Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Most popular vehicles
Popular New Cars
- New Acura MDX
- New Acura RDX
- New Audi Q5
- New BMW 3 Series
- New BMW X3
- New Buick Enclave
- New Cadillac Escalade
- New Chevrolet Equinox
- New Chrysler 300
- New Dodge Challenger
- New Ford Edge
- New Ford Escape
- New Ford Expedition
- New Ford Explorer
- New Ford F-150
- New Ford Focus
- New Ford Mustang
- New Honda Accord
- New Honda Civic
- New Honda CR-V
- New Honda Fit
- New Honda Odyssey
- New Honda Pilot
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- New Hyundai Sonata
- New Hyundai Tucson
- New Jeep Compass
- New Jeep Grand Cherokee
- New Jeep Wrangler
- New Mazda 3
- New Mazda 6
- New Mazda CX-5
- New Nissan Altima
- New Nissan Maxima
- New Nissan Rogue
- New Porsche Cayenne
- New Ram 1500
- New Subaru Crosstrek
- New Subaru Forester
- New Subaru Impreza
- New Subaru Outback
- New Tesla Model S
- New Tesla Model X
- New Toyota 4Runner
- New Toyota Camry
- New Toyota Corolla
- New Toyota Highlander
- New Toyota Prius
- New Toyota RAV4
- New Toyota Sienna
- New Toyota Tacoma
- New Volkswagen Jetta
- New Volvo XC60
- New Volvo XC90
Popular Used Sedans
- Used BMW 5 Series
- Used Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Malibu
- Used Chrysler 200
- Used Dodge Charger
- Used Ford Fusion
- Used Ford Taurus
- Used Honda Accord
- Used Honda Civic
- Used Hyundai Elantra
- Used Hyundai Sonata
- Used Tesla Model S
- Used Toyota Camry
- Used Toyota Corolla
- Used Volkswagen Jetta
Popular Used SUVs
- Used Acura MDX
- Used Acura RDX
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Honda CR-V
- Used Honda Pilot
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Used Jeep Compass
- Used Lincoln Navigator
- Used Mazda CX-5
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Forester
- Used Tesla Model X
- Used Volvo XC90
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
BTW, I made the deal with the guy in Abilene. It has less than 4K miles, Titanium exterior, dark leather seats, $22500 cash, he's about $90 upside down so have to send (wire?) money bank-to-bank to get the released title, do that on Monday.
Thanks again for your help.
windy6
i bought the SE with everything but traction, navigation and meridian.
The msrp was 29843. I got it for 25400 including the $1000 rebate. This was at maxwell town north in austin. I worked with Art Ponce who seemed reasonable.
You can probably get a better deal.
Remember that there is a $700 holdback for the dealer from the manufacturer.
Pros:
1) Bigger and roomier
2) 18 inch wheels
3) Quad exhaust is NICE!
4) Autostick (BUT, you can't start in 1st gear like the Acura TL-S and CL-S and it won't let you redline it if you are upshifting or downshifting)!
Cons:
1) BOOOORING styling! Inside and out. There is just not a lot going on inside. Plus, the orange instruments and lighting are "Blah". I never was a fan of it in the new Altima either. The outside is boring as well. It is nice, but nothing grabs me and says, "I MUST OWN THIS CAR!" Also, without a real spoiler, this car has a HUUUUUGE butt!
2) Cheap, cheap, cheap dash materials. This thing was put together with cheap parts IMO. The plastic reminds me of the interior of the Altima and G35. I did not like the interior of those cars either. Definately not as nice as my 02 SE. Not by a long shot.
3) Xenons not standard on a $29K sticker?? HA! No thanks!
Thats about it for now. I didn't get to drive it because it had just come in. All the salepeople were "looky loos" just like me. I had to explain how the foglights worked for everyone! Good times!
So, in close, would I buy this car? The answer is "No" and here is why:
I am sure this car will outhandle and outdrive my current Maxima. There is no doubt about that. But I think they have geared it towards a much older audience. They have priced it towards an older audience as well. If they were looking to compete with the TL-S and Audi A6, they have sure priced it that way. Too bad it is not nearly as nice as either one of those cars on the inside. The outside will hold up. It is boring just like the TL-S. Unfortunately folks, it looks like they have left the Altima to us previous generation Maxima owners. That is all fine and good if they get the Altima interior looking better. For me? My next car will still be the Mazda RX-8 at this point in time. That is unless somethings else comes along that I want instead.
Obi
2002 Maxima SE
Sterling Mist/Frost Cloth
Thx!!
While I think the Max looks fine in side profiles the front end is horrid(I hate chrome) that even a new grille wouldn't save. The only thing I found more disappointing at the auto show was the interior as well, it looked worse than the Alt's. The Alt has cheap materials but it looks okay but the Max is cheap and ugly. Other people thpught the dash was nice but I think it's a case of "Oh it's new so it must be nice", the same way people think the Accord looks nice because it's new.(ugh)
Apparently the 2004 has more torque steer than the last gen and the extra H.P. is offset by the extra weight. I think Nissan is outdesigning itself.This car looks like a dressed up Saturn Ion. I see big discounts coming by May
I'm scared to think what the next gen Altima and Sentra are gonna look like. Please no more chrome teeth!
The 2004 that's been tested in the mags, did any of those test cars have the limited slip diff? That's supposed to help the torque steer.
Maxima's are pretty reliable cars (I have a 00 SE with 121k on it) but you should follow the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual.
What kind of service/maintenance has been done on the car within the first 44k? Any history or records?
thx,
jgardner1: Odds are the '00's residual is far above what the car is worth, check around and see. If you're thinking about an '03, jump fast, there aren't many left! You can get a stripped SE for ~$23.5 or loaded for ~$26 (post $1000 rebate). I got mine with roof and titanium package (no leather) for $24.5. Good luck!
Also...anyone have any experience rewiring the foglites so they will stay on without the headlites???...thanks...Joe D.
i would think that people could get a stripped 03 maxima for around 21k after applying the 1000 rebate. 23.5 after rebate is a lil much for a maxima at this point of the year when 04's are arriving on dealer lots... anyone agree or disagree?
Obi
Anyone with these tires - how many miles did you get out of them? Mine appear half worn, but I am considering replacing them due to the wet handling problem.
I think if you were able to find a GXE, it might be conceiveable you could get one for 21k post rebate. However, these cars are very rare, and I can almost guarantee there are none left at this point. I know I've never seen one.
If you're talking stripped SE, the dealer invoice on this is about $24.9 (give or take a couple hundred). Minus a thou for the rebate, that's 23.9. Anything less than that and the dealer is digging into his holdback (the amount that Nissan gives the dealer to cover the costs associated with running the dealership) to sell the car. They don't usually do this, but considering the 04s are on the lot *now*, they'd really like to get rid of them.
There may be some padding in my numbers, but I assure you a dealer is still not going to take a loss on a Maxima (21k on an SE is impossible). They're obviously very popular cars, and the dealer doesn't need to give them away to sell them. It's not like they're a Taurus or something....
i have 35,400 miles on my tires and in the process of getting new ones before they hit 36k.. from memory, i think 36K was the most anyone ever gotten out of the 16in proxies..
The torque steer doesn't exist if you have the TCS turned on, if not, it's just as bad as the 02-03 when you slam down the acclerator. (I drove the automatic SE). It's about time they put a 5 speed transmisson in there. The 0-60 feels identical to the 02-03. Even though it's suppose to have 10 extra horsepower. The bose sound system is POWERFUL but I personally think it's over priced. ALl they did was add more watt and make the sub pump out more bass. The manual shift mode for the automatic transmission is kinda slow. I would expect better. Compared to the one Lexus has in their GS cars, it's sub par. The dash lighting isn't my style, I prefer my 03 colors in there. The one I drove had a MSRP sticker of around 35,000. I think that's CRAZY. 35000 for a NISSAN?!?! I do like the braking though, it seems a little more sharp compared to mine. Over all, the new maxima just seems a little bit clumsy and interior looked cheaply built. I wonder what kind of problems the first year model will have. Oh yeah and for everyone that's been wondering about the paint job...i'm not even going to go there. Feels IDENTICAL to the 2000-2003 maximas. And one last thing, they have got to get a smaller turning radius. I have a feeling i'll be keeping my 03 max for a VERY long time. Freaky to think what the future max will look like.
Just my 2 cents.
I went to the dealer and they have an assortment of "professional" cleaners. Unfortunately they'll run me about $40-$50 total for the cleaner + the conditioner + the vinyl polish, etc..
According to the manual, soap water (eg. dove soap and water) is perfectly effective in cleaning the leather surface and other interior areas.
But to me that just sounded a little too cooky !!
Has anyone done this successfully ?? Are the expensive polish and treatments worth buying ?
Thanks!
as for the person that asked for the cleaning leather stuff, DON'T BUY THOSE PROFESSIONAL THINGS. I don't recommend it. I just use laundry detergent (liquid type) or baby shampoo, and dilute it in WARM water. Use only a few drops. Then start scrubbing lightly on the seat, dash, and it even cleans windows. If you use those armor all, 2000, things like that, it leaves everything oily and a smell to it over period of time. I highly recommend baby shampoo though. It works great.
Tires anyone? I just replaced the oem bridgestone with michelin pilot sport all season z rated, and I think those tires are great. In the rain, it's 50 times better then the oem. I used to hydro plane going 35. Now I can go 40 and won't have a problem. Expensive though, had to wait a month from costco..something about it being back order. I think nissan is messed up, everyone is usually 215/50 or 235/45 but nooo, the SE is 225, which is impossible to find. Costco is selling them for 210.00.
I thought I had some mileage on my '00 SE until
I just read your post about having 121,000 on
yours. You have got to be doing some serious
driving !!! I've got 80,000 which is way over normal for a '00 but I can't hold a candle to you!
JCW915: I just bought the same tires (Michelin
Pilot Sport A/S) mounted on Mille Miglia wheels
from Tirerack. Tires were 197.00 ea. mounted and
balanced. They're sitting in my garage waiting
for the winter to pass. Gonna' keep the Blizzaks
on for a few weeks yet. We get "winter surprises"
in east central Ohio and I hesitate to put them
on the car prematurely since I drive 450 mi. a week
back and forth to work on the interstate. Glad
to hear you like the tires. I'm anxious to see how
they'll perform. I've read nothing but good things about them!
berbel
Just my 2c.
I have a 2000 Maxima GXE. I bought it about a month and a half ago. I am seeking some help/advice on the following matters and would greatly appreciate any inputs:
1. The gas mileage on this car has been around 20-21 miles per gallon including significant highway driving. Nissan claims this car gives 21 city/27 highway but I have not had mileage of over 21 miles per gallon despite significant highway driving. Can anyone tell me why that may be? Do I need to do something to the car to get better gas mileage?
2. I use premium gas (91 Octane) for this car which is what I was told is required for this vehicle. Someone told me that the low gas mileage may be due to using Premium gas as it is more refined form of gas and burns faster than regular. So by putting regular, I may improve my gas mileage. I am not sure if its true or not but I would like to know the Pros and Cons of using regular gas versus premium for my nissan and also if using regular gas would improve gas mileage or not.
I would greatly appreciate any responses.
I use premium (93 octane here) and watch my tire pressure very carefully (32lbs cold). I also use the cruise control as much as possible and am traveling between 75-85mph on the tollways. I also use Mobile One full synthetic oil.
Gas mileage over the 122,300 is 23.72 (calculated manually every tank) with a best of 29.4 and a worst of 19.0.
I live in southeastern Wisconsin so I have to deal with crappy gas during the winter and the decreased efficency of the internal combustion engine in colder weather.
Overall, I'm not unhappy with the mileage but it is lower than I used to get (over the same route) with my 95 Maxima GLE. I think the difference (between the two cars) is the extra resistance because of the much wider tires on the SE.
how's the 2k max running with that kind of high miles so far?
if i had to drive that kind of distance, i would be looking into a Jetta TDI ... gets about 50miles per gallon of diesel just so i dont stop for gas 3x's a week
vocus, don't you commute about 112 miles?
I beg to differ. There are several local dealers advertising new 2003 SEs for $20,999. And these aren't "only one at this price" deals. They are all "20 at this price" or "12 at this price" type ads.
My choice for 40k+ miles a year would be a 1999 Mercedes E300 TD. One of my marketing consultants has one and averages 34 mpg. The car is almost as quick as the E320 gas model (8.3 vs. 7.5 0-60). And it really is built like a tank. Too bad we are still a couple of years from seeing a new E270 "neew generation" diesel in the US. It is even more impressive. As is the 330d, 530d,...
That price is completely impossible, unless they are demos or beaten rentals. Try to buy one, I guarantee there will be ~$2k worth of bogus fees.
What is the treadwear rating/life expectancy for the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S you purchased? I doubt if I will get 25K miles out of my OEMs on my 02 Nissan Maxima SE (225/50/17). I realize you can't compare treadwear ratings between manufacturers, but I am curious nonetheless.
Other than the scheduled dealer services at 30k, 60k, 90k and 120k, I've only replaced tires (at 90k, $900, Michelin Pilot A/S) and new front and rear brakes at 102k ($312). I've replaced a couple of bulbs, taillight and side marker light, and windhield wipers a couple of times, but that's been it. I do use Mobile One full synthetic and change it at 5000 mile increments.
I also don't abuse the car (well not real frequently:-)) because I know if well cared for they'll easily last out to 200k or more.
The 95 already has 19x,xxx something on it now and my 18 year old son is just dying for it to became his when my new Murano arrives in May.
I don't mean to sound like a Nissan commercial but my experience with them has been excellent, far better than any other make I've owned.
(Fords, Chevrolets, Toyota, Honda, Harley, and Suzuki.)
It should be noted that I use dedicated snow tires in the winter thereby resting my expensive "performance" tires for a few months.
Probably over two winters, 22,000 miles were on the snows. So that made the actual life of the OE's about 78k.
The Michilen Pilots A/S are tremendous tires (IMO). A little bit noisier in highway driving but the traction is significantly better in the twisties and even around regular 90 degree street corners.
The car is just more fun to drive with the Pilots.
The trade off seems to be (other than a little bit more highway noise) a little more sensitive to steering input (for example, more small corrections on the highway) at freeway speeds (or maybe that's just me liking the way they respond to the input:-).
Expensive, yes but so far I'm seriously thinking that I'd probably buy them again when it's time.
Also, adding a modified airbox to a TDI VW will give it enough power to embarass a car that will get half its mileage on a gallon of biodiesel to boot...
The Bridgestone Poortenzas will have very poor wet traction as they wear. I know a couple people who have had almost life-threatening experiences on those tires, because their tread goes in about 30K and their wet traction gets worse and worse.
I just paid $197 each plus $30 shipping (total, not each) last month.