I just found a 2001 Maxima GXE with C&C Package for $24,805. The dealer said he would bring it down to around $23,500 and then I will put a $2,000 down payment ontop of that. With the 3.9% financing he said I would be paying about 417 a month. I think that is still high for a 2001. What can I do to get the price lower.
I think it's normal for the 4th gen. Maxima to do that. It's programmed to stay in it's present gear until you come to a complete stop. Only then will it change gears to first gear. If you don't stop completely, the tranny basically has to "hunt" for the correct gear for a second or two. My wife's J30 was the same way and it was a little annoying. Unfortunately, that's how the tranny is supposed to perform. It seems the 5th gen Maxima is much better at downshifting while decelerating since my 01 Max doesn't seem to have this delay in the transmission.
I've had an 02 GXE for about 2 months now and I really like it. It's far better than the 00 Honda Accord EX that we had in appearance, performance, and a number of other respects. For anyone considering an 01 vs. an 02, I'd highly recommend the 02 from my test drive experiences.
The question I have is related to one of the few complaints I have about the Max. Although it's fairly quiet and very comfortable as far as the ride is concerned, any harsh bumps are very jarring compared to other vehicles I've owned. I feel them through the steering more than I'd like. I was wondering if this is somewhat the blame of the lower profile tires, and if this would be remedied by going to 15 inch rims like our Honda had. I like the appearance of the GXE wheels (a huge improvement over the 01's), but I have to buy some snow tires anyway and might consider a different size rim if it would help.
I am not sure what other options you have for the 2001 Gxe besides C&C. However, if you look at edmund's MSRP/Invoic/TMV for an Automatic GXE with C&C (with floor mats / splash guards), the prices are as follow:
Invoice $22,375 MSRP $24,746 TMV $22,522
Base on the above, I don't think the dealer's offering price of $23,500 is that great. By this time of year, you should be getting below invoice even. A dealer in No. VA was offering me $1K below invoice on a GLE with the 3.9% in July...but I drove the 2002 GLE and loved it. Even for the 2002, you probably can pay just a hundred or two above invoice. (I paid ~$400 with a 5.9% APR) Because of the recent decrease in consumer spending and the Fed's interest rate cuts, you should get a great price and financing plan. Don't settle! The dealers should be the ones sweating right now not you. Best of luck!
It was a little less than 2 month age (I think around the 8th of August). When I went to buy, I was set on an 01 because I new I'd get a good deal. The day before I made the final deal, though, I saw the first 02 in the area and was impressed. I was still set on an 01, but when I found that I could get the 02 (sterling mist) for almost the same price, it was a no-brainer.
I don't think that's a good price for the 2001. I bought a 2001 a month or so ago before there were any 2002s, and I paid $22,500 for an auto SE with floor mats, splash guards, and microfilter. (A few hundred below invoice at the time) At this point, most dealers should have plenty 2002s and should discount the car well below invoice and throw in the financing. Otherwise, buy the 2002 and pay a fraction more.....
Are you planning on getting a 7 yr /100k warranty on either the Maxima or Passat? If so, how much for each?
For what it's worth, my '95 Maxima SE 5-speed turned 7 yesterday (114k miles). I would have had exactly $0 claims between the standard 3/36 and extended 7/100 (or 7/114). Not a single thing that wasn't routine maintenance.
You may want to consider whether the extended warranty is worth the cost on the Maxima.
Since the 2003 Maxima will be built in Tennessee, would it be better to go with a 2002 built in Japan? Anyone think the quality will be drastically different?
Just bought a loaded 02 GLE(spoiler;bug deflector; sun roof deflector etc.) In Canada GLE comes only one way --- loaded.
But I have never had a worse experience than I had buying this car. Dealer was not believable and if I had not done Web research I would have been very sorry. And been robbed. Also had little knowledge of product.
They ruined the excitment of buying a new car, but they are the only dealer within 100 miles, I would not buy or recommend Nissan again. I had an 89 Max and liked it very much, but this is the last. I guarantee I will not have this beyond the warranty period.
I bought a Ford Focus last year and the experience was excellent.
I have a 2000 Maxima GLE (18k miles). For the past few weeks, I have been hearing wind noise coming from the read passenger window. It sounds as if the rear window is open. The dealer claims everything is okay. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Ideas on how I can get this fixed—-it’s rather annoying?
I have a 00 Max and had a similar problem on the rear drivers side. Dealer noticed it was coming apart and replaced the weather striping under warranty. That was last year, no problems since.
Ok, I want a 2002 GLE with just about everything except the nav system. Question is, what should I expect to pay? I hear about prices near invoice some people are getting. I live in Nebraska, and have several dealers nearby to choose from.
I think the events of the last few weeks make it incumbant upon all of us - ME especially - to give Nissan the benefit of the doubt as to their ability to maintain quality control in the states.
Nonetheless, I have to adimit that I took some comfort in buying a 1995 Maxima knowing it was built in Japan (vs. Accord, Camry and others). They all had difficulties maintaining quality control at their US plants back then. I am not sure how they've fared since. In any event, I have been extraordinarily pleased with my Maxima, both in terms of reliability and fit and finish. After 7 years an 114k miles (with the car parked outside) the paint finish still looks like new. I may be looking at them with biased eyes, but I rarely see a similar vintage Accord or Camry that still looks as good.
I think the 2003 Maxima redesign / production will warrant careful study. As I head towards a decision to upgrade in the next few months, it has been enlightening to see the significant number of complaints posted regarding Mercedes new C-class. Unfortunately past reputation does not always guarantee future commitment to quality.
P.S. Coincidentally, I saw on CNBC this morning that Nissan autoworkers are voting today on unionizing with the UAW. Previously voted no twice.
Sorry to hear about your experience. Did you write to Nissan Canada to make a complaint? If not, think about the next client who is going to get robbed.
I HATE CAR DEALERS WHO DO THAT! And afterwards, they say to trust them. To be fair, I think only a small portion of car dealers are like that. My experience with the 2 dealerships I went to was SUPER! There was no presure and they where knowledgable.
Has anyone here been able to purchase a 6 speed SE yet? I haven't been able to locate one in the E. Washington area, so I'm wondering if they're out anywhere. I drove an '02 SE auto a few weeks ago, and it was significantly more powerful than a similarly equipped '01 SE 5 speed. My fiance is trying to talk me into a GLE V6 Passat, but I'm still intrigued by the idea of 250 lbs. of torque and a monster overdrive. Should I wait, and how much over invoice are the 6 speeds going for?
you can get a 2001 GLE for around invoice but a 2002? Don't think so...I've been looking. If you find a dealer selling at that price let us know! Best I can do is 4-5% over invoice....
Avalon and Camry are not as maintence free as some people would claim. From personal experience I have found that units made here are not exactly the same as cars from Japan. Why? I don't know specifically, however they are still higher in quality than the big three.
I owned a 99 Acura 3.0 CL that was built in the states. That car had the worst fit and finish (misaligned body parts, etc.) of any car I've owned. Plus, it had rattles in the dash. I am SOOOOOOOO happy my 02 Maxima SE is built in Japan. The car is like a rock! All parts line up and NO rattles! I am happy I bought now instead of later.
Also, I agree with tgif888 when he says to look at a TL and then an RSX. You WILL be able to see the difference!
I'm willing to give the Nissan US plants a chance. Each plant is unique, and it often doesn't pay to lump them all together. However, it does pay to be cautious with such an expensive purchase.
I should be ready to buy a new car by the time the 2003, US built, Altima platform based Maxima comes out. I will be watching very closely how well the new Altima does with respect to build quality, reliability, and recall rate, given the common plant and platform with the upcoming Maxima. Of course the real story is what will happen with these cars 5+ years from now, but my crystal ball is broken. Too bad.
I like both the 02 Maxima SE and the 02 Lexus IS300 automatic. The Max is like $4000 cheaper than the Lex though, and alot roomier inside to boot. I still can't decide though. Thoughts?
Lexus has good reliability and service, and with the Max it has been good for me. I drove both and the RWD handles great. It is small, and the back seat I would not get into. I looked a lot into the IS300 but it doesn't look as expensive as it is. 215 hp is decent but another 15-20 would be great.
Maxima has room, sportiness, and reliability. It had been around and the V6 is legendary.
If anyone is in the DFW area and looking for a new Maxima, I saw a great deal on one in the paper today. At Bankston Nissan they have a Maxima SE with an MSRP of $26989 with a discount of $4383 for $22606. I really wanted to get an Altima, but I might not be able to pass this up.
I saw the add also, but my experiance with Bankston says there is BS somewhere. I don't know what it is, but if you go to see it, I bet it's not there. Maybe a 2001? Let us know if you do go. Thanks, Jim
But I have never had a worse experience than I had buying this car. Dealer was not believable and if I had not done Web research I would have been very sorry. And been robbed. Also had little knowledge of product.
They ruined the excitment of buying a new car, but they are the only dealer within 100 miles, I would not buy or recommend Nissan again. I had an 89 Max and liked it very much, but this is the last. I guarantee I will not have this beyond the warranty period.
I bought a Ford Focus last year and the experience was excellent.
(Quote from dip2c)
Ok, you are going to let some moron salesmen scare you away from buying a car? What will you do if all of them are like this? Walk? Also, why why would you go from a reliable car company to one that is on the recall list every month, all in the name of dealer experience?
I called Bankston to ask about the car and to see what kind of discounts, if any, they would offer on the Altima. I told the guy about the ad and at first he said that it was a 2001. But when I told him it plainly said 2002, he said to bring it in and he would honor it. I was thinking about doing it but I forgot all Maximas are autos right now and I want a manual tranny.
After test driving both 2002 Altima & Maxima GLE, I decided to get GXE. (GLE suppose to have same suspension as GXE, dealer does not have GXE)
Both are great cars but Maxima feels more solid. PLus price is good for Maxima. Got an offer around 23.6k for GXE. But I was told that SE 's price is pretty close to GXE.
But then again, I don't like stiffer suspension as the roads here are full of bumps & pot holes. So I guess GXE is a better option.
Can't afford GLE , way out of my budget. My budget is below 24k. SE is going to cost 24.2 at least.
Let me know what u guys think. Should I go with SE or GXE ?
Have you tested a SE? If not, try it, it's a much better deal over the GXE. The GXE and SE prices are pretty close to one another, and for the small price difference, I would choose the SE. The seats in the GXE look cheap. But either way, you will have a nice car, better than the Accord or Camry.
I was at the nissan dealership this past weekend and inquired about the 02' SE 6speed, I was told that it will not come out until early next year around Feb...,
I test drove the 02 SE auto, and it was very nice, solid handling, good power as compare to the 01 SE's that I passed on. I wanted to try the 6 speed before I decide, but seems like a few more months until it gets to the dealers.
I'm waiting on a test drive of the 6 speed, too. A post on maxima.org indicates that someone there had confirmation from Nissan that the release date remains October 1. Of course, this is internet rumor an hearsay, but (in my opinion) it is hardly less reliable than what a salesman is telling you to get you to buy the SE automatic on the lot...
If I were you I'd call around to a couple of other dealers to see what they say about the 6 speed. If you start getting a lot of different answers I'd start doubting what your original salesperson told you.
Also, there are a number of Nissan dealers that post their inventory on the web. I'd keep an eye on that to see if anyone else has a 6 speed in stock.
I'm seriously considering the 2002 Maxima too but am a bit put off by the fact that it requires premium gas AND the insurance rates (clean record, with USAA one of the best companies in the nation) are rather high for a car of this price.....all in all, I the Accord EX V6 is a better deal and I don't think you are sacrificing much...
Has anyone had an experience buying a new Maxima through carsdirect.com? Carsdirect.com gave me a price of $25,787 for a 2002 SE with the Bose audio system and power sunroof. A local dealer tried to tell me there is no way this car could be purchased for this price. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.
Just print it out and show the printout to the dealer. If the dealer refuses to match it, buy it from carsdirect.com then.
Then show the car to the dealer...heh.. "see what did I tell u?"
Seriously, Maxima's price is very good as they are closer to invoice unlike Altima SE. I showed the printout to dealer and asked them to beat it. They gave me a better price eventually. Now I am just thinking whether I should buy SE or GXE.
My budget is actually below 24k. Buying the SE would stretch my budget real bad.
I went through the same deliberation between a Maxima SE and an Accord EX (and Toyota Camry XLE) back in late 1994 (1995 model year). Went for the Maxima and I can assure you after 7 years and 114,000 miles, there is absolutely no way I would be enjoying driving the Accord or Camry as much as the Maxima. On pure economics, the Honda may have an advantage. On driving enjoyment, it's not in the same league. (Note: I have Maxima SE 5-speed. If your comparing to an automatic GXE/GLE, the driving difference will not be as great.)
Thanks for the comments! Funny how things never change, even after 7 yrs, eh? Not considering a Camry so that makes it a bit easier. I am looking at automatics (Maxima GLE) so the driving difference is neglible, like you say. Unfortunately, economics is a key pt for me right now so have to consider the insurance/gas expenses. Both cars are superbly put together and would be happy in either one - when in doubt then, opt for the more economical... -)
When my wife went from an 00 accord EX 4 cyl. (because it was stolen) to a 02 maxima, our insurance only increased by about $80 per year. For the extra 105 horsepower, I would pay that in a heartbeat.
As far as using premium gas, the owners manual only "recommends" premium. As I recall, the max. has a sensor that inhibits pinging if lower octane is used. Although I did use mid grade in the really hot weather, I've never used premium, and the thing runs/sounds great. . . And I'll bet it would blow the doors off of an Accord regardless of what grade of gas was put in either.
P.S. I don't know how it works now, but 2 years ago Accords with leather were assembled in Japan, but the majority of the others were assembled here. Mine was assembled in the USA. The left-rear window didn't work right, and there was a constant rattle in the dash from day 1. But, I've also had two Dodge Dakotas in the last four years (a club cab and now a quad), and they've both been 100% flawless, outstanding vehicles, so American companies can get it right too.
FWIW, moving from a 1999 Saab 9-3 to a 2002 Maxima SE will actually drop my insurance by $100 every 6 months. Another great argument for the Max, at least in my decision making process...
On the other hand, there wasn't a lot of risk of me leasing another 9-3.
I test drove an accord EX V6 sedan before buying my 01 maxima. the two did drive very differently. The honda's engine didn't have the low-end "pull" the maxima has and it was considerably louder. the wind noise was also much louder than expected on the accord and the interior felt more cramped in the accord than in the maxima. i think if you test drive both, you'll see some differences. quality of materials definitely went to the accord though. but after deep discounting by the nissan dealer, they were the same price (Max GXE w/conv. pack. vs. Accord LX V6). also, a new accord is supposed to be out next fall. hope this helps, happy hunting.
godeacs: How many miles do you figure to put on in a year? Putting around 14,000 miles or so a year on the car, I fill up maybe 3 or 4 times a month. If you figure premium is 20 cents more per gallon than regular (not always true, I fill up on "saver Thursdays" when there's a discount on premium), usually around 15 gallons per fill-up, you're talking $3 times 3 or 4, so $9 or $12 a month more for premium. That's less than $150 a year. Is that really going to make much difference to you?
The enjoyment of the car and the ready power merging into high-speed traffic is worth it to me.
For insurance, has USAA given you a quote yet? You might be favorably surprised, if you're over 25 and have a clean record.
Comments
The question I have is related to one of the few complaints I have about the Max. Although it's fairly quiet and very comfortable as far as the ride is concerned, any harsh bumps are very jarring compared to other vehicles I've owned. I feel them through the steering more than I'd like. I was wondering if this is somewhat the blame of the lower profile tires, and if this would be remedied by going to 15 inch rims like our Honda had. I like the appearance of the GXE wheels (a huge improvement over the 01's), but I have to buy some snow tires anyway and might consider a different size rim if it would help.
Ideas or experiences???
2 months ago = August (They are avail. since August!)
Try making an offer at a price you think is fair. Be prepared for rejection. There are always other dealers and the internet.
Invoice $22,375 MSRP $24,746 TMV $22,522
Base on the above, I don't think the dealer's offering price of $23,500 is that great. By this time of year, you should be getting below invoice even. A dealer in No. VA was offering me $1K below invoice on a GLE with the 3.9% in July...but I drove the 2002 GLE and loved it. Even for the 2002, you probably can pay just a hundred or two above invoice. (I paid ~$400 with a 5.9% APR) Because of the recent decrease in consumer spending and the Fed's interest rate cuts, you should get a great price and financing plan. Don't settle! The dealers should be the ones sweating right now not you. Best of luck!
Sounds like you would be better off to go with an 2002 based on the price you were quoted for a 2001.
I am very pleased so far.
For what it's worth, my '95 Maxima SE 5-speed turned 7 yesterday (114k miles). I would have had exactly $0 claims between the standard 3/36 and extended 7/100 (or 7/114). Not a single thing that wasn't routine maintenance.
You may want to consider whether the extended warranty is worth the cost on the Maxima.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010927/lath065_1.html
But I have never had a worse experience than I had buying this car. Dealer was not believable and if I had not done Web research I would have been very sorry. And been robbed. Also had little knowledge of product.
They ruined the excitment of buying a new car, but they are the only dealer within 100 miles, I would not buy or recommend Nissan again. I had an 89 Max and liked it very much, but this is the last. I guarantee I will not have this beyond the warranty period.
I bought a Ford Focus last year and the experience was excellent.
Thanks,
Surendra
I think the events of the last few weeks make it incumbant upon all of us - ME especially - to give Nissan the benefit of the doubt as to their ability to maintain quality control in the states.
Nonetheless, I have to adimit that I took some comfort in buying a 1995 Maxima knowing it was built in Japan (vs. Accord, Camry and others). They all had difficulties maintaining quality control at their US plants back then. I am not sure how they've fared since. In any event, I have been extraordinarily pleased with my Maxima, both in terms of reliability and fit and finish. After 7 years an 114k miles (with the car parked outside) the paint finish still looks like new. I may be looking at them with biased eyes, but I rarely see a similar vintage Accord or Camry that still looks as good.
I think the 2003 Maxima redesign / production will warrant careful study. As I head towards a decision to upgrade in the next few months, it has been enlightening to see the significant number of complaints posted regarding Mercedes new C-class. Unfortunately past reputation does not always guarantee future commitment to quality.
P.S. Coincidentally, I saw on CNBC this morning that Nissan autoworkers are voting today on unionizing with the UAW. Previously voted no twice.
Did you write to Nissan Canada to make a complaint? If not, think about the next client who is going to get robbed.
I HATE CAR DEALERS WHO DO THAT! And afterwards, they say to trust them. To be fair, I think only a small portion of car dealers are like that. My experience with the 2 dealerships I went to was SUPER! There was no presure and they where knowledgable.
When you see the difference between the TL (Made in USA) and the RSX (Made in Japan). You'll know.
On the same theory, my Infiniti I30t (Made in Japan) had better build quality than my TL-S (Made in USA). It is sad but true.
Avalon and Camry are not as maintence free as some people would claim. From personal experience I have found that units made here are not exactly the same as cars from Japan. Why? I don't know specifically, however they are still higher in quality than the big three.
I owned a 99 Acura 3.0 CL that was built in the states. That car had the worst fit and finish (misaligned body parts, etc.) of any car I've owned. Plus, it had rattles in the dash. I am SOOOOOOOO happy my 02 Maxima SE is built in Japan. The car is like a rock! All parts line up and NO rattles! I am happy I bought now instead of later.
Also, I agree with tgif888 when he says to look at a TL and then an RSX. You WILL be able to see the difference!
Obi
I should be ready to buy a new car by the time the 2003, US built, Altima platform based Maxima comes out. I will be watching very closely how well the new Altima does with respect to build quality, reliability, and recall rate, given the common plant and platform with the upcoming Maxima. Of course the real story is what will happen with these cars 5+ years from now, but my crystal ball is broken. Too bad.
Maxima has room, sportiness, and reliability. It had been around and the V6 is legendary.
They ruined the excitment of buying a new car, but they are the only dealer within 100 miles, I would not buy or recommend Nissan again. I had an 89 Max and liked it very much, but this is the last. I guarantee I will not have this beyond the warranty period.
I bought a Ford Focus last year and the experience was excellent.
(Quote from dip2c)
Ok, you are going to let some moron salesmen scare you away from buying a car? What will you do if all of them are like this? Walk? Also, why why would you go from a reliable car company to one that is on the recall list every month, all in the name of dealer experience?
Both are great cars but Maxima feels more solid. PLus price is good for Maxima. Got an offer around 23.6k for GXE. But I was told that SE 's price is pretty close to GXE.
But then again, I don't like stiffer suspension as the roads here are full of bumps & pot holes. So I guess GXE is a better option.
Can't afford GLE , way out of my budget. My budget is below 24k. SE is going to cost 24.2 at least.
Let me know what u guys think. Should I go with SE or GXE ?
I test drove the 02 SE auto, and it was very nice, solid handling, good power as compare to the 01 SE's that I passed on. I wanted to try the 6 speed before I decide, but seems like a few more months until it gets to the dealers.
If I were you I'd call around to a couple of other dealers to see what they say about the 6 speed. If you start getting a lot of different answers I'd start doubting what your original salesperson told you.
Also, there are a number of Nissan dealers that post their inventory on the web. I'd keep an eye on that to see if anyone else has a 6 speed in stock.
Just print it out and show the printout to the dealer. If the dealer refuses to match it, buy it from carsdirect.com then.
Then show the car to the dealer...heh.. "see what did I tell u?"
Seriously, Maxima's price is very good as they are closer to invoice unlike Altima SE. I showed the printout to dealer and asked them to beat it. They gave me a better price eventually. Now I am just thinking whether I should buy SE or GXE.
My budget is actually below 24k. Buying the SE would stretch my budget real bad.
Thanks for your advice. Maybe I should try driving SE and see how it goes. => see how bad it goes over the bumps & pot holes.
But getting a SE will cost at least 24.2k according to carsdirect.com 's price. With taxes, it is going out of my budget. (below 25k)
As far as using premium gas, the owners manual only "recommends" premium. As I recall, the max. has a sensor that inhibits pinging if lower octane is used. Although I did use mid grade in the really hot weather, I've never used premium, and the thing runs/sounds great. . . And I'll bet it would blow the doors off of an Accord regardless of what grade of gas was put in either.
P.S. I don't know how it works now, but 2 years ago Accords with leather were assembled in Japan, but the majority of the others were assembled here. Mine was assembled in the USA. The left-rear window didn't work right, and there was a constant rattle in the dash from day 1. But, I've also had two Dodge Dakotas in the last four years (a club cab and now a quad), and they've both been 100% flawless, outstanding vehicles, so American companies can get it right too.
On the other hand, there wasn't a lot of risk of me leasing another 9-3.
The enjoyment of the car and the ready power merging into high-speed traffic is worth it to me.
For insurance, has USAA given you a quote yet? You might be favorably surprised, if you're over 25 and have a clean record.