Hi everybody....

We're considering purchasing a 98 Maxima that is listed as an SE. We're not sure though, whether it's an SE or not, as dealers frequently say SE just because it has a spoiler. Do any of you folks know from the VIN (JN1CA21D0WT502220) whether this is truly an SE or not? Not sure if you can tell from the VIN, but figured somebody here may. If not, is there some other sure way to tell?

Thanks,
Seth & Jordan

 

does it have rims?

 

If you mean the 5-spoke wheels, yes, it has them, like the one in the left-hand picture in your post.

 

Then it is an SE.
-Cyrus

 

Couldn't someone have just switched the wheels out?

 

Yes, but how many people do you think do that? Anyways, to ensure it is a '97 SE, here are some minor details: 16" wheels, fogs, spoiler, white gauges.
-Cyrus

 

Yup, it's got the white gauges and fogs. Thanks for your help!

-Seth & Jordan

 

Do a search .... here's the answer though:

The 4th gen Maxima was offered in three trim levels for the US market:
GXE "The essential Maxima"
SE "The Sportiest Maxima"
GLE "The luxurious Maxima"

All trim levels have the same engine, so performance differences between them are pretty much nil. The best way to tell which trim level you have is to decode the VIN Plate. This is due to much part swapping and trim upgrading, even transmission swaps that can be done.

TO DECODE THE VIN PLATE:
Raise your hood. Look for a shiny metal identification tag fastened to the passenger side of firewall. The top row is the Vehicle Identification Number, starting with J. The second row is model information. The first five characters are BLHUL. The sixth character is the trim level designator, defined as follows:
E = GXE
G = GLE
V = SE

There are some feature differences that can help you determine the trim level on site. Keep in mind that most of these can be changed aftermarket by the owner, but as we know the VAST majority of Maximas on the street are bone stock...

GXE
Black guage faces
Cloth seats
Basic stereo
No sunroof
Chrome outer windwow trim and door handles
5spd or Auto trans
No spoiler
No fog lights
Steel wheels with hubcaps
Chrome grill on 97-99 models
Manual A/C


SE
White guage faces
"Sport" Cloth or leather seats
Basic or BOSE stereo
May have sunroof
Body color outer window trim and door handles
5spd or auto trans
Spoiler
Fog lights
15" blade-style (95-96) or 16" 5 spoke (97-99) alloy wheels
Body color grill on 97-99 models
Manual A/C or climate control

GLE
Black guage faces
Leather seats
BOSE stereo
Sunroof
Chrome outer window trim and door handles
Auto trans only
No spoiler
No fog lights
15" honeycomb (95-96) or 15" blade-style (97-99) alloy wheels
Chrome grill on 97-99 models
Fake wood color dash and door trim
Fuzzy A-pillars on some years
Pop-out drawer (not flip-down) below radio on some years
Climate control only


Other options like heated seats, traction control, ABS and the like were offered on more than one trim level, so they are not a reliable indicator.

 

Wow, good job Nigel. The only coreection I can see is the SE has black outer window trim, not body color.

 

And the SE model has stiffer springs and shocks.

 

Hehe! I cut and paste from the stickies. Need to correct the sticky.

 

The GXE automatic was available with a number of options, including sunroof and trunk pass-through. The 5-speed GXE had hardly any available options.

 

My 97SE does not have the body color grille. I wish it did though...