Hi, I've had 3 maximas in my past. I've had a 2001 anniversary edition and traded her in on a 2002 se with nicer headlights and more power.Then I traded the 02 in for an 04 new generation with more power and new design.Anyways, I just had my 04 stolen which only had 42000 miles on her. The car has been written off and the money from the insurance company is black book. I would like to stay with a maxima as I've always had good luck with them.Here are my choices: 2001 Anniversary edition with 104000 miles. 1 owner well maintained.2002 SE 95000 miles no leather and no sunroof. 1 owner and well maintained.2004 SE 70000 miles not much history.

I am leery of the 04 as I have read that they have transmission problems. Mine was great though. I would have to put out about 3000 extra on top of my insurance payout to buy this one.

The 2001 and 2002 are about $1000 difference. Of course the 2002 is asking more money but has less options. So, what would everyone do?I'm leaning towards the 2001 anniversary because of the options. I do wish the 2002 had a sunroof though....the extra 30 hp would be nice too.Should I worry about the 04 tranny problem?

Thanks for your input.

Walter

that is really your choice. do you like the 5th gen styling or 6th gen?and then if you pic 5th gen, do you want the 3.0 or 3.5, or do the options sway you in one direction.

It's all a preference of power and styling. I'd personally try to find an 02/03 fully optioned.

Based on the three choices, I would take the 01. I have an 01 GLE with 25k miles and an 06 with 44k miles - the 01 is more fun to drive.

The transmission issue with the 04 Maxima is mainly with the 4-spd in the SL. The SE has 5-spd. which can be sluggish when the transmission is cold. And with limited maintenance history, you have to do a more detailed inspection and testing if the car had been neglected.abused.

My preference is with leather seats and sunroof so the 01Max will be good, provided it is really well maintained. Regardless which one you choose, always make a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the interior, body/paint and suspension. Check condition of the fluids. A Carfax report is helpful but you still have to do your own snooping. Make sure accessories are working and do a test drive on ciry roads and highway. Make sure the CEL comes ON when you turn on ignition and goes off when the engine is running. Some repairs can be very expensive (e.g. cat converter).

Hi all, thank you for you advice so far. I would like to buy a 2002/2003 full load but the money given to me from the insurance company just isn't there. This will be a second car and driven from October to May. I don't want to spend a lot of money for a second car.

I did like my 2002, the 30 extra ponies was nice. I didn't know that those engines suffered from poor piston rings and burned oil though. I can say I didn't have a problem with mine though. The 2002 available in my area doesn't have leather or the sunroof which I have always had.

I'm leaning towards another 20th anniversary edition. Although it only has 227 ponies, the full load makes it my choice so far. The only reoccuring problem I see with this year are the wheel bearings.

I did like my 2004 and unlike others I had no problems with mine. My transmission had no problems and my timing chain tensioner was not a problem. I did worry reading about all of the 6th generation owners with their lemons though.

I'll probably stay away from a 6th gen as for the money I have, the history available is not very good. The mileage is high too for the year. The 265 ponies was definitely very nice.

The 6th gen is made in the US and did not feel as well put together as the 5th gen.

Keep the advice coming please.

Walter