This past week hasn't been the greatest week for my Maxima.

1. The introduction of the 2002 Altima has cast a dark cloud over the 5th Gen Maxima.

I'm very concerned about resale value of my Maxima as a result of Nissan's announcement and the fact that there doesn't appear to be any formal announcements about the Next Gen Maxima any time soon.

Then, after seeing the new Altima, I am very disappointed that the 5th Gen will take a back seat come September. The 5th gen looks way better than the new Altima. Okay, some would argue over the tail lights. But who doesn't? I like my Maxima. I feel like what Nissan is doing with the Maxima is what Oldsmobile is doing to its new and late model owners. Not that a Maxima should be compared to an Oldsmobile in any way shape or form.

2. Quality problems with my Maxima. My first problems were the creaks and rattles coming from my Maxima and a misaligned headlight. Now it appears that I have a broken sunroof.

Oh yeah, and how about the paint on the car? My car has more nicks and dings in the hood and ridiculous hair line scratches it's not even funny. Maybe they put too much hardener in the paint. Same goes for the windshield.

So, with all this in mind... and considering the price tag, I will be getting rid of my Maxima within the next three months. Maybe I'll step up to a luxury brand, or just drive my company car Taurus until I find something that moves me the way the Maxima did.

I love the car but Nissan left me hanging with this one...

 

Check out the Honda, Acura, Toyota and other forums. They have similar problems. Its not just "Nissan" or "Maxima's" having these problems.

 

Dont drive another car! The Max is still one of the best build quality cars out there!

 

Yes every car has there share of problems, but i thought that almost all cars didn't have paint problems anymore. Even Consumer reports said that it is a very very small problem.

Get a Tl-S if you don't mind getting a slushbox. Or a IS300 if you want a car w/ lots of mods for it.

 

TLs don't have enough style. They look too much like Honda Accords. The Lexus IS... well, let's just say that I don't want anyone coming up to me saying wow... where did you get that grill and tail lights for your Corolla! The IS looks like a heavily modded Honda Civic.

 

Sorry about your problems with your car but be patient and wait possibly for the 2003 Max if it's within your reach or you may regret it.

 

I don't know. I'm not too keen on a Maxima equivalent to the Avalon. The current Maxima is big enough. The only thing I really find interesting about the Altima is the 240HP 3.5L engine.

I'm having a hard time with the fact that the Altima has grown up so much. The car doesn't look good. It's not a satisfactory alternative to me. Besides, there was an image that went along with the Maxima. I don't know if you're going to get that in an 'Alt'ima.

There's no way the new Maxima can share any of these specs. Well, maybe a base 200+ HP V6 engine. But we're talking what's likely going to be a bigger, wider old folks car. If I'm going to step up I might as well buy a luxury brand.

And, if the next gen is slated for release in 2002-2003 as a 2003 model, it will be at least 2003 before I'd buy one. Let Nissan work out the bugs in its first year models. Believe me, I have learned a serious lesson with my 2000.

Nissan really should have given more thought to their current Maxima ownership base. They have completely alienated current Maxima owners. If anything, Nissan should have prepared Maxima owners for this type of announcement.

I would even be agreeable to some sort of incentive for current Maxima owners toward the next gen Altima and Maxima . We have been left high and dry with a Maxima that is now overshadowed by the new Altima.

I'm convinced that the current Maxima is nothing more than a transition car for Nissan.

So mix all of that with persistent quality problems and poor service and you're left with one very dissatisfied 5th Gen Maxima owner.

This was my first and it will be my last Nissan.

 

Every car has it share of problems. Definitely look at the Accord, Camry and Passat forums. They all have the problems. My problem is which car should I choose this fall... the new Altima or Maxima. I'm waiting to see the specs on the Max. If it's 6 speed, I will go for it. I like the styling, size, and performance of the Altima. The additional power in the Max and the new 6 speed may win out though. Still waiting for price and more details.

 

I agree with you that Nissan did really screw up on this. How can they make a lower class car bigger then the bigger one right now. It doesn't seem right. But hopefully Nissan will come out with there new Maxima in the next year and then we will be at the top again.

I personally still think that a 5th gen Maxima SE could still beat the new Altima. The Altima looks heavier and less sportier.

 

The Maxima and the I30 have been built on the same platform since the introduction of the I30. Now the I 30 will be the I35 to match the 3.5L engine if you did not know already. This powerplant will produce 260HP, 20 more than the Altima and since the I35 will have the 260HP powerplant wouldn't it seem plausible that the Maxima will also but with the option of a possible 6 - speed tranny. Also I just bought an AE. The vehicles you are considering are a couple thousand more than the AE max. I priced them before my purchase in November. I got a considerable discount over the I30, Lex and Acura and the BMW was out of reason. They are luxury cars for a reason. I wish you luck on your next purchase but don't count the Max out yet, you may come to find you won't have another choice when you see the new sticker prices. And if this helps as for problems Nissan has worked out, my 2001 AE is very solid. Again sorry you got a lemon but Nissan now seems to be on the right track.

 

I gotta disagree on this one. Posted results from Nissan already say 6.3 seconds to 60. But who knows how it will handle? I'm hoping it handles great (due to the skyline based suspension in the back) but I'll see whats up. The new Max with the 260 hp 3.5 Liter v6 will probably be faster than the Altima. But the Altima is supposed to be almost the same weight as the current one (within 100 lbs) due to heavy use of aluminum. Oh, can't wait for it to blow the doors off the TLS/CLS.

EZ

 

and if the 2002 Maxima has a 6 speed... forget about it. The Max will destory the Altima. From what we know now, the Maxima will have a slight HP to weight ratio advantage.