My wifes 92 Camry finally bit it at 205k (the car NEVER broke down in 12 years - other than maintenance I replaced the brake light switch and got an oil leak fixed)

But Camrys just arent what they used to be and teh 255 HP 3.5 looks a little too sweet to pass up.

Thinking of a 02 03 SE Auto (wife)

I'm an automotive engineer which means I am VERY PICKY... I want the Maxima for her so when we go on long trips I get to drive it (leave my company '03 Accord at home)

I'm going to the dealer tomorrow (cousin of co-worker uh-oh
to test it out.

So far my research says the SE gets some harsh ride complaints. Is that just people who bought something they shouldn't have?

I can't wait to drive it...that engine I think has been on Ward's top ten list forever (I assume it derives from the old Max) which is very prestigous.

I read about the hesitation TSB......
And I will 'pay up' if I get the car so keep your lighter in your pocket please....

oh yeah
Hi everyone!!

btw...
I do brakes currently. Looks like they gave the '04 some nice meaty rotors and larger pads

 

Yep...the VQ35DE is just a bigger version of the VQ30DE. There are more differences, but I don't have enough space to list them all. Mostly minor stuff (drive by wire tranny and engine). Personally, I would go with an '03 just based on the sheer fact that they are less likely to have initial build/release problems (it's a 5th Generation Maxima still, but it's more aptly a 5.5th Gen Maxima due to the powertrain upgrades). I looked at plenty of '02 models before I purchased my '03 GLE (it's got a slightly softer suspension, which I replaced with aftermarket stuff anyway).

Sounds like you've already done some very good research. Use Edmunds.com and this site religiously, and you'll find all the little quirks. Then if it suites you and your wife, you can start modding the car. Be forewarned...it's massively addicting.

 

So there were a lot of changes mid-model for '03??

prices aren't holding up to well on some of the '02's but that can be many things

 

If the 6th gens have larger rotors and pads they dont do much cause it takes the 6th gen more distance to brake than the 5th gen- According to C&D it takes
the 6th Gen nearly 200 ft(197) from 70mph-0

 

'02 and '03 are the same car...but it seems like there are more bugs in the '02 model. I imagine it's the same as the '04 (6th Gen)...first year production cars are never the best to buy (unless it's a Ferrari ).

 

Its a couple inches longer, wider and i would guess a bit heavier....
Maybe needs more/better tires (to take advantage of the bigger brakes) or better bias balance.

Stopping distances are tricky - bigger brakes don't nec. stop you faster...just stop you the same more times because of increased 'heat sink'

I am really almost sold onthe car if I can get a reasonable deal....and when that happens you will here a lot of brake stuff as I test it.

 

Hey quik
thats one reason wh yI want the 03....

And cause you always have the people who just can't figure out what they want...

I want a max, no a TL, no a WRX, no an SUV....uhhhhh

 

I work for a nissan dealership, personally I'd refrain from gettin the 04... we've had far too many come back for the "shimmering" problem, and to be honest not much can be done about it, our techs confirm that its just a flaw in the car let alone with all the torque steer. I'm a hardcore nissan fan, with 4 maxima's in the past, the 04' is the first time I've been dissappointed...

Hope this helps...

 

it sure does

and the ten grand I save can pay for some 'stuff'

can't believe I'm getting this rid efor my wife!!

I 'm pretty sure she does not no what a CAI is

I like your5 wheels .....I can't imagine trying to keep them clean here in stinkin Jersey

 

teh se is going to have a harder supension. It is a "sport" suspension comepared the gle which is the "luxury" suspension, i bet you knew that though. If you are going to use the maxima as a performace car that you drive crazy in i would go with a gle......if you want anykind of handling don't. I find my dads 5th gen gle very sloppy compared to my 4th gen se.

 

I hate the sloppy...drives me nuts

The tires on the gen5 GLE prob have A LOT to do with it

 

I went fro the drive today and did not buy.

The '03 SE was just beat...lots of body nicks and dirty interior. Too much for a 20k car.

So I drove the '04 and it was nice but 550-600 month.



F******** fantastic engine though...like butter.
Did not like the ignition/timing/fuel adjust to smooth shifts. Give me a nice little bump in the back every time. Cost major acceleration time.

Had no chance to really check out the handling. Jersey blows.

 

I would try to find a few more 5th gens to drive if you can. I ended up driving 4 different ones before I finally found the one that was overall in the best shape with the best miles for the best price. The first one I drove was the wrong color, but was the only '02 on the lot, so I wanted to see how it drove. The second's interior was a wreck. The third was perfect, but the dealer wouldn't come down enough on the price. I finally went to my old boss (GM of Saturn of Columbus, which owns Nissan North) Got the color, miles, price, warranty, and actually got some free paint work done as well. My advice, if this is the car you are interested in, check out a few more before you write it off. I have been very satisfied with my '02 Auto SE in the 10 months that I've owned it. Good luck and keep us posted. Oh yeah, welcome to the .ORG.