I am 2000 SE owner. What's the probability that my ECU gets fried? Is there any way to prevent that nightmare happening?

 

I've been looking high and low for a '02-03 SE 6MT but can't find one near me that's worth it... I have however found an '01 AE 5MT that is decent. Should I hold out to maybe find a '02-03 or just buy the '01?

 

I think the decision is up to you.


IMO, I'd hold out for an 02-03 6MT.

Also, be patient, 6MT's are rare, but I'm sure you knew that.

 

Yeah, I'm finding that out. There is one '02 6MT near me that I have driven, but it needs some work and it has over 160k on the clock... It is the color and trim I want, but I'm worried it has hidden problems that will bankrupt me. Any quick general suggestions to look for on this high of mileage car? Thanks in advance! And thanks for actually answering my noob questions, unlike other forums I've been to recently.

Z

 

Well first and foremost would be to check for the obvious oil burning. (smell/check the oil level, etc) Private seller or Dealership?

But, in all honestly, I'd still wait on it and keep the patience for something with lower miles. I'm assuming they say it's all highway miles too on that car?

 

Yeah, I already did the basics like the oil and make sure everything turns on and works and so far they do/did. I took it for an extended test drive and it pulls strong and idles good. No shakes or shimmies at freeway speeds or anywhere in between. The only "problem" I can tell so far is it needs an alignment and a battery. And no clue if it's highway or not. And I can't really beat the price, $4000. And, the worst thing is, I'm in need of a car like yesterday as my always (was) faithful '78 Bronco caught fire over a month ago (damn, didn't think it's been that long...) and I've been using my roommates car to get to work, but it's becoming a hassle for both of us.

I've found several awesome cars, but they are all on the East coast and I have no means to get there or back. LOL, I'm depressed just from writing this as I now realize how long it's been since I've had my own car.

 

Hey for 4K, you almost cannot go wrong with that, as long as the body is in decent shape, etc.

Also, but it seems as if you're on top of it, there are the common www.kbb.com and www.nada.com for good price reference places.

 

Hey for 4K, you almost cannot go wrong with that, as long as the body is in decent shape, etc.

Also, but it seems as if you're on top of it, there are the common www.kbb.com and www.nada.com for good price reference places.

 

yeah i agree with you, do search a lot to find a good one, i just bought one its 2000 maxima se 5 speed with 95000 miles for 5k, and i think its little expensive, but what major problem i have with it is o2 sensor.

 

defiantly hold on for the 02-03 SE 6MT, its a lot more powerful and a lot less problematic than 00-01 maxima, i think that facelift is always better, i got a 00 maxima 5sp with 95k miles and im not too happy with it, yes its a good 3.0L V6, but for modern day its weak already, you'll get smoked all the time by some good modern day 4 cyls lol, today i raced my friend on the trough way, he has a 97 bmw 318ti which is 1.9 I4, and i barely pulled away from him.

 

I picked up a super clean 00 Maxima elderly driven for $1200.00 - needed a rad support ($146.00 part) and the MAF was acting up ($289.00 w/resistor) fixed myself in a week and my wife is driving. Love it so much I have my eye on a 04 Maxima for $5000.00

 

I think I may be in the market for 5.5gen. Always liked them and I need to get rid of my equally rare 5 Speed sport Wagon.

 

For you 02-03 maxima owners do you have to or not have to pump premium gas?

 

Have to= NO

Recommended= Sure

This goes for 00-01 too....

 

$289 for a MAF? WTF!!!!

 

So I've seen a 2003 Maxima SE Fully Loaded for $6500 downside it has 132410 Miles. Wondering if should buy it or look for a better one ?

 

www.nada.com
www.kbb.com

Seems a stitch high for the mileage.

 

so prospective new england 5th gen VQ30 owner here...
im looking around, ive checked out one, and heard about the same issue on a second.
rusted out lower radiator support. ive read how its a cut-and-weld job to do just the lower portion, and thats not something i can do on my own.

i know for the lower portion you have to remove the bumper, rad, headlights and fenders (ideally), plus the AC compressor has to be moved.
but what about if i wanted to do the full radiator support - does that bolt-up? what else has to be removed?

[edit: looks like it does not...]

 

hello...I have a 97 maxima a/t...thinking of buying an 03 very clean body (grey with cloth(I prefere it over leaher) black interior) 2 owners clean carfax with 166k miles...priced around 5.5k ..6 mt ...if everything on the car is good (apart from the high milage I KNOW ) is this a good deal if I even can make the price down to 5k ? or you advice me on lower milage car ? My guts refuse the milage more than 120k but the 6mt is GOD DAMN rare around me...

 

Hey guys...
I still have my 96 and 97 Maximas, and just totaled my 2003 Altima 3.5

I am very close to buying a 2002 3.5 SE with the 6MT and limited slip. Also has a funky factory navigation system on it. California car, original owner, 85,000 miles on it. I can probably get it for about $7k, but wanted to check in here and see what to watch out for.

Owner told me he had to have the clutch replaced and the flywheel resurfaced at 30,000 miles. Owner is an older guy (70-ish), I'm curious how long a clutch should last on a Maxima.

The car is silver-gray with leather. Only damage to is is that both bumpers need to be repainted and it need 2 rear tires.

Thanks

Bill

 

Hey guys,

This is my first post. Looking to buy the following:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national


What should I be looking out for? I've got a great mechanic to let me know if the 27k miles is legit. Anything else?

 

i went ahead and bought a maxima. i llove these cars and i'm very happy to be a new owner of one.

i got a 2001 nissan maxima se 187,000 miles for 900 dollars. it was a old lady that is moving to hawaii in 2 days. it's outside and it's in ok shape. under the hood is in perfect condition.

i see people say 131,000 is alot but i'm very happy with my purchase.


i have a few plans with it like the hid lights and stuff on ebay and what not but i'm trying to do reseach befoer i do anything.

 

Just wanted to introduce myself. I am SLOW MOTION. Going to be buying a 00' max soon. hopefully b4 the end of the year. I was previously thinking of going the 540 route but, I don't think that would be doable for me right now. So I've decided to stick with the nissan family and get a max. Plans would be only to get 300hp and do a few changes to the overall appearance of the car. Hopefully I will learn a lot. I am familiar with forums so I am going to be doing a lot of reading via the search button and hopefully I will find what I'm looking for here at max.org.

Slow Motion.

 

Dude, are you kidding me????
Something must be wrong with your max. I have an AE 5sp - it's been a good car - 180K on the clock and still runs strong. True, it won't run past the newer V-6s if somebody's serious, but it still has enough punch to keep me entertained. I certainly haven't come close to losing to any NA four cylinders yet (though there aren't too many S2000s around LOL).

 

im looking into buying an 03 maxima, or a mazda 3 hatchback, im not sure yet, i have 11k to spend, id get an 04 maxima but i cant find any that have a regular sunroof not a skyview. but anyway which one, 03 maxima or a mazda3 hatch

 

You're asking whether you should get a maxima on a MAXIMA forum. What answer do you expect? Get the Maxima. ESPECIALLY if it's a 6-speed. Then again, I have a 2002 auto and still love it.

 

nissan was my first car, i have a 2000 Altima SE, and i really like nissan, so i might go with a 03 Maxima, im interested in after market, and any ideas for low profile tires, and rims?

 

For an 03 you have a lot of options, I like the G35 wheels and so do a lot of people with maxima's. Check out the wheel and tire thread about different size tires and wheel combo's.

 

Hello guys, first post.
I have been looking for a 5.5 for some time now, a few slipped away from me. Anyways I have found a couple that have caught my interest.

First is a 2003 SE AT, 142,000kms fully loaded minus Nav $7,000 http://www.autotrader.ca/a/NISSAN/MA...0316093606335/ . I have viewed it a few times clean all around car. Only concern is check engine light, which the dealer said was the o2 sensor and will be fixed. Another thing that is not as much of an issue. But if someone could give me some insight on is the leather. The driver's seat has some wear, nothing major. But my brother who has an Acura TL said to be very cautious when it comes leather from used cars. So I ask from the pictures should I have any worries of the leather cracking/tearing soon. Has anyone had issues with the leather from the 5.5

The second car which I just happened to stumbled upon is a 2003 GXE AT, with 78,000kms $8,200. http://www.autotrader.ca/a/NISSAN/MA...o/19_3184093_/. It looks very clean and maintained, but it over 2hrs away so I have yet to have a change to view it. My only grip is it’s a GXE, I don’t know why but it just doesn't look as good as the GLE/SE. Maybe it’s the lack of fogs lights, or GXE wheels, but the car just seems like it's missing that "it factor" compared to the GLE/SE. But the mileage on the car is sexy. Can the fog lights be installed on the GXE fairly easily?

So what do you guys think? Looking to buy by the end of the weekend.

 

I just bought a 5th gen, 2000 Maxima SE Manual 90k miles fully loaded w/o nav for $4100(Texas). Your first option looks a bit pricey especially with 146k miles. If your are fixed on buying the 5.5gen, I would suggest you to buy the second one. Even though you end up paying $1200 more you will get a car with half the miles.

 

I have a 2001 GLE and its been a great car. However it has started to give me some transmission problems. It all started about a year ago, in the winter. Every time the car is cold and i stop at a light, the car shifts itself into neutral. At which point I try to accelerate, the car revs, but does not go anywhere. Then the car will shift itself back into drive and jerk forward.

This problem only happens if the car has to stop when its cold. If the car get time to shift every gear 3 or 4 times its fine. In other words, if i drive around for 10 minutes before stopping the car is good.

I have no idea what it could be. So this is something to look up for if your buying a 5th gen Maxima

 

My Maxima had a bit of a rip on the driver seat, but I have been treating all my seats with leather conditioner and they are fine. The rip on the driver side has not grown since i bought the car two years ago.

 

So, I crashed my 98 I30t at the beginning of October(R.I.P). Drove it to the body shop. They quoted a price of $6248 worth of damage. Needless to say, the insurance company totaled the car. They valued it at $5578, minus the $1000 deductible. So I got $4500. I was looking for an 00-01 I30 but was not having much luck. I went to look at one at a wholesaler, but it was not running. Instead, I found a 2000 Max SE with 136,500 miles. AT, sunroof, leather, Bose radio. $3800. It does have some issues though. The drivers door needs new hinges, it moves up and down slightly when opened. There is some repaired rust spots on the front fender and rear passenger door. The front of the power drivers seat does not work. It starts right up, but sounds a little loud. No hesitation on acceleration. Shifts feel smooth. Ride is firm but gets a little loose when going over broken pavement on a curve or turn. I got it on Friday. I have been driving it around and it seems ok, other than the things I mentioned. Any opinions or feedback?

 

Hey guys,

Soon enough i'll be in the market for an 02-03 6mt (I don't care if iI have to fly to the west coast to get one and drive it back to MA). My 2000 SE 4at w/ 205k has become a money pit to keep running reliably and I have a couple questions.

1. What should I expect to pay for a a good, under 100,000 mile example thats well equipped? I've done my reasearch and realized that stealerships love to make the car seem more than its worth and that buying from a private seller is probably the best option. My budget is more or less 10K, but i want to put some tasteful mods on the car.

2. Should I go with a custom exhaust over a manufactuer exhaust such as Greddy and Cattman? Is a custom exhaust more cost efficient? And should I go with a 3" or 2.5" setup? I want it to be loud but not loud to the point where if I take a 3-5 hour trip with the car, my head (along with the passengers heads) won't be banging from a massive headache due to a droning exhaust. My ultimate goal with the car is somewhere between 240-250whp, maybe more.

3. What should i expect to pay if I bring the car to a shop to have the all the work done? My 'dream' would be to pick up the car for 7500-8500 and then spend the rest with the mods and installation. I know a guy who has done pretty much everything there is with cars (tear downs and rebuilds) who might be able to do it much cheaper but would take a longer time to complete the installation of parts.

4. Are headers really worth it? Will a y-pipe, high flow cat, catback, intake and a tune equal the same amount of power? I love the idea of a set of Cattmans but doubt my budget will be able to support them at time (price of headers + installation time).

5. Is buying a car thats already been modded (such as the 'Cattmobile') and has a history of being well maintained the best of both worlds?

Any information on these questions would be greatly appreciated. thanks again.

Marty

 

I bought an 03 Maxima wrecked and it is currently being repaired. The car had minor damage to the rear, I drove it home from Nashville and the car drove fine to me. The other my Uncle pulled it out of his shop and then drove it some and the check engine came on and he said the car felt like it didn't have any power. I'm new to the Maxima's and was wondering if anyone has an idea of the problem could be. The car has 75,000 miles on it by the way.

Thanks

 

It pains me to do so but I've got to sell my '08 SE (base plus moon roof) to get out of the payments (my kid's school tuition isn't getting any cheaper!). I love my Maxima - especially the kick in the backside from the 3.5 when I punch the "go" pedal - so I want to stay "in the family." I have narrowed it down to either the '02 - '03 Max or the '02 - '04 I35. The one thing that bugs me about the Infiniti is that they have a foot-operated e-brake in place of the hand brake lever. I know it's a small hang up but hey, bootlegger turns are FUN in the snow, and gawd knows we've had plenty of the white stuff here in MA this year!

Anyway how nuts would it be to try and retro a Max hand brake lever into the I35 console? Or would it be easier to graft a Max console and brake lever into the I35 interior?

Since I'm never satisfied, does Nissan/Infiniti use one harness for all vehicles of a given model? I REALLY want heated seats but if I find a car that has most of what I want minus that option, I might consider retrofitting it after purchase if it's not too much of a chore. Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

PM me the details on your 08.
Im in MA and looking for a new(er) max

 

So I notice there is a slight difference on the bumpers of 00/01 and 02/03....im used to 4th gens and considering getting an 00 (dont have enough money for the 02/03 6 speed which is what i really want). Like the 4th gens...can u mess with the body of 00/01's to look more like the 03/04?

 

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...-can-done.html
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...onversion.html

 

I posted in the other thread, I should have posted here I suppose. I am looking for a 5th gen max with reasonable mileage. Are there any major problems these cars develop that I should look for? I know about the oil burning. Also, what does the maintenance schedule look like for major service such at timing belt (do these have chains, I am not sure). I don't want to buy a car then have to spend a ton of time and money getting it back to where it should have been in the beginning.

Thanks!