First off I want to say that this is a great community and I would have never thought that the maxima had such a following, but I'm glad it does.

I'm in the process of fully purchasing the car from my father-in-law so this is pretty much questions for when I fully own the car (I still drive the car and have had it for the last 5mo)

This will actually be the first car I've ever owned so I'm anxious and ready to start doing general maintenance and some daily mods as I've never had the chance.

Now for the bad news...its an AT....

But since I know I will eventually get a "project car" down the road, I'm alright with it.
The car had roughly 178k miles and had been...moderately maintained (he wasn't the first owner as well), It has no features, and everything is (thankfully) bone stock.

Now the questions that I have for any of you fine gents (or ladies):

What are some standard 1st things to do and check for performance wise?
What are good starter mods that I could tackle on my own (as a 1st time modder) ?
Where can I find a recall list by VIN ? (my girlfriend also has a 5th Gen 03SE and they sent her a letter for recall of airbags)
Would it be smart (possible) to start using better petrol than unleaded as that is the only thing it's ever ran?
What is the process of switching?
Also a general tool kit selection for engine part removal, bumper,etc.

Obviously it'll only ever be a daily so I'm not looking for any power mods but looking to make it either up or close to pristine OEM spec. or a smooth JDM look.

Plans are (after regis.,diagnostic, etc.):

Fixing whatever MIGHT be wrong (no signs of anything "major")
Maintenance catch-up - already started
Brakes - Rotors and pads
Tints
HIDs
New Headlights?
New Audio Set Up
Coils
Wheels + Tires

thx, I hope someone can help. (pics or no?)

 

You said you've been driving it for the past 5 months, so you would know better than us what it's quirks are. Also, I know that the VQ35 requires premium fuel, not sure if the VQ30 is the same or not though. I don't remember off hand, mainly because I'm paying more attention to the hockey game right now. Lol.

In any case, valve body upgrade for the transmission is what I'd recommend for that automatic transmission.

 

dfj240 - fyi, the VQ35 engine was first used in the 2002. The op has a VQ30.

xdreamzx - If you live in the snowbelt, check the lower radiator support for rusting out. The cross member that the engine sits on bolts onto that radiator support.

All gasoline is unleaded (except for racing and this is hard to find). I think you are referring to the octane rating. Regular grade is considered to be 87 or 89 octane. Nissan recommends premium. 93 octane. There is no argument that the car will run better on premium but the car's ECM/ECU will retard the timing and run fine on regular grade gas.

 

You go the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.gov) and click on recalls.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues

There are 3 recalls for the 2000 but they are all for after market headlights manufactured by companies other than Nissan. There are no recalls by Nissan.

 

thanks for the imput guys, dfj240 i meant common performance issues not just specifically my car but thanks, i'll look into the valve trans

ahh yes you caught me in a dim state lol, yes i meant to go higher in grade from 87. thank you for your quick responses.

 

In other words, premium fuel (91 octane or better) is recommended for best performance for any Maxima built since 1995.

 

Reread my post please. I'm very aware of when the engine change took place. My post said that the VQ35 requires premium fuel but that I am not sure whether the VQ30 does. This means that my engine, VQ35, requires premium, but I am not sure about his VQ30.

 

We obviously have a problem understanding each other. My comments about the gasoline were directed at the op.

 

Yes, and you attempted to correct me about the VQ35 vs the VQ30 in the same post, when no correction was necessary as I had clarified everything in my original post. I am asking that you please correct me if I've made a mistake, but to please read my post thoroughly before doing so. I don't like being corrected, and made to look as though I am not knowledgeable, especially about something so simple, when there is nothing that I have said requiring correction.

In any case, it's not a big deal, and your advice on the fuel is spot on.

 

-_- still need a couple more of those answered if possible but also would i be able to swap steering wheels to an aftermarket one?