i'm looking into get a 2k2 one and was wondering what types of problems do they have? i saw the recall about the crank position sensor...anything else i should worry about?

 

just make sure all the TSB's are performed that apply to your Max.

http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/ (thanks studman!)

try and get a 6-speed

run a carfax and see what the history is on the Max, expecially if you buy one at the auction.

good luck...

 

[QUOTE=maximadave]
try and get a 6-speed
QUOTE]

 

If you want a 6 speed, try to find one with the LSD option.

 

As was mentioned, research all of the TSB's but...I'll pass one item along, hood vibration. Not that it's a "big hit" against the car but...Nissan's ability to resolve it in timely fashion (parts procurement delays in my case) is a joke.

 

Many quirks exist with the 2k2/2k3

1. Grindy shifter
2. Dimly lit SES light (doesnt harm anything)
3. Clattering at startup
4. MAF failures
5. Recalls
6. Weird drive-by wire characteristics
7. Warping front rotors

Just to name a few. My 2k2 was the epitomy of the worst maxima ever. My 2k3 is alot nicer. But thats because i learned to live with the quirks, and i never ever bring it to the dealer nor do i care about it.

I just drive add oil and gas...

 

that is more annoying problems than i thought....but i guess for the price i might be getting from this private seller i can't pass up on it....unfortunately it's auto but oh well...

 

My 2k2 has had none of the above listed problems except for the recalls which are easily fixed and a stock non-Bose HU that wouldn't take CDs, but was fixed under warranty. All in all I'm happy with my Max, the better you treat it the better it treats you.

 

I treat my car very well, I generally drive gently and still have several of these same issues. #2-no biggy. #3-about every other cold start... worries me. #6 wierd pauses in pickup at times. #7 which is really ****ing me off because I am very easy on brakes. In addition, had the Bose left speaker issue, now my replacement is skipping quite reqularily even with brand spankin' new CDs. Rear window wind noise, combination of cheap seals and thin window glass. I also feel what seems like loose and uncontrolled motor movement at times, like muffled thumps when the engine is cranked. The sterling silver paint is absolutely beautiful but thin, every little pebble chips it. No matter how hard I try, fuel mileage is always low. Annoying whine from under hood during light acceleration... sounds kind of like an old ford's powersteering pump going bad. Most of these things are no biggy, just expected more from Nissan's premium automobile. Probably why they depreciate soo quickly. To the Maxima's credit, the interior is beautiful and the materials have a nice feel. But I see a pre-owned 530i or 2004 TL in my future.

 

Don't forget the Crappy Bose, I am on #4, or the wind noise. And make sure if you get a 6 speed to get the clutch TSB performed.

 

Realistically though, maximas are cheap cars... You get alot for what you pay especially since nissan was DEEP discounting on 2k2's and 2k3's..

I bought both my 2k2 and 2k3's for near $5-6K off MSRP CDN dollars.

And at that price, even undercuts Acura RSX type S's and Celica GTS.

Thats why i forgive my maxima for its bad qualities and try to enjoy the b!tch for what she got.

ED

 

wind noise at 50 mph!

 

no problems with my 2k3. 18k miles on it, the whining noise went away when i switched to K&N stock air filter ($40) and ive gained some awsome 1 or 2hp WHOO HOO, but so far no problem.