5th gen Maxima
 

i was thinking about a 5th generation Maxima (00-03) as a daily driver...does anyone know of any problems, or things to avoid.

Yah, maybe a 10yr old car?

I have a 2002. It's been a great reliable vehicle. Still running strong. Rear shocks need replacing. The area around the gas filler is corroding, which was a common problem for various models (eg Murano). You might want to lurk around a site like maximadriver(dot)org to find out more. But like I said, almost 10 years of ownership and no problems but regular maintenance.

Oh, 2000-01 have a 3.0 L 222 HP engine. 2002+ have a 3.5L 255HP engine.

I don't like the quality of the older Nissan interiors. Especially the ones with leather...

Have had mine for 8 years since brand new, no major probs whatsoever. I would suggest an 02/03 with the 3.5 over the 00/01 3.0 (3.0 will feel slow after drving the Z the 3.5 not nearly as much), the 02/03 has some get up and go but drinks gas like the Z. Interior quality is a tad better than the 370, now the interior in the 6th gen Max is crap as that is when Nissan started doing crappy interiors and got criticized for it. After 8 yrs no major probs and still a joy to drive along side the Z.

You kinda jumped through a cycle. The 3.0 had 190hp. The 3.5 intro'd at 222hp and moved up to 255hp. The timeline is below.

Nissan Maxima

they look good tho!

Wikipedia is not the most accurate source of info. The 3.0L engine in the 4th gwn pdoduced 190 HP. The 5th gen introduced in 2000 and stayed for two model years had a 3.0 that produced 222HP. In 2002, they did a mid-cycle refresh with a 3.5L 255HP engine, along with introducing HID headlights and steering wheel controls for the stereo. My brother had a 2000, I still own a 2002. My facts are accurate. :tup:

:iagree:

djpath is right. I still have my old 2001 3.0L with 222 HP. Edit: Actually, wikipedia is right too - it just doesn't say what was reported above.

The 3.5L in the 2002+ is nice, and the HIDs are a great addition as well. The downside, aside from the gas mileage, is that a lot of the 3.5s burned oil. The 3.0s were rock solid, but lower power. Pretty solid car overall, but I'm sure there are more reliable cars out there from that time period.

i had on 05 befor my G37 and loved it still wish i had it

I might be biased as an old Honda head but I find the Maxima to be a bit overpriced. I would spring for something like an Accord first.

^^yeah i was thinking about an accord too since that was my first car...but, thanks.