Hi all,

My 95 Maxima is getting quite old (191,000 miles and counting). I'm thinking of a used 6-speed Maxima.

Beside the obvious differences in model years and the associated cost, which one should I get, 2002 or 2003?

Are there any known problems/defects on either model years that I should avoid?

Thanks,
Sam

 

03 has improvements/option upgrades over the 02, but I am pretty sure the late model 02 builds (like mine) are fine also

If you are looking to mod it at all, make sure the MAF is updated

 

Thanks PAPA SMURF. What are the improvements from 02 to 03? I was under the impressions that the 03 is just a carry-over.

Sam.

 

hmm....lemme see.....new MAF, revised window switches, titanium pckge availability, new colors, nothing else i can think of as of now

 

What was revised with the window switches I wasnt aware of that?

 

if i remember my friends 03 window switches were different...i'd have to look again

 

So, which one (02 or 03) has problems, if any, that I should avoid.

Thanks,
Sam

 

get the 03 if possible..but try not to be picky..whatever is left is left

 

who cares about the window switches??? if thats your only issue...get whatever is a better deal

the cars are identical. The original MAF's in 2002's work just fine, just because there a bunch of people on here have a problem with the MAF's doesnt mean it is an issue, there hundreds of thousands of 02 and 03 Max's out there that had the original MAF and are doing just fine

 

jump on whatever 6 speed you can find......making
sure its history and condition is legit...

 

Mine had a bad MAF the 2nd week I got her

Since then she runs great

 

maybe the MAF in the 02 is having more problems cause it is A YEAR OLDER

 

I thought the 02s had a lot of TSBs, should this be a factor for someone looking for an 02/03?

 

My 02 MAF died at 15k, suspiciously immediately after the dealer service. Don't worry about that though because it's covered (definitely before 3/36k, possibly with 5/50k).

If you like to drive, look long and hard for one with the optional limited slip differential. 255 hp is too much for open dif FWD.

Lastly, if you do buy a 5th gen, the first thing you must buy is a Stillen rear anti roll bar - far and away the best improvement for the money, and it's easy to install.

 

Is this true about the 02?

 

6spds get them while u can...my 02 has been for service..nothing major though...

 

just get a 6spd, don't worry which year.

 

the 03 is a no brainer... they worked out all most of the problem that year..

 

Whichever you can find. And WTF is this about window switches? News to me.....

 

Really minor: They changed the labeling font on the buttons. Man, I thought I was a stickler for details! I'd suggest 2k3 if you like the Titanium pkg. That was my decision maker: dark chrome wheels, chrome sills, compass, titanium keyed interior. Pretty rare in 6-spd. Just my preference.

 

I didn't notice jack about them...

 

no it is not true

the 03's have as many issues as '02's most tsbs are for the '02 because it has simply been on the road a year longer then the 03...just for reference the earlier 03's had the old MAF as the 02's

 

Actually their are not"100,000s of thousands 02/03's, only 81,000 were built for 02 model year and 71,000 for the 03 model years. Although their was alot of overlapping of the years between 02-04 these are the actual numbers fo the model years not total units sold of Maxima.