My max is about 2 months old. It's an 03 SE Auto. I've crossed the 1400 mile mark (I own 2 cars so I used my max sparingly)... so it should have been past break-in. I love my max but there are a few things that really bother me... I ignored them initially but I am a bit concerned now. For example, when I accelerate, the engine makes whiny noise. Although not loud, I am worried that it will get louder as time goes on. This is my first new car

Another problem that I have is lack of power. The first day when I got it, I tested it's popular 0-60 speed and was quite impressed... but I don't "feel" that power anymore. I fell as if it's not as quick as it used to be or supposed to be. Is it true that if you baby your max, the computer chip will customize the setting to gentle driver settings...? Or is the lack of power that I "feel" from something else? Related problem I have is the drive is not smooth, it feels a bit rough...

I was replacing my fog bulbs the other day and noticed some rust underneath of my car, on the muffler and especially on catlytic convertor, which is completely rusted. Is this normal, even on a new car?

Finally, I want to upgrade my headlight bulbs. I was browsing through some pics on cardomain.com and came across a max that had a blue tint headlights...Anyway, what kind of bulbs can I upgrade mine to get that cool effect.

I'm still a virgin when it comes to cars, so excuse my ignorance.

 

Oh I forgot to mention, my rotors are pretty rusted as well, almost as rusted as my old 1991 G20.

 

If you are referring to the faint whine when you rev your engine slowly (NOT under full throttle or hard accelleration, you wouldnt be able to hear over the growl), thats the way a normal VQ sounds. I always thought it was the timing chain but Im not sure. Anyway they all sound this way as far as I know.

The lack of power might be because you are babying it & ECU is adjusting. More likely it is because you are either getting used to the power, or possibly not using the right kind of gas. Also do a search on "hesitation TSB" and see if you have the same issues, if so bring it in to the dealer and get that done.

The pieces of your exhaust that are not stainless will have surface rust. This is normal and will not hurt anything.

Rotors get surface rust from lack of driving and high humidity. This will not hurt anything. Take it on a nice long trip and that will go away.