QUADRO

Should I make the move? Got 51000 miles ...its now or never but I think the 02 Max was a great year. Heard lots of problems with 04,05,06. Time for new brakes + other minor things so if I get a new 06 Max for 12-14k wonder if it makes sense. Even considering a loaded 3.5 Altima. Is Max heads above a 3.5L Maxima? Any thoughts on trading in the 02?

Mike_TX

I don't understand all your questions, but I think you'll be very pleased with the '06 Maxima. My '04 SE has been absolutely trouble-free for the 2-1/2 years and 40,000 miles I've had it. It runs strong, gets fantastic mileage and handles and rides great. the SL has a much better ride, and if you're already accustomed to a GLE you should love the ride.

The only thought on trading in the '02 is to get trade-in values from KBB and other sites to be ready to defend your pricing.

SHIFT_matt

iTrader: (1)

IN addition to getting pricing from KBB, NADA, whatever, also do a search of what 02's are going for on Auto Trader.com, Vehix and the like. That way you will have a real market value to back up your book value, though don't expect to necessarily get retail for it. But it helps to know the mark-up.

The 6 Gen in a wonderful car. It's a longer wheelbase and feels bigger than your 5 gen, and that will take some getting used to. If I were you, I'd go with an 06. You the bluetooth option in it, which is pretty cool. Other than that, they are the same.

mwh

I got my '06 SL in December and it is definitely a step up in quality and refinement over my '02 Altima SE. I can't speak for the '02 Max, but my blackout Altima SE was a nice car that had every option available and I never had a problem with it.

With all that said, I was at the same stage as you it needed brakes, rotors, tires and probably a new battery so I thought the smart thing was to trade it in -WRONG. Take it from me, as soon as you hand that title over there will be 6 sales guys panting over that car. If it were me doing it over again I would go for the new parts and just enjoy the old car for another 8 years of "free" driving. Yes, I am cheap. btw I don't lease

minsbang

Good point you have there. He'll feel the pain when the dealer offers a price for the trade-in.... Nissan is notorious for getting low offers.. =(

To some, leasing works out better than financing it... I'm probably going to lease my next car after few years. Hopefully my financial status will allow me to do so. I haven't kept a car for more than 3 years..... I guess I like to switch around every now and then....

There is a lease offer for Maximas and Muranos.... I think it's about $2890 down and $299 a month for 36 months. If you add it up, to some it's a hell of a deal!

mwh

So that lease is $14k over 3 years and you either return it or buy it out. Actually works out well unless you put too many miles on it or scratch it up, only other thing I can think of is you are locked into the lease -not a bad deal overall.
For me, I will probably keep this car longer then 3 years -unless some new model comes along I can't resist.

minsbang

i'm usually in the spot where I can't resist.. =)

jsmithsole

iTrader: (5)

Except I've given away the smooth SL ride on mine...but no problems!!!

logik05se

i actually moved one of my co workers 01 today at my job, fully loaded car....and i really couldnt believe how much nicer the interior was in the 01 than my 05. Pretty sick.

ridersoftoob

ditto My silver SL is love no problem

RVC

iTrader: (1)

I would keep the 02' if it were up to me. I traded my 02' for this 05' I have now and if I could get a hold of Doc Brown's DeLorean, I would go back in time and keep my 02'. My 05' has had nothing but problems and I am in the middle of a pain in the a$$ battle with Nissan for a re-purchase. My 02' was SO much nicer. Just my opinion, good luck with what ever choice you make!

logik05se

i persoanally dont have any problems with my 05....cars been very reliable to me so far (knock on wood), just fit and finish really isnt up to par one bit.

Apollos2

iTrader: (16)

I drove all trim levels of the Altima 3.5 and went with the Maxima as soon as I drove it. It is more car for sure. I think the Altima 3.5 is probably the best value for your dollar, the it's not a Maxima.

logik05se

value wise i think the max is pretty cool, you get alot of luxury features when you get dpp package. Altima is def best deal for the money though

PUNZILLA

i just upgraded from a 2002 SE to a 2006 SE and man am i loving this car.
I miss my old max but the newer one is real dayim nice