__Kevin__

I'm considering upgrading from my 95 to a 02,03 6-speed and I was wondering if there was anyone here that had done the same and what do you think about this change? Is it worth it? I know the more powerful engine and what not is worth it, but I'm talking about the maintainence and cost for parts, ect. Anything you guys think I should know, Please let me know. Thanks.

MaxBoost925

iTrader: (33)

Well i for sure don't have a 5.5gen but i can tell you for sure, 5th gen is 10x more luxurious than 4th gen... I know this especially after driving my cousin's modded 4th gen for a while.

steven88

iTrader: (28)

i came from a 96 maxima to my current 5.5 6spd...the difference is night and day...in terms of performance and interior...etc

I would say maintenance is generally better on 5.5....than 4th gens...remember, most 4th gens are well over 100k miles....where as most 5.5 gens are well below I dunno how many miles...haha...but generally they have less miles...meaning less stuff needing to be replaced...like starter, alternator...etc

you do have to watch out for weak maf sensors...but thats about it..

Rydicule

pros

I came from a 99 SE auto to a 02 SE 6 speed. It is night and day. The 02 is better to sit in, the interior is far better. Obviously there is more power, torque, performance. Gas mileage I find is about the same, except on highways I get much better in the 02. Also, my 02 came with HLSD, which I haven't had it in the winter so I'm not really all that sure what it does for traction yet, can't comment. 6 cd changer is nice. Memory seats, heated steering wheel, etc. HID lights look great, see better at night. The car feels more solid and rides better (with stock setups anyway).

Neutral

The exterior styling. The car looks bigger, and to me I think it is styled more toward luxury than sport. Some days I think the 4th looks better and some days I like the 5th. Depends on your preference. Also the 5.5 gen has the trip computer, which is nice to have but is pretty worthless because of accuracy concerns. Also, the K&N filter issue. Some people swear up and down it adds performance, and while I also thought so on my 4th gen, I really don't feel diddly squat on the 5th gen. Considering the MAF sensor and filtration concerns with the K&N, I personally stick with stock airfilter.

Cons
Turning radius blows, better have a lot of room to turn into that parking spot. Also the handling, I find it to be a substantial bit worse than the 4th gen. I can get to 80 real fast, I just hope the highway is straight because if it turns (which I-84 in CT does quite a bit) I feel like I'm about to slide off the road unless I ease off to 65-70. I'm thinking about getting a RSB to help this, but I'm still not sure the effects this will have on an otherwise completely stock car. Also, the Bose system in the 4th was a lot better/reliable/enjoyable. I feel like the "premium" stereo system took a dive in the 5.5 gens with the cutouts and cold skips. As mentioned above, the MAF sensor sucks. For the 5.5 gen it costs a million dang dollars and is fairly weak. I haven't personally had any problems with it yet, but it is something I fear and dread.

Hope this helps.

__Kevin__

Thanks for all the help, guys. I've been looking around and I found a 02 with just over 12k miles on it for 11,900. I might go check it out and see how I like it.

Puppetmaster

iTrader: (48)

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ght=buying+5.5

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ght=buying+5.5

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ght=buying+5.5

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ght=buying+5.5

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ght=buying+5.5

__Kevin__

Thanks for those links, Puppetmaster. Those will help out quite a bit.

wyche89

are you serious? an 02 max with 12,000 miles on it for under $12,000? Thats a good deal.. maybe a little too good.. inspect it carefully man.. maximas of that year with that mileage usually run for a lot more than that

00MaxSE

iTrader: (25)

on the poor turning radius.

† ErV †

it is worth it if that's what you want. but if you have outgrown the maxima, run away. a test drive or two should let you know

1996blackmax

iTrader: (2)

I went from a 96 to an 02, and am very happy with my 5th gen.




I am riding on the stock suspension on my 02 and the RSB made a substantial difference in the way the car handles. That and the FSTB are the only mods I have done to the car.

As far as the Bose system goes. Easy fix is to upgrade with better gear .

Narrator

I just went from a '99 SE 5spd to an '03 SE 6spd (Titanium Edition).

Everything everyone has said so far has been right on. I haven't read those links on buying a 5.5 that were provided, but i can offer one bit of advice..

The shifting is a LOT different in the 5.5 thant it was in on the 4th gen. It's notchy, challenging, tight when cold, and there's not a whole lot that you can do about it...so..my advice is, TEST DRIVE TEST DRIVE TEST DRIVE before you even consider buying a 5.5 6spd.

You may like it.. you may not. I can say it's grown on me and i'm enjoying re-learning how to drive a manual again. It makes driving fun.... and I'll take this over the alternative (auto...YUCK!) anyday...

Oh...and 12k for a car with 12k on it? You're either not getting/giving the right info... or that car is trouble. Get it checked out by a mechanic. Book on that car is close to 19k with those miles. I paid 15k for an '03 6pd with 50k with everything but Nav...and i got a "decent' deal...i was willing to pay cuz it's my dream car...

good luck!

meccanoble

iTrader: (22)

hmmm, i didnt get a 5.5 gen but i upgraded from a heavily modded (boosted) 97 max to a 5th gen and aside from the power difference and black interior, I kind of like this new car better. It feels bigger though but more luxurious, more spacious, more options that I now take for granted (auto lights, one push up and down driver door, one push sunroof). If I could change anything, get black interior, especially if u had it in your 4th gen, i miss that more than anything.

oh yea, no serious maintenance issues. Biggest one to worry about is the stupid MAF which I had to replace but not as much issues as my 4th gen, however less modded, less miles, much less beating so who knows....

PrinzII

iTrader: (2)

One thing that hasn't changed from generation to generation is the chip-prone paint.

1996blackmax

iTrader: (2)

You are absolutely right. I was just noticing that as I was washing both my cars yesterday.