View Poll Results: Which one for a daily driver?
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 121. You may not vote on this poll
Need Opinions: '01 AE Maxima or '02 Max SE?
12-13-2006, 05:24 AM
#41
Yeah I wouldn't just settle for a car because you have two options right now. How much are the ones you're looking at? It could be neither of them are really good deals and you might be better off waiting?
I have an AE and I really like it. I don't race much so the extra HP isn't a huge loss to me, but I have wondered what it would feel like.. I'd consider moving to a 5.5 gen if a well priced 6-speed came to me. If you don't have any interest in a manual transmission, I don't know if one really wins over the other (judging on what you're looking for in a car). They both have ups and downs. I wouldn't worry too much about your decision though. They're both great cars.
I have an AE and I really like it. I don't race much so the extra HP isn't a huge loss to me, but I have wondered what it would feel like.. I'd consider moving to a 5.5 gen if a well priced 6-speed came to me. If you don't have any interest in a manual transmission, I don't know if one really wins over the other (judging on what you're looking for in a car). They both have ups and downs. I wouldn't worry too much about your decision though. They're both great cars.
12-13-2006, 07:24 AM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 210
Originally Posted by Woody
well I don't think that there is much to decide over. More power, better looking, 6 speed, takes better to mods, hids, better interior (cluster, seats, ect).
No way 02s look better than an AE. Looks alone are the AEs biggest selling point.
12-13-2006, 08:25 AM
#43
Originally Posted by silversurfersg
No way 02s look better than an AE. Looks alone are the AEs biggest selling point.
12-13-2006, 09:06 AM
#45
I bought my 01 NOT AE just SE 6 months ago. I was torn between an 01-03. HID's were/are a liability for me since I spend alot of time in the south bronx. I use it mostly as a family sedan than a sports sedan. My main worries were price/mileage and condition. I found an 01 that met all my requirements and JUMPED on it. Have not looked back.
12-13-2006, 09:33 AM
#46
Originally Posted by rmd0311
I bought my 01 NOT AE just SE 6 months ago. I was torn between an 01-03. HID's were/are a liability for me since I spend alot of time in the south bronx. I use it mostly as a family sedan than a sports sedan. My main worries were price/mileage and condition. I found an 01 that met all my requirements and JUMPED on it. Have not looked back.
12-13-2006, 09:40 AM
#47
Originally Posted by 707SE
Never been to NY. Is S. Bronx what all the hype makes it out to be? Do you really have to worry about your HID's?
12-13-2006, 03:26 PM
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 175
The 02's have a nicer interior overall. It is a very good looking car but nowadays theres so many, their a dime a dozen. An AE is rare and ive gotten tons of compliments on my car looks wise. If youre gonna race then get a 5.5 gen, no question. Either car is a great cruiser and daily driver. Both have enough power to get you to where you want to go. One has better power, the other better looks. Interior looks are a toss up on your taste.
12-13-2006, 10:42 PM
#50
Originally Posted by aamir
This feature also worked on my 1995 Maxima. Did Nissan stop using it for the 5th gens and then start using it again on the 5.5's? Anyway, I recently bought my 2002 Maxima and am extremely happy with it. I love it, but sometimes I do wish I had gotten cloth instead of leather. Good luck with your purchase.
yea, this feature works on my '96, freaks ppl out... i love it. that's weird they took the feature away for just one model year!?! in addition, there's no way to roll up the windows with the remote, c'est la vie. for which car to buy? that's a tough decision... i'd go with the newer one off the bat, but i agree with the comments 'test drive 'em both' - very good advice. no sense in choosing which car to pick until you know them, who knows one could be a lemon. not real likely, but some people do treat their cars like a discarded piece of trash. good luck, tell us what you finally choose.
12-14-2006, 03:42 PM
#51
If they are both auto's i would go with the 5.5 the 5gen autos are more sluggish than the 5.5 i have a 5.5 auto and it has really nice pickup, but definitly slower on the highway than a 6spd. but 5.5 gen just has some fixes that the 5gen doesn't (i wont blabber on about tha) but the thing not many people have mentioned is think about the RESALE VALUE. im not sure which one would be worth more in years to come, the '01 AE or '02 but something to consider also. but defintly look around, i wish i would have got a 6speed but settled too quick for an auto. Miss my 2k 5spd :'(
12-14-2006, 06:03 PM
#52
you should check to see if the 3.5 loses oil from burning
the 3.0 is a lot more reliable
and if you want leather, why not?
as for the headlights, you can always get a pair here on the org.
sometimes you find a real bargain at $400 for the set!
i'd go with the AE
the 3.0 is a lot more reliable
and if you want leather, why not?
as for the headlights, you can always get a pair here on the org.
sometimes you find a real bargain at $400 for the set!
i'd go with the AE
12-15-2006, 12:55 AM
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 477
I'd vote for the 2002 SE with cloth. Partly that I like cloth, and for the 3.5 255hp engine, and my favorite Maxima body style. There used to be lots of posts about stolen HIDs-is that still going on? What about insurance prices for 01-vs 02 due to the HID stealing problem? The only thing that concerns me about the 02-03 SE Maximas is that a very large percentage seem to have been former rentals when you check carfax (Base model SEs with or without sunroofs, and no other options). Maybe that's less of a deal now as the car ages. Maybe it hasn't affected reliability or need for repairs.
12-15-2006, 11:25 AM
#54
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 18
Originally Posted by Peanuthead
I'm looking to replace my daily driver ('00 Frontier Desert Runner) with either a '01 AE Max fully loaded with leather or a '02 Max SE with cloth. They both have near the same mileage, price and both are automatics. The only difference is the motor (I just want to use 87 octane as much gas as I burn) and certain creature comforts (leather) really. I'm just sort of torn on which one to get. I really like the AE but I alos like the fact that HIDs are stock on a '02. Is the cloth interior on the '02 chessy feeling with little support or what? I just need some direction on this. TIA.
12-15-2006, 05:10 PM
#56
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Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca / Dallas, Tx
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5.5 no doubt had an 01 SE only for 2 years and it just did not make us happy as the 03 does still after 3.5 years. I just prefer the interior more especially the seats, gated shifter and trip computer and Hid's we love. Overall it was the start of Nissan moving it more upscale with such available features as memory seats, heated steering wheel, auto entry system, Nav etc.... Usually when 5.5 are on a lot they donot last to long before they are sold.
12-15-2006, 09:19 PM
#58
If I ever buy another Max it would be an AE for reliability (last 3.0 edition and fully loaded)... Other than that this is likely the last Max for me... I love it but the newer models are just disapointing with their quality probs and not even to mention the new CVT thingy and lack of driving fun...
12-16-2006, 02:48 PM
#59
Back when I was looking for a new Max, I was actually in this same dilemma. However, what made me decide on the '02 was driving. I test drove an AE in Sterling Mist while my 3rd Gen was in the shop (maintenance) and I was not too thrilled with the acceleration. Another time while the oil was being changed on my 3rd Gen, I test drove an '02 GLE in Majestic Blue. I was happier driving the '02 because the motor felt like a small V8 under hard acceleration. In addition, the interior of the '02 is better than the '00-'01 series.
In the end, I wound up getting an '02 with cloth interior and I will wholeheartedly agree that cloth is VERY comfortable. If I had gotten the black leather as I had originally planned, I would have been roasted on a day in 2003 when it hit the mid to upper 90s.
In the end, I wound up getting an '02 with cloth interior and I will wholeheartedly agree that cloth is VERY comfortable. If I had gotten the black leather as I had originally planned, I would have been roasted on a day in 2003 when it hit the mid to upper 90s.
12-16-2006, 07:32 PM
#60
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 15
Yea im also wondering about what harnesses and other tools can be used to secure the HIDs. I really want an 02 SE also, but im in college so that HID thing really scares me although ive always wanted em. And as someone else said, are insurance rates worse for the 02s b/c of this?
12-16-2006, 07:57 PM
#61
Originally Posted by lowincash
you just hold on to the unlock button and the window will roll down. i can't use that feature anymore since i don't use my stock remote.
12-18-2006, 09:04 AM
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,055
Go with the 02/03, it is better for all the reasons and it is alot newere than the 01 AE despite them having equal mileage.
More power, leather is overrated, I could've bought an 03 GLE with all the goodies for a decent price but instead I opted for the 03 SE with Power Sunroof and cloth interior which doesn't cook my butt in the sun/summer and doesn't chill my buns in the winter/cold.
Did I mention a bigger/better engine and more power?
Oh yeah, 33 more ponies alot faster off the line and throughout the powerband in an 03 SE than an 01 AE/SE/GXE or GLE.
More power, leather is overrated, I could've bought an 03 GLE with all the goodies for a decent price but instead I opted for the 03 SE with Power Sunroof and cloth interior which doesn't cook my butt in the sun/summer and doesn't chill my buns in the winter/cold.
Did I mention a bigger/better engine and more power?
Oh yeah, 33 more ponies alot faster off the line and throughout the powerband in an 03 SE than an 01 AE/SE/GXE or GLE.
12-18-2006, 10:54 AM
#66
Originally Posted by Anuj
The only people who care about a special edition Maxima are people on here. Get the '02.
lol........man i was just happy to get a maxima....and i was sick of looking...I got the 2001 ...me personally i like the 02 better.......the paint also is better as well
it looks as if the clearcoat really helps it shine
eitherway, u wont be disappointed
12-19-2006, 04:36 AM
#70
Originally Posted by Whiggy
My tires are fine, thanks.
If you can't chirp yours then you need a 3.5L motor.
If you can't chirp yours then you need a 3.5L motor.
Probably hard to do that now with my heavy wheels.
12-23-2006, 11:57 AM
#71
Originally Posted by bk2k3max
Go with the 02/03, it is better for all the reasons and it is alot newere than the 01 AE despite them having equal mileage.
This depends... My 01 is probably newer than some of 02's. The build date is Aug 01... Why they would build an 01 so late in the year is beyond me especially since the 02's were already out for quite a few months.
12-23-2006, 12:40 PM
#72
Ready for some realism yet?
Yeah, power is nice. On the flip side: HIDs get stolen, 3.5s burn oil sometimes, and 5.5 gens had more minor issues. The engine in the 5th gen was the best-built, most reliable one ever in a Maxima. If you don't feel the need to race everyone you see, the '01 AE will have more than enough power.
Think about it this way: The extra power and HIDs will really only matter sometimes -- even if it's 60% of the time (which is GENEROUS), it's not all the time. The creature comforts, on the other hand, will matter all the time.
Definitely get the '01 AE.
Yeah, power is nice. On the flip side: HIDs get stolen, 3.5s burn oil sometimes, and 5.5 gens had more minor issues. The engine in the 5th gen was the best-built, most reliable one ever in a Maxima. If you don't feel the need to race everyone you see, the '01 AE will have more than enough power.
Think about it this way: The extra power and HIDs will really only matter sometimes -- even if it's 60% of the time (which is GENEROUS), it's not all the time. The creature comforts, on the other hand, will matter all the time.
Definitely get the '01 AE.
12-23-2006, 01:07 PM
#73
Originally Posted by rmd0311
This depends... My 01 is probably newer than some of 02's. The build date is Aug 01... Why they would build an 01 so late in the year is beyond me especially since the 02's were already out for quite a few months.
12-23-2006, 03:46 PM
#74
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 114
Originally Posted by d00df00d
Ready for some realism yet?
Yeah, power is nice. On the flip side: HIDs get stolen, 3.5s burn oil sometimes, and 5.5 gens had more minor issues. The engine in the 5th gen was the best-built, most reliable one ever in a Maxima. If you don't feel the need to race everyone you see, the '01 AE will have more than enough power.
Think about it this way: The extra power and HIDs will really only matter sometimes -- even if it's 60% of the time (which is GENEROUS), it's not all the time. The creature comforts, on the other hand, will matter all the time.
Definitely get the '01 AE.
Yeah, power is nice. On the flip side: HIDs get stolen, 3.5s burn oil sometimes, and 5.5 gens had more minor issues. The engine in the 5th gen was the best-built, most reliable one ever in a Maxima. If you don't feel the need to race everyone you see, the '01 AE will have more than enough power.
Think about it this way: The extra power and HIDs will really only matter sometimes -- even if it's 60% of the time (which is GENEROUS), it's not all the time. The creature comforts, on the other hand, will matter all the time.
Definitely get the '01 AE.
I would say extra power matters all the time, and you never know when 30hp can come in handy (passing someone on a two-lane road with low visibility, for instance). Besides, it's just nice to know you have it. It's not like you read any 5.5 or VQ35 owners on here saying they wish their engines only had 227hp. To imply that extra power only matters to street racers and hot rodders is highly narrow-minded.
The 5.5 also has an upgraded interior, not at a glance, mind you, but lots of little subtle things. The turn signal stalks are chunkier and don't protrude out of gaping holes in the steering column; the steering wheel cover is upgraded with a shiny chrome hamburger; the grab handles retract when not in use and don't feel like cheap rubber; the cupholder lid is damped in its operation. I'll stop there, but you get the idea.
5.5 gens also look better, IMO, and the resale value is higher relative to a 5th gen, thanks in large part to the HIDs. I got a tremendous deal on my 2k1 because it was a 5-speed, so it took alot to convince me to trade it for my 2k2, which I got at book value. It was the power, looks, and greater sense of luxury and refinement that won me over. As smitten as I was at first with my 2k1, it soon began to feel like just an average sedan. I've never felt that way about my 2k2.
12-23-2006, 06:45 PM
#75
I didn't say extra power only matters to street racers and hot rodders. I said the 5th gen is powerful enough for virtually all situations (if you're not one of those meatheads who has some kind of mental block against actually using the full gas pedal travel), and that while it is nice to have the extra power, it's not remotely necessary.
Plus, I would wholeheartedly agree that, all else equal, having the extra power would be a no-brainer. But all else is not equal in this case: the car with the greater amount of power isn't as nice otherwise. So, since even the less-powerful car is still "powerful enough", IMO the balance is in its favor.
Plus, I would wholeheartedly agree that, all else equal, having the extra power would be a no-brainer. But all else is not equal in this case: the car with the greater amount of power isn't as nice otherwise. So, since even the less-powerful car is still "powerful enough", IMO the balance is in its favor.
12-23-2006, 07:20 PM
#76
Originally Posted by d00df00d
I didn't say extra power only matters to street racers and hot rodders. I said the 5th gen is powerful enough for virtually all situations (if you're not one of those meatheads who has some kind of mental block against actually using the full gas pedal travel), and that while it is nice to have the extra power, it's not remotely necessary.
Plus, I would wholeheartedly agree that, all else equal, having the extra power would be a no-brainer. But all else is not equal in this case: the car with the greater amount of power isn't as nice otherwise. So, since even the less-powerful car is still "powerful enough", IMO the balance is in its favor.
Plus, I would wholeheartedly agree that, all else equal, having the extra power would be a no-brainer. But all else is not equal in this case: the car with the greater amount of power isn't as nice otherwise. So, since even the less-powerful car is still "powerful enough", IMO the balance is in its favor.
Just my 2cents. Like I said, too each its own.
12-23-2006, 08:34 PM
#77
Has anyone else noticed that the person who started this thread (Peanuthead) had not responded since 12/11 which was the second day of the thread's exisitance? I can't help but wonder if he's even reading this anymore and if the continued posting is now just pointless. I guess this thread could help other future Maxima buyers who may come across a similar dilema. Peanuthead if youre still reading this I'm just wondering if you bought anything yet or decided on the AE or the '02 yet.
12-24-2006, 03:07 PM
#78
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Thread Starter
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Actually, I have been reading the thread on a regular basis since I started it. I have mostly decided on a '02 Max as leather has generally "burned" me in the summer time. Nice to look at and feel, but not for me at this moment. Ultimately I would like a Pathfinder 4x4 adn I currently drive a V6 Frontier, but the gas mileage on a Maxima is really hard to ignore when I drive 30K+ miles a year.
12-24-2006, 04:29 PM
#79
Originally Posted by Peanuthead
Actually, I have been reading the thread on a regular basis since I started it. I have mostly decided on a '02 Max as leather has generally "burned" me in the summer time. Nice to look at and feel, but not for me at this moment. Ultimately I would like a Pathfinder 4x4 adn I currently drive a V6 Frontier, but the gas mileage on a Maxima is really hard to ignore when I drive 30K+ miles a year.
12-24-2006, 04:50 PM
#80
Originally Posted by Peanuthead
Actually, I have been reading the thread on a regular basis since I started it. I have mostly decided on a '02 Max as leather has generally "burned" me in the summer time. Nice to look at and feel, but not for me at this moment. Ultimately I would like a Pathfinder 4x4 adn I currently drive a V6 Frontier, but the gas mileage on a Maxima is really hard to ignore when I drive 30K+ miles a year.