Hey guys, i've been looking around and thinking of maybe buying a 5th gen...i really want a 02 or 03 because of the lights and engine...i was wondering if there where some things to look for when i go looking around...i went yesterday to a dealership, but didnt find what i wanted...so my 2 questions are:

1. what to look for when buying one (anything)

2. was traction control in option? or standard, and also what years did it come on?

Thanks for all the help guys!!!

 

bump? any help plz!!

 

I think traction control was an option on the SE and GLE. I can tell you that it definitely wasn't standard on the SE.

Anyway, your question is a little broad, but I'll try to answer it.

If you want the spoiler, body-colored door handles, and a sportier suspension, go for the SE. Look for one with leather, auto climate, and sunroof. 2003s had the Titanium Edition package which added a compass, nicer rims, door sills, and 'titanium' dash trim. Other than that, there were very minor differences between 02 and 03.

If you want a fully-loaded Max with more of a luxury ride, look for a GLE. They came standard with pretty much every option.

Another nice option is the Meridian Edition package (heated seats, mirrors, steering wheel).

ALL 02/03 Maximas came standard with the HIDs, and obviously all have the 3.5L 255hp VQ (more powerful than the 00/01 3.0L).

If you've got a more specific question, we might be able to help more.

-Brian

 

are you asking for what price range you should look for or what kind of options or what things to check on a used car before buying it? be more specific.

 

thx the big dru and xgas..thats anwsers alot...what are some diffrences between the 00, 01 and the 02, 03 other then the engine and lights???

and also, how much are people paying for 02 se fully loaded...i've been looking around and it seems to be around 18,000..does that sound right....thanks for all the help guys

 

Keep in mind that even though the HID lights are a cool feature, they are the most frequently stolen part of the 02/03 Maxima, especially in the northeast. A couple of other differences between 5th gen and 5.5 gen I can think of is the sunroof switch, steering wheel radio controls look different, the stock stereo layout is slightly different, grill, there are a bunch more differences, but I can't think of them.

 

look for a 6-speed....

 

someone likes sooner's new car

jokes aside, i totally agree with irish..i couldn't be happier with my 6-speed even though it isn't fully loaded (it does have sunroof, BLOSE (which isn't good, hence the name), and leather (but it's aftermarket leather))....I can't tell you how much fun it is to drive and every day i'm happy i found one rather than getting an autotragic.....

anyways, 18k sounds about right for a 5.5 gen with low miles...i just got mine last sept. for 16.7k with the options i listed and 29K miles...you just have to look around a lot until you found one..i was very fortunate to find what i wanted. Good luck on your choice!!

 

just bought a fully loaded 02 6 speed with 37K miles for $16,995

 

I'm selling mine for $18,000 and has 31k miles on it. Haven't yet found the right person to sell it to yet but its still up for sale.

 

Just curious, why you are selling? What will be your next car?

 

Drive to rhode island razorfish and your car will be sold....lol...i want it

 

I know "MaxNAction", your the only guy who is serious. Everyone else who wants to see it, is wasting my time.

I think I might need to take a hike up to like Foxwoods, CT which is sorta close to you right?

I went out to the Saab dealership over the weekend and really enjoyed the 9-3 Aero's handling. Too bad my Max still has more power on the straight line than most cars I've tested so far. The Maxima has more luxury functions than the Saab. Still undecided on what I will buy but it will have to have the same stuff I have on my Max.

If I can't make any money out of this, than I will end up trading this in whenever I find the right car I want. I really don't want that to happen and would rather make some money and make someone else happy to own my Max.

 

I just picked up a 2000 GLE (not sure what color, sort of a pewter color)... I love it!! I can't wait to get some 18 or 19" wheels and do an HID conversion!

Also, can I install the whole headlight assembly from a 5.5?

 

thanks for all the responces guys...i'm still looking around for the right one... any well known big problems Mechanically??? thanks again guys

anyother things...feel free to let me know

 

yea razorfish...if u go to foxwoods i might have to take a trip there....its like an hour from me....but i mean i can come check it out....its worth the drive for me...and if i like it...i will drive to new york to get it...but i dont want to drive 3 hours just to check it out...but tell me if your going to foxwoods...

 

bump.......