Thinking of buying a 5th/5.5 Gen? Please post all questions and info here.... - Page 8

tookrzy4u192 · 11-24-2008, 08:43 AM

from the looks of it.. its not too bad with the price but i would still negotiate a little.. just find minor problems with it and try to lower the price.. i got my max for 7200 out the door because the dealership hadn't sold a car that day and they were desperate to sell one lol.. the car came in over the weekend and they hadn't even set a price but said itd be around 8995 or so but we got it for 7200 with the doc fee and everything

afrofranzy · 11-25-2008, 05:32 AM

Hello Everybody,
I have a question but dont know if its been asked already; so I'm gonna risk it.
I've always been curious to know since they're somewhat the same dimension in wheel base, if the rear seats from the infinity I35 would fit right in our maximas (you gotta love those head rests). But I dont think its the same leather. Has anyone ever tried the experiment? Or even thought about it?
It is now opened for discussion....!!

AEMAXIMA01 · 11-25-2008, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afrofranzy

Hello Everybody,
I have a question but dont know if its been asked already; so I'm gonna risk it.
I've always been curious to know since they're somewhat the same dimension in wheel base, if the rear seats from the infinity I35 would fit right in our maximas (you gotta love those head rests). But I dont think its the same leather. Has anyone ever tried the experiment? Or even thought about it?
It is now opened for discussion....!!

Ask the question here: *NOOBIES* - The "I AM NEW HERE BUT HAVE A QUESTION" thread

*accordingtou* · 12-08-2008, 10:55 PM

Did nissan make an auto 5.5gen with Hlsd?

Drockb418 · 12-11-2008, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by accordingtou

Did nissan make an auto 5.5gen with Hlsd?

yuppers

blueridge · 12-12-2008, 06:01 PM

After owning a 1997 SE and 2000 SE each to over 270,000 miles, I've started looking at 2002-2003's as the new daily drive (giving my 2000 SE to my wife as a replacement for her Hyudai). This forum has been very helpful in making me aware of some of the things to look for with the 3.5 engine.

Both the 97 and 00 SE's were very similar mechanically, very solid, had radiator and starter issues which were addressed, mass flow sensor (not unexpected with that mileage) but otherwise oil/tires/brakes/50K tune up type of cars. No repair has ever been the "$500 to change a Lexus litebulb" type of repair.

I was even able to transfer my jetski trailer hitch from the 97 to the 00.

A couple of quick questions, other that watching oil consumption, any other things to look for with the 3.5?
Is the strut bearing wear noise more of an SE issue? or across the model line?

Any thoughts on a 5.5 gen Maxima vs. a similar vintage Altima (3.5 only) ?
and,
Can I tranfer that U-haul brand trailer hitch to my third Maxima?

thanks,

'02_EMILBUS · 12-12-2008, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueridge

After owning a 1997 SE and 2000 SE each to over 270,000 miles, I've started looking at 2002-2003's as the new daily drive (giving my 2000 SE to my wife as a replacement for her Hyudai). This forum has been very helpful in making me aware of some of the things to look for with the 3.5 engine.

Both the 97 and 00 SE's were very similar mechanically, very solid, had radiator and starter issues which were addressed, mass flow sensor (not unexpected with that mileage) but otherwise oil/tires/brakes/50K tune up type of cars. No repair has ever been the "$500 to change a Lexus litebulb" type of repair.

I was even able to transfer my jetski trailer hitch from the 97 to the 00.

A couple of quick questions, other that watching oil consumption, any other things to look for with the 3.5?
Is the strut bearing wear noise more of an SE issue? or across the model line?

Any thoughts on a 5.5 gen Maxima vs. a similar vintage Altima (3.5 only) ?
and,
Can I tranfer that U-haul brand trailer hitch to my third Maxima?

thanks,

I have no strut bearing wear noise, definitely keep an eye on the oil level and Altimas Do have Independent Rear Suspension unlike Nissan's higher model: Maxima

blueridge · 12-15-2008, 04:30 PM

well after further research around this site, I decided that passenger side front "strut bearing" clunk I've had on both the 97 and the 00 may be motor mounts. Useful stuff to know, thanks.

As mentioned, I work my cars hard, 50-60K per year and sure have had good luck with the Maximas. I would be interested if any of the mechanic types on this site could give me an opinion on getting a 5.5 generation Maxima vs. a similar vintage 3.5 engine Altima. Hope that's not considered blasphemy around here. Also, I'm looking automatic trans only. Knee can't take all that shifting anymore despite Nissan's persuasive advertising.

thanks,

ZXTwnT300 · 12-18-2008, 11:09 AM

I know this is a newbie question (I am brand new to owning a Maxima but not Nissans as I have two others) but, what is the difference in a 5th Gen and a 5.5 Gen?

**Puppetmaster** · 12-18-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZXTwnT300

I know this is a newbie question (I am brand new to owning a Maxima but not Nissans as I have two others) but, what is the difference in a 5th Gen and a 5.5 Gen?

5th Gen - 00-01 model years with VQ30DE-K, non-HID headlights, dark framed tails, smaller front Nissan emblem with grill fixed to bumper, available in 4AT and 5MT, 2001 Anniversary Editions had VLSD and AE body kit.

5.5 Gen - 02-03 model years with VQ35DE, HIDs, chrome framed tails, larger emblem with grill that detaches from the bumper, available in 4AT and 6MT, HLSD was an option with the 6MT.

There are other differences but IMO those are the ones that usually come up. Maybe others can chime in too. I think there may be some info in the Stickies too, or even on edmunds.com or something.

**Puppetmaster** · 12-18-2008, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by accordingtou

Did nissan make an auto 5.5gen with Hlsd?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drockb418

yuppers

Uh... no?

ZXTwnT300 · 12-19-2008, 10:03 AM

Thanks!! I knew it had to do with something like that but didn't know what.

**Puppetmaster** · 12-19-2008, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZXTwnT300

Thanks!! I knew it had to do with something like that but didn't know what.

I realized I had a typo... I meant 5.5 Gen is 02-03 model years.

osufan_74 · 12-20-2008, 04:41 PM

I bought a 2000 SE 2 yrs. ago. I love the car. However, if I were to do it over I would have went with a 2002 or 2003. They have 255 hp i think. The 2000 has 222 hp.

maxkid · 12-23-2008, 10:19 PM

I just bought a 2000 gle for my son, I guess I was in a hurry I taught it was a good deal. I paid $5 k for it.It' a siver with spoiler, sunroof ,leather in good condition, 127,000 miles. The owner showed me some records, all the ignition coil was replaced 6 monnths ago with 110 miles, the rear seal was replaced,newer tires the head light is new(both sides)& both axels.Today I spent almost 400 dollars just for parts, i'm going to do suspenssions . I bought struts (KYB) shocks ,pads ,rear rotors ,oil, transmission fluid,outer tire rods ,coolant & the front rotors resurface for 10 bucks a piece. Everything works on the car except it needs a shocks & struts.Is it a good deal?

*Metal Maxima* · 12-23-2008, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxkid

Is it a good deal?

Yes, a very good deal. A 5th gen will last for at least 200k if properly maintained. Just keep up on the regular maintenance items and you'll be right as rain.

insaner · 12-26-2008, 01:34 PM

ok i didnt get the se either. just too far to drive. i have found a 2003 gle with 44k miles. im paying $10,210. i dont think its a great deal, but the car is in perfect shape. im tired of looking, so im buying the thing. cant wait to be a 5.5 gen owner!

heres to 250k miles!

oh yeah, its silver with black leather.

Ebony Max · 01-01-2009, 07:50 PM

Hello everyone,

I am thinking about purchasing a 2003 Maxima GLE with 77,605 miles and the asking price is $9995. My first question would be is what do the veterans here think about the price? I have been browsing through the site for a couple of hours now and have noticed things to look out for?

Also, I know that in the past the headlight thefts were a big issue for this Maxima. Any major concerns about it now? I have been doing searches and the only solution seems to be the data dots or the aftermarket kit and those do not seem to work.

Thanks.

tougasm · 01-02-2009, 10:24 AM

I've got a 02 max se and its burning a lot of oil. cold starts are rough but its fine once it warms up.whats going on, new spark plugs? I got the oil changed a month ago and its probably down 2 quarts. heeelllpp

tougasm · 01-02-2009, 10:26 AM

also my drivers side door wont open, it happened last year when it was cold then went away now its back and not opening at alll. all other doors open fine. what might be going on. I cant take the panel off if it wont open

*ZIPPIN* · 01-02-2009, 12:26 PM

The extra horses are nice, but my 03 has given me more issues in a year than my 00 ever did. My 00 had 165xxx when I sold it.

Klutch · 01-07-2009, 02:34 PM

No matter what I'll end up putting this in the wrong place so I'll just use my judgement.

Looking at a 2002 SE Dark Blue Maxima with 65K on the clock, one owner. 6speed with frost leather interior and meridian package, heated seats, BOSE, roof, climate control etc.. Also has HLSD and is in excellent condition inside and out. Only option it doesn't have is NAV and if the TE was available that year it doesn't have the TE package. New tires as well. Price is $8900