First off I'd like to say I've found this site to be extremely helpful in researching Maximas more than once.

I'm shopping around for a slightly used vehicle that I'll be purchasing late in the summer and based on my criteria and price constraints the Maxima fits well but I have a few questions and concerns before I pull the trigger. So here they are in no particular order.

Paint: This is my biggest concern, I've noticed many people are complaining of severe paint wear and chipping. Does this occur mainly on the front surfaces on the vehicle or if I bump my door with a suitcase will there be a very noticeably patch of damage? I've read about the 3M kits. If the main area of concern is the hood, how much on average is it to order a kit for the hood? I'm pretty mechanically inclined and wouldn't have a problem applying it. Has the problem been narrowed to a specific build spectrum? (Does it exist only on 2002's? or is it across all 5th generation cars all models?)

LSD: Ideally I'd like a RWD car but with a sturdy FWD drivetrain I wouldn't feel too slighted. How much of a performance differential is there from the open front diff to the LSD? Namely with a 6sp SE.

Brakes: I've read elsewhere that the brakes are average at best. Is there an acceptable aftermarket for upgrading the brakes?

Suspension: Also read that the SE is a little mushy to be considered a real grin maker, can this be solved with some upgrades or is throwing parts at a Maxima's handling a lost cause?

Comparisons: I wasn't really looking for a sedan the size of the Maxima but having owned a first generation Max and currently a Sentra, Nissan has a way of making a vehicle that fits my price at the right times. The current vehicles I've been shopping the Maxima against are the A4(unbeatable warranty), Integra/RSX, and a used 3series. What are your opinions?

Much thanks ahead of time.

 

As far as buying, have you considered new? I'm sure you could get a base 2003 max for around $22k or less. Consider that with 1.9% financing (or lower), and you might just want to purchase it now.

Chips will appear on anything that flying debris can hit. Bumping you're door on something shouldn't hurt the paint. Its the paint on all Nissans/Infiniti's that are affected, due to international shipping regulations, I believe. As far as the clear bra, I put one on my max and couldn't be happier, purchased it from here: http://www.invinca-shield.com

I don't know about the brakes being average. I had to slam them the other day, and stopped perfectly fine. Saw a buick regal in my rearview skid to the shoulder to avoid hitting me. I have no gripes about the braking power. But others have upgraded to Axis brake pads and different rotors, it may help. Do a search, I'm sure there are many threads about it.

For suspension, an RSB and an FSB. An RSB is around the $130+ range, and a FSB is $30+ (look on ebaymotors.com)
Here's one of many writeups on the RSB: https://maxima.org/shoptalk/sub_modi...sb/index.shtml

Against the others vehicles:

Audi's share parts with VW. An A4 isn't as powerful as the Max's VQ35, especially the turbo charged 4 cylinder.

The RSX is an excellent front wheel drive sports car, very well balanced, handles great through the turns. But the back seat is useless, don't count on carrying people around.

Used 3 series, yikes. Watch out for repair bills, only purchase if you can get some kind of decent warranty with it. They handle awesome, and I considered purchasing one myself. But I thought the interior lacked prestige (that I heard from others). Acceleration is ok, cornering is great. Also, if you're tall, don't plan on carrying anyone in the back seat, much smaller interior than the max.

Hopefully someone else can help you out on the LSD q.

 

my 2k2's paint is decent at best, but nothing some touch up paint cant fix. and about the brakes, they work fine for me. ive never had them let me down. some people here jump from sports cars and want the same brakes in the max. thats why there is an aftermarket.

 

Thanks guys appreciate the help. Guess I can run around and inspect a few unprotected 5th gen Max's in my area (Wisconsin) to see how they stand up against the elements.