I'm going to go look at a 2002 Maxima SE, fully loaded with a 6-spd. I haven't owned a maxima or nissan before, anything to look for or watch out for?

Thanks in advance.

Mike

BTW, this will replace my 1991 Saab 900S.

 

You won't be disappointed. The engine is bulletproof and the 6 speed is pure enjoyment. There were some early problems with the throwout bearing, Nissan opened a TSB (I beleive) and replaced it or the clutch.

Listen for a high pitched squeal as you engage the clutch.

 

Mass Air Flow Sensor should be 22680-AM600. If not, see if the car is under warranty and have the TSB performed to get a new MAF. The part number is on the MAF tube facing the front of the car. Take a flashlight (even during the day) and you'll be able to read the number. If it reads 22680-6N200 or 22680-6N201, you'll want to eventually plan to replace it. I can tell you how to replace it for under $100.

Also, check to see if the clutch "howls" when it's cold outside. Just rev the car up to about 1500 RPMs and slowly let out the clutch. Right when it grabs, if you hear a howling noise, know that the clutch needs to be replaced. If so, there is a TSB for that as well.

Other than that, it's a great car. Those are the 2 biggest things to watch out for.

 

A big thing I ran into when looking for my 02 Max was a lot of them were rentals. Get carfax so you don't have to worry about this.

 

Well we looked at it and drove it. Very nice, only a very slight shudder/wable while braking from high speed. Like I said, it's a 2002, SE, 6 spd, Silver with Black leather interior, navigation system, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, power front seats, Bose stereo with trunk mounted 6 CD changer, power sunroof, ABS, side air bags, 38,700 miles, clean Carfax report, one small door ding on left rear door. He's asking $19,750, agreed to $19,300. It's being inspected. Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

Wow.....seems a bit high......got mine new for like 5k more......is fully loaded though....but ehh.....

 

Well it is loaded up. I love my 2k2 6 speed but it is a base model with only a sunroof and tinted windows. I'd be thrilled if I got within $2K of what your paying the dealer.

However, the car is great. Like others said have them perform all TSBs for free wince you are out of warranty. Those can add up to well over $1K in repairs. Biggest ones-throttle body and clutch howl.

By the way the 6 speed is not only fast when it wants but thrifty on gas. I get 30-33 mpg accd to the computer driving a constant 72 mph in 6th gear.

 

I'm buying it from a person, not a dealer, did I still get a good deal?

Also, I'm unclear about the TSBs. The dealer will do those for free even after the warranty is up? I couldn't see where the throttle body # was and didn't think I heard the clutch howl.

Thanks again, Mike

 

What's the TSB # for the clutch "howl"? and is it covered under warrenty?

Thanks,
mike

 

If the dealer can re-create the problem, then yes it will be covered under the regular 3/36k warranty. It is not covered under the powertrain warranty.

For TSB numbers, etc, visit:

http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/

Put in your year and you'll see all the TSBs for your car listed there.

 

I'd say you're about $2500-3000 too high.

 

I got my 2002 se for 12,500 before ttl, but it had 75,000 miles on it and not fully loaded. It just had the base se package pretty much which is still nice and the 6 speed. Good luck its a sweet car

 

Our Maxima is beyond the 3/36k warranty. Is there any problems with waiting to fix the clutch "howl"?

 

With the navigation system the price sounds about right. Find out if the car has a limited slip differential as it raises its value. The fairly high mileage alone should put the car under $19,000 range.

 

I'd talk him down some more since the car is out of warranty (unless he's got extended). you'll encounter some TSB that need attention, if he hasn't had them performed already ....The steering wheel wooble/judder are the infamous warpped rotors....

 

Mike,

Any recalls will be done free for the life of the vehicle. TSBs will cost YOU after warranty is up.