Hey everyone, this is my first time here. I own a Stage II wrx, which has been a huge burden as far as reliability goes. AWD is great, but its time to trade it in before something else blows up.

One of my friends has a 3.5 Altima and said i should give either a maxima or altima a shot.

the 5th gen looks the best imo, but i want to make sure its a reliable ride. ive been thru 2 subaru gearbox's. im wondering how reliable the drivetrain has been for you guys.

oh and which models came with heated seats or xenon lights?

 

2002 and 2003 came with xenon lights and heated seats is an option (navigation is also an option)--
I got my 2002 max in September of 2001 (the day before 9/11) and have about 64,000 miles on it. I drive my max extremely hard and have had no issues as far as reliability.

 

all 5.5 gens (meaning 2k2-2k3) come with Xenons standard, and only the top-end SE and GLE come with heated seats....i would give the max a shot, they are really great cars, even without the AWD...there are some issues with them, just like any other cars....the biggest issues that the 5.5 gens have are the MAF sensors, and coils. other than that, theres not that many common powertrain "issues"...so good luck

 

Keep in mind the Maxima will ride very differently from your WRX or Altima. It does not have 4 wheel independent suspension but instead has a solid rear axle design. Test drive the car thoroughly to make sure you like the way it rides! The 3.5 Altima is a nice car that handles much better than the max, but make sure you look at the 2005 models vs. 2004 models. Nissan revamped the interior so it doesn't look as cheap as the 04 models. Basic external appearance is the same except for new rims and new grill.
I've had my Max since 50 miles on the clock, it has 44,000 miles on it and has not given me any major problems. My main issues with the car is the suspension design, HID's easily stolen, BOSE Radio problem, huge (I mean huge!) turning radius and crappy stock tires. Other owners have had more problems than these however, especuially the 00-01 owerns.

All 02-03's come standard with HID's, you can get the SE and GLE with heated seats. The 00-01 models have the same basic body style but does not come with HID's.

Overall however, you cannot beat the 5.5 gen max for overall performance and reliability. All this IMO of course. Good luck with your vehicle search.

 

Family sedan with a sportscar heart. Great for the whole family (on short trips) and with a few simple mods (just ask) a great car for the performance enthusiast.

 

If you're looking into a 5.5 gen Max ('02-'03), I don't think you'll be disappointed if you get it. It all depends on what you're looking to do with it. Performance wise, there are obviuosly not as many options as the WRX, but stock, dollar for dollar, a 5.5 gen Max would smoke a WRX hands down. Not to mention that the car is roomier, and IMO looks nicer. Reliability wise, I can't say too much yet ( Only had mine for 10 months.) I have a '00 SE with 25K miles, and the only thing I've hadd to do was change my coils. But, like everybody else has said,all cars have some small issues. In my mind a $300 purchase for coils is minor. There are good suspension options, standard bolt on options, and of course wheels/tires. If you're looking to build a 10 sec monster, the Max may not be the best choice. BUT, if looking for something reliable, refined, good looking, yet still want to be able to lay the smack down!..............get in and enjoy the ride!

 

Why is it said that 00/01 aren't as reliable?

 

I've had my max for a year and other then the crappy stock brakes, and the stupid dash creaking when it's 15degrees outside i've had no problems and i've thrown down over 32,000miles on my baby. Any other 5th gen owners want to back me up on our cars?

 

Who said 00/01 are not as reliable as 02/03?

 

This guy.

I think most of the issues with the MAF are mostly present in the 02 right? I think an 03 6 speed with intake and headers would probably beat a stock wrx, maybe not from a stop but definitely a roll.

 

I did not say the car was less reliable. There are more issues with the 5th generation as opposed to the 5.5. This is natural as the known issues are ironed out in later models. Again, this is my personal observation reading through the forums over the months.

 

thanks guys...

oh i definetly agree that coils would be minor. Ive been through 2 broken 2nd gears, shattered rear diff, warped rotors, and now my STi gearset's third gear synchro is malfunctioning.

I realize that going from low 13 second quarter mile times to a lux/family sedan, i will miss a bit of giddy-up. I already know the VQ motor is a gem, i just want a reliable, comfortable, and quiet ride. with some muscle.

looks like i will be after a SE or GLE. great infor guys

one last question, is the auto a 4 or 5 speed?

 

Tell me what those problems were? I can name more problems w/ the 02 than my 01.

Each generation have both advantages, disadvantages, and problems. All depends on what you are willing to do w/ the car. If you want to go FI, get the 5gen. If you just want to drive it, feel the most power and goodies from the factory, then 5.5gen it is.

 

00-03 max auto is a 4 sp
the new altima s-er / maxima is a 5sp auto

 

Anzio, my biggest peevs are the notchy manual tranny, the driving position (to upright for my taste), the interior isn't the quietest and the turning radius (there are no U turns, only K turns in this car...). The OEM potenzas, if still on got to go, but the tire selection in the spec stock size is extremely limited.

 

I am talking from personal experience bro. The problems I listed are things I personally find issue with. Some people may have less problems, some people may have more. Just throwing in some real-world exeperience on a Max that is completely stock. Take the advise with a grain of salt.

 

If you look at Consumer Reports ratings, the 02 max is rated worse than the 01 in "electrical", "suspension" and "body integrity". Their worst rating is in the "brakes" category, no big surprise there. Both are recommended.

 

Well as a potential owner I'd like to know what misc. problems everyone's had and if it's common. Of course this will complement my searches in the forum.

 

Does it show 00 and 03 also. I'm curious.

 

I bought my '02 SE 2 months ago and love it. If I had to find one thing that I dislike about the car, it is the gas mileage. With mostly city driving, I get about 17-18 MPG, which is close to what my wife's Toyota 4Runner gets. Add the fact that I use premium gas as recommended. That is driving with a light foot. Even so, it does not change that fact that I was very happy with my purchase. Definitely go check one out and test drive it!

 

Yes, they all are recommended.

 

Wow. Is that auto?

 

5th gen owner here. I have a 2000 GLE and the only problem I've had were coils. Great car, only sucky gas mileage in the city; I average only 16-18mpg

 

i have seen a 5th gen take a stock WRX, i have taken a stock WRX but as stated before, make sure you like the way it rides, it will handle diffrently then a WRX. I have owned my car for 2 months now and it is the best car i ahve ever owned.

 

The 3.5L is in the 02+ the 00-01 have the 3.0

 

i definetly believe the Max is faster than the stock rex... my friends altima pulled on me pretty easily... but not when i went to Stage II (+55whp), it was unfair. but im pretty much done with racing people... police love to zap my rex with the radar gun.

As far as reliablity, my main concern is that the max's dont poop trannys the way the CL-type S's do. I havent found many MT maximas, so its lookin like an 02 auto SE or GLE. with heated seats of course. as far as mods, ill let the VQ run stock...Maybe ill have a Quaiffe LSD installed down the road for better traction

 

I know you're in a hurry to dumpt the rex, but I'd do a search (nationwide) and see how many 6 speeds you can find. Not too long ago there was a thread about that (titled something like how hard to find are 6 speeds? I should ghetto search but I'm too lazy). The consensus was not to limit yourself to just this area.

p.s. Between the 02 and the 03, I'd go for the 03 just because most of the "first year" kinks were solved by the time the 03s came out.

 

I'm yet to hear how 5gen have more problems than 5.5gen as you posted earlier

 

I agree....70,000 miles on my 01 SE AE and the only problem I've had is the SES light with code P0420. (See my other post about that) http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....simulator+soln

Nissan has the best engine around.

 

Coming from someone who's had one of the earliest 5.5 gen's (June '01 manufacturing date IIRC) i can say that the car has been very reliable.

I drive it pretty hard but i never got warped brakes or tranny problems - something you read up a lot of here. It's only lately i've had issues with the max and that's when it would surge, stall and jerk on the highway. I've been told it may be the MAF - if that's the case it's not such a big deal considering how far i've gone with the car.

Just remember, majority of the people who post here posts the negative aspects of the car - thus why you see a lot of it. Which is understandable considering .Org'ers tend to be much more of an expert on the Max than your average Nissan tech.

 

thanks for the link to the 02 sensor problems... that really isnt a problem for me... i know they are expensive little buggers, but there are worse things to be concerned with.

you guys rock... sometimes questions like this take days to answer over at clubwrx where everyone is concerned with racing evos and neons.

 

I have a 2000 GLE and besides warping the rotors I have had no problems. It now has 95,000 miles on it.

 

Another factor to take into account when hearing of reliability issues is that most people here drive there maxes aggressively. As I would assume most at the wrx forum do as well. Ya drive a car like you stole it and it's bound to have problems sooner or later.

 

Ya might like the 5.5 Gens... IMO they're too different to compare with WRXs... 2 of my best buddies have 02 WRXs and I know of the tranny issues they have... I chose the Max because it was more practical and I prefer N/A cars anyway... of course every now and then I wish I got an AWD with the crazy modding potential that the Subies have... I have an 02 6 speed SE, never had any problems with it and I love it... except that it was has no turning radius and handling (until ya get a tighter suspension).... even then, it might be a boat compared to the WRX. Another thing I liked was the "luxury" options that the 02 WRX didn't have... the heated leather seats, sunroof, etc... all the best on your search... hope you'll end up on these forums...

 

5th gen maximas have problems?!?!? Man, the only thing i did not do to my car is put it in reverse going 65mph. I do not want to jinx myself, but i did not have ANY problems with the car ever since my dad test drove it with 15 miles on odometer. Now i have 51,000. Recently my friend got a 2002 SE Auto and asked me to race him (that's was in the short period of time that i had some nice tires in the front), and my little 3.0 ripped his 3.5 a new one!!! Don't hate on 5th gen!!!

 

That's a load of trash about issues. I have never had a single issue since it had 10 miles on the clock and now it has 38k miles and none whatsoever. I don't know where you got that or heard that. There may be some bad "batches" out there, but all in all, I haven't seen any problem with mine.

 

127K+ and I drive it like it's hot!!!
Best car I have ever
Pulled on my buddy's WRX auto 4 out of 5 times (off the bottle).

 

100K miles. 5 sets of brake pads, 4 clutches, bout 100 NOS bottle refills in a year that I had NOS- go through like 2 bottles a week on a 100 shot, when I still had it on. Issues with the car- it smells pretty bad with no cats, every ricer in town wants a piece of me, uuuu hmmm I dunno what else.. Oh my right axle just started to click, I blew 5 MAFs in the past- this one is been good for over a year now, my variable intake manifold broke so I pulled out the power valve to gain the top end back. Thats bout it, in contrast to my friends 01 S4, hes has oil leaks from the rear diff 2 times now, rear main seal is leaking, valve covers are leaking- mind you it only has 46K miles vs my 100K. My car has been through hell, and I love it. Bring her up to a light when someone revs up on ya, rev her up to the rev limiter and hold it there for a sec and it will shoot out flames out the exhaust :P I made a similar move when I decided to retire my 547WHP Sentra SE-R from my daily driver, it just got too expenssive to drive it, and very stiff ride with no room. I almost bought a WRX before my Max, but the dealer wanted 500 bux down, and run my credit before even a test drive ! I told him I can buy one cash it I want, and he kept on insisting on runing the report. I walked out and just got the Max, never regret it. She never misses a beat. BTW where you from in IL ?

 

I bought my 2K Max GLE in April 2001 with over 8500 miles on the clock. Now it has over 24K. The only major work i done to the car is the front brakes. I change the oil every 3K and it purrs like a kitten. How often do the coils burn out and the average mileage of when it occurs so I can keep a heads up.

 

I have a 2003 SE with da*n near 100k on it and haven't had a single problem other than the rotors (as I've had with every single car I've owned...). The '03's have had no recalls and, for the most part, are basically bullet-proof. Make sure you get the six speed SE model. You'll enjoy it more. Once you get it, slap on a set of either Faulkens or Pilot Sports on the rims, an intake, and a set of headers and you'll be cruising with the 350Z's with no problem. Other than that, unless you want to do forced induction or major engine mods, there really aren't many power upgrades simply because the engine was treated right at the factory. Even a new Y-pipe won't add anything becuase the stock is good enough. basically, i beat the living crap out of my car and it keeps asking for more.