Ive owned an 00 and an 02

The 00 had random things failing all the time. Starter/radiator/alternator/MAF. Engine was perfect tho at 170k

The 02 everything was solid, but the engine burnt a MASSIVE amount of oil. at 90k...

In terms of engine choices for reliability, youd be a fool to pick the 3.5 over the 3.0

Burning oil = UNRELIABLE engine

Let me add something that I haven't seen mentioned much around here for some reason.

The 5.5gen is 1" longer than a 5th gen, 191.5 vs 190.5 length

Despite this, the 5.5gen has almost an inch less leg-room inside. All other dimensions and stuff seems same.

Stock vs stock a 5th gen feels more stiff and solid and handles a bit better in back to back cornering.

Ok so the op hasn't returned but i can see we're all in agreement(shocker) 3.0 Engine is more reliable.

Edited.

Lol it depends on ones definition of "better"

Lots of people simply want the extra power of the 3.5 and a slightly newer car by a year or two.

Sorry misspelled better...

VQ30DE/DE-K>VQ35DE/HR


The HR motors really suck with their paper gaskets and low oil pressure. If you have a 2006-7 G35s, you know the deal. Renault cost cutting at its finest.


It seems that the peripheral stuff fails, but the VQ30 does not.....unless you abuse it.

My 01 has 115k and runs and rides great for my dd. I recently replaced the starter, alternator & motor mounts so I should be good for a while.
When I bought my car 10 years ago I specifically wanted an 00/01 to avoid hids which people were stealing and the car ensed up w/ 3k in damage.
Back on topic. With the extra power of the 3.5 over the 3.0 does it use much more gas?

well from the looks , it seems as if the 3.0 is the better car, as far as engine reliability, but then it depends the owners also. But Im on the road alot so im looking for good gas mileage and reliability.

Just my 2 cents based on over 700,000 miles on these, all automatics.
Had 97 ran to about 280,000 miles no engine or trans problems, still own a 2000 now has 435,000 miles, no engine or tranny problems, had a 2002 terrible oil issues leaks and consumption, got much worse after cats clogged, got rid of it at little over 200,000 miles, it was a wore out car. Traded it for 2003 I35, great car so far now has 110,000 miles. The 2002 also had the worse mpg, about 20, the I35 is more like 26. Radiators seem to be good for about 80,000 miles but are cheap to replace. As others have mentioned the 3.0 seem to suffer from sudden starter death which has left me stranded twice. No tranny issues at all on any of mine, I change fluid about every 30,000 miles.

Went to look at an 02 SE auto today, 212k miles, need a little work like head light bulbs, oil change, pass n rear pass window switch maybe, black leather interior. Runs good, check engine light on. Upon warming up engine idles smooth, and then acts as if a fuel injector or egr is clogged, a few seconds, sometimes engine taps, when this happens, then smooths bak out. When it warms up small clacking noise after releasing the throttle. When test driving rides great no noise only $1750

I think the 3.0 is a rock solid engine, the 3.5 beside the oil consumption has a more power, but if you like heavy mod you can make the 3.0 faster than the 3.5 but that can go either side.

Personally I think you should take a good look at and inspect the two cars you're considering and go from there. We can talk all day on here about that 3.0 motor being a good engine, only for you to check your car out and find that someone didnt take care of it. IMO any Nissan engine is going to treat you right if you treat it right. I have a 2003 Maxima GLE and Id put my 3.5 up against any 3.0 you bring...because I baby it and take care of it. My point is we can talk until our faces are blue, but until you test drive and inspect those cars no one can tell you which one will be better.

I currently own both cars and have for over 10 years.

Wifes car is a stock 2000 auto with over 260,000 miles.

Mine is a modded 2002 6MT with over 200,000 miles.

Neither car has had a major issue.

The 2000 auto trans still shifts like a champ and the motor runs smooth and powerful. Most expensive fix on that car was replacing the coils. It's starting to loose some oil from the crank seals now but that's expected at this mileage. I change the oil at 15,000 mile intervals and have for the last 200,000 miles.

My 2002 doesn't seem to burn a drop of oil. I've replaced the valve cover gaskets and crank seals. There's not a drop of oil on the bottom of the motor now. I change the oil at 10,000 mile intervals.

Maybe to accommodate the 3.5L engine?

I hadn't noticed it burning any at all, and I took it to my friend's shop and drained the oil, it didn't burn any at all.


I haven't done very much modding to my car, and the only issue I've had is the transmission slipping a little bit depending on the temperature. I believe it was you that said changing out the shift solenoid worked for you, but it took a little bit of driving before it took effect?

Changed the VB on mine and it's been good ever since. Which was a good nearly 10 years ago.