I'm in the process of looking at a couple of Maximas in the area.
I've come down to choosing between a 2003 SE and a 2001 GLE.

2003 SE
http://cars.kbb.com/search/used/cc/s...&src=&cid=null

2001 GLE
http://cars.kbb.com/search/used/cc/s...&src=&cid=null


I think I'm pretty set on the 2001 just because of the dual powered seats, and possibly the Bose. I can add in heaters later. The 2003 passenger is not powered and it's the non-Bose system. Of course, the 2003 already has the spoiler, and the 3.5L is sweet. Plus it has the 17" wheels.

Both checkout clear on Carfax.

As a general rule, how upgradable is the Bose based system, esp. in terms of the audio controls on the steering wheel?

Which would you choose? Why? Where does the price stand in your opinion?

Thanks!
-=Chris

 

Personally, I'd get the 2003 as it has more horsies, and the Bose system in Maximas has been known to be crappy compared to the premium price you pay for it. Also, it would be easier to find powered seats for the 2003 down the road than try and stuff a 3.5L engine into the 2001. Heck, 2000-2001 seats might fit, so you could probably get a set right now from a junkyard if you wanted to.

 

Thanks for the input.

Interesting. First, take a look at my profile. I'm a computer monkey by trade, and not a wrench head. So, swapping engines would never be an option. :-)

As far as the seats go. I was under the impression that adding a powered seat to a non powered seat location meant a PITA in terms of running wiring, unless of course it's already there hidden. Funny thing is, the 2003 wasn't leather; they added that when it came in off lease. If was a rental. The 2001 was privately owned it's first time around.

I too notice the Bose seem to be more hassle than they're worth.

Oh yeah, and the payment diff between the two would be about $80-$100 a month; supposedly.

 

Man this is easy now doubt the 03, better looks(sporty looking out of the box), better looking seats, HID's, Trip computer, Side sills and the torquey 3.5 much quicker than a 01 GLE(if your performance oriented like most of us here the 03 is great out of the box the 01 good). The GLE may have leather, auto climate control and bose but its 2 years older and pretty close to the 3/36 running out if it hasnt. On that 03 with 31k mileage on a 1 year old car beware most likely it was a rental but you still have 5k miles of basic warranty left.

 

Yeah, get the 2003, you won't regret it. If you have beefs about the interior, just do the necessarry swaps. It's much more worth it.

 

another vote for the 03 You'll be much happier in the long run. I bought my 98 because of the heated seats and the bose stereo. I changed out the stereo and I rarely use the heat on the seats....and I can only dream what 255 horse would be like.

 

I did test drive the 2003. Definately has some serious bawlz.
About the HIDs, isn't there a security kit now to hook this into the alarm system?

 

Get the 2003; the features in the 2003 make it the better buy. Add in that it's newer, has more power, & HIDs. The SE has a leather...it should also have power passenger seat & auto climate & BOSE; it's as loaded as a GLE.

Actually I take that back....that SE is the one I'm looking at too!!! I didn't realize you lived in OH. That seems to be the best 2k3 SE around here: best price, miles, color combo. But I've been sitting around too long...go for it! I'll just mourn.

 

I don't think HID theft is a hot issue in Ohio in general. But of course there's nothing wrong with taking the precaution.

 

Get the 03 and dont worry about HID theft in Ohio, Bose is kinda crappy I have it and its sucky!

 

Well, there is some big roadtrips planned towards the east coast and out west, so theft make become an issue at some point.

 

Ohio indeed. :-) Where are you specifically? I'll let you visit her if I snag it. :-)


This 2003 SE is a little odd in that the leather and powered seat was added AFTER it went off of it's first lease/rental life.

 

I keep touching on this, but I missed this part of your reply.
This 2003 SE wasn't factory with the leather. So it is missing the Bose (no biggie) and the powered passenger.

other than than, I think it's pretty loaded.

 

2003 no doubt, VQ35de

 

Out-of-state plates are often magnets for theft, speaking from experience, and in that case prevention is probably more critical for you than most others.

 

Cleveland...Westlake specifically; visiting rights would be nice...you should attend a local meet. We had one in Canton somewhat recently (I missed it.)

That's an interesting story about the leather & power seat...how did you find this out? I did a CARFAX on it too...I knew that it was a lease but none of that info.

 

Gotcha.

I can understand the reason behind the price now.

Let me know how much you get it for; the car's been there since December and is somewhat of a "freak"...you should be able to get a good deal.

Have you looked @ Zarzour Nissan in Willoughby?

 

Tallmadge. A mile away from that Tri City Nissan. We actually have a 2001 Sentry there as well. This is what the Maxima will be replacing:

http://today.icantfocus.com/blog/ima...opic/truck.png

About the leather, that was straight from the dealers mouth. Either the cloth seat were crap after it's first life, or they decided it woul move better with a leather upgrade.

 

2003 ........................2003

 

Mother of God...the Maxima is going to replace that?!?

Honestly, it's pretty convenient that you live that close to the dealership. I had planned on making a trip out there...but your report will suffice just as well.

 

Yuppers. She's got low mileage (under 30,000) but the body is old and is already getting hard to fight the rust. It's not worth it anymore.

Not only a mile from the dealer, but a mile from work (Summit Racing).
Definately make keeping vehicles low mileage easy.

 

03...welcome to the org

 

get the 03
and the seats migth have been torn or had stains, so they probably decided to upgrade to leather, plus people love leather(feel shigh class) so it will help them also sell the car

 

2003 my friend. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT

 

Neither. Search for the thread in the Maxima forum 5th gen that links to a video called Maxima abuse. It is from one of those car DVDs, can't remember the name. It will make you want to avoid a former Rental. Remember, that is a base 2003 SE. Maybe it has sunroof also. Anyway, they sold new, at the end of 2003 MY for probably 23K. Personally, I think it should be cheaper by now. Personally, I'd look for a six speed maxima. Or consider an Altima SE 3.5 V6. I'm not saying 5th gens are bad, I hope to own on some day-but after seeing that Maxima abuse video, it scares me to buy a rental. Plus those dealer prices are too high, unless they will negotiate alot, or are giving you alot for your trade.

 

Now you have me worried; not that this is a completely bad thing.
Within a 100 mile radius, there aren't many 2003s; three in fact. Maybe I'll run the Carfax on them this evening. I'm not an Altima fan.

 

2002-2003 Maximas 100 miles from you

There are a few dealers here, Zarzour Nissan, North Olmsted Nissan, North Coast Nissan, that have 3.5L Maximas. The problem with Zarzour's Maximas is that they have been trying to sell a few 2002 base Maxima SEs that have been at the dealership since 06/03. They often advertise in the local paper, "2002 Nissan Maxima, choice of three, $16,900"

How much are you looking to spend? Maximas in this area tend to command a higher asking price than most places it seems.

 

2003.......by far.

 

Depends on the options and the stats. ~17-18k.
It's a shame Zarzour Nissan, North Olmsted Nissan, North Coast Nissan don't put their stuff into cars.com or the like. Wonder if they have sites?

Then there's the issue of dealing with unknown dealerships.

I'm sure 'rental abuse' is an issue, but one would think that issue probably would br caught in the pre-owned certification process. And if I was going to abuse a maxima, if would be a big fat 5/6 speed manual, not an auto.

 

hard one. i would wait and find a fully loaded 03 se.

 

Re: Rental Abuse

The nice thing about that 2003 It's ceritified pre-owned. That bumps it up to a 72mo/100,000 warranty on the engine/trans/drivetrain. At 35k miles, if it doesn't go wrong in that period of time, it probably won't one would think.

 

^if you had the $, why would you even cosider the 01????

 

If I were you I'd go with the 2003 SE, I have a 2k and a 2k3 SE so I can definitely recommend the better of the 2.

 

I hate anything with a GLE badge. I hate bose even more.

Get the 2003, and do not even consider the GLE.

 

Just go with the 2003. Don't go for something with less power. Plus you said that it's on warrenty still, so what are you waiting for?

 

you or ur wallet ?

 

I would go with 03, agressive headlights, More ponies under the hood, it's an SE. Sport Oriented car if you're into that.

 

why would you think my wallet? I could have gotten a GLE 98 max for far cheaper than my 98 GXE 5-speed where I live because they are probably the most common 4th gen here. i think the bose sounds horrible...thats why i have an aftermarket stereo.

moron

 

get the 3.5

 

Well it's settled; it has to be the 2003.
After closer inspection with a friend, the 2001 has clearly been through a major (****ty) paint job. There are some color spots and over spray in a lot of places. Curious considering the carfax report.

THe body on the 2003 is in excellent shape at close range.

SO, it's just a matter of how long to wait and what kinda deal I can talk them into.