Info on 00-01 Nissan Maxima

JohnnyDaJackal · 10-23-04, 08:42

I've posted before about looking for a new car. After hearing how much insurance would be for an Acura Integra and not to thrilled with the size, i've decided to narrow my field to Infiniti G20 or Nissan Maxima. I really like both cars, but I think I read somewhere that the Nissan Maxima required premium gas. I'm curious if anyone who owns a 2000-2001 or knows someone who has one if this is true?? I was just talking to a guy who worked at a Nissan/Infiniti dealer and he was telling me the G20s were really weak, compared to the Altimas/Maxima. I'm going to the dealership next weekend, so I figured i'd ask on here first. Also anyone who owns one, any big gripes with the Maxima??? According to msn.com they had severe problems under the engine section. I'd be looking to get this car in manual if that has any difference. Thanks for any info

DCopp · 10-23-04, 08:53

G20 is not weak but not a firebolt either...it uses the SR20DE motor(bulletproof and mated to a tranny[manual] that can handle nearly 450hp w/o mods) in Japan there is a SR20DET which is a turbo'd motor and it is a screamer. Get a Maxima for sure and if you can in a stick-shift. Steer clear of Nissan's Black Paint though as it is mighty soft and chips easily...I think there is a TSB on it too. A G20 is really just a mini-max ala a luxurious Sentra.

92MX83 · 10-23-04, 09:48

Yeah, Johnny, the Max needs premium, but that is the price you pay for your 227 hp. I drove an automatic 2000 SE and it was wonderful.

You really can't compare the G20 to the Maxima. They're two very different cars, with different niches to fill. The G20 is a nice little personal sedan, but if you or anyone you carry is over 5'10", you're better off in the Maxima. A G20 is perhaps a decent alternative to a 4-cylinder Mazda 6. Everything else in that price range is bigger. Or a slower alternative to a Corolla XRS, yeah, that's it.

The only G20 I'd consider is a high-mileage used one ready for the -DET swap.

AUMaxima · 10-25-04, 08:57

If you have any more questions, check out Maxima.org. The guys in the 5th forum can help you out.

-Ben

PrinzII · 10-25-04, 11:10

A33 Maxima (2000-2003)

- Check the TSBs sticky on Maxima.org
- Paint is chip-prone regardless of color or year
- 227 hp is only on the 2001 Anniversary Edition. Stock HP is 222.
- To get the best performance, you'd definitely have to use premium.
- GLEs and GXEs have a softer suspension than SEs
- One of the most common modifications to these cars is fitting the 2002-2003 HIDs to replace the stock headlights. But if you don't want to go that route, I'd recommend getting some PIAA Xtreme Whites.

Also, you will notice that the price of a 2001 SE/AE or GLE is equivalent to a 2002 SE in some cases.

If you have any questions, PM me.

JohnnyDaJackal · 10-25-04, 11:50

Thanks for the info guys, I'm still curious in knowing if Nissan actually reccomends Premium gas in the owner's manual of these Maximas?? I remember in one of my Car&Driver magazines they tested a bunch of cars that needed premium gas, (M3, Mustang GT a couple others) and they said some of the cars I remember the Mustang was one, that had very minimial power and performance gains with the higher octane gas, and they concluded regular will work fine. I'm not so much worried about these "performance" gains, as i'm worried about potentially damaging the car. As I said before I still want to test drive and feel each car out. If the G20 feels really weak, I might have to opt for $.20 more and go with the Maxima. If not though the G20 has a major edge on my decision as of now. It fits ALL of my needs, its just going to come down the performance.
Thanks Again

JaTaN · 10-25-04, 08:31

For a Maxima, you CAN use regular gas (do you think all those moms who drive a Max use premium gas?), but your car won't perform too well if you like to drive hard. In my owner's manual for a 95 Max, it says use premium for best performance, but regular octane will work also.

I've been using regular octane lately and the car runs fine. My oxygen sensors are "worn out" and I'm running rich so using premium is a waste right now. New oxygen sensors just came in so I'll switch to premium when I get those on.

BW · 10-27-04, 07:52

Keep in mind Maximas are stolen frequently. I doubt its insurance will cost significantly less than that of an Integra.

billium · 10-27-04, 09:02

The owner's manual of my wife's '01 Maxima SE states that the car will perform better using 91+ octain fuel (ie. premium), but that anything with 87 octain rating or above is acceptable. She runs it on standard unleaded. She bought it new in early 2001, it now has 50k miles on the odometer and it runs fine. As best as I can recall, the car has never been in the shop other than to perform regular maintenance.

Previous posts bring up paint issues. Believe it. Her Maxima has a charcoal grey exterior, and the leading edge of the hood and fenders look terrible.

I believe the theft issue is for the new body style, not the '00-'01 models you're interested in.

Good luck.

Bill

White95Max · 10-27-04, 09:35

My hood doesn't have that many chips in it, but I follow pretty far back from other drivers, and I try everything in my power to avoid driving behind a semi truck.

I have always used premium gas, and will continue to use it. In the owners manual, it says 87 octane gas is OK to use, but on the inside of the gas door, it says "premium fuel is recommended for optimum performance".

The performance of the G20 (w/o SR20DET) will not even compare to a 5spd Max. Go with the Max. My next car is going to be a 2001 Anniversary Edition 5spd.

As for having a lot of problems...the engine is the same VQ 3.0L DOHC 24V V6 as mine, and I haven't had a lot of problems with it. I'm currently running at 156,6xx miles and running strong.

medic · 10-27-04, 02:11

you can use 87 octane...I've used 87 in my 93 SE since the day I drove it off the lot new. The car has been fine. there have been no issues due to the gas thus far and I have 130K on the car as my daily driver

even with less than 190HP (since i'm not using premium) it has the power to pass modern cars even up hills. You may not beat them off the line, but unelss you're racing it's not going to matter.

insurance won't be too bad bacuase you won't have HID lights. that's what made the max #2 on the stolen cars list. plus nissans depreciate faster then average so you should be able to save there.

PrinzII · 11-02-04, 06:39

Jackal: I didn't catch that you were in NJ earlier. DEFINITELY stay away from the '02 - '03 Max. NJ/NY is the worst area for HID theft on those cars.