DaGGer

Ok well I'm looking to buy a maxima and i found one that i like. here is the link to it: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...g=en&cardist=8

Now i wanted to know if this i a good model to buy and what are some things i should look into. I was going to get a 1998 because i like the way they look but they have less power than the 5th gens. If you guys could give me some info on these types of cars and the 4th gen cars. I'm stuck between which type to buy.

Also i mean i'm seeing a lot of maximas around 80-90,000 miles. My friend owns a max just like the one i linked you to but its an auto and he has like 110,000 and his runs great. Should i be worried about anything like a timing belt or what not.

frankd121

iTrader: (1)

The price is a little high IMHO, you should probably talk the guy down to the 7g range. These cars are pretty reliable - i've got 92k and my car's still running strong.

There is no timing belt, just a timing chain. As with any used car, check the fluids (make sure there not really dark) and drive the car to see if there is anything wrong with it.

dickon

I recommend mine

miragetkg

iTrader: (4)

I would go with an 02-03 for a little more $. Much faster; Nicer apperance & overall better performance. IMO

SEmy2K2go

iTrader: (10)

That one definately seems a bit high. If that is your budget range, you should check out the cars for sale in the classified section here. Your money will go a long way on this site.

momo80

I know you may not want the leather now but you'll want it later, get a fully loaded car.

You have to be patient when looking. I waited a year for the right price and options that I was looking for.

DaGGer

Well i live in CT, everything here is a little more expensieve that other places but I was actually going to start negotiation at 7g's. As for leather I really don't like it, i mean its nice to have but i don't like sliding around on it. if you guys say you won't slide around then I'll look for it. Also I mean you guys say 2002 and newer (i know they have the 3.5's) but i mean i'm trying to stay under 9,000.

Derrick2k2SE

iTrader: (3)

It has a clean carfax. Spent it's life in CT. The price does seem high but I sell cars in Florida. I'd sell that car off the lot where I work for 6,500 to 7,000 and still clean somebodys clock.

If the price is in line with your area I'd do it. These cars handle the miles very well. When it comes to a Maxima I'd make sure it was in good condition first and worry about the miles last. That doesn't mean you can't use the miles against the dealer in negotiation. Most people looking for a car in that price range don't have the credit to finance a high milege car like that. That makes them hard for the dealer to move.

irish44j

iTrader: (38)

here we go again with the 5.5 vs. 5gen argument.


better performance is relative. The 3.5 has more power. The 3.0 is far smoother and linear power. Also the 3.0 doesn't have oil leak issues Suspension is identical on both. 00-01 has a smooth 5speed. 02-03 has a notchy 6speed....it's all about what you're looking for.

Change out lights and the 00-01 looks almost identical to the 02-03.

In any case, to answer the original question (and not trying to talk him into a car he didn't ask about):

suggest you ahve the car checked out by a pro mechanic, someone you trust. Have them be especially wary of wheel bearings, coils, and paint chips!

Other than those three things, there are really no widespread problems with the 00-01 maxima. The VQ30DEK is bulletproof and smooth as butter. And regardless of what anyone here says, it has more than enough power.

ctrent86

I am with Irish. The VQ30 is a bulletproof motor. It also is tried and true damn motor has many years of refinement behind it. Also has plenty of power. Again I dont know what you are looking for in a car but the 5th gen get the job done well. I am with you on the leather thing as well you get the worst of both worlds in temp plus you slide around as you talked about. That price however is really highand would neg it way down. Good luck and welcome to the cult.

DaGGer

Well I was looking for other cars such as a 2001 Jetta VR6 and well those guys are a bunch of *** holes for sure. I asked the same question and went back 5 minutes later and all i get was like 5 post of flaming, its a bad thing to say that I don't want that care because of the way things went on the forum but I would say that I like to find a place were i don't get **** for asking a question when I need a little help. I know for one that the 3.0 is smooth, my friends is really smooth and doesn't have a lot of engine noise which is great. He already had tein lowering springs and stuff and it handles great. I think i've found the car I want to buy I just have to wait to find the car I want. I want to get the 2000 + and if i can find one with a 3.5L I'll look into it but I like the sound of the 3.0L a lot.

rkyat

iTrader: (3)

looks good, price kinda high tho, i had a friend selling the exact clone of that minus wing, for $5300. 92k miles.

irish44j

iTrader: (38)

Good choice on not going with the Jetta. Though I've always liked the way VW's perform, we went through hell with my wife's 2000 Jetta. Constantly at the dealer getting electrical bugs fixed, plus several mechanical issues. The day we traded it for her Mazda3 was the best automotive day of her life

DaGGer

LOL, now its just a process of waiting for the right car to come up and let me buy it.

momo80

Jetta made in Mexico - beware

rmd0311

iTrader: (4)

Hey., Out of curiosity I just went over to KBB and it says. $7370 for excellent condition private seller which is the most I would pay for it unless its Certified. I have had the 5.0 for like 2 months now. I did the brakes and shocks, all because I wanted to. I hate dealers and always buy Private Party, I paid exactly what the car cost per KBB private party good condition which was 11500. Fully Loaded. It's a great car, go for it man just lower the price to about 7k.

Dust N Bones

iTrader: (1)

You don't really slide around on the leather seats in the Maxima because they have good side support. Also there is nothing wrong the the 3.0L, you won't be disappointed with it. I had an 01 I30 which is essentially the same vehicle and the 3.0 was a great engine.

DaGGer

That sounds good, i mean leather is pretty confortable but I just don't want to slide around at all, but you say i won't so i'll give it a try.

Orgullo

iTrader: (47)

You should get the dealer to come way down off the price and see if he wouldn't throw in the classic parked next to it.

2000+ You can't beat em, great car overall just make sure to do the norm when buying. Test drive and have her checked out. As far as the leather I just couldn't do it. Hot in summer / Cold in winter. Just my opinion after all, it's your dime get what you want.

IMB4U

Definatly check out the maxima's in the classified section of this site. I have a 2000 SE 5 speed all modded and done for 10,500 check it. You'll get a lot more for your money. Good choice thinking about buying a maxima excellent and reliable cars.

AceofSpds

iTrader: (4)

haha yeah those guys on vwvortex are jerks exept for 2 members that i know of just ondering but what are you looking for... you mentioned a jetta wanna be v-6 inline 6 what ever the hell that engine is (that engine baffles me). Which isnt a slouch so im guessing you would lean more twards performance than luxury but still have luxury... i would suggest you try and get your hands on an 01 30th Anniversary Edition maxima... Also if you like driving w/ a heavy foot i would suggest that you go with a manual trans over the automatic.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

Do you have fat fingers, or do you just not know?

AceofSpds

iTrader: (4)

sorry yeah i feel like a complete moron, i dunno what i was thinking of... its 20th ann haha. and yes im effing stewpid

GearBoy

I just picked up a used '01 Max and I'm thrilled.....I also waited about 1 year before I finally found what I was looking for becasue I did not want to settle. If it's everything you want, go for it. They are great cars....

ctrent86

Glad to hear another satisfied customer welcome to the cult. Again can stress enough dont settle. Wait for the max you want.

shysmax

If u don't mind FWD, and non-IRS, the Max is a nice family car. I highly recommend manual tranny. Good luck!!

yukster

Good choice of not going with a Jetta. I know of several people who own VWs from the late '90s to the early '00s, and not one of them is happy with it. This is from Passat owners, Jetta owners, Beetles owners, and Golf owners, and all of them say that they had tons of mechanical problems with their cars.

I just took at the AutoTrader site, the GXE looks almost like mine, except mine was green and it had no spoiler. I kinda like how the spoiler looks on a GXE with steel wheels. But from my painful experience, buy a car with the options you want. Don't trick yourself into thinking that you can add the options on later on. For my GXE, I ended up buying OEM foglights, 2003 17" OEM alloy wheels, and will probably buy the spoiler too. That is more or less what you would get with a SE. If you want any of this stuff, including leather, you should look for a SE.

Also, try the remote trunk release to see if the trunk pops open to the proper height. The GXE never came with a spoiler, and if they added an aftermarket spoiler, they may not have put stronger trunk tensioners, making the trunk not come up fully.

Trurida18

iTrader: (4)

yea i just bought my max about a month back....i have a 2001 GLE 67K miles, fully loaded sunroof and all..i bought mine for 12,000 even. The only Mods ive done so far are tints, and changed the stock headlights to AM projector halos, and cleard the sidemarkers. struts, springs, and more performance mods to come

so far I LOVE MY CAR......

kobalt

iTrader: (3)

Had one just like it, 00 5speed, color inside and out. The 3.0 pulls like a beast with the manual, chirps tires and all. You won't be dissapointed!

four

man, i just drove a 6 spd. i wish i got the 6 spd, but im stuck with the auto. not really a bad thing, but its ok

Yayomax

The best bet I feel is to Visit http://www.kbb.com/, as was mentioned and just punch in the facts from the dealer website about the car. Just look at the private seller or dealer prices results according to your zip code and use the lowest price point as you begin negotions. One thing BTW. That audio head unit combo looks rather suspect. Or at least I never seen it. . Good call on that Jetta decision. I have several friends needing rides periodically from me cause theirs cars don't work due to electrical gremlins. This across various generations.

MrPGE

Also check the car lots that are not close to you for a good deal. I found my 2k on a dodge lot 40 miles away from me. I was looking at some other car and my wife fell in love with my Max (GLE, 47k miles, hella nice tint on the rear windows, stock 16s). kbb was 20k, I got it for 15k because they just got in a new shipment of 01-02 GXEs.
It purrs specially on the freeway. I just hit 100k miles (the only parts replaced-the ac belts, starter, suspension, brakes, and tires.)
Get the dealer to pay for a Carfax check( they shouldn't mind), get your mechanic to look it over and your all set.

jvienneau

If you look at a '00, make sure the transmission fluid is bright red and make sure it shifts properly from 1-2 at full throttle. The early ones had some issues.