Hello all,

I'm new the Maxima world and I'm looking at buying a used (2000/2001) Maxima SE but I have a couple of questions. The big question is: is the SE worth the extra money?

I like sporty cars (I'm currently driving a supercharged 88 Toyota MR2) so I'm drawn to the Maxima SE, but I'm wondering if I couldn't by a GXE or GLE and simply change a few suspension components and have an SE equivalent. It's a used car so they'll need replacing anyway, right

Also, is the manual transmission and clutch any fun to drive. I've driven some manuals that has terrible pedal positions and clutch feel.

Please let me know,

Jon

 

sporty cars = sporty drivers.
sporty drivers enjoy manual transmission because they control it all. auto is boring and also brings down HP.

manual trannies only come in the SE models. that was the only reason i bought it, not for anything else.
you like to drive like a sports car, get a stick, aka an SE

 

You will be better off with a GXE and swapping out the suspension components. It's cheaper and will eventually handle better than a stock SE.

As far as the clutch goes, i suggest you test drive the car personally.

 

*** In short...yes. I have an SE, and the next car I buy will be a manny also. I can't see myself going back to an auto.

 

2k/2k1 GXE's come in manual.

Btw, i wouldn't call the Maxima a sports car. Not by a longshot

 

I was just going to say I HAVE A GXE! and mine is a Manual!

 

GXE only comes in auto. On the original post, why are you assuming that the SE costs more? GLE is more expensive unless you have an SE with all the options on it.

 

He's looking for a used 2k/2k1, of which the GXE came with an optional manual transmission.

 

If you decide on a manual trans you will likely end up with a SE. I doubt the difference in street price will be significant as the resale of sticks seems to suffer. A number of members here have switched out their autos to manuals which should be avoided by making sure of your decision.

 

I had an 87 MR2 (non supercharged). That car was a BLAST!!

I'd certainly get the SE. As posted, try the car for the clutch feel. The Max clutch is different from the MR2, but I'm also having a BLAST with my SE!! I love the MT power and the control I have, as opposed to an auto. The handling is not as tight as the MR2. That car rode on 'rails'. I miss that in the Max, but I'll be upgrading the springs and struts next spring...that'll help a lot.

Welcome to the org. I'm sure you'll love whatever Max you decide on!!

 

Get the SE, it's absolutely worth the price difference. You are right it will be more expensive that a GXE, but not necessarily more than a GLE. Even an auto will be more fun in an SE. Gauge your need for stick ot auto depending on how much highway traveling you do, or city driving for that matter. I now wish that I would have held out for the 5-speed. However, in 2K or 2K1 roughly 5% were manual. This I know because I did the research when buying my car. Used you will tend to have a lesser chance of getting exactly the model you want. Do keep in mind that our cars suffer a horrible amount of depreciation. You should be able to land a 2K, SE with roughly 36-40K, for about $16k, a steal compared with the $28-29k MSRP of that car. Another setback to Maximas, especially in the SE models, they are either available stripped, or fully loaded. As much as I flame on my Max and its flaws, it's still a great bang for the buck. If you buy one with the kind of mileage that I stated above, be ready to swap out the rotors. Come ask us, we can tell you where to get them and what kind of pads to get. Sorry for the long post, just trying to put in my $.02.

 

GET A MANUAL!!!

Finding a Manual Maxima really isn't as hard as most people make it out to be. Used 2k-2k1's SE'san be had for like mid/high teens in my area fully loaded.

 

Didn't know that. Learn something every day.

 

I'll just answer your question without prejudice rather than bash an auto like everyone else. Yes, I would personally buy the GXE or GLE IF it's cheaper than the SE. Since you will probably be changing the suspension parts anyway the SE would be pointless unless you want a manual transmission.

 

True, suspension doesn't matter if you will be changing it out. But also remember the GXE has those all red tails, which you might find fugly. And possibly no spoiler, if you care. Yeah, you could buy that stuff, but just something to consider. In the end, the largest decision is whether or not you want manual or auto, since that is the largest difference and the most expensive to change. If you've never driven manual, I suggest finding a friend and learning how. Then go test drive a manual Max. Then decide.