Hi. I currently have a 96 SE and I'm thinking of buying a 5th Gen. I was looking at either a 2002 or 2003 SE/GLE. I have a couple of questions.

Are both years pretty reliable?
Do both years and Trim levels offer HIDs?
Major difference between the 02's and 03's
Any Major problems of these years?

Thanks for any input!

 

Yep, except for blown MAF's mostly 2002 I think,
I'm pretty sure both trim levels offer HID's SE's for sure,
no major differences except type of rims on the gle model?? Some one correct me if I'm wrong.
Some people claim oil consumption is a problem and MAF's. I use Mobil 5/30 with no problems (knock on wood).

HTH

 

03 TE .... ftw...

FTW= For the Win

TE = Titanium Edition

 

IMHO, the '02 + '03 was the best Maxima for the buck. Standard features included:

Awesome 3.5 VQ engine
Absolutely Gorgeous HID's.
Available short ratio 6 Spd. Transmission (no cost option)
8-way power driver's seat
Auto-Dimming Rear view Mirror.
16's - GXE
17's SE + GLE

These were all STANDARD features on 02-03 ALL Maxes.

Options included heated seats + steering wheel! Side airbags, leather, sunroof, etc. one important option for the 6 Spd. only was the Helical Limited Slip Differential. And when you got that, you also got drilled metal pedals!

The 03 offered the Titanium Edition Package (TE at an extra $), which had a compass in the auto-dimming rear-view mirror, side-air bags, 6 speaker Bose CD, fancy stitching on the wheel, and gear boot, "Maxima" door sills, and nice titanium tinted wheels and dashboard. I do beleive titanium was also a color avail. only in '03 which is really hot.

Can't go wrong with either year. I don't know too much about blown MAF's in the '02's. I have a pure stock '02 with 18K miles, and no probs. so far.

Good luck and IMO, get the 6 Spd.

 

i think oil consumption is related to precat failure... but i'm still trying to figure it out.. i dont have any oil consumption problems but i do get that stupid rattle

 

go for a 2003

 

Can't go wrong with either one. I would base my decision on overall vehicle condition and mileage.

 

id suggest going with an 03 with low mileage cause from what ive read 02 still have a few problems and plus you can get the TE 03 thats pretty sweet and also try to find a 6spd cause i regret not looking for a 6spd

 

You could have issues with either, just like you could have issues with buying a used '05. Just find one you like that is in your opinion a good deal, and buy it.

 

I've had both years 02-03 and both were trouble free..........Test drive both auto and 6 speed to see which one you like best. The 6 speed is a little quicker but the steering feels lighter which i don't like to much. Don't get me wrong i love my 6 speed but the steering feel on the auto is better......Before i brought my max back in 02 i read a review regarding the steering feel of the 6 speed being to light and it's true.....

 

Go 03 TE 6spd. They are damn sexy cars.

 

I have an '03 SE TE.... absolutely love it. As for manual vs. automatic I would consider your geographical region (I def wouldn't recommend manual in big cities with traffic)

As for problems with my '03 nothing major except i'm starting to notice an interesting noise from the front right wheel... probably the wheel bearing issue that everybody talks about.

Best of luck in your search

 

Now that I bought my max already, I really want an 03 6-speed. The oil burning problem is probably just a fluke in the system, 1 in 10,000 or something. But the VQ35 is a must!

Get an 03 SE 6-speed if you can find one. TE is just too rare.

...my .02

 

Thanks guys for all your input! Knowing that both the 02 and 03 are almost the same, i'll go by the options and milage. I'm hoping to find a 02 SE with Navigation, low miles,and Black/Drk Blu exterior.

I'll let you all know what I find!

Thanks again!
Myke

 

headlight theft is really the only thing I'd be worried about. I would defiantely pay the extra $$ for the 2003 vs 2002.

 

Finding one with Navi may be pretty tough. There were't many made.

 

i have an 02 gle, and ive had that since the day it came out, and ive had absolutely no problems! none at all, i dont know about all this oil stuff. it might be true but it might not. all i know is that ive never had any problems, i could j ust be one of the lucky ones. there is no difference betweens 02 n 03, same standard features and same options. hopefully ull be satisfied with either one, so far i am and ive had that car for almost 4 years. and if u get it, make sure to brush the dirt off ur shoulders and pop ur collar lol

 

Never heard of an 02 TE.

 

if i were u, id get the se, because the only difference between the gle n se is that the gle has chrome door handles and wood trim and the se has titanium guages and the 03 se has titanium tint on the rooms or whatever. the 6 speed is the best, and u can smoke alotta ricers if u like to race, especially those accords, civics, is300s, 325i's , some some 330i\ci.....

 

My TE doesn't have wood trim

 

Which is a great reason to buy the Maxima

 

 

I just traded in my '00 SE for an '03 SE in the Titanium color, not the package. I love it, and what a difference between the 2 cars. Power, ride, handling, all so much better on the '03 than my previous '00.

They are hot cars, and although there may be some to choose from, they '03's go fast on the resale car lots! It took me a few weeks to find a good one.

 

not possible.

 

Sorry, the color is Sheer Silver.

 

I have an 02/SE/6sp, came off a 89SE that I owned from the start - no regrets. I'm sure the 03 would be just as nice and it does hve the added benefit of a couple of extras (TE interior, compass in mirror) but I consider these minor.

I would suggest you do as someone previously suggested - find the best mileage/price. Regardless of model year, make sure that all recalls have been done. Hope this helps.