02 Maxima?

By best I mean best price, honest, and easiest to deal with.

Much obliged.

sysadmin1 · September 2001

Hey All,
Well I have to say it looks MUCH better. I needed tires anyway for the NH winter, so I splurged. Here's what I did:
Orig. tires 215/55/16 Toyo Proxes
replaced with 225/55/16 Michelin XGT Z4

Replaced orig. struts and springs with am Eibach Pro Kit, Tokico struts all four corners. The Eibach drop it about 1.4" in the front, 1" in the rear. This made a huge diff. in appearance, along with the wider tires, they now fill up the wheelwell. I'll post a link when I get back to work with pics. Forgot to take some pics before change, but since most here probably have not done this, will have an idea of the car before.

The ride is much firmer, been a long time since I test drove the SE, but I think this is at least that ride if not a tad more. The drop was not low enough to cause a camber prob with the front or rear tires, (tops leaning in), and looks awesome.
Let me know what you think once you see the pics.

Thanks!

Enjoy the ride...I will a little more since I commute in this puppy 120mi each day.

Next thing I am doing is a front and rear strut tower brace. Gotta raise a few $$ first though.

In case you wanted to know the total cost...

Tires were roughly $800 installed, total bill for all $1901.
Not cheap, but the look is worth it for me.

al57 · September 2001

While driving wifes 2000 SE (6,300 miles) noticed what appeared to be small scratch running from the 120 mph side thru the "N" on the gear selector on the dash and somewhat into the tachometer. Checked frontal plastic covering gauges no scratches..even looks like it could be a piece of hair but it is not..noticed it during the day looking at an angle..don't notice it at nite with lites on..please check your instrument cluster for a (fingernail type scratch as mentioned above..have not gone to dealer as of yet..a new discovery..any thoughts or same situation..please respond.....Also have charcoal interior it seems like the finish on the plastic near the window operator is coming off???

habitat1 · September 2001

I reluctantly drove the 2002 Maxima SE with automatic transmission at my Nissan dealership last week. I have all but decided I'm going with a BMW this coming winter/spring, and I never would consider an automatic, so I wasn't that enthusiastic. However, I was relatively impressed. I am pretty sure that my 95 SE 5-speed is still quicker 0-60 than a 2002 automatic, but it's much closer than with previous generation automatics, which seemed sluggish by comparison. Also, acceleration from 50 to 80 was quite good. I would have to say the 2002 is a substantial improvement. I will probably test drive the SE with a 6-speed when they hit the showrooms in a few weeks, just for the fun of another comparison. My early prediction, not based upon anything other than my gut feel, is that the 6-speed will post a 6.2 0-60 time (vs. 6.7 for the 1995). Comparable to a BMW 330i, but not a 540i.

rodandy2 · September 2001

I've been "lurking" around this forum for some time to get a feel for what the Maxima is like. I rented one in San Diego a couple of years ago and liked it pretty well. Friday night we traded a 95 Olds Aurora with 94,000 miles on a 2001 GXE with 14,000 miles.

The Olds has cost us over $7200.00 for maintenance and repairs for the 55,000 miles we owned it. I'm hoping that the Max will be MUCH less expensive to operate.

sysadmin1 - I'm wondering what kind of gas mileage you get on the 120 mile commute. My commute is 104 a day and while the Max is the wife's car, I may get to drive it sometimes

I consider my driving style to be "sporting" and so far I'm very happy with the way the Max drives. Maybe the GLE model has a softer suspension than the GXE? If it had been my car it would have had to have been an SE with a manual, but my wife won't put up with a stick in NJ traffic.

leoniv · September 2001

I just purchased a new 01 GXE a few months ago and noticed at highway speeds (60mph and up), there's an excessive amount of wind noise coming from the rear doors. It's so bad, every rear passenger that gets in assumes the window is cracked and starts to raise and lower the window in an attempt to stop this wind noise. Has anyone had this problem before? My guess is the rear doors are misaligned. I checked the weather stripping and it seems to be firmly attached to the car so I'm a little confused. I've driven other 00 and 01 Maximas and never noticed this amount of wind noise. I'm taking it to the dealer this week to clear this up. The car is under warranty so I'm not worried about any costs associated with this repair, just wondering if it's normal to have excessive wind noise from the rear doors while highway cruising.

sysadmin1 · September 2001

I seem to get 25-28 mpg, though many days I am a little lead footed. I cruise around 75-90 most of the time on the highway...

max2001 · September 2001

No its not normal to have excessive wind noise. This is/was a complaint by many owners. If memory serves me well the cause is bad seals on the little passenger door windows. Have them check that out.

bsaha · September 2001

Hi Guys,

I just purchased a 96 Maxima GLE in Ohio for 7950 + Tax. It has 65,500 miles on it. This was from a Nissan dealer.

My Q is

Is this a good price?.
What maitainence / problem should I be aware of?.

Thanks, in advance..
Ban

sebb · September 2001

Hey Falcon66...

I have the same problem with my '01 SE. Terrible grinding/squeaking noise coming from left rear brake in slow city driving. Never at highway speeds. Especially loud and terrible when just leaving the garage (first brake application after startup). Very noticeable driving around town. Local Nissan techs are confused and can't find the problem. Initially...they tightened some loose bolts on the brake caliper...but that has not done the trick. Taking it back in this week. Good luck!!!! (Anyone else having this problem?)

jimxo · September 2001

Downers Grove (IL) Nissan, sales rep is Carlos.

I can say there the best I have found. I have purchased 4 Nissan's from them and they beat others dealers prices each time.

The service dept was as good as my old Lexus dealer. Get the invoice price and fax it to him.

Good rule of thumb, no matter who you end up dealing with keep your guard up and be ready to walk.

fsu96 · September 2001

Has anyone had a really good experience with any of the Nissan dealers in Jacksonville, Florida. I have been to them all, and so far have been turned off by the sales people. Mostly because they either are new and know very little about the cars or they are very pushy and try to give me information that I know is not true. Anyway, if anybody has a dealer or a particular sales person they would recommend, please let me know.

tiger8 · September 2001

jimxo,

Thanks for the tip on the Chicago Nissan dealer.

leoniv · September 2001

Thanks for the response. Other than the missing fuel line cover behind the driver-side rear wheel, my Max has been great.

jl8w3 · September 2001

Let me guess...you went to FSU and graduated in '96? Well you can call me UF98

Anyway let me know if you find any good Nissan dealers here in Jax. I haven't done much dealer shopping, just browsing online. I am looking for a second car for my wife. Choices seem to be Passat GLS, Maxima SE, Accord EX, or maybe even a Camry SE. I need a 4-door auto w/leather and for roughly $25,000+tax,etc. just can't decide. I have my +/- about each.
So if you find any good deals (price wise/dealer service/ etc.) please let me know
Thanks.

66falcon · September 2001

I appreciate the response. Since my dealer is so far away it may be awhile till I can get an appointment with my work obligations. This brake problem is getting more annoying all the time so let me know if you find out anything. Thirty thousand dollar cars shouldn't do this......

pdubois · September 2001

For those of you who don't know this already and want LSD on their car, the Limited Slip Differential is planed to be available in Canada on the 2002 Nissan Maxima SE (automatic) starting December production (as per Nissan Canada info).

djp2c · September 2001

How Nissan Canada would know anything about LSD (Ltd Slp Dif) I don't know.

They do not have the new max on their site and I bought one today. No brochures available. Salespeople are not at all knowledgeable. The only reason I bought one is that I've had one since 1989 and it has been an excellent car.

Should I have bought the 02 Passat??????

max2001 · September 2001

LOL! No I think you made a great purchase, but even down here in the US the sales people don't know much. I was browsing a dealer website and they were touting the 02 as 265hp car. So I think (for whatever reason) the Nissan sales people just aren't that knowledgeable. But then that gives you the upper hand cause you spot the BS the spew.

Nissan Maxima

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy