Im going to buy a 5th gen Maxima and going for the 3.5, now i've looked everywhere and couldnt find the differences on the 2k2/trims and 2k3/trims. Im sorry if there was a thread like this before but i also want your opinion as in which is the best 5th gen to get, money doesnt matter. thanks

 

same trims. some of the parts (maf in particular) were slightly different b/w 02 and 03. otherwise they are the same, just different year.

 

Any changes were cosmetic. Go to cars.com and you can research the differences between an 02 and 03. They will give you a list of standard items and what was extra on all the different models.

 

really....thanks alot, one more question is it me or is there a difference between the grill of all 5th gens years

 

the '00-'01 are different from the '02-'03. The '03 is the best.

 

I found a 5.5 2k3 SE with Bose, Sunroof, Leather, 17s, 30k miles all for 13.5k...mmm white too i tihnk i should get it and sell my 4th gen

 

how are they the best...meanin better than 02'?

 

for 13.5? It has probably been in a major wreck.

 

nah its my friend's and i know everything that has happend to it, hes moving away so yea but u still havent answer my question...why is 2k3 better than 2k2...and

What is the MAF?? Why is it a such an issue???

 

Shady

MAF is the mass air flow metering section. Seems they did an upgrade at some point during the 2K3 production (late Nov, 2002??). The newer ones are supposed to be more reliable. See the TSB's for more info.

I have a 2K3 with 40K and no problems.

thanks

Carl

 

no real reason, just because I have a 2k3.

 

so if money is no problem get a 2002 w/ low miles, its the same thing as the 2k3 but cheeper, so u can use the money you saved to mod it.

 

I have had both 02 and now a 03. All is the same except the lock/unlock switches and power window switches are different. They feel and look cheaper in the 03 (my only complaint about my 03) Never had problem with my 02 and so far so good on my 03...so i don't think it really matters to much....

 

there doesn't seem to be any real difference besides trim/color between 02-03.

it's possible nissan may have sourced parts from different manufacturers between production years though. what parts these are and effect on reliability would probably be minor. it does seem that 03s seem to have slightly fewer problems than any other year max, but that is probably more a function of age than anything else.

if money wasn't an option i'd say get the 03 just because it was the last of the japan produced maximas. if there were any lessons learned or improvements needed from the 02 model they would be in the 03.

there is no good reason or proof to suggest an 02 wouldn't be just as reliable as a similar mileage 03, so money considered, get the best deal you can get on the 5.5gen.

 

Is this car an automatic or manual? The price is right for an 03. Obviously if you can get an 03 at a very good price which this is, its preferable to an 02 as its a year newer.

 

one of the most major differences cosmetically between the 2k2 and 2k3 is the Titanium Edition on the 2k3's...it just comes with polished aluminum wheels, some interior accents, and a couple other options like BOSE and compass in mirror, etc...otherwise, the differences are very minute and as mentioned earlier, the MAF's on the 2k3's are supposedly stronger...

 

I would like to point out that the "stronger" AM600 MAF was also included in late production 2002s. I have a 2K2 produced in Dec/01 that has it.

 

I read something about this AM600 MAF before and my 02 had the same one. What was the other MAF part number.....

 

If money doesn't matter, get a G35C ...

 

already got one, it used to be ma dad's but its mine now, he has a M45 now. yes he's loaded thats how Mortgage Brokers are...but yea i have a black '05 fully loaded so im selling the 4th Gen and trying to get a 5.5 too, i love nissan/infiniti
..ill have pics for you haters out there...i would hate too..
it's 6spd...

 

and yea is there any good groups of 350z/g35's???? i know about the clubg35.com but i dont like it

 

g35driver
my350z

 

go 2k3, titanium edition...as said earlier..trim levels., and I have it, so that is why it is better.

 

You also have a SE-R badge ...

 

lmao...well the titanuam edition means the exterior color or wut...how could i tell wuts the titanium or not

 

The Titanium edition has much of the same stuff that the 20th anniversary edition had: polished wheels, chrome door sills, metal pedals (I think), etc.

BTW, get an '03!

 

Old "weak" 2K2 MAF is part number 22680-6N201.
New "stronger" late 2K2/2K3 MAF is part number 22680-AM600.

The part number is stamped right on the MAF housing so you should be able to open the hood and see right away what you have.

 

Well...can u swap the weak MAF's with the strong one? any ecu probs?

 

Yes you can w/o any ECU problems.

 

I wouldn't worry about the MAF, in worst case scenario, you can replace it for a few $ and you are good to go... I'm sure you will be happy with either '2 or '3 as they are both smokin... If the price is right on the car get it...

 

DON'T BUY A 3.5! You'll start noticing a little oil loss at 70k. By 120k, you'll be burning oil as fast as gas. I've been to the G35 forums, 350Z forums, and alti forums and all of them are having the same problem. Get a 3.0 5th gen. You'll be much happier.

 

can any high mileage 5.5's back him up? i have 52k and no problems here (knock on wood)

 

Here: http://www.forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=412905
Or here: http://www.forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=414316

There's lots of us. However, I think I'm the loudest because I have more miles and am burning more.

 

sounds alarmist to me. not saying it's not possible or true, but it's hard to believe the oil burning issue would affect 3.5s driven normally and maintained properly. i suspect most of the people with problems have driven their cars hard and have high mileage over a short period of time. that said i'll take a closer look at your links.

 

All this and a 6 speed... I would jump on it, unless your 4th Gen is modded and you really like it. 4th Gens are cool too...

Good luck,
Gears

 

this sucks...but look
hmm ill do that and the MAF too...im not getting a 3.0 i already have one, does neone with a 5.5 hav this prob. and cant get rid of it neway?