2002 Nissan Maxima SE 3.5
Summary:
Love this car!
Faults:
** Nothing has gone wrong out of the normal. I changed the parts to prevent future part failures **
This car is high in cost when repairing it!! But it's all worth it in the end. And it's a 2002, it's not going to be the best car alive.
1) Changed my spark plugs and boots at 141,700 miles with NGK Iridium.
**NOTE!! Changing plugs is difficult. You have to take off the upper intake manifold, and in my case, take off the plenum (the top of the engine). Cost $300.
2) Changed brake pads and rotors with ceramic pads and OEM rotors at 135,000. Cost $200.
3) I use Mobil One synthetic engine oil and oil filter. I change every 5-6,000 miles.
4) Changed the transmission fluid at 136,000 miles.
5) Changed front struts and strut mounts at 134,000 miles. Cost $127 for each strut, and $20 for each mount.
6) Battery died at 138,000. Cost for a new one was $120.
7) My center console flip up thing broke (rises up and acts like a captain's chair arm rest). I was crossing from the passenger seat to the driver, and broke it myself.
8) Middle of the hood looks a bit bouncy driving down the highway (noticeable at 55mph or higher). Like not enough hood support.
9) Replaced the stock fog lights, and put in HID H3 fog lights to match the color of my actual headlights (6,000 K).
General Comments:
Overall, a very good car! I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima SE, but I only have the stock rims and the spoiler. I wish I had the leather seats, sunroof, etc. But this car is quick and fun.
I get about 270 miles to a tank of gas in the cold, and around 320 in the summer (Minnesota weather), and my driving habits have a lot to do with it.
Tires are a bit high in price with 225-50-17 size. Just over 700 dollars for the low end tire prices.
LOVE the stock HID white headlights, and I put in HID aftermarket for my fog lights (real H3 HID, not the eBay versions).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th February, 2012
14th Aug 2012, 22:54
On July 8, 2012. I brought my Maxima to a Nissan dealership to find out what was wrong. I paid the dealership $120 dollars for them to tell me nothing was wrong, even though my car was losing fuel like a dump truck. They did clean the mass air flow sensor and performed an Idle Air Relearn. Now my car is back to normal. So I am now over this mini road bump. Once again, I have no bad comments on this car.
(adding because I can't make a new comment for some reason) ** 4-3-2016 Since I've sold my Maxima in July 2014 with 193,000 miles on it. I have owned a 2014 Chevy Cruze and did not like it. Sold that car after one year a three months, now I have a Hyundai Sonata Limited and like it, but I have to say, nothing compares to that 2002 Nissan Maxima!!! The Maxima was nearly the perfect car!!
4th Aug 2012, 03:35
UPDATE on my 2002 Maxima SE. Today's date is Aug 4, 2012. I have reached 150,283 miles, and I have my 1st issue with this car.
Roughly 3 weeks ago, my "Service Engine Soon" light came on, but then went off on its own 6 hours later before I was able to find out what was wrong. My car drove fine. Did not run rough. Idles fine, throttle response is good, overall my car is acting normal. I can usually get 340-370 (depending on my driving style and on highway or city driving) to a gas tank. Currently, I am only able to get 180-210 miles to a fuel tank after the light went on and off. I am about to pay nearly 100 dollars for an auto store to tell me what is wrong with my car. I can still say, on a used car and putting 25,000 miles in just over a year, with this being my only major hiccup, that this car was still a good buy.