I’ve finally completed my 15 post probationary period,so allow me to introduce myself
04-26-2010, 12:29 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 54
I’ve finally completed my 15 post probationary period,so allow me to introduce myself
First let me tell you that I will not be your typical “noob/newb,” I’ve been doing this internet car forum thing for a LONG time. So I know how to search before asking questions, and how not to dig up a post from 2005 acting like it just happened yesterday. I’ve been a mod myself on Bimmerboard for years, so I know how it can be somewhat frustrating when someone new pops up asking the same question that has been asked 50,000 times before. With that being said…it takes a lot less energy to just answer it for the 50,001 time than to belittle the new cat for asking it. I see there is no shortage RTFM and search bellowers here, so I’ll get off that soapbox while I’m ahead.
Anyway, I finally purchased a 2002 6MT Maxima last week after an EXTENSIVE search. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money, and it seems that Maxima’s are selling far above their NADA/KBB/Edmunds values. Even at the auctions they are selling for pretty pennies, I’ll post those numbers in another thread for any interested. I really wanted a 03 Titanium edition, and missed out on one with 121k miles for 5k. The 03 TE’s are/were sky high, and then this 02 came along squarely in my price range. I wasn’t crazy about the color, but it wasn’t black so it wasn’t a deal breaker. Even with it’s slightly jaded accident history, this is by FAR the cleanest 02 I’ve laid my eyes on. As far as issues…lets see...one of the foglights has a very slight crack and I need 2 new push tabs for the splash guard under the front bumper. That’s it. Everything including the BOSE works perfectly, no gear grind, and no oil consumption that I’ve noticed in the 600 miles I’ve had it. I have everything except NAV, TCS, and HLSD. I did a SEARCH and found out that I can swap a 04+ tranny in and have HLSD, so I may do that one day. It was nice to see the chrome door sills, so I ALMOST have a TE! I’m VERY pleased for a car that was WELL south of 6k.
I’ve always been a Honda guy (not Civic’s as my 6’5” 290 frame isn’t happy in there), but now classic American muscle is where I live. I’ve had A LOT of cars. I’ll spare posting the pics of ALL of them, but I will post a few later. I’ve had two MTX SHO’s (94 and 95), a 94 6 speed Legend SEDAN, a 91 NA 300Z, 01 740i sport, 96 LT4 Corvette any many more. Oh yeah, had a 00 Busa too. I’m not into “modding.” The most I’ll do is maybe change the wheels, add tint (already done), and add a real sound system. Body kits and drops? No way. Now before the slamaholics, Autobot Jazz body kit havers, and resident ifitaintdroppeditaintrightians tar and feather me - allow me to explain that I've been there and done that. Long gone (for me) are the days of pinky finger space between my tire and fender, Eibach pro kit vs sportline discussions, and ball busting and potential low sperm count producing coil over rides. Though I'm not mad at anyone still in the phase, I'm just too d@mn old.
Anyway, here I am for better or worse. Hopefully I can contribute something soon.
91 Z, sold last year. Wish I still had these wheels for the Maxima:
95 SC300 - current:
My car show queens....
66 C-10
69 SS427 Impala convertible:
Anyway, I finally purchased a 2002 6MT Maxima last week after an EXTENSIVE search. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money, and it seems that Maxima’s are selling far above their NADA/KBB/Edmunds values. Even at the auctions they are selling for pretty pennies, I’ll post those numbers in another thread for any interested. I really wanted a 03 Titanium edition, and missed out on one with 121k miles for 5k. The 03 TE’s are/were sky high, and then this 02 came along squarely in my price range. I wasn’t crazy about the color, but it wasn’t black so it wasn’t a deal breaker. Even with it’s slightly jaded accident history, this is by FAR the cleanest 02 I’ve laid my eyes on. As far as issues…lets see...one of the foglights has a very slight crack and I need 2 new push tabs for the splash guard under the front bumper. That’s it. Everything including the BOSE works perfectly, no gear grind, and no oil consumption that I’ve noticed in the 600 miles I’ve had it. I have everything except NAV, TCS, and HLSD. I did a SEARCH and found out that I can swap a 04+ tranny in and have HLSD, so I may do that one day. It was nice to see the chrome door sills, so I ALMOST have a TE! I’m VERY pleased for a car that was WELL south of 6k.
I’ve always been a Honda guy (not Civic’s as my 6’5” 290 frame isn’t happy in there), but now classic American muscle is where I live. I’ve had A LOT of cars. I’ll spare posting the pics of ALL of them, but I will post a few later. I’ve had two MTX SHO’s (94 and 95), a 94 6 speed Legend SEDAN, a 91 NA 300Z, 01 740i sport, 96 LT4 Corvette any many more. Oh yeah, had a 00 Busa too. I’m not into “modding.” The most I’ll do is maybe change the wheels, add tint (already done), and add a real sound system. Body kits and drops? No way. Now before the slamaholics, Autobot Jazz body kit havers, and resident ifitaintdroppeditaintrightians tar and feather me - allow me to explain that I've been there and done that. Long gone (for me) are the days of pinky finger space between my tire and fender, Eibach pro kit vs sportline discussions, and ball busting and potential low sperm count producing coil over rides. Though I'm not mad at anyone still in the phase, I'm just too d@mn old.
Anyway, here I am for better or worse. Hopefully I can contribute something soon.
91 Z, sold last year. Wish I still had these wheels for the Maxima:
95 SC300 - current:
My car show queens....
66 C-10
69 SS427 Impala convertible:
04-26-2010, 12:34 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: London, ON, Canada
Posts: 595
Welcome man... Cool car history, more extensive than mine...
Car looks good, and I wouldn't be crazy about the color either but it looks good on the 5.5 gen! I don't like the color of my car either but it has every option, was inexpensive and had reasonable miles, so I picked it up (sterling silver)
Anyways enjoy your stay on the .org.
Car looks good, and I wouldn't be crazy about the color either but it looks good on the 5.5 gen! I don't like the color of my car either but it has every option, was inexpensive and had reasonable miles, so I picked it up (sterling silver)
Anyways enjoy your stay on the .org.
04-26-2010, 02:25 PM
#7
Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 61
I'm waiting on my 15 post probationary too, so here's one more post towards it. Can't wait to be able to post something of my own. My Maxima is pearl white, and it looks pretty good on it. If you could tint the windows with a similarily colored tint, it might make up for the lousy color.
04-26-2010, 02:32 PM
#8
the color on that car is fine... I like it. 6spd ftw you lucky bstard lol
Drop, tint, stillen lip, smoke sidemarkers, I/H/E, nwp block plate and spacers... done
Nice purchase welcome to the org.
Drop, tint, stillen lip, smoke sidemarkers, I/H/E, nwp block plate and spacers... done
Nice purchase welcome to the org.
04-26-2010, 02:39 PM
#10
Welcome to the Org! - Clean 5.5 you found, color is nice on that version (wouldn't be good for most other generations in my opinion). I'm not a big OMG it needs rims and a drop person either... I'll be doing the later gen (ie 5.5 SE rims) on my max since they look stock, fit the car, and LOOK good... as for lowering - I will eventually, but more for ride control than appearance (only going down 1.5" front and 1.25 rear).
Keep the shiny side up.
Keep the shiny side up.
04-26-2010, 02:55 PM
#12
Me too. And the old Z.
OK then, if you're not modding, why are you here? You rambled on validating your cred as a serious enthusiast (quite well, I might add), then said all you're going to do is a few non-stock visuals? 
Yeah, I don't think so. My bet is that by the end of this summer, you're going to have most all of the bolt-on's that work well on our cars. C'mon, you know it's true!
Yeah, I don't think so. My bet is that by the end of this summer, you're going to have most all of the bolt-on's that work well on our cars. C'mon, you know it's true!
04-26-2010, 03:00 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: London, ON, Canada
Posts: 595
Me too. And the old Z.
OK then, if you're not modding, why are you here? You rambled on validating your cred as a serious enthusiast (quite well, I might add), then said all you're going to do is a few non-stock visuals?
Yeah, I don't think so. My bet is that by the end of this summer, you're going to have most all of the bolt-on's that work well on our cars. C'mon, you know it's true!
OK then, if you're not modding, why are you here? You rambled on validating your cred as a serious enthusiast (quite well, I might add), then said all you're going to do is a few non-stock visuals?
Yeah, I don't think so. My bet is that by the end of this summer, you're going to have most all of the bolt-on's that work well on our cars. C'mon, you know it's true!
I don't even try to tell myself I won't be modding anymore... If I get a new car, I just look for a less friendly car for modding. Doesn't stop me though, there's always something.
04-26-2010, 03:20 PM
#15
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 54
Thanks for the welcome everyone, I appreciate it. Now back to my validation:
No sweat man, always ready to talk about old schools.
The color has actually grown on me. I did get a metallic type tint that fits the color very well IMO. I wish I had the 03 polished wheels though,the flat look on this color is so blah.
Fair question. I'm here because this seems to be the place to get answers and learn as much as I can about 5th gens. Take a look to your left and you'll notice that I'm a 4 year old newbie. I've been here before to find answers for a co-worker some time ago who had questions. I like to learn as much as I can about whatever I buy so that can hold a reasonably intelligent conversation should I run into someone with similar interests. For the most part I also dig the camaraderie (I can live without ridiculous replies like "thats gay" or "who cares" or ridiculing someone for repeat questions), and though modding is no LONGER my thing on a depreciating asset - I really like seeing what others do with their cars. I've gotten to a point where comfort, a certain level of refinement, safety, and MPG are higher considerations. I've done a LOT of modding in my 35 years, but I can ASSURE you that this car will not be modded outside of what was mentioned. Cars are just toys to me. When I get tired of them, off they go (except my two saving accounts 
) so I typically don't get too vested.
There I go rambling again
OK then, if you're not modding, why are you here? You rambled on validating your cred as a serious enthusiast (quite well, I might add), then said all you're going to do is a few non-stock visuals?
Yeah, I don't think so. My bet is that by the end of this summer, you're going to have most all of the bolt-on's that work well on our cars. C'mon, you know it's true!
Yeah, I don't think so. My bet is that by the end of this summer, you're going to have most all of the bolt-on's that work well on our cars. C'mon, you know it's true!
) so I typically don't get too vested. There I go rambling again
Last edited by BIG CTY; 04-26-2010 at 04:57 PM.
04-26-2010, 04:58 PM
#17
Me too. And the old Z.
OK then, if you're not modding, why are you here? You rambled on validating your cred as a serious enthusiast (quite well, I might add), then said all you're going to do is a few non-stock visuals?
Yeah, I don't think so. My bet is that by the end of this summer, you're going to have most all of the bolt-on's that work well on our cars. C'mon, you know it's true!
OK then, if you're not modding, why are you here? You rambled on validating your cred as a serious enthusiast (quite well, I might add), then said all you're going to do is a few non-stock visuals?
Yeah, I don't think so. My bet is that by the end of this summer, you're going to have most all of the bolt-on's that work well on our cars. C'mon, you know it's true!
Last edited by MoncefA33; 04-26-2010 at 05:02 PM.
04-26-2010, 05:03 PM
#18
04-26-2010, 05:12 PM
#20
Long gone (for me) are the days of pinky finger space between my tire and fender, Eibach pro kit vs sportline discussions, and ball busting and potential low sperm count producing coil over rides. Though I'm not mad at anyone still in the phase, I'm just too d@mn old.
Sounds good dude, excited to see how this car turns out, even if the mods will be relatively mild.
04-26-2010, 06:33 PM
#23
That's what I'm talking about. Can you just feel the love? I'm feeling it.
OP, you're going to really like your Maxima. Bought my '03 brand new, and thoroughly enjoy driving it each and every day. See you around the Org.
OP, you're going to really like your Maxima. Bought my '03 brand new, and thoroughly enjoy driving it each and every day. See you around the Org.
04-27-2010, 07:21 AM
#26
Here was my max before I let it go. Was a 5th gen and not a 3.5 but it was the same color. What I think made the most difference was my tint. It wasn't a flat black, it had a bronzish tint to it, but wasn't reflective. There wasn't a picture in the world that could justify its looks. Was so nice in person.
04-27-2010, 07:32 AM
#27
BIG CTY, here are a few things you might like to do that, while still "mods" in the true sense, they aren't complex or transformational, and might still appeal to you:
- Free STS Mod (reduce the vertical throw on your shifter)
- Energy Suspension shifter bushings (for a more solid shift)
- E-Brake Leather Boot (match your shifter leather for under $50)
- LED bulb replacements (plug-n-play bulbs)
- Fog-light re-wire (turn on your fogs w/o headlights)
- Side-marker re-wire (blink alternately with your turn signals)
04-27-2010, 08:03 AM
#28
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 54
Once again, 'preciate the warm welcome from everyone. This place seems pretty cool thus far.
You know, that looks pretty good. I'm not a lowered hater, just not into it for myself anymore. But that is a nice looking car/stance.
Yeah, mine has a bronzish tint and some reflection so it really makes the color look nice IMO. I actually LIKE the color now, but I have to do something about the wheels. I'd like the OEM polished Titanium edition wheels, or wheels that have the finish of the g35 coupe wheels I had pictured on my Z above.
Touche' my across the lake from Canada brethren, it seems you were right after all! Every single thing you listed are indeed mods that I would be interested in. Thus far the tint and license plate LED's are all I've done. Wheels are on the menu, but I like the sound of some of these - especially the last 3. I should probably get to searching to see how to make all of that happen. I guess a real car enthusiast will never NOT mod, the modding will just be of a more subtle nature. Thanks for the suggestions! 
Here was my max before I let it go. Was a 5th gen and not a 3.5 but it was the same color. What I think made the most difference was my tint. It wasn't a flat black, it had a bronzish tint to it, but wasn't reflective. There wasn't a picture in the world that could justify its looks. Was so nice in person.
BIG CTY, here are a few things you might like to do that, while still "mods" in the true sense, they aren't complex or transformational, and might still appeal to you:
- Free STS Mod (reduce the vertical throw on your shifter)
- Energy Suspension shifter bushings (for a more solid shift)
- E-Brake Leather Boot (match your shifter leather for under $50)
- LED bulb replacements (plug-n-play bulbs)
- Fog-light re-wire (turn on your fogs w/o headlights)
- Side-marker re-wire (blink alternately with your turn signals)
04-27-2010, 08:23 AM
#29
BIG CTY, here are a few things you might like to do that, while still "mods" in the true sense, they aren't complex or transformational, and might still appeal to you:
- Free STS Mod (reduce the vertical throw on your shifter)
- Energy Suspension shifter bushings (for a more solid shift)
- E-Brake Leather Boot (match your shifter leather for under $50)
- LED bulb replacements (plug-n-play bulbs)
- Fog-light re-wire (turn on your fogs w/o headlights)
- Side-marker re-wire (blink alternately with your turn signals)
- Buy LED bulbs that match the bulbs of the interior. Can get pricey if you want high end but worth it IMO
[*] Fog-light re-wire (turn on your fogs w/o headlights)
- Basically under the hood in the fuse box you are going to cut the fog wire wired to the relay and splice it into something with constant power. I chose to use my AC line as that is always set to "on" when keys are in the ignition.
[*] Side-marker re-wire (blink alternately with your turn signals)
- Same as fog rewire except you splice into the turn signal blink wire.
There should be more precise write ups with pics floating around somewhere.
Last edited by merovi; 04-27-2010 at 08:30 AM.
04-27-2010, 08:27 AM
#30
Here's another one: with a sunlit sand maxima, you might like to replace your daytime running light wedge bulbs with something like this 25-SMD Amber bulb:
Last edited by Rochester; 04-27-2010 at 08:38 AM.
04-27-2010, 09:35 AM
#31
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 54
You're welcome. Figured I should say something constructive. Probably should have done that first, but... well, I didn't. Everything mentioned here can be found somewhere in some thread, 10x over. g'luck.
Here's another one: with a sunlit sand maxima, you might like to replace your daytime running light wedge bulbs with something like this 25-SMD Amber bulb:
Here's another one: with a sunlit sand maxima, you might like to replace your daytime running light wedge bulbs with something like this 25-SMD Amber bulb:
05-25-2010, 05:22 AM
#35
You're like a broken record, skipping the same pointless complaint over and over and over...
You need a reboot, Sooner. Once in a while you offer up some actual, helpful comments. Although it's weird, because when you do that, it's dry and soulless. But most of the time you just whine about the good old days.
Man, you seem so freaking unhappy. You need a new hobby, man. And a new forum, maybe.
You need a reboot, Sooner. Once in a while you offer up some actual, helpful comments. Although it's weird, because when you do that, it's dry and soulless. But most of the time you just whine about the good old days.
Man, you seem so freaking unhappy. You need a new hobby, man. And a new forum, maybe.
Last edited by Rochester; 05-25-2010 at 05:50 AM.
05-25-2010, 05:32 AM
#36
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 54
A: I guess some feel you gotta do what you gotta do to get your count up.
A: Up to this point, I really appreciated the welcome and suggestions. Seeing this post would lead me to ASSume that some of the 22,6xx posts you've accrued have no validity - which seems similar to bumping old threads for a post count, no? Whatever happened to it, there are more issues than an intro post for certain. I applaud you for proving that.
Last edited by BIG CTY; 05-25-2010 at 05:34 AM.
05-25-2010, 01:26 PM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 301
A: It doesn't appear as though everyone does an intro thread, but I did. It excited me.
A: I guess some feel you gotta do what you gotta do to get your count up.
A: Up to this point, I really appreciated the welcome and suggestions. Seeing this post would lead me to ASSume that some of the 22,6xx posts you've accrued have no validity - which seems similar to bumping old threads for a post count, no? Whatever happened to it, there are more issues than an intro post for certain. I applaud you for proving that.
A: I guess some feel you gotta do what you gotta do to get your count up.
A: Up to this point, I really appreciated the welcome and suggestions. Seeing this post would lead me to ASSume that some of the 22,6xx posts you've accrued have no validity - which seems similar to bumping old threads for a post count, no? Whatever happened to it, there are more issues than an intro post for certain. I applaud you for proving that.
Last edited by webjohn; 05-25-2010 at 01:27 PM. Reason: i used org twice in one sentence. lol
05-25-2010, 01:32 PM
#38
A: It doesn't appear as though everyone does an intro thread, but I did. It excited me.
A: I guess some feel you gotta do what you gotta do to get your count up.
A: Up to this point, I really appreciated the welcome and suggestions. Seeing this post would lead me to ASSume that some of the 22,6xx posts you've accrued have no validity - which seems similar to bumping old threads for a post count, no? Whatever happened to it, there are more issues than an intro post for certain. I applaud you for proving that.
A: I guess some feel you gotta do what you gotta do to get your count up.
A: Up to this point, I really appreciated the welcome and suggestions. Seeing this post would lead me to ASSume that some of the 22,6xx posts you've accrued have no validity - which seems similar to bumping old threads for a post count, no? Whatever happened to it, there are more issues than an intro post for certain. I applaud you for proving that.
05-26-2010, 10:54 PM
#39
05-26-2010, 10:59 PM
#40