I was thinking of buying an 02 max, but I’ve been reading some treads and it seems like the 02’s have some problems that are making think twice about it. Please if anyone can shed some light on this issue as to whether or not buying this year (02) is wise.

Thanks for the info it is gladly appreciated.

 

What are these problems you are referring to?

 

1. all cars will have problem.
2. you will hear about problems on this forum since people use it to figure out how to fix the problem

 

thanks fr the replies. don't mean to sound paranoid but I was just reading about some of the recalls and didn't know what to make of that. so I'm guessing that the 02 is a reliable ride?

 

Its faster than your 95. I wouldn't be afraid, Sooner is right you hear alot of stuff here but it is a sweet car.

 

Mine's an 03, (mfg date 02) and it has yet to give me a single problem.

 

You hear about all the problems becuase like everyone else has said, people post their issues so they can find solutions.

Posting threads about how awesome our cars are running wouldn't be very intersting now would they? They have enough worthless threads to lock as it is.

I love my 2k3 Maxima. It has it's issues, EVAP canister needs to be replaced on mine, and the 3rd gear snycro issue, nothing a little waranty work won't fix! I would dive in and do it all over again if I could.

 

I would recommend it I have an 02 6 mt built in 01 with no problems. I am probaly going to put some AE things on it and others as I getr my ideas

 

I do have one problem that I'm curious if other 6 speed owners have. My carpet is torn next to the dead pedal to the right. I have thought about putting a 350z dead pedal but it still won't cover my torn carpet.

Any ideas

 

such as? .

 

pedals and door sills?

or was that a test for him?

 

I have an 02 6 speed.
I have zero complaints about the car ever since I've had it, and I'll be there are a lot more people that will say that than will complain about issues, but this is a forum to get issues fixed, so you hear about them. Also, another point that hasn't been made, most of the people who take the time to troll and reply to messages on this forum are enthusiasts, who drive hard. A lot of the problems that you hear about come from people who do crazy things with their cars, and hence why they would be more prone to some issues than others.

As far as the car itself goes, remember: It IS a maxima, it IS a nissan, and it comes from a long line of reliability. Of course things still CAN go wrong, but ANYTHING can go wrong on ANY car made by ANYONE.

Advice: If you got the cash and love your max, buy the 02, you won't regret it. I came from a 4th gen myself, and I love my 02.

 

If you are in NY, close to NYC or New jersey i honsetly wouldnt buy an 02 or 03. The headlight theft is horrible and in most cases if they get you once they will over and over again once they find out where you work/live/park the car.

Insurance will most likely dump you after the 2nd time it happens.

Hate to burst your bubble, but I loved my 02 for the first few years until i moved near the Northern PA/Jersey/NY Border and had the lights stolen.

From my experince, insurance is not friendly in these situation, dealers are worse and Nissan North America will completly ignore you.

 

once again thanks for the comments.

 

Yes sooner fan that would be doorsills and pedals and probably a 350z dead pedal to match. Also if any of you have a suggestion for a front spoiler since the AE editions won't work an 02's front bumper. I have thought about the Stillen but I am open to suggestions Thanks

 

I had my mass air flow sensor die on me at 60K (covered under warranty) plus my spark plug galley at 110K (only one) has oil in it so I need to replace that. Overall it's definitely a good car though I hate the torque steer. I haven't had much problems with the Max. If your in the market to buy a new car an 02 Maxima is hard to beat when you compare it to other vehicles in it's class. Good luck with your new purchase.

 

I've had both a 3rd gen and 4th gen. While I have not had my 02 for that long, I am very happy with it so far.

 

I have a 95 and 02. Apart from some small problems that can happen to any car, I have no major problem with either of them. And the power is awsome.

 

I bought my 2003 (nearly identical to '02) with 70k on it two weeks ago and now that I've sorted thru multiple issues I am finally enjoying it:
1) Recalls - who cares since dealer will fix for free?
2) sunroof wind noise - easily fixable via shims
3) noise in right rear - wheel bearing. New hub/bearing + new nut was $125 from the dealer, plus about 2 hours of my time to install
4) No-highs-no-lows-must-be-Bose radio display is dead, as is the CD changer - this is a common problem and there are multiple How-tos on the subject. I've had no luck, so I am prob just going to go aftermarket.
5) Turning radius of a Mack truck - no known fix, constant parking lot irritant.
6) Shifter trim/bezel pops loose from the console every time I put it into reverse - don't yet know the fix, but oh yes, I WILL fix this!
7) 255HP pulling 3233lb thru a close-ratio 6-speed and still returning over 27mpg (indicated) - priceless!

 

I have an 03 with no problems and no 3rd gear synchro problem...knocks on wood

 

I have an 03 and apart form regular maintenance and an rusted oil pan with I replaced, nothing major happened so far since I started driving the car at 4 miles on the odometer from the dealership. Right now I have about 86,000 plus miles on the car.

 

This question should be in the stickies or FAQ.

 

Could you explain more about how you delt with the sunroof wind noise? What are shims and where can I get them?