Hello! a newbie here.
I almost spent a year in the altima forum and ready to get a 03 model, but last week my wife said why don't you get a maxima, it looks nice TOO!
Since they both are VQ engines, I have no doubt about the performance although altima has IRS... anyway.

I testdrove both se and gle, the interior is indeed better than 02 alty IMHO and I'm ready to shift to maxima now... Since they can't locate a merlot for me so I settled with the majestic blue. The whole process took less than 2 days and I can't fall asleep last night cuz I'm going to take delivery tonight!!

My question is: Is there anything I should know before take delivery?
Other than the formal check list from dealer, just wondering if you guys have any issue that I can pay more attention before delivery? I searched and read the FAQ, nothing has found. Many thanks.

 

ask them about any TSBs from 2002 Maximas that may also affect some of the early production 2003 models. hood vibration, transverse link...etc... though im assuming the 2003s have already had those problems taken care of.

cant really think of anything else.

 

Welcome to the dark side

 

i got a 2k2 se majestic, make sure u have the full owners manual. see if u want a front license plate holder. make sure they program the keyless entry and the keys.

 

Thanks folks! btw, I'm getting a 02 gle.

How many keys and FOBs?

 

Check the sunroof wind deflector, it's probably crached around the screws from being over torqued at the factory.

 

2 keys - 2 FOBS

Make sure they DON'T put the front license plate if you don't need or want it. Once they attach it, you have 2 screwholes holes in the bumper.
This (or actually before you signed)is the time to ask for extras likea sunroof deflector, touch-up paint, etc.

Also, ask to meet the service manager and explain that you'll be bringing it their for all service but want to make sure they are careful with how they handle it. You can say "I've heard horror stories about other Nissan dealerships that have ... and I want to make sure this is not one of those ... blah blah blah".
Things like how they test drive, where they park it, the service techs don't scrape tools across the plastic - generally handle it with care. Get his word (may not mean much, but he'll remember the conversation). Always want a good relationship with this guy.
Remember it's at this point when they are making promises, and showing what a great relationship you have to look forward to, Tommorow you're just another car owner.

Last thing to think about - Have you considered getting clearguard of some type for the bumper, hood, etc.- Nissan's are famous for their paint scratches / chips. Some places are xpel, Ultrashield, Stoneguard. Do a search on the .org and you'll find tons of info.

That's all I got. Congragulations! You'll love it. Next step - RSB, FTSB, etc.

It's not a car - It's an addiction and this and max-world.org are the sites to feed that addiction.


Shaydz

 

Obviously, anything that you ask them and they won't backup in writting is worthless. (i.e. Did the car fall off a truck?)

 

Personally, I would refuse the dealer prep(detail) if you don't want to get it back swirled up.

 

I highly agree with Marcus.

 

ask them for a first free oil change

 

Thanks guys, you guys really bring me some ideas for the delivery!

I thought there should be 3 keys and 2 FOBs, the other key is for valet parking which is not able to access trunk. No?

It's too late, Marcus, they are doing it... I'll watch out for my next new buy...

Does the wind deflector really help? I personally think it degrades the look of the car. Although mine does equipe one.

I already asked about the free oil change, they told me nothing free for MAXIMA. I'm wondering if other models will come with anything free.

 

They are lying to you. I got 2 free oil changes when I bought mine.

 

Thanks Shaydz, I asked them about the scratch by stones on the head light cover, seems that he doesn't think that's necessary. But I did heard about the paint chip back in the altima forum...
They postphoned the delivery to tomorrow, I'm fine with that since I don't want the dealer to rush through my check..

 

Hopefully is not too late... Tell them NOT to put any stickers advertising their dealership for free on your car!! I did.
I hate when they do that...

Congrats on your purchase!

 

This is all true. The lying bastard told me 2 free oil changes. Nothing in writing, so got the "too bad." Supposedly the 1st one is free anwyays, as part of the warranty.

 

If you're in a state with no front plate, insist that there be no bracket installed on the front. Others have pointed out that once that bracket is installed, you've got two screw holes in the front bumper.

Don't worry about a dealer decal or sticker on the back. The newer kind, where each individual letter is its own sticker, peel off fairly easily with a fingernail. Any glue residue will come off easily with Goof-Off (get the water based kind) or a bug/tar remover.

Check the wind-deflector for cracks, I'm still waiting (coming up on 8 weeks) for mine, although the parts dept. said "any day now" (Yeah, right.)

Go over the paint very carefully. I refused delivery on my first Glacier Pearl 2k2 SE. It took very close inspection, but the paint looked as if the car had been parked next to a shipyard, and sandblasting grit had lain on the car and rusted. ALMOST microscopic, and only visible when the sunlight was not direct. I made them find me another one.

Take it for a test ride. Make sure your brake rotors aren't warped ... if they are, you'll feel a shuddering when you apply the brakes.

There should be a delivery check list. Have them go over it with you.

Two remotes, two regular keys, one valet key.

Congrats, and have fun!

 

Just back from the dealer for the delivery, I found two scratches near the sunroof, and asked them to take care of it, sales manager told me they will buff it off. The delivery again postponed to tomorrow due to he will leave early today.

I found there is tons of grease inside sunroof arms, he said that's normal. Is that right? the grease looked yuck!

I also asked him to do the tweak for my car. I'll post the tweak options in another thread.

Thanks for all your help.

 

con gratz on the purchase.. but i was about to say "look into the g35 too" all is well u got a max.. just take off the front plate, fill the holes with bondo and apply a thin layer of touch up paint and no one would know it was there.