4th generation 2 5th generation
08-25-2004, 10:39 AM
#2
Pros:
3.5... HID's... 6-speed... gorgeous interior (w/ the leather)....
Cons:
Whale-like handling, MAF, 3rd gear notchiness & some slight clutch issues (6-speed).
Just look at the posts here in the 5th gen forums and you can get a better idea.
3.5... HID's... 6-speed... gorgeous interior (w/ the leather)....
Cons:
Whale-like handling, MAF, 3rd gear notchiness & some slight clutch issues (6-speed).
Just look at the posts here in the 5th gen forums and you can get a better idea.
08-25-2004, 10:45 AM
#5
Great decision!!! You're looking at a car with a 6.0s 0-60 (the 6spd, i.e.). It's a high 14s car bone stock. Biggest con and fear is HID theft like everyone will tell you, so know your neighbor's kids before buying. Another con is that 6spds are rare and not as cheap compared to autos. But it's well worth getting a manual.
08-25-2004, 11:36 AM
#9
Originally Posted by PhxBlue
You will be nothing but satisfied with it. Get a 2k3 to avoid some of the problems that the early 2k2 had.
08-25-2004, 11:59 AM
#10
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Originally Posted by spirilis
I've heard some 4th gen owners claim the 5th gens appear to handle better... dunno why 
97 SE- Best handling, less body lean, Beam Axle was much more jittery over bumps than 01,03.
01 SE- Good handling, Beam axle much improved over 97 but not as nimble.
03 SE- Ok Handling seems as if Nissan softened it up a bit for 02 vs the 01's since most people would have to opt for the base SE since GXE's were only 5%of 02's production. Has a little more body lean and the front end feels softer than the 01 SE.
08-25-2004, 12:04 PM
#11
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,594
I like my 97 5 speed, but my 00 5 speed (similar miles on both) has a higher quality feel to it. The steering is tighter, the car has noticeably more power, and I prefer the tranny. If you get an 02/03 you get those benefits, plus an extra 30+ horsepower.
Take one for a spin. The cars are quite similar in a lot of ways, but the 5th gen is a nicer drive.
Take one for a spin. The cars are quite similar in a lot of ways, but the 5th gen is a nicer drive.
08-25-2004, 12:56 PM
#13
Originally Posted by MONTE 01&97 SE
Having had a 97 SE, 01 SE and now the 03 SE here is my opinion on the handling.
97 SE- Best handling, less body lean, Beam Axle was much more jittery over bumps than 01,03.
01 SE- Good handling, Beam axle much improved over 97 but not as nimble.
03 SE- Ok Handling seems as if Nissan softened it up a bit for 02 vs the 01's since most people would have to opt for the base SE since GXE's were only 5%of 02's production. Has a little more body lean and the front end feels softer than the 01 SE.
97 SE- Best handling, less body lean, Beam Axle was much more jittery over bumps than 01,03.
01 SE- Good handling, Beam axle much improved over 97 but not as nimble.
03 SE- Ok Handling seems as if Nissan softened it up a bit for 02 vs the 01's since most people would have to opt for the base SE since GXE's were only 5%of 02's production. Has a little more body lean and the front end feels softer than the 01 SE.
08-25-2004, 02:07 PM
#15
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Originally Posted by spirilis
Excellent. That's the kind of stuff I'm wondering about (stiffness of the chassis/axle beam/etc., those little "hidden changes" that Nissan made between different model years...)
08-25-2004, 02:15 PM
#16
Originally Posted by MONTE 01&97 SE
Having had a 97 SE, 01 SE and now the 03 SE here is my opinion on the handling.
97 SE- Best handling, less body lean, Beam Axle was much more jittery over bumps than 01,03.
97 SE- Best handling, less body lean, Beam Axle was much more jittery over bumps than 01,03.
08-25-2004, 05:23 PM
#17
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 49
On my first ride with my 03 SE after swapping it for my 98 SE I nearly wrecked it. It handles very different than the 98, but it's not in a bad way. I'd say the 98 was flatter but the 03 is still good and pulls out of the corners better. It's a test drive thing you'll be able to see the difference.
The two biggest differences between the two I think are horsepower and build quality. I used to think my 98 was fast until I merged onto a highway in 3rd gear in my 03. The 03 also defines torque steer, which I never experienced in my 98, if you're not paying attention, it can get downright scary.
Build quality is a different issue. I NEVER had an issue with my 98, change the oil and filter every 5,000, clean the air filter every once and a while and that's it. My 03 is a different animal. It was loud as hell until I did the sunroof and back windows (thanks housecor), the left side crapped out like most Bose 6-disc changers (replaced under warranty), and the keyless FOB broke because of the silly 2 bar design (also replaced under warranty). The 03 seems to be feeling it's Renault roots, which is a little sad.
If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't even hesitate. The options I got on my 03 are great, the power is outstanding and the handling is very good for a daily driver. The positives have made me more adamant about fixing the small little nuisance problems in the car because overall, I know I will be very happy with it in the long run. And unlike an 04 Maxima, everything is in the right place when compared to the 98. The 03 has all the controls within an inch or 2 when compared to the 98, which is big when all you've driven for 10 years are Nissans and they all have the same interior layout. Why fix what isn't broke?
The two biggest differences between the two I think are horsepower and build quality. I used to think my 98 was fast until I merged onto a highway in 3rd gear in my 03. The 03 also defines torque steer, which I never experienced in my 98, if you're not paying attention, it can get downright scary.
Build quality is a different issue. I NEVER had an issue with my 98, change the oil and filter every 5,000, clean the air filter every once and a while and that's it. My 03 is a different animal. It was loud as hell until I did the sunroof and back windows (thanks housecor), the left side crapped out like most Bose 6-disc changers (replaced under warranty), and the keyless FOB broke because of the silly 2 bar design (also replaced under warranty). The 03 seems to be feeling it's Renault roots, which is a little sad.
If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't even hesitate. The options I got on my 03 are great, the power is outstanding and the handling is very good for a daily driver. The positives have made me more adamant about fixing the small little nuisance problems in the car because overall, I know I will be very happy with it in the long run. And unlike an 04 Maxima, everything is in the right place when compared to the 98. The 03 has all the controls within an inch or 2 when compared to the 98, which is big when all you've driven for 10 years are Nissans and they all have the same interior layout. Why fix what isn't broke?
08-25-2004, 05:59 PM
#18
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Originally Posted by aliti19
Ahh my friend... have you ever driven the 3.5 gen SE Max? That was the best handling max ever!
08-25-2004, 06:04 PM
#19
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Originally Posted by pigburger
On my first ride with my 03 SE after swapping it for my 98 SE I nearly wrecked it. It handles very different than the 98, but it's not in a bad way. I'd say the 98 was flatter but the 03 is still good and pulls out of the corners better. It's a test drive thing you'll be able to see the difference.
The two biggest differences between the two I think are horsepower and build quality. I used to think my 98 was fast until I merged onto a highway in 3rd gear in my 03. The 03 also defines torque steer, which I never experienced in my 98, if you're not paying attention, it can get downright scary.
Build quality is a different issue. I NEVER had an issue with my 98, change the oil and filter every 5,000, clean the air filter every once and a while and that's it. My 03 is a different animal. It was loud as hell until I did the sunroof and back windows (thanks housecor), the left side crapped out like most Bose 6-disc changers (replaced under warranty), and the keyless FOB broke because of the silly 2 bar design (also replaced under warranty). The 03 seems to be feeling it's Renault roots, which is a little sad.
If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't even hesitate. The options I got on my 03 are great, the power is outstanding and the handling is very good for a daily driver. The positives have made me more adamant about fixing the small little nuisance problems in the car because overall, I know I will be very happy with it in the long run. And unlike an 04 Maxima, everything is in the right place when compared to the 98. The 03 has all the controls within an inch or 2 when compared to the 98, which is big when all you've driven for 10 years are Nissans and they all have the same interior layout. Why fix what isn't broke?
The two biggest differences between the two I think are horsepower and build quality. I used to think my 98 was fast until I merged onto a highway in 3rd gear in my 03. The 03 also defines torque steer, which I never experienced in my 98, if you're not paying attention, it can get downright scary.
Build quality is a different issue. I NEVER had an issue with my 98, change the oil and filter every 5,000, clean the air filter every once and a while and that's it. My 03 is a different animal. It was loud as hell until I did the sunroof and back windows (thanks housecor), the left side crapped out like most Bose 6-disc changers (replaced under warranty), and the keyless FOB broke because of the silly 2 bar design (also replaced under warranty). The 03 seems to be feeling it's Renault roots, which is a little sad.
If I had to do it over again, I wouldn't even hesitate. The options I got on my 03 are great, the power is outstanding and the handling is very good for a daily driver. The positives have made me more adamant about fixing the small little nuisance problems in the car because overall, I know I will be very happy with it in the long run. And unlike an 04 Maxima, everything is in the right place when compared to the 98. The 03 has all the controls within an inch or 2 when compared to the 98, which is big when all you've driven for 10 years are Nissans and they all have the same interior layout. Why fix what isn't broke?
08-25-2004, 09:08 PM
#20
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yeah the handling is better in 4th gen but the front end of the 5.5 maximas is the stiffest. they upgraded everything in the front on the SE models. the other models they kept the same stiffness as 2k-2k1 base models. i enjoy my 4th gen more than a 5.5 gen even though it is newer. build quality is good (not BMW though) and good daily driver on auto. 6 speed is a completly diffferent car than auto though. that my opinion. you wont regret but get 6 speed. and i never had a 3rd gear notchines problem or in any gears but i had a sqeaky clutch which gets annoying but it only happens once in a while.
08-25-2004, 11:56 PM
#21
Originally Posted by MONTE 01&97 SE
My friend you see my sig and user name I have had every Maxima generation there is except the 1st gen and I wouldnt call the 5.5 gen the best handling Max having driven a many Maximas..
08-26-2004, 10:14 AM
#22
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Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 132
I have driven a 2002 auto in 2002 so i dont remember how the ride was but I do remember it feeling alot bigger than my girlfriends 96 auto maxima (i didnt have my 97 5 speed at that time). but looking back now i feel like my 97 was faster than the 2002 auto? but in any case am gonna start my search for a 2003 se 6 speed.
08-26-2004, 10:23 AM
#23
Trust me, if your '97 was stock, there is NO WAY it was faster than an '02 auto. Maybe the 5-speed just made it feel a lot faster.
Good luck w/ the search and don't forget to look on the .org classifieds too.
Good luck w/ the search and don't forget to look on the .org classifieds too.
08-26-2004, 11:54 AM
#24
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 297
i came from a 95 SE 5 speed to my 2K2 6 speed. you're gonna miss your 4th gen, but you'll love the 3.5. a 4th gen may be slightly faster off the line, but the top-end on the 3.5 is awesome. it's a very consistent pull, unlike the 4th gen which kinda drops off after 5K rpm.
the first thing i really noticed was how small the turning radius is. get used to 3 point turns. also i'm going through my 3rd bout with MAFS problems, biggest PITA ever.
the first thing i really noticed was how small the turning radius is. get used to 3 point turns. also i'm going through my 3rd bout with MAFS problems, biggest PITA ever.
08-26-2004, 04:05 PM
#26
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Originally Posted by aliti19
Trust me, if your '97 was stock, there is NO WAY it was faster than an '02 auto. Maybe the 5-speed just made it feel a lot faster.
Good luck w/ the search and don't forget to look on the .org classifieds too.
Good luck w/ the search and don't forget to look on the .org classifieds too.
08-26-2004, 04:34 PM
#27
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Originally Posted by aliti19
Trust me, if your '97 was stock, there is NO WAY it was faster than an '02 auto. Maybe the 5-speed just made it feel a lot faster.
Good luck w/ the search and don't forget to look on the .org classifieds too.
Good luck w/ the search and don't forget to look on the .org classifieds too.
08-27-2004, 02:16 PM
#29
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 297
Originally Posted by sagemistse
Bp2k2max you are from poughkeepsie?? I am from New Paltz.....but live in boston now. You are the first person I have seen on the org from the hudson valley
08-27-2004, 06:20 PM
#30
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 49
Power in a 5.5 is a completely different animal. My 03 is quick without even trying, fast when I am trying and scary when I'm not paying attention. If I had a dollar for every time I broke traction taking a left hand turn across a big intersection, I could replace my blowtenzas....
08-28-2004, 02:54 AM
#32
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Originally Posted by aliti19
Pros:
3.5... HID's... 6-speed... gorgeous interior (w/ the leather)....
Cons:
Whale-like handling, MAF, 3rd gear notchiness & some slight clutch issues (6-speed).
Just look at the posts here in the 5th gen forums and you can get a better idea.
3.5... HID's... 6-speed... gorgeous interior (w/ the leather)....
Cons:
Whale-like handling, MAF, 3rd gear notchiness & some slight clutch issues (6-speed).
Just look at the posts here in the 5th gen forums and you can get a better idea.
-vq
08-28-2004, 08:42 PM
#36
one touch sunroof?
my 2000's sunroof can open all the way with the touch of a button... (the button has 2 stages, press it lightly and it only opens so long as you hold it, press it harder and let go and it opens or closes on its own)
my 2000's sunroof can open all the way with the touch of a button... (the button has 2 stages, press it lightly and it only opens so long as you hold it, press it harder and let go and it opens or closes on its own)
08-29-2004, 03:52 PM
#37
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 297
^ oh yeah? my dad has a 2000 so i'm not in it much, i figured you had to hold it. in the 2k2-3 the sunroof button has notches in it you can slide 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 or all the way and it'll open or close for you. it's one-touch no matter where how far you want it open.
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