My parents are going to buy a used 2002 or 2003 5th gen and they want to know what are common problems that 5th gens have for them to specially look for (along with the usual checks like overall tranny and engine) but what are some things for them to definately look for?

 

One of the biggest problems with 2k2/2k3 is HID theft.....with my 2k i have had problems with coils and rotors. i'm not sure if that plagues 2k2/2k3.....

 

HID theft and MAF failure...since its a 5.5 gen and i'm assuming they will be leaving the intake setup alone, don't worry about the MAF. you live in a safe/crime free area?

 

2k Its Coils And Rotors As Stated Above

 

biggest problem... their son asking to borrow the car

if they keep it stock and don't beat on it they should enjoy it for a long time.

 

maximas dont really have major problems

the only bad things are brakes, rotors, and wind noise after a while... all of these can be taken car of with 500 bucks

 

Nice one!!! They are getting a maxima only because they like the way my max drives and plus my mother want a good winter car. She has a 2002 Altima but she also want a 2k2 or 2k3 max to compliment her Altima. The Altimas suck on snow!!! I am taking their car to my rom since I don't want to rent a car.

 

heavy foot syptom

 

Rattles, air leaks, Bose headunit failures, continuous TSBs, severe corrosion underhood. Is it me or did the 2000/2001 Maxi hold up better than the 2002/2003, damn Renault. Here in Chicago we don't have problems with HID theft must be an east coast thing. But like said above, if they keep it stock and drive it like a luxury car, they won't have problems. Chris

 

Dead Driver Seat

 

In that case...they will need to upgrade from the Potenzas to a better all weather tire.

 

I agree, if they have the Blowtenzas, have them get new tires. On the 2K2 my only issue has been the right window rear noise. I took care of all the other noises with some heavy duty sound deadening. HID theft is another, but looks like you are in a reasonable safe zone...

Pedro

 

what rattles?

air leak (one, passenger side rear), bose failure... both fixed with one visit to the dealer *if* your bose has or does fail

'severe' corrosion underhood??? Show me a picture. There is NO corrosion under my hood and only expected crap on the exhaust system (the same crap as what's on my volvo and was on my ford pick-up)

continuous TSBs? I'm not happy that there are *any* TSBs but there are no more than other cars built today.

And what does Renault have to do with this? The partnership happened in 1999 and dealt mostly with the south america and european markets.

If you have a personal vendetta against nissan or specifically the 2k2/2k3 maxima you should state that up front rather than make it seem like *all* cars have those problems, if any do. The "severe corrosion" thing is crap (IMO) but I'd like to see your evidence.

 

Problems I've had with my 2k2...

Wind noise TSB (fixed)
Hood vibrate TSB (fixed)
Battery cables corroding (fixed)
Loss of power/hesitation TSB (fixed with new MAF and ECU)
Accelerator pedal stop & t-link recalls (fixed)
CD player quit working (fixed)
Nissan emblem on front of car fell off (fixed)
Gear shifter was sticking and hard to move between gears (fixed w/new shifter)
Front brakes shimmy above 80 (fixed w/turning rotors & new pads)

All under warranty!

One other minor annoyance...
- Worst paint job i've seen on an import in years, especially the hood/front fascia...my car looks like someone sand blasted the front end with rock chips.


Let me counter that by saying this is the nicest, best, most awesome car I've ever driven, period... Maximas rock. Every problem I've had has been minor and easily and quickly fixed. Compare to my Crapmaro, which was in the shop for alternators, window regulators, transmission issues, rear axle noise, etc. etc. on a regular basis. I love my 5.5g and recommend the car to anyone!

 

Max is not any better on the snow it may actually be worse.

 

not with snow tires... it was downright scarey with the OEM potenzas but it's actually pretty good with my dedicated snow tires.

and to follow paralyse's view, I really like my car. My car has the transverse recall, sunroof was misaligned, and hood shake TSB. I need to get the wind noise one done. Those are minor... the only real complaint I have is the paint on the front. If your parents get one have them get a clear bra put on immediately (if the paint isn't already bad... if it's already pitted then forget it).

 

Yes, I'm gonna have to say the Potenzas