DocHolliday

So my 2004 Maxima decided to catch fire and burn herself into a total loss. Everything I've read says this is real rare and it did not turn me off to the Maxima since I think she is one of the sexiest cars on the road. Cars costing twice as much don't compare in my opinion.

Anyway so I bought a used 2012 S w/26k miles to replace her. Barebones package. Now its time to upgrade. This car was used by a sales rep so the miles piled up quick. Lot of gravel roads out in Oklahoma from the looks of it so I am going to be doing a few things to prettier her up. Here is what I need:

1. Front painted bumper cover - I've seen some on Ebay, OE and painted to color code for something like $340. Wondering your opinions on this.

2. Hood has some paint chips. Need touchup paint to fix 5 or 6 chips. I found this website in another thread. Seems like a solid choice. Rear bumper cover has a couple of marks as well. Not too worried about them.

http://www.automotivetouchup.com/

3. HID upgrade. I upgraded my 2004 Maxima because I was sick of replacing those 9012 bulbs that cost $75 from the dealer. Even online they still cost $35 and I was replacing those damn things once a year it seemed like. I am going to get a 5K kit. Where are you guys mounting your ballasts and who do you recommend I buy from? I prefer the ballasts to be thin so I have more flexibility, but am open to suggestions.

4. Window tint - I've never tinted a car before. I have settled on 35% all the way around except the windshield. Wondering if anyone in the Chicago area (SW or south burbs) knows of a good place to go. I could use some advice here. I see cars with bubbles and just plain ****ty tint and that bothers me. I don't want that to be my car in 2 years.

5. Adding splash guards and fog lights. Wondering how practical it would be to add fogs. Since my car does not have them I have no way to turn them on since the fog switch is missing from the turn signal plastic thingy assembly. What the hell do I call that anyway? Also anyone recommend a certain website to buy the splash guards from?

Looks like I found my answer for the fog kit. This OEM kit comes with the combination switch for the fogs if I am reading this right.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-2013-Nissan-Maxima-W-Automatic-Head-Lamps-Fog-Lamp-Kit-999F1-MV000-/390531538889?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2012%7CModel%3AMaxima&hash=item5aed7e5fc9&vxp=mtr

Any assistance you guys could provide would be greatly appreciated! I've been a member for some time now, but not always active. I'll be spending some time here over the next few months until I get her where I want her.

Jig9798

Sucks about the '04. Fires aren't very common and insurance companies can give people a hard time about them.

Hopefully you got a good deal on the 2012 because it sounds like it was beat to ****.

1. I'd be cautious about an eBay bumper. This is the part of the car that everyone sees.

2. Automotive touch ups is a good choice.

3. Couldn't tell you where to mount the ballasts but others have converted halogen to HID.

4. Just make sure you go to a tint shop that has a lifetime guarantee against fading and bubbling. I've got 35% all around and it looks pretty good. Not obnoxious but not subtle.

5. This might be a little more of a pain, especially if you want to control the fogs from the 'stalk'. The S model is obviously not wired. Can't help w splash guards but they should be easy to install.

DocHolliday

My insurance company hasn't given me any trouble at all. I should get the check in a couple days. I got a decent deal. The sales manager is a family friend and he told me that the bumper covers took some abuse, but the rest of the car is in prime condition. I trust the guys so...

As for HIDS I found this. OEM kit so the ballasts will mount perfectly to the bottom of the headlight assembly. Costs more than upgrade kits but I know it will mount and the peace of mind is worth it to me. I want to upgrade to Xenon at the same time I replace the front bumper cover since I'll have it off anyway.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-NEW-OEM-04-12-Nissan-Maxima-Xenon-BALLASTS-HID-BULBS-KIT-CONTROL-UNIT-SET-/350650162869?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2012%7CModel%3AMaxima&hash=item51a460deb5&vxp=mtr
I guess the last thing is the tint for me. I don't know anyone who does this. I guess I'll have to start asking around.

lightonthehill

Here is the stickie for installation of the OEM Nissan splash guards, which are strictly for looks:

http://vqpower.com/v3/content/splash-guard-installation

If you wanted to install discreet little mud flaps that are actually functional, we have had two writeups in the stickies in recent years for doing that, but now I can't find either one. My eyes are not as good as they used to be.

DocHolliday

I found the thread on that. I am going to add the splashguards and mud flaps.

Ordered the OEM ballasts and bulbs today. Window tint this Thursday. Thinking I will add something new each paycheck to spread it out. Next one I want to add the spoiler. I like doing my own work, but drilling holes and then sealing it properly makes me nervous. Thinking I should have the dealer do that so it has some kind of warranty.

DocHolliday

So I found a local tint shop that uses 3M and they offer a lifetime warranty against fading and bubbling. They quoted me at $349 for 35% for all the windows (includes sunroof) minus the windshield. Does this seem kind of high?

MaximaDrvr

iTrader: (1)

Going rate for that job in my area ranges from $250 to $700 depending on the quality of the tint. $350 isn't terrible.

MaximaGuido09c

140 for me all the windows but windshield in NY..3M Tinting Lifetime Warranty.

Amerikaner83

iTrader: (17)

I was quoted 230 plus tax in Seattle for lifetime guarantee against fade, color and bubbles at 25%

smooth703

i paid 200 for my tint 30% lifetime warranty

DocHolliday

Hmm making me think I should shop around. Found a place that uses Llumar and they are about $40 cheaper.

Jig9798

Definitely shop around. That quoted price seems a little high. Going rate in Eastern MA is between $150 and $200.

DocHolliday

So far to get 35% on all windows including sunroof minus windshield I am being quoted $300+ by everyone. This is the Chicago burbs. $150 would be awesome but I just can't find it and if I do I am going to question their ability to do a good job considering how huge a gap that would be to everyone else. Hmmm.... I guess this area is just more expensive. Crap!