5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.
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I bought a 2001 Maxima SE, 20th Anniversary Edition.
It's a five speed, 106k, and fabulous to drive.
I have one concern. The variable intake runners on the VQ30DE-K, I have been told to fail at around 80k miles, thereby causing a massive power loss. The previous owner, a middle-aged engineering manager, has maintained the car lovingly, but has said nothing about this problem, and a buddy of mine who drives an A32 informed me about it.
My question is: How/what happens when they fail? And what should I do to prevent/fix it?
Thanks,
Moncef
this is for people THINKING of buying a 5th gen.
now that you have one, post in the newbie thread. we will answer your VIAS question...and inform you that the info you got was wrong
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Represented by: Graham Motorsports Media 2008 Xterra Off Road (N50 | VQ40DE | KH3)
06 Mazda 6
Maxima - A33 | VQ35DE | RS6F51A | KH3/G
NWP Engineering Thermal Intake Manifold Spacers
Hybrid Berk/Frankencar Intake | Frankencar catback | Cattman STS | ES 6-speed bushings
H&R Springs | Tokico Struts | Progress RSB | Otto FSTB | Blemco LTB | Hawks HPS Pads | Custom Front Lip
i have a 6 speed with HLSD like you plan on getting, and the 1-2 shift is pretty notchy 90% of the time.. like, it takes effort to shift the stick from 1st to 2nd when driving.. almost like it gets stuck in the middle (yes, even with the clutch all the way depressed)... it also takes effort to get the shifter into first gear when the car is cold.. i have amsoil gear oil in there, and thought it would help a little with that notchiness, but it did not.. i don't know if there's a fix for that rough shifting or what, but it's pretty annoying to me.. shifting the stick into the other gears are pretty good though
I had an issue with hard shifting, especially first and second, and most of the time it's first-to-reverse to avoid the grind... I was worried about it - until I topped off the clutch fluid. I do the work on my own car and sometimes it is painful (alternator anyone?), so I felt foolish for not have taken the easy road for months. Worth a shot for a couple bucks...
Iam going to look at a 03 but everyone i know drives a VTEC and they tells me to go buy a VTEC
VQ > VTEC
Quote:
Originally Posted by SoonerFan
STS and ES bushings greatly reduce the notchy shifts...more firm and direct
yeah, i'm gonna see about those.. i felt my buddy's stick (no homo) with an STS and the gears were REALLY close.. to the point where it just felt weird.. i think he said that kit had a 60% reduction in throw distance.. i'm looking at the one from active tuning that i heard good things about as well
EDIT: nevermind.. the active tuning sts has been discontinued... CRAP! i'll look into others...
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2003 6 speed TE
Looks: Superwhite LEDs Inside Smoked Side Markers
Performance: Stillen Intake with Custom MAF-TB Pipe, NWP Phenolic Intake Spacers, NWP Block Off Plate, Cattman Gen 3 Headers, Custom 3" Magnaflow Cat-back Exhaust
Suspension: Tokico Illumina Struts, Ebay FSTB, Progress RSB
So Im looking at buying a 2003 Maxima from a dealership. Its an SE and it has 71,000 miles on it and looks like its in pretty good shape. The asking price is $15k.
My question is what its worth.. Kbb has the price listed as $13,400 under excellent shape, and as retail. So I figure that theres no way its in "excellent" condition, and as far as retail, do you usually pay retail value for a used car? The Private Party price under "excellent" is only $10,800...
Also, Im going to be trading in my Jeep. Its a 98, and it has 120k miles on it.. Kbb lists the trade-in value as about $3k, but I recently had a re-built engine put in it..
So, what do you guys suggest the leftover price should be after trading in my Jeep? If I go just by Kbb, the price would be about $10k leftover... Im hoping for more like $6k. Is that reasonable?
Last edited by BuyerBeware; 07-10-2008 at 09:20 AM.
So Im looking at buying a 2003 Maxima from a dealership. Its an SE and it has 71,000 miles on it and looks like its in pretty good shape. The asking price is $15k.
My question is what its worth.. Kbb has the price listed as $13,400 under excellent shape, and as retail. So I figure that theres no way its in "excellent" condition, and as far as retail, do you usually pay retail value for a used car? The Private Party price under "excellent" is only $10,800...
Also, Im going to be trading in my Jeep. Its a 98, and it has 120k miles on it.. Kbb lists the trade-in value as about $3k, but I recently had a re-built engine put in it..
So, what do you guys suggest the leftover price should be after trading in my Jeep? If I go just by Kbb, the price would be about $10k leftover... Im hoping for more like $6k. Is that reasonable?
Drop them to $13,500 before mentioning the trade in.. Get that out of the way and then bring in the trade in to discussion. I got my I35 with 39k on the ODO for $15,100 so your SE is obviously padding in mucho profit for the dealer. The only thing about Maxi's is they don't last long so make a move that fits within your budget.
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03 I35: Transgo Shift kit, Spark advance, Hyperground kit, G35 wheelies, Black n Tan Interior, LED rear conversion.
Hey all, its been along time since ive been on here...I sold my 00 max back in 2003 but now its looking like I may be coming back with a 03 max. But I wanted to get some input on this one I am currently looking @. Such as is it worth the price, and how much should I offer. I know maxima's can take a beating but Im not to sure of how much is too much. I dont really want to get one that is totally stock especially when I know there are so many good ones floating around that have been taking car of. My color of choice really is black on black, but im really flexible on it. Thanks in advance for your help.
I currenty drive a 1994 Corolla as a huge gas saver, and it is ok. Last fall my parents sold me a 2001 I30 w/ 150k on it for $6000.00. It was a great car but to fancy for me and it could only manage 21mpg in city driving. So I resold that car. A friend has decided to sell his 2001 Maxima Se Black on Black leather a/n 6spd. He has owned the car since 2002, it was a lite front total when he bought it. It does have a rebuilt title but his friend fixed it and they have been driving it for years. He told me he would sell it to me for $4000.00 with new tires. The car has 90k on it. The car looks like a typical 6-7 yr old car. Being a 6spd can I expect better fuel milage. How about the price. Thanks
Looking to buy a 5.5gen 6mt. I test drove one today, and man was it great, but those throws on the shifter were so far! If i recall my dads ol' 95' 5spd was alot shorter throws?
Looking to buy a 5.5gen 6mt. I test drove one today, and man was it great, but those throws on the shifter were so far! If i recall my dads ol' 95' 5spd was alot shorter throws?
Do the "free" Short Throw Shifter modification that can be done for these cars.
Where are you located??
I have an '02SE that I've considered getting rid of...if interested?
I am just disappointed at myself for buying a FWD car...
I'm looking at purchasing a 5th gen maxima here shortly but trying to find out if certain trim levels came with specific options. Ie what do the gxe/se/etc signify.
I've been reading on the forums for hours, but haven't seen this mentioned any where.
Also, is it only the 02-03's that have hid's? Or specific models?
I'm looking at purchasing a 5th gen maxima here shortly but trying to find out if certain trim levels came with specific options. Ie what do the gxe/se/etc signify.
I've been reading on the forums for hours, but haven't seen this mentioned any where.
Also, is it only the 02-03's that have hid's? Or specific models?
I don't know answers to all of your questions.. someone here that loves these cars does though.
I know SE= sport edition, slightly different (stiffer?) suspension
GXE= grand touring edition? maybe..
GLE= grand luxury edition??
All 2002+ have HID's and also that was the first year available for the 6-speed.
Down with automatics!!!
I don't know answers to all of your questions.. someone here that loves these cars does though.
I know SE= sport edition, slightly different (stiffer?) suspension
GXE= grand touring edition? maybe..
GLE= grand luxury edition??
All 2002+ have HID's and also that was the first year available for the 6-speed.
Down with automatics!!!
Hope this helps a little...
You certainly answered my question about the hid's. Thanks!
Hopefully someone else can chime in about the trim levels.
when is it likely that a catalytic converter may go out? my maxima is a 2001 with 74000 miles! my check engine light came on and thats what a local mechanic said it was. but just yesterday the light turned off..
I'm planning to get a 02 SE 6spd maxima , i read much about it, i have a 4thgen automatic now and want a manual. my question is, what is de performance 0-60mph/ 0-100km/h of the VQ35DE 02 SE Manual 6?
I read a place 7sec. and I think its very slow for that car.
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96' GXE Maxima AUTO
Budget Y-pipe, Magnaflow Muffler
K&N air filter, 300zxTT fuel filter
Infiniti G35 rims (17")
I am planning to buy a 2000 maxima gle with 165k miles .
Initial drive looked fine but not sure of any issues with it. Earlier it was driven as rental vehicle .Should i go for it @ 4000 $. Let me know your opinion, external condition was good but never sure of how the engine would be . Car fax was clean except once a smog check failed.
I am planning to buy a 2000 maxima gle with 165k miles .
Initial drive looked fine but not sure of any issues with it. Earlier it was driven as rental vehicle .Should i go for it @ 4000 $. Let me know your opinion, external condition was good but never sure of how the engine would be . Car fax was clean except once a smog check failed.
Should I or not?
Hmm....tough call. Good price at $4,000, but it makes me wonder if there is a big issue with it. I would have it thoroughly checked out by a reputable mechanic. Have the mechanic take it for a test drive and check for any engine codes.
Usually parts that fail at that mileage are starter, alternator, suspension components, axles, wheel bearings, rear & front main seals, radiator clogging. Have all that stuff thoroughly checked.
Hey guys......I lucked out and found an 02 SE 6sp black on black in Jersey with HLSD and with the meridian package as well. It has 103K miles, but was able to talk them down to $7000. Seems like it's a good time to buy now with where the economy is....not only home sales, but also car sales have been slowing down (per what the dealers say). Used to own a 2K Audi S4 twin turbo, but service and parts cost ultimately made me go back to Japanese. Really miss that sucker but the Maxima definitely is a great car as well. After much reading and research (thanks to Maxima.org) I opted for the 5.5 gen because of a few things. The engine and tranny were mostly the determining factors because of the 3.5 motor and 6 speed. Anyway, i'm new to the forums obviously so just trying to build up my # of posts
No doubt I beat those guys up for about 2 weeks before i bought the car. Just needed some tires and a new clutch...totally worth it though! Now all i have to do is see if i can find someone who will trade me their 00-01 SE tail lights for mine. I like the way the carbon/black look on a black Maxima!
Currently I own a 2000 GLE with 86K miles..having some engine problems and horrible gas mileage. I've done work with trying to fix it, brought it to shops but people are no help. Currently looking at this...what do you think?
Currently I own a 2000 GLE with 86K miles..having some engine problems and horrible gas mileage. I've done work with trying to fix it, brought it to shops but people are no help. Currently looking at this...what do you think?
Lookin at buyin a 2001 SE charcoal with 84k miles for $7500. There are some body scuffs and one cut on the inside. It seems like a lot of people are pushing to get a newer max 02/03. Does this seem like a good deal as long as I get it checked by my mechanic. It had 1 accident on carfax but it was from 2002 so Im guessing anything from that should be resolved by now. The lock on the trunk is also rusted like it was shaved to break in, and on the carfax it says they put a theft deterrent system in. The guy told me he would replace this though. Any help appreciated.
Found a clean 5th Gen at a local dealer (Los Angeles) last week. As far as I can tell, it's a GXE, pretty stock but with some options (auto moon roof, CD changer, auto trans). Exterior is good - gray with not too many paint chips. Interior is like new. Evidently well cared for.
It has 95k on it, but no signs of leaks in engine or underneath. Mechanic checked it over and likes it. Price = $7k. It's well below blue book, and even well below true market value.
Here's the thing: 30 miles off the lot and the SES light comes on. Mechanic (whom I know well and trust) pulls a code P0430 - pre-cat. I've been reading up on this site and on NissanHelp about the horror stories of recurring P0430 codes: Replace pre-cat, SES goes away, comes back, fix something else SES goes away then comes back. I can replace the precat with an after market, but it seems that will only give me about 8-10,000 miles.
The car is otherwise in excellent shape, no performance issues, runs very well, smoothly and quietly.
My question is this: the dealer said they'll take the car back and give me a full refund if I'm not happy. (I have two days left to do this.) Am I buying myself a long-term headache or a long-term friend? I take good care of my cars and don't really drive that much - been driving a 1988 Pathfinder which now has only 155k on it.
black on black on black 4th Gen Owner wants a Maxima 2.0
So I was looking around for a reasonably priced 02-03SE 6MT in my area and came up with what I'd like to call an anomaly, a "too good to be true" situation as they say. I'm paranoid about someone steeling my find so I won't mention where I found it, but, it's a 2002 6MT SE with, get this, 36,000 miles. I know; I had to blink 2 and then 3 times to make sure I wasn't seeing things. It's priced at $14k, but it's a private owner and I'm sure that I can talk him down to at least $9k. After all kbb.com has the se 6mt in IMMACULATE condition for $10.6 from a dealer.
What do you guys think? Salvage, odometer rollback, finally my break?
Hi, I'm from Canada. Been around this place mostly to sort out issues for my dads car.
Now is my turn for a Maxima.
I found 03 GXE auto, 67k km, so 42k miles, no whistles and bells, but good price. It is a trade in at the Subaru dealership. Asking 11.5, didn't want to drop at all, as they've already lowered the price from 14k(yea right, someone's gona buy it for that) to 12.5 now to 11.5.
Outside it looks damn good, my dad agreed. There's one chip on drivers door at he fender, like a stone chip, I could touch that up. Otherwise it's sparkling, well it needs a wash, but paint looks great. Inside it's like new basically.
I tried to start it up, clank clank, battery dead, it was sitting for too long. Guy boosted it up, no problem. Now I try to roll down the windows, the passenger side doesn't roll, duh. The drivers side behaves weirdly, It rolls down, when I roll it up it rolls down automatically... broken too? Well, so far so good, I listened to the engine, sounds good, no noise, under the hood its all clean, I'm seeing no leaks below it. We go for a ride, everything is smooth, I make a few turns and end up at the intersection making a right turn that must be done quick to merge into the first lane, as the turning lane ends soon. So I punched it to about 4.5k on the revs, everything was fine and then maybe 30 secs later "Check Engine" light comes on LOL. So I go back to dealership, wanted to go to my dads place to grab a code reader, but it was time for me to go pick up my wife, so I just decided I'll scan it the next day I go to see it. I told the sales person about the minor windows issue and the check engine light. He said he hasn't really touched the car since the trade in, but he will have to get the car fixed.
Overall I liked the car a lot, it looks like a car that hasn't been through a lot of abuse. That check engine light definitely smashed up my mood... I'm just curious what's the problem. Also the dead battery, would it be too much to demand a new one, since they got this one discharged? I mean that's pretty ****ty, means they haven't moved the car in a long while or didn't disconnect the wires...
I ran a precheck on carfax, it says there are 0 records, so I'm assuming I don't need to buy the membership and get a full report?
I also looked that no blue smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe, the pipe looks pretty clean, so I'm guessing it isn't burning oil like the famous issue is with these year models. I'll go read up on engine burning more now, maybe I missed some detail that points to it.
Anyway, that's my piece of info. I really think that car is in great shape, at least externally, I will have to get it to the dealer to have it go through full diagnostic before I put any money on the table.
Any comments would be appreciated, thanks!
Hi, I'm from Canada. Been around this place mostly to sort out issues for my dads car.
Now is my turn for a Maxima.
I found 03 GXE auto, 67k km, so 42k miles, no whistles and bells, but good price. It is a trade in at the Subaru dealership. Asking 11.5, didn't want to drop at all, as they've already lowered the price from 14k(yea right, someone's gona buy it for that) to 12.5 now to 11.5.
Outside it looks damn good, my dad agreed. There's one chip on drivers door at he fender, like a stone chip, I could touch that up. Otherwise it's sparkling, well it needs a wash, but paint looks great. Inside it's like new basically.
I tried to start it up, clank clank, battery dead, it was sitting for too long. Guy boosted it up, no problem. Now I try to roll down the windows, the passenger side doesn't roll, duh. The drivers side behaves weirdly, It rolls down, when I roll it up it rolls down automatically... broken too? Well, so far so good, I listened to the engine, sounds good, no noise, under the hood its all clean, I'm seeing no leaks below it. We go for a ride, everything is smooth, I make a few turns and end up at the intersection making a right turn that must be done quick to merge into the first lane, as the turning lane ends soon. So I punched it to about 4.5k on the revs, everything was fine and then maybe 30 secs later "Check Engine" light comes on LOL. So I go back to dealership, wanted to go to my dads place to grab a code reader, but it was time for me to go pick up my wife, so I just decided I'll scan it the next day I go to see it. I told the sales person about the minor windows issue and the check engine light. He said he hasn't really touched the car since the trade in, but he will have to get the car fixed.
Overall I liked the car a lot, it looks like a car that hasn't been through a lot of abuse. That check engine light definitely smashed up my mood... I'm just curious what's the problem. Also the dead battery, would it be too much to demand a new one, since they got this one discharged? I mean that's pretty ****ty, means they haven't moved the car in a long while or didn't disconnect the wires...
I ran a precheck on carfax, it says there are 0 records, so I'm assuming I don't need to buy the membership and get a full report?
I also looked that no blue smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe, the pipe looks pretty clean, so I'm guessing it isn't burning oil like the famous issue is with these year models. I'll go read up on engine burning more now, maybe I missed some detail that points to it.
Anyway, that's my piece of info. I really think that car is in great shape, at least externally, I will have to get it to the dealer to have it go through full diagnostic before I put any money on the table.
Any comments would be appreciated, thanks!
Have them fix everything that is wrong, besides the rock chip. The windows should be in working order, and whatever threw the SES light needs to be repaired. Might just be a O2 sensor, but have THEM fix it, or no deal. Make sure you find out what the code was....
I'm going to have it all in writing, have him sign it.
We've already bought my dads car that crapped up with mas + more sensors a few months after he bought it. So I'm trying to be careful.
Fantastic purchase.
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