I am looking at a 2001 SE 5 speed with power drivers seat and sunroof w/ 31k miles at an asking price of $16k obo. What are trouble areas of this year that I should look for?

I know this is a loaded question, but is the power out of the 3.0 adequate? I am not planning on any mods. How do the 2001s compare to the 2002s, never have driven either, I know we are talking about 0.5 L and about 40 HP and another gear (how much more weight?). What about the overall balance of the car as a system? This is the only reasonably priced 5 speed I have seen in 2 years.

Rick

 

The difference in horsepower between the '00/'01 and '02/'03 is very noticable. I have an '01 SE and drove a '02 SE and was quite surprised at how much extra kick that '02 had. However, I experienced torque steer with that '02 which I almost never get with my '01.

If you aren't into zooming your car all over the place, the '01 should give you more than enough speed. If you are a speed freak, then go for an '03 if you can afford it.

My '01 has been relatively trouble-free. No major problems after all these years and 60,000+ miles later and she still runs like a dream. I love my Maxima. The '02 seemed to have its share of problems, probably because of the updated engine, so if you went that route, go with an '03 instead.