I'm looking to upgrade from my 3rd gen (92 SE) to a 5th gen SE. I noticed on MSN Autos that the 2000 and 2001 maximas have problems with their ignition coils, among other things, but that this problem doesn't seem to be apparent in the 2002 and 2003 5th gens.
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Re...n&model=Maxima

Has anyone noticed better reliability, perhaps including these ignition coils among other things, in the '02 and '03 5th gens over the '00 and '01 5th gens?

 

Some 2002 and 2003 Maximas have been known to burn oil. I don't think there will be any significant differences other than that.

 

personally I liked the 2k max over the 2k2 when it came to handling, driving, etc. It felt like it had more power. but what I like about the 2k2+ is that it has more options and looks more modern due to the headlights. also the seats are nicer.

 

Some VQ35's exhibit this trait....I think it's due to improper break-in....IMO. I bought mine brand new and never jumped into it until 5000 miles....

 

Each drivetrain package has it own issues. A list from memory of issue reported here; (I have not personally experienced all these, but you should see a bias in what I pay attention towards; please feel free to add/correct):

VQ30
-IACV/ECU
-electronic motor mount/ECU
-VIAS actuator
-ignition coils (?)

VQ35
-3rd gear grind
-MAF
-Ignition coils
-oil consumption
-electronic motor mount/ECU
-TB (usually user induced)
-rear valve cover
-relearn issues
-replacement axles

 

that's pretty funny

Who really needs that extra 33hp in the stock 5.5 gen? HAHAHAHA!

 

I've driven both an I30 and currently own a 2003 Maxima. Stock vs Stock: auto vs auto - I loved the detail, leather, and driveability of the I30 (2000-2001 Maxima equivelant). Power in my 2003 is noticeably more, but nothing which would sway me from one to another. You can always swap over front fascia and headlights to suit your styling desires. I prefer the 5.5 gen look and is the only reason I did not simply replace my I30 or look for a 5th gen. As far as problems with both, both have given me no real issues. I will have to change the rear valve cover because of some oil leaking into the spark plug hole, but that is about an hour's labor (which I can do myself) and about $40 for the cover.
If I had it all to do again, I'd have made the same choice or considered an I35....no REAL difference there other than syling/appearance which is more a personal choice.

 

Front wheel bearings seem to be a problem common with both cars and is usually due to improper reassembly (not tightening the nut properly) along with the precats. Other than that, the major issue like others have said with the 5.5 gens is oil consumption. Mine has used a quart every 1500 or so miles since I bought it 70k miles ago. Doesn't seem to be getting worse and I'll take adding a half quart every two weeks and an extra 33 hp + factory HIDs any day!

 

00 maximas had some problems -- coils and O2 sensors (fouled by faulty coils), badly programmed firmware when it comes to emmissions (P0430/P0420).

Overall I am happy that it is clocked 185K and runs strong. If I get 200K of it I will consider a good investment. BTW, no vehicle is perfect and it all comes to preventive maintainence which is going to make a difference from a vehicle running 150K vs 250K.

 

were you driving your 02 with the parking brake on?

 

I really think the VQ30 is a better engine in some ways. Although the 3.5 is not what I would call unreliable, it just seems to have more annoying little issues than the 3.0 does.

My dad has a 2k, I have a 2k2.

 

...added a few things

 

 

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...info-here.html

 

wrong...proven to be bad rings

 

I have an '01 anniversary and it has 137k on it which isn't bad. So far, it's been great and I haven't found any major problems. But I'm expecting to replace the ignition coils in the future, and the MAF...common problems though

 

Torque > HP ..

Or rather low RPM hp > than high RPM power re: driveability.

As far as the subject goes, I've done nothing aside from maintenance on my car in the 80k I've had it. (1 battery & 1 set of brakes)

 

No argument from me on that one, NmexMAX.

 

what RPMs are the torque achieved at?

 

^^^
Good question. I don't know... I found those numbers here, where it says:

217 ft lb , 295 Nm @ 4,000 rpm

So I'm assuming 4K for the 5.0 gen, and 4.4K for the 5.5 gen. School me on the "Nm" notation.

 

If I were looking to buy I'd take a low milage 2000-01 Max/I30 over a 2002-2003 because of the oil burning issue. You can replace the MAF, coils, cats, O2 sensors which tend to go in the 2000-01 (and the 2002-03) but you can't stop the oil burning without major engine work.

 

That's a valid, but completely overblown, complaint. Go here:

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...ase-enter.html

Out of 711 unique votes, only 22% claim oil burning issues.

 

Good find but 22% burning oils is very significant in my book!

 

It's a gamble when buying an old 5.5 gen, sure. Most people just keep an eye on their oil levels and adjust appropriately when low.

I'll say this about 22%... that's nothing for Nissan to be proud of.

 

Having owned both and having put almost exactly the same parts on both, my experience
would dictate that as far as maintenance is concerned they are basically the same.

Power delivery is what really seperates these two animals. The 3.0 is smoother and more linear. The 3.5 makes more power but without as much refinement. Aftermarket power (bolt ons) is more rewarding with the 3.5 however the 3.0 is no slouch.

It all really depends on your driving style and what you look for in a car. You'll pay more upfront for a 5.5 but I feel the subtle upgrades on the inside and outside are justified.

Look for a well cared for example and you shouldn't have anything too be worried about for a couple of years.

Good luck !

 

In case you were serious, 'NM' is Newton-meters. It is just a different unit of measurement. 4.448 pounds in a Newton. So a quarter pounder with cheese would roughly convert to a Newton with cheese. Sorry, I have to use silly ways to remember things.

 

Thanks. And yeah, I was serious.

Could easily fill a book with the things I don't know.

 

so why is this thread still open

 

Because not every thread on the entire org needs to be locked. It's not like this is another MAF or R34 kit thread or anything....

 

but its a brand new topic that has NEVER been discussed before with cars that have been around for 7-10 years

o wait...

all answers in these threads:
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...s-02-03-a.html

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...preciated.html

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...02-2003-a.html

if still have questions, there are stickies to ask questions:

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...on-thread.html

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...info-here.html

 

That thread is my favorite

 

I wondered when that would come up. The problem with that thread is that it is FIVE YEARS OLD. A refresh is definitely needed, now that most of the cars have exceeded the 100,000 mile mark. I'd make a new one myself, but it wouldn't last as long or garner as much notice as if, say, you made a new one, Rochester. COUGH COUGH HINT HINT.

From what little information is available on the problem, it seems the numbers are more like between 25% and 35% of the early VQ35DEs burn oil. I can't find a specific date as to when Nissan quietly fixed the problem. Obviously, the HRs don't burn oil, but I'm confident they started using better rings with the '05 DEs, but did the fix come any earlier?

The oil-burning is a crap shoot, but the other aspects of reliability seem to be solely based on how well the car was taken care of. Other common problems are exhaust components rusting off. The lower oil pan is especially prone to rusting through.

Sidebar: My car is an oil burner, but the rate it burns is pretty wild in its fluctuations. I used Mobil1 0W-40 in a change, burned a half-quart in 350 miles, but it hasn't burned a drop in the 600 miles since then, even with some hard driving in those few weeks.

 

^You can't advance cam timing unless you have a v-Manage

 

 

So... are you demonstrating these links to further the OP's opinions on the topic, or are you using them to prove your point? The first is commendable, but not necessary. The second just isn't necessary.

I'm just saying. You have a valid point, I just don't know why you're making it.

Yes and no. It was created 5 years ago, but has had votes each year since.

 

Its interesting....I would have hoped that Nissan fixed the oil burning issue but over at the G37 board there is disscussion about excessive oil buring in those cars and a TSB concerning the issue!

 

my point...

does the OP (and everyone else for that matter) really think this discussion has NEVER happened already?

i proved that it has (but everyone already knew that)...and a simple search would have answered all his questions (but everyone already knew that)...but why would anybody do their own research when nobody makes them

neither of my points are "necessary"...but i guess i continue to be the only person that is consistent in my opinion on this...others randomly pick and choose when they think a thread is pointless

 

Oh, it's not random. There's a distinct pattern in the forest that can't be seen through the trees.

 

i dont see a pattern...sometimes you completely defend a thread like this...the next day you rip the person



i might be "mean" but im consistent

 

Let's play Miser Brothers... guess which one you are?