NCTRNL

My first car was a 1982 Datsun/Nissan Maxima. I have had other cars since and now I am wanting to get another Maxima. I am looking at about 200 to 2003 model Maxima SE's. Is there any tips or things I should look for? I am going to start looking now, while I sell my current vehicle. Certain model years that are better than others? I am completely new to these cars so I am just trying to do some research. Any help would be appreciated.

Ryan

Juki5536

iTrader: (1)

Get a 2003 Nissan Maxima SE 6-speed. The rest of the options (Navi, leather, etc) are up to your preference. I personally think that 97-99 looks better, but I'm partial. There is the obvious things to look for (condition, driver, history, etc.) Could you be more specific as "what should I look for"? This is a start.

NCTRNL

I am leaning towards the 2003's. Is the Manual that much better than the Automatic? I have never had luck with Manual transmission cars in the past. My Z28 always had problems so I was wanting to go with an Automatic. I would like Leather but I don't need the Navigation because I work for a company that makes navigation systems. I like the 2003's because of the power (used to own a 1998 Z28), HID's, and the fact that they are generally going to have less miles on them.

Juki5536

iTrader: (1)

Trust me....once you go stick, you can't go back...get the 6-speed.

NCTRNL

Is there a huge difference between the Auto and the M6 in the Maximas? It wasn't really a difference at all in the Z28's. Actually the A4's were more consistent and had a lot less problems.

geo1317

iTrader: (17)

dont plain to fail, just get the manual its alot more fun and it is quicker. Also dont compair the reliability of the z28 and a maxima its just not the same.

And with 2003 you get the 5yr/60k powertrain warranty.

NCTRNL

Now that I am looking, the Manuals are very hard to find. What percentage of the Maximas in 2003 were manuals. It must be very low. Weren't they a late availability?

geo1317

iTrader: (17)

its under 10%, but it varies from year to year, like as low as 5% for the 4th gens in some years

NCTRNL

Hmmm...wonder if it is worth traveling 500 miles for a manual. There are plenty of autos near me that are very low mileage, under 15k. One is the Midnight Blue color, SE. Kinda like that one...

geo1317

iTrader: (17)

try and have your local dealer locate one for you

NCTRNL

I think I will have to try that because it doesn't look like I can find any myself that are within reach. Anything else to look for except for the Manuals?

geo1317

iTrader: (17)

try to find one with HLSD, but it will most likely be a fully leaded one and even then its a very hard find

NCTRNL

Yeah, I have heard a little bit about that. Does the limited slip differential help quite a bit? What about the Heated Seats/Mirrors/Steering Wheel? Am I gonna find this stuff on the SE's or on the GLE's only.

geo1317

iTrader: (17)

you can find it on both, the only thing is that its standard on the GLE's and an option on the SE's, but you cant get GLE's with the 6-speed

KsuMax

I'd go for a 2002 or 2003 Se 6 speed. I personally wouldn't want a 2000 or 2001 because they don't have the 3.5vq. And all GLE's are auto's.

davebond007

If I were you, I'd want a rare, hard to find car. That would behte 2k2-2k3 SE 6spd. It's the "best" maxima that one can have on this board (some people's opinions may differ). Period.

However, I still think that the 92-94 SE 5spd cars are quite unique in their form. They were the original 4 door sports cars ("4DSC").

Good luck with your purchase. Even if you get an auto, there is still some light at the end of the tunnell. The 3.5l vq35de motor is awesome, even with a slushbox.

DoGGy

if you want power. go for 2002+ 6 spd.
if you want looks more. go with a 97-99 SE

NCTRNL

Well, I found the one I want. 2003 6speed, slate gray, 4100 miles. But it is in Texas. 600 miles away from me. They want $21,998.

subs1000w

well fly down and buy it

Ferbs02SMMax

I have an Auto, and I DO regret not having waited for a 6spd. The 6spd is a joy to drive, so silky, more power to the wheels than an auto... I drove a friends 02 6spd, and it was like butter, sooo brutally quick. Another friend also drove said 6spd, and he said the Max was quicker than his stock 87 Buick GN. That is saying something.

That said, my Auto is still brutally quick as well, just not AS quick (or fun) as rowing through the gears. Many a cars (street/strip) have seen the Max's big rear end.

Auto VQ35 14.65-15.15 91-95 mph
Stick VQ35 14.30-14.80 93-98 mph.

These are proven numbers.

Oh, as far as the 03 6spd, you never want to bid against yourself, ask them if they would take 10% off their price, and work from there. Doesn't hurt to try, Im sure they hear more unreasonable offers than yours. Dealers and private sellers are their to make the buck.

Good luck.

Capital15

iTrader: (45)

Just get a 5 speed 4th Gen...it looks better!

NCTRNL

I like the newer ones and I want low miles as well.