After work I needed to stop by the dealer for them to look at 2 problems the missed, while they were fixing them, I got to drive a Max. It was a Sterling Mist, loaded 5spd. Man, comparing it from a auto to a 5spd, there is a huge difference. The power is really alive and I didn;t even floor the car! LOL! I miss how quiet that car was, how smooth, how good it handled and response of steering.

The car really sold me on getting another Maxima for sure. I miss all that. Car had no squeaks, rattles, solid, no noise from struts, or engine mounts. Alignment was off, but not a big deal. 3 months guys....woohoo can't wait!

 

hehe. Did you keep the parts from your old max? You could install them on day 1.

 

Nope, sold them all

 

How's it going Russ? Glad your going to get another Max, so you can bring your technical expertise. I miss your intelligent realistic comments on sentra.net.

When do you think they will up the horsepower on the new Max engine? I ask since the new SER Sentra will have a 2.5 liter 180hp engine with a 6-speed trans, so the new 3.5 liter engine will push like 260-280hp in the Max. Any info? Why don't you wait? I couldn't!

 

Hehehe hey again! You can't run away from me! Anyways, to the last info I received from a deep contact which will go nameless. The Maxima for 2002 will be a SE-R model, and will come with a 6spd tranny, 260-280hp (not decided yet due to camry specs have not be released), Torsen LSD, 18" wheels, stiffer suspension all around a few cosmetic changes. Other than that, that is all the info I have. I personally rather get a 2001 the reasons are being:

1) It's realible already.
2) Not a 1st year production with a new engine
3) Mods are out for the VQ, the new one won't have any and may not ever get any due to body changing in 2003 so manufactures may not want to spend the extra money for a 1 year design.
4) I will have the money way before the maxima actually debuts, so I rather get it before my sentra depreciates bad when the new SE-R comes out.
5) I can't wait!

 

Russ, Just make sure you test drive the $hit out of your new Max before you buy. I know most people don't think there is a problem with the ECU/idle valve/whatever, but I definitely notice it. I almost decided to turn the keys over with only 2-weeks of owning it, but I love EVERYTHING else so far about this car especially my 3.9%APR. Also, tonight the right drivers side window won't roll down, but I think it's because of the $HITY tint job I got 2-weeks ago. Anyways, be careful when you say yes to your new Max and I can't wait to see what mods you come up with.

P.S: You got any killer hookups on parts for the Max yet? Please keep me informed!

 

i'd still rather wait for the 2002

 

I drove three 2000 SE Maxes this weekend, two were loaded and one was the base SE model. They all drove well but I still can't decide whether to wait for the 2002 model. Interestingly, the base model has been sitting on the lot forever, it was made in 7/99! Even the battery was dead for sitting so long. They offered it to me for $5000 off MSRP, or $19347. All were 5 speed, of course.

 

19347 seems like a NICE deal. I paid 25 for my base auto SE. Just ask yourself whether or not you will be kicking yourself if the 2002 rumors are right.

 

damn punkdork...i paid 25,700 for my fully loaded 2k se w/ leather, side airbags, heated seats, bose, auto, etc...that is without tax or licensing though

 

I know.. I got screwed. It was the first car I ever bought and I was soo in shock about being able to afford it... oops.

 

Hey, it's all good. Think of it as a learning experience . The important thing is that you like your car. I am hoping you still do even after the tranny issues Anyhow, once the weather gets a little warmer and I have some free time, I am going to hook up the OSCAI . Thanks for your pics and instructions...

 

Do you guys know where Nissan has cut corners with the new model? I noticed that the triple door seals are gone, just like the cheapened Camry.

 

What does the triple door seals look like? Please describe. I saw one review on the new Max that raved about the seals. Go figure.

I would seriously consider the 2000. $5000 of list is a great price. For 2002, I bet the 3.5 is not standard and you'll have to get an expensive SE-R package to get it.

 

All pre-2000 Maxes had triple door seals. The 2000 I saw did not have any rubber on the doors, only on the frame. I can't see how removing one seal would make it better. Back to the deal: the car is black with dark grey cloth and I do not want another black car. Also, I am a bit leery of the fact that the car was built over a year and a half ago and has been sitting for so long.

[Edited by 96 VQ 30 on 02-04-2001 at 11:19 PM]

 

What matters is WHEN you want your new car. You can wait for 2002, it might have issues or be perfect. Then a model year later or two, something from the same company else where bigger, better and faster. I too was going to wait till 02, but if you get a good deal, don't miss it just to wait.

 

wow! it sounds nice!! i have '00 SE auto. I really wanted to get a manuel, but oh well. Maybe my next car. I know what you mean though, about all that power, and you're hardly pressing on the gas! i love it.