I am looking to buy a Maxima for the 1st time. I am looking to get a 2003 Maxima, SE 6 speed with all the options except the Nav. Computer. I would like to know any comments good or bad from your experiences with this car and the options.

Thanks,

Chris

 

I love it. Here are the problems I've had / am having with 2200 miles:

Problems:
1) Alignment
2) Warped Rotors
3) Dim check engine light / SES light on instrument cluster
4) Slight paint chips (only 2, although this is a MAJOR problem for others)
5) Nissan service sucks for the most part.

Comments:
1) Bose system sucks a*ss
2) Meridian Package kicks a*ss
3) Excellent power
4) HLSD - MUST HAVE
5) The body sytle is changing in Jan, make sure you get a GOOD deal on this one!


Things to do:
1) Get TimW's secuity bolts for the HIDs.
2) Get a FSTB (Front Strut Tower Brace)
3) Get a RSB (Rear Sway Bar)
4) Remove the Bose system and put in an aftermarket
5) Get some whiter foglights to match the hids


Several people have had the same problems and will have the same sugguestions I do. You might be better off doing a search to get the info you seek !

Good luck..the Maxima has it's problems but it is a great f'in car!

 

well said!

 

can you get leather, etc without the bose? its a shame to pay the $1000 for the bose just to stick in a different system. But yea, I agree, it sucks.

 

Yes, you can, but you have to go with aftermarket leather (which is better than factory anyway). I got my 2k3 without Bose, but with sunroof and leather.

My experiences:

Great power
Smooth, quiet ride
Handles like a boat without an RSB (but RSB fixes it!)
Huge trunk, with fold-down rear seat

So:

Add an RSB (bolt-on option)
Add an FSTB if you're looking for even better handling - it's a cheap, bolt-on mod but I couldn't tell much difference between RSB and FSTB, and just RSB.

Note: I thought the HID bolts didn't protect against the most common way of stealing the Xenons, which is popping them out with a prybar?

 

The only thing they do is ruin the mounting tabs so they cannot be sold as a new set (the tabs have to be cut). It also adds some more time rather than the 10 seconds it takes to remove them with the standard factory hardware.

Either way, if people want to steal them they will. I just feel better not giving them a set that works 100%.

This problem is so bad that Nissan came out with a HID protection kit. It is fairly new, but I hope that there will be some reviews on the board in the next few days. It's about $60...not to bad for an OEM part

 

Hadn't heard about the Nissan kit - thanks!

 

BAM!

Nissan HID Thing

 

If Nissan put out this HID theft deterrent kit, it's probably because they've realized that the design of the hood lock mechanism and headlight assemblies allows the headlights to be so easily stolen. Someone else has said that it looks like a hood lock and cable protection. Shouldn't this have been installed at the factory? Or at least have some sort of recall and have this put in? From the Courtesy website it says that Nissan didn't include any install instructions and that professional installation is recommended. Why should I have to shell out additional money for a flawed design? I understand paying for accessories such as mudguards, spoilers, foglights, drop-in filters, whatever else you could think of. These add to the performance or looks of your car but the car would be fine without them. This kit may not make your HIDs 100% secure but at least it won't be as easy for a determined thief. But for Nissan themselves to come out with this so called HID kit and sell them and sell it as an accessory is just plain cheesy. Just my 2 cents.

 

Help. My 2K3 with 8k miles also has a dim check engine light. Does anybody know anything about this problem?

 

Amen brother

 

Many have had this problem. There is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) from Nissan regarding it. Basically, they have to swap out the instrument cluster, transfer the mileage, then put the new one in. Most people who had it done said it was pretty painless (about an hour). Just take it back to the dealer and if they give you any shi*t tell them about the TSB.

But don't take my word for it, try the search - it will have a TON of threads for ya!

 

Thanks a lot. I'll set up the app. with the dealer A.S.A.P.

 

I'm finally getting around to mine on Monday. It has been happening since October and when I took it to the dealer they said they had to call NNA. I didn't feel like bringing it back again, but now my door ajar light is doing the same thing!

It wouldn't bother me so bad, but the dim lights flash when my bass hits. Kinda annoying, but don't worry about your car it doesn't cause any damage. Get to it when you can.

 

i highlighted the ones i had same issues with ... in addition im getting flaking of the TE finish on the wheels. as of right now, im getting new wheels.

also, question for all - is the FSTB truly a DIY ? recommend that over new suspension (springs?)

TE package is a bit overated, but you need to get Meridian (heated seats and stearing wheel).

you should be able to get it loaded for about $5k below list.

 

Probably explains why they have it as required to get other packages.

 

I had an 01 SE AE, 0 problems @ 20k when traded for an 02 SE now with 19k miles, 0 problems, in addition now have an 03 GLE with 1500 miles, and 0 problems. Maybe I'm the lucky one? I have installed FSTB and RSB on my 02, as well as JWT pop charger. All "must haves"; the RSB is the most noticeable mod, but the difference having them is remarkable.

Now I did just hear a strange noise about 3 times as I was easing off my clutch from a stop today, kind of a groaning/whirring (non metallic) sound. But it hasnt' happened again. Maybe just some maintenance is due? Adjustments to clutch...dunno...kind of concerns me...we'll see.

But...to answer your question...apparently some people have some issues, but you will love the car!!!

srm

 

Yeah, I got mine for 25,800 fully loaded except Nav....6sp just broke 1K really enjoying it now

 

I think I should have posted THIS over here.


What I want to know is if the price is a great offer?

And can you guys answer some of those questions here or on that thread? Thanks in advance.

Maxima (lol, so many smilies, )

 

I got my 03 SE few months ago. This is my third Maxima and love it so far. The only problem that I have is the right passenger dash area rattles when travel over a bump during cold weather (when the outside temperature is below 40.) Thus I recommend to test drive one when the temperature is cold.

 

is that an acura 2.2cl in the garage? yuk!