Used 2002 Nissan Maxima Consumer Reviews
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Best bang for the buck
I went to town to buy either an Accord or Camry, but ended up coming home with a Nissan Maxima SE. I've had a '97 & '99 Accord, so I know they're good cars. I took a '02 Camry SE for a 10 mile test drive and liked the ride, but wanted to try the Maxima too. It's a great car, lots of power, and very comfortable. The things I don't like are the taillight design and not having the steering wheel controls (cruise, stereo, etc) illuminated at night. I really like the intense headlights and the stereo system. The moonroof and rear spoiler are nice too. For all I got on the Maxima SE, I would have only gotten a 4-cylinder Honda or Toyota.
Replacement cost of xenon headlamps
First, the motor runs great at 140K. The trans has started making noise. Undrivable right now. When I replaced one of the xenon headlamps, I had to pick my jaw up off the floor, we're not talking about the whole assembly, just the bulb itself. At the Nissan dealership in Victorville, CA $258.00 for the bulb!! Can you believe it? I went on line and found the cheapest to be $159.00 My suggestion for someone who may not want to pay that much is when the xenon goes out, run your brights instead of replace. Bright bulbs cost $8. Oh, the spark plugs are internal. Tune up costs $418.00 to replace 6 spark plugs.
WORTH IT - BUY IT
We looked at several full size cars, such as the Chevy Impala. While they were priced under the Maxima they did not come close to the craftmanship, design and performance of the Maxima. The car handles very well. It has a smooth ride and yet it drives like a performance car. The 3.5L engine can really accelerate the car well. It is pure fun to drive.
Fourth and last new Nissan
Engine pings most of the time, and sometimes feels sluggish. Dealers have been NO help in resolving these issues. All Nissan Corp is willing to do is say that they "understand my frustration." Early on, "drive by wire" throttle would abruptly shut off under full acceleration, dropping engine to idle at the worst time. Dealer was familiar with this problem and installed a new throttle stop. 6 months later, I got a recall notice for a "potentially dangerous" defect with the throttle. It took them 6 mo to notify owners of a dangerous fault! Cheap rear beam axle thumps loudly when crossing speedbumps. Windshield creaks in its frame. Bose stereo sounds muddy. Disappointing!
Maximum
I had been waiting many years to buy a Max., for various reasons I purchased other cars instead. Boy, am I glad I waited! The power, luxury, and performance you just can't beat for the money. Think about how many cars you can get for under 30K that can do 6 to 7 seconds 0 to 60. Just make sure that when you plant the gas padal you are holding on tight to the steering wheel, you get major torque steer. Great fit and finish, except the position of some of the controls and the richness of the sound from the Bose system. Other than that thrilled, simply thrilled! You want a sedan that will make your blood pump and get you past just about anyone quickly on the highway? Drive this car!