I must say the engine was quiet. Interior room is very nice! It was an auto Black on Black leather SE with right around the miles I was looking for 70k. It was not as clean in the inside as I wanted but they guy said hey, take it around the block. Fine with me....Drove by myself too. Pretty damn sweet! Anyway the pickup was really good I was very satisfied with that. I think any pick up from any car over 157 hp would have been nice. Anyway, the steering was light, really light. Dont know if I liked it or not. The suspension was, for some reason, softer than my 88 maxima over bumps and I have bad struts that need replacing. I loved the one touch feature of the sunroof and the Bose system for some reason I was not impressed with. It seems they couldve done better. Either way I still loved it. I didnt floor it because, with the pickup it had, I didnt think I had to to get a feel for the acceleration. Engine bay was well kept up and clean the interior had black fingerprints on the ceiling though, very light and faint. I actually drove with the sunroof open in 60 degree weather with an overcast. The sunroof wind deflector really did its job. Seats were nice too, but they did not have heated seats unfortunately. Im glad I finally got to drive one. Im in the market for one this year and Im hoping things come around soon to find a good one around the Summer or later this year. I really felt good driving this car. Like I had finally upgraded, of course it wasnt mine nor was it going to be. So, I parked it back in its place and the guy handed me his card and I went on my marry way. In all, I loved it! Cant wait to own one.

 

you ought to test drive a 2002 3.5 , if you liked this one, you'll like that even better.

 

Unfortunately the only place that has the 2k2-2k3's are the dealership and they arent so free with letting people test drive the cars. Plus, Its rare to see the 5th or 5.5 gens around where I am at. So, when I saw this one I jumped to check it out. I will definately look into those, although the 2k-2k1's are more around my price range. Ive decided to get a 2k1 through alittle research and of course pricing. What should I look out for though. Ive read some posts about the 5th gens but Im trying to see if there is anything out of the ordinary that I am needing to look out for. Some of the interior pieces had some wear and tear on them but I guess I cant expect a nearly new 4 year old car.

I like the 350z wheels on your ride!

 

you'd be surprised on how free dealers are with letting people test drive cars. Before i got my max, i was driving a honda civic that wasnt mine, so natuarally i was looking around for a car. Nissan has been my favorite make ever since my mom got her 2k SE in 2000, so i was a frequent visitor to the nissan dealer, and even though i was only 16 and just got my liscense, i test drove about 5 different cars before getting this one...and that was before i was even serious...i just told them that i was looking at the moment. anyways, i would definiely test drive a 5.5 gen, because they are total different cars, but the 5th gens are DEFINITELY good cars, and you will be happy with it if you get one. my moms has 192K miles on it and its still going strong with no problems whatsoever...good luck on finding one you like!

 

I saw a sandlit beige colored 5.5 gen at the Dealer. Not my color but it was there. I may have to check it out during the week.

 

If you see something that has wear and tear dont take it. I bought my 00 with almost 90,000 miles on it the obly imperfection inside was the stain on the rug where your heel goes by the pedals. seats look like new all mats are stain free (beides that ones) and no torn threads and minimal scratches in footwell and door sills. There are definetly maximas out there in tip top shape. These are nice cars people who appreciate them (like us) will take great care of them (like us)

 

max88q,

Long time no see. My wife got rid of my 87 and got me an 02. I can't complain about it
even though there was nothing wrong with my 87. You won't regret it. Take your time
and do the research and get the max you want.

Mike

 

Wow man pretty cool! I plan to keep my 88 for it is still going. I just bought some new headlights for it from ebay for 79 bucks shipped a piece. I almost did not pass inspection because of the current ones this morning. For the 5th gens I've done maybe not the most extensive but enough to look at them and know ok these are the problem areas that I can see. Ive decided on the 2k1's because of the updated fix of some bugs the 2k's had, price, and because I like the steering wheel buttons. Seems to be better design than the 2k's. I just saw another 5th gen for sale. It is a 2k though but it was the Sterling mist with black leather seats, it too was worn abit. I see I might have to really search to find one I like.

 

I highly recommend u get the manual transmission-its what separates the Max from the rest of the competition-regardless of which year u buy. U think the pickup was fast on the auto, wait 'til u have full control of the car at all times! If u don't know stick, learn it - regardless of what anyone says, you were most interested in the pickup of the car based on your test drive. That says it all. Trust me, get a manual Max...

Regards,
ShysMax
'02 6 spd

 

I agree with shymax. Get the manual. I miss my 87 with stick. My wife got me an auto
and couldn't find any with a stick. If I would of known she wanted to do this I would
of told her to wait till I have gotten back from overseas so we could shop together.

Mike

 

max88q,

If for some reason you can't find any you like down in texas, checkout colorado using
autotrader you can use my zip 80817. The price are pretty reasonable and we have
tons of dealers so you should be able to get what you want in price. Manual is a rarity
here so do your research well. Most of the owners are trading in there cars for an
AWD or 4WD vehicles. Good luck

Mike

 

Get a 2k2-2k3 the extra ponies really help.

 

he said he wanted a 2k1 because of the price...read the original post...

 

Yeah the 2k2's are a little out of my price range. I want to get a 2k1 so I can have some mod money left over.

shysmax: I learned to drive driving a stick. I love stick, it just turned out my dad picked out my first car and it was/is an auto.

Mikelly: Thanks man! I will definately use that. Ive been trying to use different zips around Texas. Ive seen some in Autotrader and on ebay, but the worst part is majority of the sticks are in that skyblue color or merlot. I dont want those colors. Most that I have seen have been traded at Infiniti/ Volvo/ and Lexus dealerships. I have came to a conclusion on what I want though. I try to stay away from the AE SE's because of the prices they are selling at, to me, is ridiculous. Of course you dont always have to pay the asking price.

Exterior: Black
Pearl White
Sterling mist
Interior: I want either the black leather or the frost leather. Dont like the beige. Heated seats would be nice but if it didnt have it and everything else was on point then Id just suffer.

Its gotta be an SE and I would love to find a stick, but if it boiled down to it I would settle for an auto. I read that the maximas still have the overdrive lock that wont shift until the car is at a certain temperature. I hate that feature even though it does have a good purpose I would rather shift and go.