I wanna get one and this time im gonna do everything right this time. Like get a black one, and get it in manual.. How big a hit you think i will take?? I think im still like 6k upside down on my loan too. DOH

Adam

 

Why bother ? The only thing I like about the 2002 Max is the LSD availability with the manual gearbox. I don't care much about the 6 speed unless they use a more robust gearbox with less rubbery feel, and the HID headlights might offer better visibility at night, but you will get more fingers from other drivers thinking you have your high beams on. About that 3.5 engine, it only offers 37 extra horses which is probably enough to compensate for the extra weight of the engine, so performance won't get much better. Finally, if you trade in your car, you will take a hit of at least 6K, so stick with what you have and add a S/C later on.

just my 2cents

 

Amen brutha. Besides the paint to gripe about, the Maxima manual gearbox is not the most "accurate", if not a little too unrefined in my taste.

 

You are upside down $6K and you are actually considering trading in? Ok, what have you been smoking? There is no way, with the limited gains you would get, that I would do that, especially since the body style will change the following year.

Ok, is 32hp and Xenon lights worth $6K? What would you spend trading the lights and adding an SC?

Just my 2 cents.

 

Keep your car for now. The negative equity will be very bad if you trade it. Get on the positive side in terms of how much you owe and then start saving up for something nice

 

The 3.5L vq is a bored and stroked 3.0l so it isn't heavier. 40hp and 30ft-lbs of torque is a lot The 6sp will go zoom zoom!

 

Glad you brought this up! I thought it was a new engine.

 

I agree with the rest of the guys that if you're gonna have to choose between the frills of a 2K2 Max and being upside down on your loan...it's better to live vicariously through the people that will purchase one. It's just not worth it financially. In the long run, if everything gets paid off slowly, you'll have more $$$ and ability to get an even better ride. Just my $.02.

 

I bought my maxima early 2000 so im not fliped anymore,and one of the most annoying things about my max is its kinda sluggish to me. Im really thinking about getting a '02. But im not sure either. the good thing is i can put 90% of the "bolt-ons" that are on my car now on that 2002.

 

Black no way, i imagine they use the same crap paint.
Anyway i just want the 2k2 headlights and i will be so satisfied, wait, i just my car repaired and i will be so satisified,, anotherr 2 or 3 weeks. Have to find a cheap place to get body work, insurance is not paying for ****.

Roger

 

I just bought a '01 SE 5-spd last Saturday and love it. I had a '99 SE Auto before and that thing was not much fun to drive. I am sure the power jump would be nice and noticable, but is it worth the high APR, more premium fuel consumption (you know your gonna drive faster), and higher taxes (for those of you who have property taxes like me)? '02 should be out of the question for '00-'01 owners. My dealer swears Nissan has said they are going RWD for '03 or '04. When that happens, then I will consider.

 

I've heard (from Nissan Dealers) that it is totally redesigned and more horse power then '02. The '03 Maxima will jump to full size (I wonder what the 0-60 & 1/4 mile times will be? If it is anything like the BMW 540 I'm definately getting one).

 

I don't know about everyone else but the '02 has everthing I would want in a car like: HIDs, a 6-speed, VVT, And real sport seats (mine do me no justice when im doing hard cornering). I mean before I found out about the '02 maxima I was about to go out and by somthing else(pathfinder or 4-runner((can't afford a new M-3))). I get your point and for little petty stuff its not worth the money but I really can't stand the motor in my '00, it is sluggish to me, it was good in my '98 with like 400 pounds less then a '00, but know its too much weight for that motor. I feel like im driving a school bus with a Inline-4 in it(ok not that bad). Personally I love nissan but they should have come out with that car and motor in '00 instead of '02. And the last thing that gets my nerves is that a new nissan ALTIMA will toast me stock. I cant have that.
Sorry had to get that off my chest

 

The Maxima engine is far from sluggish, I owned a 94 300ZX before I bought my 2k1 5spd Max, and the Maxima engine is more lively than the Z's, and It will give the Z a run for its money. You're either a bad driver or your engine is not running efficiently, but the Maxima does not feel like driving a school bus. Then you mention that you were considering trading your Maxima for a 4Runner or a Pathfinder, these 2 rides don't even come close to the Maxima's handling and performance, they literally drive like trucks. Take a couple of high performance driving classes, then you will appreciate your Maxima more.

 

Not worth getting 2002 if you got 00/01 - wait till 2003 comes out otherwise you'll want 2003 once it comes out

 

I say get the 2k2. I know I will be waiting with cash.......well credit in hand. And im trading in my 2k1ae. Boy am i glad i didnt do any mods to my current max.....well i did tint the windows but thats it. Oh yeah i did get the strut tower brace but that will bolt right on the 2k2.

 

Umm well maybe you should drive more cars out there.
Oh ya by the way I can drive seeing I did a 14.9 in the Quarter stock.what where your times?

 

how in the world did you get 6k upside down!?

 

simple, put nothing down and only had it for about 9 mo. Car is only worth 20-22k and my loan balance is still like 26k

Adam

 

I was flipped to. Ive had my car a year and a half and I just now broke even

 

I would at least wait another year. They will be looking to get rid of the older 5th gen for the new 6th. They will drop prices and rates as they are for the 2001 altima. By the way, the 2002 altima may be another alternative. However, that depends on the 2003 max of course.

 

He is right, nissan will always make the maxima better each year (eg i bought my maxima in 2000 and in 2001 the 20th ann. came out) so dont drive yourself 'cause each year will be a little better then the last. im going to wait