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When the Bose cassette player in my '92 Maxima broke a couple of years ago I had the whole system replaced by a good independent shop. The whole replacement, including installation, head unit and speakers, was only around $500, and it sounds better than the original system.
As far as the '99 Maxima itself, most who own them love them. They can tell you more. I would recommend my '92 to anyone who wants a reliable beater that still has plenty of zip.
Courtesy Nissan website says its no longer available from them. Thx.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Anybody out there buying the new Max, and if so, how is it? If you aren't buying one, why not?
Where can I find the best instructions on how to do this without damaging anything?
My buddy just got a black 99 Maxima SE loaded- side airbags, ABS, leather, moonroof, 58,000 miles, Nissan certified- haggled down to $13,000. I love it. I'm converting everyone I know to Nissan products. Seriously, the car is beautiful.
Anybody out here having a 99 SE would like to share any comments?
How many lb. ft. does the 99 3.0 engine produce? I know its 190 hp...
~alpha
On the 2004 Maxima, yesterday's Washington Post had a reputable dealer advertising all 2004's at a minimum of $1,000 off MSRP, with 32 in stock. This does not bode well for an "advance" introduction of a 2004 model. Any guess how much below invoice those will be going for in August 2004??
With Nissan going funky on the design of the 2004 Maxima and BMW trying to steal defeat out of the jaws of victory with its 5-series redesign, I'm just hoping my Maxima is good for another year or two until things get back on track.
Although this is an assumption, I base this on Toyota's March 2002 introduction of the 2003 MY Corolla. The 2004 Corolla is now being released- with minimal to no changes. So it spent about a 15 month tenure as a 2003 model. Perhaps they will run the 2004 MY Corolla 15 months, thereby getting it back on track with the more normal Aug/September releases.
Also, thanks for answering my question. Here's another one: The 3.0L V6 in the 99 Max- how far does it date back? I know it goes at least to the 1989 MY Maxima, when it produced 160hp. But does it date back to the 1985-88 Maxima (which I absolutely LOVE, and would purchase in a second if I could find one in good enough condition at a reasonable price)?
Finally, I was interested to read your comments with respect to acceleration of the various model years. My buddy's 99 Maxima (which has a cold air intake, by the way), while damn quick, was noticeably less so off the line than the 2000 GXE we tested at the same dealership- both automatics.
~alpha
Regarding the automatic, the only "annoyance" is that from a rolling stop( e.g. accelerating from a stop sign), the power is leisurely, then the transmission kicks in and the acceleration is very quick and smooth. I've heard from maxima.org that this is a normal occurence for the auto. The steering I feel is also a little light/not enough weight.
He only has the BOSE as an option (no sunroof, leather etc.), but it rocks!!( love the bass)
As far as the acceleration of the 95-99; 00-01, and 02-03 models, I was comparing manual transmissions. In 1995, the 5-speed was considerably quicker than the automatic. Perhaps the 2000 GXE automatic was quicker than a 99 automatic, but I think the 5-speeds were quicker in the 4th generation version. Frankly, I would never buy a Maxima with an automatic. As good as the 3.0 and now 3.5 liter engines are, the 4-speed automatic is a dinosaur.
In 6852 you asked why aren't some of us buying an
'04 model.
I have an '00 SE loaded with everything. It's been a great ride and I was eagerly awaiting the '04 as
I was seriously considering a trade. Then, I got
hammered with a reality check!
To purchase the same model I now have, equipped
the same way, would sticker out at $34,000.00-
35,000.00 big ones. This amounts to a "huge"
percentage increase over the just slightly over
$30.000.00 my present SE stickered for.
Wanna know what else annoyed the (^%^#%$(*& out of
me? The HID lights that were "standard" over the
last couple of m.y.'s are now an "option." To add
insult to injury, to get the HID's.....they have
to be ordered with a "package" which may include
additional "options" that I may or may not have
any interest in having.
The fact of the matter is that looking at the Max
from a purely "financial outlay" perspective, you
might say that now it's competing with the G35 or
cars of similar dollar value, which incidentally,
doesn't make sense to me.
Frankly, I've started looking around at other makes
which is something that I definitely had not thought of doing since I liked the Max so much and
was determined to stay with this particular make
and model. Sorry for the "wordy" response!
berbel
Headed over to Infiniti and tried out a G35. Or I attempted to. My tale of woe regarding that drive is located here ( http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Boa- rd=UBB25&Number=67397599&page=0&view=collapsed&sb- =5&o=&fpart=1#Post67397864 ).
After that debacle, I tried to get into a TSX but they lacked manuals. Tried to take out an A4 V6 manual but again no dice. Saab's 9-3 about put me to sleep. Slipped into a Jetta GLI and found that the new 200 hp/200lb-ft of torque V6 and six speed really liven the car up but it's not my bag.
So finally I stopped by Nissan. More a lark. I wasn't enthralled by the pics of the Max but figured I'm out so...
I hop into the car and fiddle with the seat and the telescoping/tilt steering column. Wow, unlike the G35 I found my sweet sitting position instantly. I love telescoping wheels. Not sure why Infiniti doesn't have it on the G but they do on the FX.
Anyway I motor off noting that the interior materials feel nice. At least on par with the Infiniti and in some respects higher.
Clutch pickup is smooth and predictable. Wow, feels like home (I owned a 91 Stanza 5 speed for 7 years). I motor onto the freeway and punch it. The VQ roars a bit but still the sound is deadended nicely vis a vis the more raucous G35. Uh-oh torque steer. The car pulls pretty hard to the right. I recall this test model lacked a LSD and VDC. Could be a wise choice.
Once on the freeway this thing flies along confidently with no fuss. Very smooth lane transitions, quiet, sturdy. The backwindow's a tad small though making rearward visibility tough. Even in 6th gear I note the car can pick up speed rapidly to pass. If I really want to boogey I throw it into 4th and the car jets forward. Oh this is working.
I inform the salesman of my needs - power, luxury, reliability and handling. He suggest I take and off-ramp and then leads me into some nice rolling hills and steep inclines.
It's out here that I begin to really feel connected with the Max. I'm flipping through 35-45 corners at over 70 and the car's drawing a perfect line. Slower cars are overtaken with ease as I slip into 4th and sometimes 3rd to rocket by everybody.
Transitions are nice and flat. The car never feels as large as it really is. Reminds me of a poor man's 745i (if you haven't driven one of those, do so, it's sublime). All I can think of while negotiating the corners is this car is: very stable and confidence inspiring. And darn quiet.
The u-turn I make on a side road reveals the car's got a large turning radius. Oh well, that's not a big issue in the scheme of things.
The trip back down the mountain and back to the dealership is ultra-smooth and swift. Pulling into the dealership my excellent salesperson gives me more info on the car, we discuss express kidnappings in mexico (odd topic but amusing) and he understands I'm still in the looking for the "right" car mode.
All told I'm very impressed. The car's handling isn't BMW-perfect but it's not a wallowing pig like a Passat or ES300 for instance. Unlike say the IS300 this thing's got guts galore and tons of room. The 6 speed felt much nicer than I had expected. Do i wish it were RWD? Yes. Am I taken by the body yet? No. I only like the trunk but the car's functional, swift, comfy and in my opinion a pretty nice deal.
I haven't settled on the Max as I want another shot behind the wheel of a G35 with a manual and a real test drive (like my Maxima or BMW drives). I'd also like to get my hands on a 330i just in case that extra dollop of power for the BMW puts it over the top. Plus given the max's reputation for falling prices i expect to get this car at invoice, which doesn't seem possible this month.
~alpha
Now, I most likely would buy a used '02 or '03, or wait a while and pick up a '04 for a lot less than it costs now.
I think Nissan has a marketing dilemma with the Max. Those wanting the VQ V-6 can get it in the Altima for less; those wanting to pay mid-30s, where the tricked out Max sits, can get a G-35 or other near-lux model.
Smooth as silk and astoundingly quiet. The point is, I would never spend 35K on a fully loaded Maxima if I can get into a base M45 for $ 37K. This is a totally different class car, competing with BMW 540i and Mercedes E500, at least in performance terms. I do not really care if some say it is ugly looking. I will take it over a fully loaded Max any day of the week. The Max engine simply cannot deliver what this 340 Hp V8 car can for this money. And you cannot beat a 4 year/60K bumper-to-bumper warranty and Infiniti customer service.
I almost got a 1995 GXE auto instead of the 1995 SE 5-speed. My wife was several months pregant at the time and I thought it would be a better choice for her. We had test driven the SE 5-speed together, but when I went back to the dealership alone, I bought the GXE auto. Upon returning home and expressing some disappointment with it's slow shifting and lack of pep, my wife insisted I take it back to the dealership and get the SE 5-speed. The sales guys at the dealership had a good laugh at my expense.
I have driven several automatics that have exceptional performance capabilities - 540iA and any of the AMG models (C32, E55, etc.). In the Maxima's price range, the Honda Accord and Acura TLS 5-speed automatics are quicker shifting and do not reult in as much of a performance loss as the Maxima's 4-speed.
The 1995 SE 5-speed was tested at 6.7 seconds 0-60 in the Car and Driver article I mentioned previously. A later test of a GLE automatic produced a 8.2 second 0-60. I recall other tests in the 7.7 to 8+ second range. To me, that 1+ second gap is significant. An Acura TLS manages 6.5 seconds and the BMW's are usually only 0.2-0.4 seconds slower than their manual counterparts.
If you are satisfied with the performance of the 99 automatic, go for it. The rest of the car is certainly a worthy competitor.
Take it to the dealer.
anyone know?
On five consecutive fillups with 91-octane, I got 24.7, 25.6, 24.83, 22.15 and 25.71 mpg. Average about 24.5 mpg.
On two consecutive fillups with 87-octane (with a quarter of a tank left from before), I got 26.2 and 25.4 mpg. Average is 25.8 mpg.
I remember someone else claiming similar experience back in 2000/2001.
Since I do not experience any knock in my 00GLE at 30K miles, I will stay with 87-octane from now on.
I can't imagine that the SES light did not light up after driving the car over 2 and a half years and 40,000 miles. I hope that this resolves the SES problem once and for all.
Although this was procedure was covered under warrenty, they charged me $85 to readjust the idle for a stalling problem I also reported.I guess that they get you one way or another.
While at the Parts Department, I purchased the In Cabin Filter. I don't know why they didn't install one on 2K models. The cabin air runs cleaner and also seems a lot quieter too. Although it takes about a minute to insert the two filters, I spent about a half hour making sense of the confusing installation instructions. 20 minutes of which, figuring out where the hell was the lower glove box finisher. Hint: there isn't one!
I have also heard that the auto for 02/03, in spite of still being a 4-speed, is improved. Of course, the added horsepower and torque of the 3.5 liter may tend to equalize things for the automatic.
My only point was that back 8 years ago, my butt-o-meter noticed a big difference between auto and manual. If I were in the market again today, I'd still let my (slightly bigger) butt-o-meter help decide.
Start by removing the 2 screws attaching the metal latch bracket. Then remove the 4 screws that hold the glove box assembly to the dash. When you gently pull the glove box assembly down, you'll see that the Passenger airbag connector is secured to the glovebox, Why, who the freak knows. You need pliers to squeeze the plastic tabs in so that you can push the connector off of the glove box. Then push out the glove box light and you will then be able to completely separate the glove box assembly. The filter cover in held in by a steel clip on the lower edge. Use a screwdriver to pry it off. Be careful because it will inevitably come flying off and lodge itself in some god forsaken location, like under or between one of the seat rails.
After you remove the cover, you will be able to slide each of the filters out (in if the car came without filters). I found remnants of leaves and dirt inside the blower compartment. I used a vacuum with a long thin nozzle to get as much crap as I could.
When putting the cover back on, make sure that you first catch the top lip of the cover to the tab on the blower assembly. Otherwise it could fall off later on. Before you reinstall the glove box assembly you press the airbag connector and light back in the holes. Its a tight squeeze to get them back on and its better if you have small hands. I bet you that the dealer leaves it off.
After that, it will take a little bit of adjusting, but the glove box assembly has guide tabs that must be aligned before the screws can be re-installed.
First time took me close to an hour to complete, however, I know that I will be able to change the filter in 30 minutes or less.
Since my car did not come with one, I immediately noticed a difference. Now when the fan goes on I don't get any dust spewing from the vents. In addition, its a whole heck of a lot quieter as the filter act as a muffler for the blower motor.
However, I believe that the air flow is somewhat impeded, but thats okay beacause I don't like the air coming out of the vents like a wind tunnel anyhow.
Go ahead and take it out. Hope that this helps.