any original owners left?
09-05-2009, 12:30 AM
#1
any original owners left?
i have a 2000 SE, and am the original owner. had her since day one and mile 20 back in august of 2000.
it's now been over 9 years, and about 160,000 miles.
she's still driving great with some minor repairs.
i originally put on a bunch of bolt on mods, suspension, breathing, sound, yada yada yada. and have since pulled much of it out cuz a lot's changed in that near decade, including marriage and two kids. but the max is still going strong with the exception of a mysterious p0430 for the past four years which i've given up trying to fix.
i remember meeting many owners at the time at mini meets and at stillen functions.
any of the 'old timers' still around? still riding the 5th gen? chime in.
it's now been over 9 years, and about 160,000 miles.
she's still driving great with some minor repairs.
i originally put on a bunch of bolt on mods, suspension, breathing, sound, yada yada yada. and have since pulled much of it out cuz a lot's changed in that near decade, including marriage and two kids. but the max is still going strong with the exception of a mysterious p0430 for the past four years which i've given up trying to fix.
i remember meeting many owners at the time at mini meets and at stillen functions.
any of the 'old timers' still around? still riding the 5th gen? chime in.
09-05-2009, 05:51 AM
#5
I bought my 2003 Maxima brand new in Fall 2002. Right now there are 52,000 original miles. It's driven daily on a short commute, and every winter (with steelies and snows).
With exception to a few chips here and there, the car looks as good as the day I bought it. It's been well-maintained, and with most of the standard mods it runs better now than it ever did.
After 9 cars and nearly 30 years of driving, this is the best car I've ever owned.
09-05-2009, 06:49 PM
#6
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 109
My car was new in August, 2002. 75k miles now. It is driven daily but I have only an 8 mile commute so the miles add up slowly.
I like this car. I like the smoothness of the engine and the pull in 2nd and 3rd. The seats are comfortable. The steering feels nice, even if the absolute handling isn't that great. The visibilty isn't great, particularly around the too-fat A-pillar, but it's better than a lot of newer cars that have adopted the pillbox look.
It's not a perfect car by any means. The dashboard ergonomics are not great - I particularly dislike the RDS display that won't let you know the radio frequency, and the way the steering wheel buttons are too easy to push by accident. (that should be, the *unlit* steering wheel buttons...) The a/c blower is too loud and there is too much road noise. I wish it had a little more sophisticated suspension that didn't step sideways over bumps.
But it's still pretty much squeak and rattle free, the shifter is still silky in all gears but 5th, and since I had the brakes done 3 weeks ago it is a joy to drive again. And it's paid for!
I like this car. I like the smoothness of the engine and the pull in 2nd and 3rd. The seats are comfortable. The steering feels nice, even if the absolute handling isn't that great. The visibilty isn't great, particularly around the too-fat A-pillar, but it's better than a lot of newer cars that have adopted the pillbox look.
It's not a perfect car by any means. The dashboard ergonomics are not great - I particularly dislike the RDS display that won't let you know the radio frequency, and the way the steering wheel buttons are too easy to push by accident. (that should be, the *unlit* steering wheel buttons...) The a/c blower is too loud and there is too much road noise. I wish it had a little more sophisticated suspension that didn't step sideways over bumps.
But it's still pretty much squeak and rattle free, the shifter is still silky in all gears but 5th, and since I had the brakes done 3 weeks ago it is a joy to drive again. And it's paid for!
09-05-2009, 07:07 PM
#7
I think all the original owners should post pics of their cars including the stages they have been through. Im not the original owner...Im the 2nd owner and Ive owned it since 06...hope to own it for a few more years.
09-05-2009, 10:23 PM
#10
Bought my '02 6-speed brand new. Just hit 129K miles. Need to get some stuff fixed on the car but since it's paid for and I'm trying to buy a new house, I might as well keep it for a while.
09-06-2009, 05:50 AM
#11
Still have my 2k1 bought in october 2000, she only have 100 000KM ( the car is being rebuilt for almost 3 years now ) but when she'll be ready that's going to be " La Fiesta ". I will never sell that car seing that this is probably my last Maxima, next car if any will be an M5, but for now I stick with the X5 until the Max is ready to hit the road again
09-06-2009, 07:06 AM
#14
Same as Rochester!
Bought my 2002 in December 2001 (a couple of days after my wife lost her job, and a few days before Xmas!).
82k miles and 2 kids later and I'm just now thinking about putting some money into some mods.
Even though we bought a used 2004 SUV in 2006 and a truck in 2008, the Maxima was still being called "the new car." It was until we just bought a new car 2 months ago!
I'm another with a short commute. Plus with the other vehicles in rotation I put very little miles on it. I think I put 7k on it last year.
I still like the looks of the car, and once I get the braking and suspension issues taken care of I'm sure I'll enjoy driving it again!
I thought about selling it a while back, but found out it really isn't worth all that much. Basically it's too nice to get rid of for just a little bit of money.
Bought my 2002 in December 2001 (a couple of days after my wife lost her job, and a few days before Xmas!).
82k miles and 2 kids later and I'm just now thinking about putting some money into some mods.
Even though we bought a used 2004 SUV in 2006 and a truck in 2008, the Maxima was still being called "the new car." It was until we just bought a new car 2 months ago!
I'm another with a short commute. Plus with the other vehicles in rotation I put very little miles on it. I think I put 7k on it last year.
I still like the looks of the car, and once I get the braking and suspension issues taken care of I'm sure I'll enjoy driving it again!
I thought about selling it a while back, but found out it really isn't worth all that much. Basically it's too nice to get rid of for just a little bit of money.
09-06-2009, 01:02 PM
#15
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 1
Another Original Owner
I have had mine since sept 2002, about 93,000 mi and no plans to get rid of it. Just went through all of the trouble with my idle and now she runs perfectly. Just need to replace the headers, soon.
09-06-2009, 01:19 PM
#16
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca / Dallas, Tx
Posts: 3,751
Yep yep, purchased Jan 2003, now has 103,600 (would be less 87-88k if I were not going back and forth to Houston for a year every other weekend in 07/early 08) Runs great, most trouble free car I Have ever had and still enjoy driving it, and it gets driven hard from time to time. Will keep this one to go aside my 370z.
09-06-2009, 07:52 PM
#17
Another one here... bought my 2002 in Feb 2002, I think it had either 21 or 41 miles on it and now it has a shade over 75,000.
Haven't had any major issues, although I think my passenger side axle is starting to click.
Edit, here's a picture from September 2003, when all I had was clear corners:
And here's a picture from June 2009:
Haven't had any major issues, although I think my passenger side axle is starting to click.
Edit, here's a picture from September 2003, when all I had was clear corners:
And here's a picture from June 2009:
Last edited by Puppetmaster; 09-06-2009 at 07:58 PM.
09-06-2009, 11:01 PM
#18
Yeah I'm another original owner. We're @ 100K now still going strong.... It's been a really good car and it's had quite alot of mods since day one and it's a beast on the highway and love to commute between Tx and Louisiana!
09-06-2009, 11:35 PM
#19
Another one here... bought my 2002 in Feb 2002, I think it had either 21 or 41 miles on it and now it has a shade over 75,000.
Haven't had any major issues, although I think my passenger side axle is starting to click.
Edit, here's a picture from September 2003, when all I had was clear corners:
And here's a picture from June 2009:
Haven't had any major issues, although I think my passenger side axle is starting to click.
Edit, here's a picture from September 2003, when all I had was clear corners:
And here's a picture from June 2009:
09-07-2009, 05:47 AM
#20
My car was new in August, 2002. 75k miles now. It is driven daily but I have only an 8 mile commute so the miles add up slowly.
I like this car. I like the smoothness of the engine and the pull in 2nd and 3rd. The seats are comfortable. The steering feels nice, even if the absolute handling isn't that great. The visibilty isn't great, particularly around the too-fat A-pillar, but it's better than a lot of newer cars that have adopted the pillbox look.
It's not a perfect car by any means. The dashboard ergonomics are not great - I particularly dislike the RDS display that won't let you know the radio frequency, and the way the steering wheel buttons are too easy to push by accident. (that should be, the *unlit* steering wheel buttons...) The a/c blower is too loud and there is too much road noise. I wish it had a little more sophisticated suspension that didn't step sideways over bumps.
But it's still pretty much squeak and rattle free, the shifter is still silky in all gears but 5th, and since I had the brakes done 3 weeks ago it is a joy to drive again. And it's paid for!
I like this car. I like the smoothness of the engine and the pull in 2nd and 3rd. The seats are comfortable. The steering feels nice, even if the absolute handling isn't that great. The visibilty isn't great, particularly around the too-fat A-pillar, but it's better than a lot of newer cars that have adopted the pillbox look.
It's not a perfect car by any means. The dashboard ergonomics are not great - I particularly dislike the RDS display that won't let you know the radio frequency, and the way the steering wheel buttons are too easy to push by accident. (that should be, the *unlit* steering wheel buttons...) The a/c blower is too loud and there is too much road noise. I wish it had a little more sophisticated suspension that didn't step sideways over bumps.
But it's still pretty much squeak and rattle free, the shifter is still silky in all gears but 5th, and since I had the brakes done 3 weeks ago it is a joy to drive again. And it's paid for!
I used to have a 2 mile commute..sigh...that was the greatest 3 years of my cars life and mine LOL. That 8 mile commute must rock!
I've had the car since 5,000 Miles and it feels like im the original owner. I got a great deal for 20k for an 03 6spd on 3/4/03. I've treated her good and now that shes paid off I dont look back and just keep up with the maintenance. What a great car!
09-07-2009, 06:33 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 1,329
Another original owner here!
Bought my 2000 I30 Feb 2000. Only have to drive 5 miles to work and occasonial trips to NY and Myrtle Beach.
Have only 68K miles on the car (may be a record?) and still enjoy driving it daily!
Mods have been Berk Intake, Front strut bar, Grounding Kit, and most recently HIDs.
My wife keeps telling me to get a new car, but the I30 is mint (garage kept since birth!), has been kept looking new with Zanio, runs better than day one (pinged when it was new, but new coils and the Berk intake cured that), and has been paid off.
Also, if another couple comes out with us they always comment on how much room is in the rear cabin.
Best car ever owned!
Bought my 2000 I30 Feb 2000. Only have to drive 5 miles to work and occasonial trips to NY and Myrtle Beach.
Have only 68K miles on the car (may be a record?) and still enjoy driving it daily!
Mods have been Berk Intake, Front strut bar, Grounding Kit, and most recently HIDs.
My wife keeps telling me to get a new car, but the I30 is mint (garage kept since birth!), has been kept looking new with Zanio, runs better than day one (pinged when it was new, but new coils and the Berk intake cured that), and has been paid off.
Also, if another couple comes out with us they always comment on how much room is in the rear cabin.
Best car ever owned!
09-07-2009, 08:52 AM
#22
09-07-2009, 09:15 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Muncie, IN
Posts: 436
Trust me...even in a Maxima, a long commute eventually becomes a grind. My wife's been doing a 60+ mile (one-way) commute for over 10 years now (I did it with her for about 5 years.) While it certainly would be horrible to do it in an econobox, the fun of the Maxima wears-off eventually and the grind eventually sinks-in.
09-07-2009, 09:21 AM
#24
Trust me...even in a Maxima, a long commute eventually becomes a grind. My wife's been doing a 60+ mile (one-way) commute for over 10 years now (I did it with her for about 5 years.) While it certainly would be horrible to do it in an econobox, the fun of the Maxima wears-off eventually and the grind eventually sinks-in.
09-07-2009, 09:39 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Muncie, IN
Posts: 436
Sad-to-say, her next car will probably be an automatic, because of that. Same thing happened to me. I've been a stick driver all my life, but I had to go with an automatic for my current car. Even driving a single trip in the Maxima will make my knee scream bloody murder.
09-07-2009, 10:36 AM
#26
I bought my 2002 SE in October 2001. It's a daily driver with a shade over 85K miles on the clock (short commute to work). We just started a family and take our 2000 Taurus station wagon on the long trips to vacations and visiting family (which helps keep miles off the Maxima). I've done a few mods, the best was replacing the OEM Bose HU with a Pioneer DVD/Navigation/CD (w/ XM and Ipod).
09-07-2009, 11:37 AM
#29
Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 37
original owner
Hello - purchased my 01 GLE new, still have AND with only 25k miles. Thinking of selling. Also have an 06 Max SL with 39k miles we bough new and my wife drives. 01 is more fun to drive and still have the new car smell!
10-13-2009, 10:00 AM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,044
Same as Rochester!
Bought my 2002 in December 2001 (a couple of days after my wife lost her job, and a few days before Xmas!).
82k miles and 2 kids later and I'm just now thinking about putting some money into some mods.
Even though we bought a used 2004 SUV in 2006 and a truck in 2008, the Maxima was still being called "the new car." It was until we just bought a new car 2 months ago!
I'm another with a short commute. Plus with the other vehicles in rotation I put very little miles on it. I think I put 7k on it last year.
I still like the looks of the car, and once I get the braking and suspension issues taken care of I'm sure I'll enjoy driving it again!
I thought about selling it a while back, but found out it really isn't worth all that much. Basically it's too nice to get rid of for just a little bit of money.
Bought my 2002 in December 2001 (a couple of days after my wife lost her job, and a few days before Xmas!).
82k miles and 2 kids later and I'm just now thinking about putting some money into some mods.
Even though we bought a used 2004 SUV in 2006 and a truck in 2008, the Maxima was still being called "the new car." It was until we just bought a new car 2 months ago!
I'm another with a short commute. Plus with the other vehicles in rotation I put very little miles on it. I think I put 7k on it last year.
I still like the looks of the car, and once I get the braking and suspension issues taken care of I'm sure I'll enjoy driving it again!
I thought about selling it a while back, but found out it really isn't worth all that much. Basically it's too nice to get rid of for just a little bit of money.
jake
10-14-2009, 06:33 PM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 663
OG TRIPLE OG Original Owner! LOL Bought my 01 AE in September 2001 with just under 5k on it (it was demo at the Nissan Dealer where a family member worked)! Picked it up for $27K at the time on a 10 year loan, still owe $24k on it because I refinanced my auto loan twice already! Nah jk bout the refinancing and the 10 yr loan! lol! Paid off in 4 yrs (Summer of 2005) It is and always has been my daily driver. Currently sitting at 119k, runs very strong (knock on wood) and hopefully it stays that way! Only major issues have constantly been brakes and rotors of course, a tranny replace under warranty and starter replace under warranty (had 100k mile extended warranty). Have loved the Max since day 1. Owned a 95 SE before, but not original owner on the 95. I've done the whole modding thing as far as lowering suspension and ICE, but no major engine mods other than some better plugs and K&N drop in. Currently set back up to stock since recent marriage a year and half ago and our first born (7 months old). So the modding days are definitey over, but hoping to keep this Max forever or at least until the wheels fall off (all 4)! Congrats to all original owners!
Check out my homepage under my SN for pics when my Max was modded or at it's best visual!
Peace!
Check out my homepage under my SN for pics when my Max was modded or at it's best visual!
Peace!
10-15-2009, 05:34 AM
#35
Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 149
Bought new just as the 02's arrived, the deal on my Super Black O1 20th AE with automatic transmission was fantastic. It now has 64K miles and going really strong. The Stillen modifications that include front and rear strut tower bars, rear sway bar, CAI, CustomMaxima Y-pipe (i.e. CA to Fed exhaust manifold conversion) with test pipe and a FrankenCar catback. I get between 26 - 28mpg on the highway and couldn't be happier with the exhaust note at highway speeds.
10-15-2009, 05:59 AM
#36
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 57
Yep. Got mine in November 2000. I was shopping for an AE and wanted the Majestic Blue, but was going to settle for a white one in the showroom at the dealership I was working with. They had actually tracked down one in MA that I was going to go look at. I went to the auto show when it was in the state and literally got a call on the cell walking out that they were receiving a Majestic Blue off the truck that no one realized was coming in. The AEs came in limited supply to the dealerships. Well, I drove to the dealership the next day and did the deal and had it ever since. They had two people trying to buy it right off the truck, but they did good and told them I had first dibs.
Max has been through a lot. Many long road trips including Florida. Creased drivers side doors thanks to my wife early one morning with her Xterra, and this year a pretty bad rear end collission that had her almost get totaled (that is why I call her "bionic" now). Right now the struggle is a persistent moaning when braking especially on turning in parking lots at slow speeds. Brakes were all checked and good and the tech thought it might be an odd pad/rotor meeting up in a certain spot. It's getting worse so we are going to dig a little farther on this one.
The thought has crossed my mind about the 7th gen. I really like it! Family growth though has had us looking at Highlander's & Murano's too. Nissan just hasn't squeezed anything into that size category like the Highlander and with the Xterra going away I wish they'd build something a little smaller than the Pathfinder/slightly larger than the Murano. Oh well. Of course, gotta have the money for these dreams too! For now, Max keeps on trucking and I don't mind if the little one gets her messed up. It's been a great ride!
Max has been through a lot. Many long road trips including Florida. Creased drivers side doors thanks to my wife early one morning with her Xterra, and this year a pretty bad rear end collission that had her almost get totaled (that is why I call her "bionic" now). Right now the struggle is a persistent moaning when braking especially on turning in parking lots at slow speeds. Brakes were all checked and good and the tech thought it might be an odd pad/rotor meeting up in a certain spot. It's getting worse so we are going to dig a little farther on this one.
The thought has crossed my mind about the 7th gen. I really like it! Family growth though has had us looking at Highlander's & Murano's too. Nissan just hasn't squeezed anything into that size category like the Highlander and with the Xterra going away I wish they'd build something a little smaller than the Pathfinder/slightly larger than the Murano. Oh well. Of course, gotta have the money for these dreams too! For now, Max keeps on trucking and I don't mind if the little one gets her messed up. It's been a great ride!
10-15-2009, 08:16 AM
#37
It's easy to do when you have a daily commute of less than 40 miles (round trip), and 3 vehicles to drives.
I think I put about 3k on my truck, and probably less than 2k on my Altima (broken speedo/odo) last year.
I've never driven more than 13k in a year - and that was a year I moved, wife and I switched cars every day, and she had a 50-60 mile daily commute (round trip).
I'd let my wife drive it, but now she only has a 3-4 mile daily commute!
I thought about doing some mods and putting some money into the maxima, but now I'm actually thinking about getting rid of one of the vehicles and maybe getting a "hot rod" project car. It's too hard trying to keep all the vehicles in rotation - plus the wife has a way of sticking me with the cars that are almost empty!
I'm also more comfortable working on older cars! If I got rid of the max that would leave me with a car (3k), SUV (70k), truck (73k), and a project.
10-15-2009, 08:26 AM
#38
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 75
purchased my 02 Se Maj. Blues 10/01. Only 62,000 currently. I'm only now thinking of swapping the stock stereo. I bought new rotors/pads but haven't installed yet. I have to 'seat' the pads about twice a year to control the shutter. Only issues were a HU replaced after CD wouldn't eject and O2 sensors - both under warranty. Otherwise no issues - very solid, still love the torque. Only complaints are paint. I have many chips and etching (sad considering the frequent details).
10-16-2009, 07:25 AM
#39
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Hamilton,ON Canada
Posts: 11
Brand new in Sept 2000 coils and a failed Maf are the only BS problems so far picked her up on a clearout price and at 1.9% financing from nissan Canada
great performance for a "family car"
from nissan Canada great performance for a "family car"
