Test drove an '03 6Sp, kinda disappointed...
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Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 70
Test drove an '03 6Sp, kinda disappointed...
Hey guys/gals... Its time for me to look into upgrading my daily driver/commute car from a '94 SE-R & was looking at the '02-'03 Max 6 speeds. Now, a bit of background on myself, I've owned a '95 GLE a few years ago, my younger bro has a '92 SE auto and my dad's got an '02 auto, etc.... So I've driven a few Maxima's in my time and know how nice a ride they are. My preference has always been for manual transmission, in fact most of my cars have been manual, including the '94 SE-R I have now, but I've never driven the Max in stick so this was my first time & had my hopes up considering hey, the auto's a nice ride.
Fast forward to the test drive - a local dealer had an '03 SE with a 6sp., 14K miles, base w/no options. A buddy and I take it out for a spin, and here's are the areas that were of disappointment:
1) The clutch feel - that thing grabbed at the last 1/4 of the pedal travel. I find it much more of a sporty feel when the clutch grabs VERY close to the floor.
2) Shifter feel - I know these cars have the "cable linkage" type shifter, which is nice in that it goes in gear kinda smoothly, but at the same time, it's numb. You don't get the "feel" of the mechanical shift link like in my '94 SE-R. Also, 6th gear is pretty much a 2nd overdrive, it doesn't seem like they made the other gears any taller (example - 2nd gear gets you up to 60MPH, much like the 2nd gear in most 5-speeds).
Another thing about the shifter - It was kinda tricky telling the position of 4th vs. 6th gear - something that probably comes after a day of driving it I'm sure, not like the 10-15 minute test drive I took.
3) The car is deceptively fast. I post this as a "con" only 'cause I like the feeling of brisk acceleration. Even in my SE-R, if I mash the pedal in from a 30MPH roll in 2nd, I'm pushed back in my chair. In the max, it goes, but you don't feel it (and I *KNOW* that thing is faster than the SE-R). I started from a dead stop, roll on to 1st gear, nail it, blast thru 2nd & 3rd all the time thinkin' "WTF, I don't feel like I'm accelerating as fast as I should", but then I look at the speedo approaching 90+MPH.
4) Stock suspension is floaty. 'nuff said.
I guess what I'm trying to find out from you guys with '02-'03 (especially 6 speeds) is if this is normal for the stock feel of the car, or was this specimen possibly abused somewhat (although it didn't look like it). I don't think they make shift kits for the 6speed Max's, but about the other things -
1) Is the floaty suspension drastically improved with a suspension drop & struts? (& possibly improve acceleration "feel")
2) Can the clutch pedal be adjusted to grab close to the floor, or is it a hydrolic that can't be adjusted?
Sorry for the book - but I want some input from you guys before I bought. I'm going to try finding another one to test drive, hopefully I'll come back with a better impression.
Fast forward to the test drive - a local dealer had an '03 SE with a 6sp., 14K miles, base w/no options. A buddy and I take it out for a spin, and here's are the areas that were of disappointment:
1) The clutch feel - that thing grabbed at the last 1/4 of the pedal travel. I find it much more of a sporty feel when the clutch grabs VERY close to the floor.
2) Shifter feel - I know these cars have the "cable linkage" type shifter, which is nice in that it goes in gear kinda smoothly, but at the same time, it's numb. You don't get the "feel" of the mechanical shift link like in my '94 SE-R. Also, 6th gear is pretty much a 2nd overdrive, it doesn't seem like they made the other gears any taller (example - 2nd gear gets you up to 60MPH, much like the 2nd gear in most 5-speeds).
Another thing about the shifter - It was kinda tricky telling the position of 4th vs. 6th gear - something that probably comes after a day of driving it I'm sure, not like the 10-15 minute test drive I took.
3) The car is deceptively fast. I post this as a "con" only 'cause I like the feeling of brisk acceleration. Even in my SE-R, if I mash the pedal in from a 30MPH roll in 2nd, I'm pushed back in my chair. In the max, it goes, but you don't feel it (and I *KNOW* that thing is faster than the SE-R). I started from a dead stop, roll on to 1st gear, nail it, blast thru 2nd & 3rd all the time thinkin' "WTF, I don't feel like I'm accelerating as fast as I should", but then I look at the speedo approaching 90+MPH.
4) Stock suspension is floaty. 'nuff said.
I guess what I'm trying to find out from you guys with '02-'03 (especially 6 speeds) is if this is normal for the stock feel of the car, or was this specimen possibly abused somewhat (although it didn't look like it). I don't think they make shift kits for the 6speed Max's, but about the other things -
1) Is the floaty suspension drastically improved with a suspension drop & struts? (& possibly improve acceleration "feel")
2) Can the clutch pedal be adjusted to grab close to the floor, or is it a hydrolic that can't be adjusted?
Sorry for the book - but I want some input from you guys before I bought. I'm going to try finding another one to test drive, hopefully I'll come back with a better impression.
1.) I dont know much about the suspension. I know my SE is rough as hell going down the road, and my friends GXE and GLE are floaters. A lot of people here on the org have gotten new springs and shocks such as the Tein H and have been extremely happy.
2.) The clutch pedal can be adjusted. The 350Z is the same way and someone figured out how to lower it. I did it on mine and the clutch grabs about half and inch from the floor for me. If you look at the clutch pedal way up in the dash. you will see the fork. Behind the fork is a 10mm bolt. Losen this and then you can turn the metal tube that is coming from the firewall to the clutch and this will shorten the clutch. I would suggest that you shorten the clutch length just enough to where it will disengage the cruise control switch, and then adjust the cruise switch (should be about 5 turns for the cruise switch).
If you can get this 6-speed for a good price. I'd jump all over it. They are becoming rare. Some people on this org have searched the whole east coast just to find one.
2.) The clutch pedal can be adjusted. The 350Z is the same way and someone figured out how to lower it. I did it on mine and the clutch grabs about half and inch from the floor for me. If you look at the clutch pedal way up in the dash. you will see the fork. Behind the fork is a 10mm bolt. Losen this and then you can turn the metal tube that is coming from the firewall to the clutch and this will shorten the clutch. I would suggest that you shorten the clutch length just enough to where it will disengage the cruise control switch, and then adjust the cruise switch (should be about 5 turns for the cruise switch).
If you can get this 6-speed for a good price. I'd jump all over it. They are becoming rare. Some people on this org have searched the whole east coast just to find one.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 419
Wow, you test-drove my EXACT car. 036sp w/no options. After a few days, you will find the suspension surprisingly stiff, but still comfortable, on certain roads while your friends who are driving with you for the first time will tell you how smooth and comfortable it is. This stiffness may be preventing you from really 'feeling' the acceleration of the car. Some cars, like Cadillac, are actually designed to have the back end sink down dramatically on acceleration to give a more distinct impression of acceleration and power. Not so with the Max. Mine has almost no body roll in turns.
I know what you mean about the acceleration not 'feeling' as pronounced but:
a)sit in the passenger's seat while a friend drives it and I guarantee you will feel it.
b)Look at how fast cars that are trying hard to keep up with you, including old SE-Rs and SPEC Vs, dissapear over your rear horizon and it will finally dawn on you how brutally fast the 6sp is.
If the price is right, you're getting a sleeper that will keep you grinning, not to mention a very rare car.
What's the asking price?
I know what you mean about the acceleration not 'feeling' as pronounced but:
a)sit in the passenger's seat while a friend drives it and I guarantee you will feel it.
b)Look at how fast cars that are trying hard to keep up with you, including old SE-Rs and SPEC Vs, dissapear over your rear horizon and it will finally dawn on you how brutally fast the 6sp is.
If the price is right, you're getting a sleeper that will keep you grinning, not to mention a very rare car.
What's the asking price?
I can agree, the feel of the 6-speed is a bit disappointing compared to my 4th gen's 5-speed. However, swapping to Redline MT-90 does improve shift feel - especially in cold weather. Regarding confusing 6th and 4th, you won't have this problem after a day or two; getting into 6th requires a deliberate movement towards the passenger seat. I did confuse the two a few times on my first test drive though.
I just put in Progress springs and Illumina struts and can attest - the floaty feel of the stock SE suspension is eliminated, and handling is crisper. The car just feels smaller and strangely, feels faster too. I like how there is no squat in the rear when I really hammer it now. Also, many can attest that a rear sway bar will eliminate the annoying body roll.
You're right on with your assessments - these are the Maxima's weak points IMHO. However, making the mods above makes a big difference!
I just put in Progress springs and Illumina struts and can attest - the floaty feel of the stock SE suspension is eliminated, and handling is crisper. The car just feels smaller and strangely, feels faster too. I like how there is no squat in the rear when I really hammer it now. Also, many can attest that a rear sway bar will eliminate the annoying body roll.
You're right on with your assessments - these are the Maxima's weak points IMHO. However, making the mods above makes a big difference!
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,720
Suspension AND wheel/tire-wise, the 5G Maxima is setup for compromise: decent ride with decent handling but neither particularly great.
As far as acceleration, I have an auto where there's nothing deceptive about it: it's QUICK. Granted, it doesnt "feel" as quick as when I first got it (after having a 4cyl auto 99 Accord) but it still romps.
Peace.
As far as acceleration, I have an auto where there's nothing deceptive about it: it's QUICK. Granted, it doesnt "feel" as quick as when I first got it (after having a 4cyl auto 99 Accord) but it still romps.
Peace.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 70
Thanks for the feedback, keep 'em comming! 
The asking price for the one I test drove was waaaay too much IMO even tho it had the low miles(Considering it was a base model) - 20,990. But that was w/o any haggling so my guess is it could be had for lower.
Sounds like suspension mods are the way to go if I want to eliminate body roll. This makes me feel a bit better about things, but I'll probably look to test drive another, ultimately the car I buy needs to have a sunroof... I have one in my SE-R and I've grown to like 'em.
housecor - is the manual trans fluid an easy DIY on the max?
The asking price for the one I test drove was waaaay too much IMO even tho it had the low miles(Considering it was a base model) - 20,990. But that was w/o any haggling so my guess is it could be had for lower.Sounds like suspension mods are the way to go if I want to eliminate body roll. This makes me feel a bit better about things, but I'll probably look to test drive another, ultimately the car I buy needs to have a sunroof... I have one in my SE-R and I've grown to like 'em.
housecor - is the manual trans fluid an easy DIY on the max?
Originally Posted by Pharoh
Thanks for the feedback, keep 'em comming! The asking price for the one I test drove was waaaay too much IMO even tho it had the low miles(Considering it was a base model) - 20,990. But that was w/o any haggling so my guess is it could be had for lower.
Sounds like suspension mods are the way to go if I want to eliminate body roll. This makes me feel a bit better about things, but I'll probably look to test drive another, ultimately the car I buy needs to have a sunroof... I have one in my SE-R and I've grown to like 'em.
housecor - is the manual trans fluid an easy DIY on the max?
The asking price for the one I test drove was waaaay too much IMO even tho it had the low miles(Considering it was a base model) - 20,990. But that was w/o any haggling so my guess is it could be had for lower.Sounds like suspension mods are the way to go if I want to eliminate body roll. This makes me feel a bit better about things, but I'll probably look to test drive another, ultimately the car I buy needs to have a sunroof... I have one in my SE-R and I've grown to like 'em.
housecor - is the manual trans fluid an easy DIY on the max?
That price is pretty steep. I got my 2k3 loaded with every option but HLSD & 28k miles for 19k back in Nov. They were asking 22,700 for mine! Offer 'em an extreme lowbal...they might surprise you!
Originally Posted by Pharoh
Thanks for the feedback, keep 'em comming! The asking price for the one I test drove was waaaay too much IMO even tho it had the low miles(Considering it was a base model) - 20,990. But that was w/o any haggling so my guess is it could be had for lower.
Sounds like suspension mods are the way to go if I want to eliminate body roll. This makes me feel a bit better about things, but I'll probably look to test drive another, ultimately the car I buy needs to have a sunroof... I have one in my SE-R and I've grown to like 'em.
housecor - is the manual trans fluid an easy DIY on the max?
The asking price for the one I test drove was waaaay too much IMO even tho it had the low miles(Considering it was a base model) - 20,990. But that was w/o any haggling so my guess is it could be had for lower.Sounds like suspension mods are the way to go if I want to eliminate body roll. This makes me feel a bit better about things, but I'll probably look to test drive another, ultimately the car I buy needs to have a sunroof... I have one in my SE-R and I've grown to like 'em.
housecor - is the manual trans fluid an easy DIY on the max?
That's pretty close to the price it could have sold for if purchased new in 2003...Definitely get them/it lower. SE's w/ leather and most options (minus NAV) sell for $18.5-$19 K around here...
EDIT-- Offer them $19 out the door (TTL included)...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 70
Originally Posted by housecor
Yes, the swap is pretty straight forward. I posted a how-to on my site: http://www.innerbean.com/housecor
That price is pretty steep. I got my 2k3 loaded with every option but HLSD & 28k miles for 19k back in Nov. They were asking 22,700 for mine! Offer 'em an extreme lowbal...they might surprise you!
That price is pretty steep. I got my 2k3 loaded with every option but HLSD & 28k miles for 19k back in Nov. They were asking 22,700 for mine! Offer 'em an extreme lowbal...they might surprise you!
Yeah, I'm still looking for the "right" one, I definitely don't want it stripped bare. Considering my commute is 75 miles round trip, that's a lot of time I'm spending behind the wheel so I'm making sure its "the one" so to speak. 6 speeds are tricky to find, but they're out there. I've seen a few advertised within an hour or 2 drive from me...
Originally Posted by Pharoh
Fast forward to the test drive - a local dealer had an '03 SE with a 6sp., 14K miles, base w/no options. A buddy and I take it out for a spin, and here's are the areas that were of disappointment:
1) The clutch feel - that thing grabbed at the last 1/4 of the pedal travel. I find it much more of a sporty feel when the clutch grabs VERY close to the floor.
2) Shifter feel - I know these cars have the "cable linkage" type shifter, which is nice in that it goes in gear kinda smoothly, but at the same time, it's numb. You don't get the "feel" of the mechanical shift link like in my '94 SE-R. Also, 6th gear is pretty much a 2nd overdrive, it doesn't seem like they made the other gears any taller (example - 2nd gear gets you up to 60MPH, much like the 2nd gear in most 5-speeds).
Another thing about the shifter - It was kinda tricky telling the position of 4th vs. 6th gear - something that probably comes after a day of driving it I'm sure, not like the 10-15 minute test drive I took.
3) The car is deceptively fast. I post this as a "con" only 'cause I like the feeling of brisk acceleration. Even in my SE-R, if I mash the pedal in from a 30MPH roll in 2nd, I'm pushed back in my chair. In the max, it goes, but you don't feel it (and I *KNOW* that thing is faster than the SE-R). I started from a dead stop, roll on to 1st gear, nail it, blast thru 2nd & 3rd all the time thinkin' "WTF, I don't feel like I'm accelerating as fast as I should", but then I look at the speedo approaching 90+MPH.
4) Stock suspension is floaty. 'nuff said.
1) The clutch feel - that thing grabbed at the last 1/4 of the pedal travel. I find it much more of a sporty feel when the clutch grabs VERY close to the floor.
2) Shifter feel - I know these cars have the "cable linkage" type shifter, which is nice in that it goes in gear kinda smoothly, but at the same time, it's numb. You don't get the "feel" of the mechanical shift link like in my '94 SE-R. Also, 6th gear is pretty much a 2nd overdrive, it doesn't seem like they made the other gears any taller (example - 2nd gear gets you up to 60MPH, much like the 2nd gear in most 5-speeds).
Another thing about the shifter - It was kinda tricky telling the position of 4th vs. 6th gear - something that probably comes after a day of driving it I'm sure, not like the 10-15 minute test drive I took.
3) The car is deceptively fast. I post this as a "con" only 'cause I like the feeling of brisk acceleration. Even in my SE-R, if I mash the pedal in from a 30MPH roll in 2nd, I'm pushed back in my chair. In the max, it goes, but you don't feel it (and I *KNOW* that thing is faster than the SE-R). I started from a dead stop, roll on to 1st gear, nail it, blast thru 2nd & 3rd all the time thinkin' "WTF, I don't feel like I'm accelerating as fast as I should", but then I look at the speedo approaching 90+MPH.
4) Stock suspension is floaty. 'nuff said.
Originally Posted by Pharoh
I just checked out your site, NICE! Your car is tastefully modded - good work!
Yeah, I'm still looking for the "right" one, I definitely don't want it stripped bare. Considering my commute is 75 miles round trip, that's a lot of time I'm spending behind the wheel so I'm making sure its "the one" so to speak. 6 speeds are tricky to find, but they're out there. I've seen a few advertised within an hour or 2 drive from me...
Yeah, I'm still looking for the "right" one, I definitely don't want it stripped bare. Considering my commute is 75 miles round trip, that's a lot of time I'm spending behind the wheel so I'm making sure its "the one" so to speak. 6 speeds are tricky to find, but they're out there. I've seen a few advertised within an hour or 2 drive from me...
Considering your long commute, if you live in a colder climate I'd keep hunting and get one with the meridian package. Heated seats and wheel make a long drive a pleasure on winter days...
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