Best year of the Maxima

[jcl]

What is the best from the 2000-2003 model?

I'm looking to sell my current 2 door coupe (97 acura cl 2.2) and pick up a 4 door sedan in the 10-12k range....

What's you're opinion on an older generation Nissan Maxima say from 00-03, what year would be my best bet to get? I've been doing some researching, seems to be 2001 is they're most reliable year? Correct me if I'm wrong!

Opinions welcome please, thanks in advance.

James

[DJ_Peanuts22]

you would be insane to pass up the 3.5VQ engine upgrade the 02 & 03 models got, the engine and aggressive new facelift would be well enough to warrent a purchase over the tame older Maximas of that generation. the SE gives you the option of pairing that engine with a 6-speed manual.

It truly marked the transformation of the Maxima from a family sedan to entry-level sport sedan. it was well comparable to the just restyled Altima

As far as reliability goes, thats subjective.... and the number of problems tends to go down with each model year

[alexzakher]

I've got an 03 model and I stand by it all the way. It's got all the performance and comfort features you could ever want. The only major difference between the 02 and the 03 model is that the 03 has got the gated shifter and a few extra ponies under the hood if i'm not mistaken. Make sure to check the local Maxima forum at www.torontomaxima.com. Let me know if you have any further questions. Goodluck with the purchase.

[Hula]

you would be insane to pass up the 3.5VQ engine upgrade the 02 & 03 models got, the engine and aggressive new facelift would be well enough to warrent a purchase over the tame older Maximas of that generation. the SE gives you the option of pairing that engine with a 6-speed manual.

It truly marked the transformation of the Maxima from a family sedan to entry-level sport sedan. it was well comparable to the just restyled Altima

As far as reliability goes, thats subjective.... and the number of problems tends to go down with each model year

As an avid Maxima fan, I have to agree completely with the above statements. The 3.5 engine is more powerful in HP and torque where it really counts. After having done some analysis on which Maxima is the fastest, the 1999 with a 5-spd is faster than the 3.5 auto!

Go with the 6-spd though and don't worry about buying another car for years.

I've personally read the 2003 is the best model given it's the last model before Nissan changed it to the current version. As well, you tend to find better value in the 2003 model as prices are starting to drop due to the 3 year lease return and they tend to have lower mileage samples making them better value.

[jcl]

Thanks for the in depth replies, I'll definetaly consider those factors.

As for getting a 6-speed manual, naw I'll skip that, my current car is standard and to be honest im sick of driving stick, plus the wife wants an auto. :)

[jcl]

I'm still reading reviews, seems the 03's have more problems then the 01's....

and the 03's are a bit out of my price range.

[M-e-X-x]

VQ30 or VQ35.. they're both good engines.. the VQ35DE in the pathfinder my family has (first nissan to get the 35 as far as i know) is a tank... still running fine after ~170k in 5 years (we drive her a lot!)

maintain it well, and it'll be fine :D the power is just great though :D

[JethroG]

Careful with any of these cars at least in the slower stuff - the torque steer is pretty ridiculous so you really can't use the power until you've got a bit of speed and/or a straight line. These cars have pretty much as most power as you would want in a front wheel drive car. My father's exclusively driven Maxima's starting with an 88, and they've gotten progressively stronger in the engine with each generation, but the earliest one probably had the most road feel and darn near the best handling of the bunch. He missed the early 90s generation which was a great car for its day. All of the cars have had fine reliability and every engine was very nice and reliable.

[Anessa]

I liked the styling of the previous gen 02-03 than the new ones. The newer Maximas look like escargots plowing along on the highway. It's not very attractive in my opinion.

[careener]

I'd suggest you do some more research at http://forums.maxima.org/ . It's one of the best automotive forums anywhere.