jsmith24

Well, after a year and a half, Nissan has finally agreed to settle on my lemon law suit. Believe it or not, despite the trouble I've had in the past, I'm all for buying a new Nissan Maxima. Here's the question, though:

Do I go for a 2002 or 2003?

Here's why I ask -

1) I want to get a car with as few 'manufacturer bugs' as possible. Remember the fuel cut issue on 2001s?

2) The 2002 can be had for a bit less money, AND lower financing.

3) As far as I can tell, there is little or no difference in the '02 and '03.

4) Having a 2003 would probably make my ego feel better, but is it worth it?

That having been said, I'd like to hear opinions. If you own an '02 or '03, I'd really appreciate your input!

Many thanks, and I'll soon be back in a "Max Mood"!

Jack

PS - One last thing - which of the "clear hood protectors" do you all recommend? I've seen at least three out there, and don't want to get a bad one.

PoLo

iTrader: (7)

i have a 2k2....i'm happy with it.
no different with 03 other than 2 new colors.
for the difference in price, i'd get the 2k2 because financing will kill you on an 03. would you rather pay more for the number 03. f*ck that, gimme a couple K more and i'll tell eveyrone you have an 03.

2k2, unless you will not accept anything less than the titanium edition, only color available with the 2k3

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

If you want a few more belles and whistles, get the 2K3. If you want to save some cold hard cash, but still have the same 255HP brand new motor and basic Maxima-ness, get the 2K2.

DW

jsmith24

What sort of new bells and whistles? I really didn't see anything different. Can you elaborate?

Jack

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

Stuff like the titanium edition mentioned before. And you know how, when a car does not change from year to year, the manufacturer makes more features standard etc. Those types of bells. Not much, really. The car is essentially exactly the same.

DW

Bluesbrekr

iTrader: (4)

I'd go for the 02, if you can find what you want...there aren't many new 02 SE 6 speeds left out there. Hopefully you could find one that was made late (mine was made in 3/02) cause some of the issues had been resolved by then (i.e transverse link, accelerator stop)

I've been very pleased with mine.. Have fun shopping!!!

Nismo3112

iTrader: (12)

I'm guessing the 2k3 will have WAYYY less manufacturer issues.

But the 2k2's are starting to appear on the used car lots and can be had for pretty cheap.

AgisAbatzoglou

I have driven several 2002 and 2003, here are my impressions
1. 2002 throttle response is more immediate. 2003 has more lag/hesitation
2. Road/suspension noise in 2003 is better. I think becaause of better tweak to suspension. Nissan master technician told me this.
3. 2003 may have slightly less power because of more stringent emission controls.
4. 2003 weighs 100 lbs more than 2002 (6 speed). This is very interesting. Same car right?
5. 2003 has better package deal with Titanium.
6. If you buy 2002 make sure has less than 40 miles.
BTW. I have 2002 6 speed. Great powertrain. My only complain is suspension picks up too much noise from road. The 2003 I drove were more quiet. I am considering exchanging my 2002 for a 2003.
Good luck on purchase; either way you get great machine.

Newman

iTrader: (3)

i think a lot of that is just in your head. there would really be no cause for the differences you just mentioned.

Loe max

iTrader: (6)

...remember the 2k2 with its recalls...

I'd get a 2k3, it has prettier window and door lock switches Also the door panels are the same color Vs. 2-tone on 2000-2002 models. Besides, its the newest year Maxima you can get right now. I never realised how dead cheap used 2k2's can be had for It might just be my next car

enigma

I am about to buy my first Maxima and I have negotiated my best price on a 2003. I am posting here because I saw some comments sayig 2002s were less. Please review and let me know if I can do better as I prefer the colors of 2002 anyway.

2003 SE
Auto
Painted Splash/Floor Mats
Leather (Installed by Nissan Authorized aftermarket coverd by Nissan 3/36 Warranty)

24,150 +Tax,Tag,Titile.

To put things in perspective, the leather is costing me $1100 so my final price would be $23,050 without it.

Any comments would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance,

Bluesbrekr

iTrader: (4)

I think the price is a good one for an 03. The 02's would be less, but they're getting harder to find. Also a bunch if bothersome issues with early production 02's (adsdressed through TSB's). I hope they have been fixed in the 03's. My late production 02 SE (3/02) has had significantly fewer issues than earlier production ones.

Personally, I'd drop the leather. Too slippery for me...

95emeraldgxe

pay a lil more muney and get a g35 if udecide on the 2k3!

enigma

A G36 would cost at leat $6000 more. That is not a little in my book. Now, if you know where I can get one for < $26000, I might be willing to pay a "little" more.

They are pretty cool, though.

92 SE-R 02 SE

Well, i paid 25.8 for my 02 with every option but navigation. I also have the 6spd. Nissan gave me 5K off sticker, which was right at or a little below invoice. FOr the options you got, that price seems high..

enigma

That could be. What other options did you get for the extra $1700?

92 SE-R 02 SE

read above..EVERY OPTION...but NAv...

enigma

I guess I am just not the Maxima Enthusiast you are. I don't know what EVERY OPTION includes.

No biggie.