Okay, I finally got down to the Nissan dealership to test drive a 2001 SE (with an automatic... I'll try a 5-spd. before I make a decision.. but the automatic isnt shy by any means)... and then I come home and start poking around the internet, and I find out that the 2002 SE-R's are supposed to have 260Hp! AUGH! I don't want to wait another 6 months to a year =)

Is it worth the embarassment for another year driving around my little '93 Accord (and its TEAL.) waiting for the 2002's? Are the SE-R's supposed to list for more than $30k? Are they REALLY supposed to tote 260Hp?

 

We have had a pretty questionable debate on the real facts of the 2002. MotorTrend has posted that the 2002 will get the 3.5L from the Pathfinder. Nissan doesn't seem to be giving a good solid answer. I don't think you can count on any solid info on this yet...until the 2002's are posted on Nissan's web site.

 

I would wait... don't want you to be hating yourself 6 months down the road. Also, DONT make the same mistake a lot of us did, try the 5-spd before you buy!

 

Just out of curiosity, what time of the year does Nissan usually start announcing the next model year? I'm assuming this would probably be late Q3 to let the 2001 model year sell.

Also, I'm really torn between a 5-spd. and an Auto. I do a decent amount of light-to-light driving on the way home (Atlanta traffic will BREAK you =), so an auto would be a welcome change, but on the other hand, I like nothing more than slamming that shifter down into 2nd after cranking through 1st, or downshifting through a nice curve on an empty road. Are there any solid arguments for or against an automatic? I plan on doing some mild/moderate performance upgrades in the future, so I'm not going to complain about a slight performance loss in an auto.. I just dont know much about the automatic trannys that are in this car. When test driving, it felt pretty smooth. Nice and easy when just rolling around; yet rather assertive when I up and stood on it doing about 20 (scared the salesman in the car with me too.. I think I ended up slowing down at about 95

Best,
Dave

 

I would also suggest that you wait and see what happens withe 2002 models. As for the tranny....the only argument for the auto would be traffic. That is really the only reason I got an auto. Dealing with traffic in the DC metro area everyday is no fun with a stick. So it is your call there. There have been some problems with the auto tranny as discussed here. But hopefully, by 2002 they will all be worked out. But definitely drive the 5 speed before you buy

 

WTF?

Teal is the most pimp color. I wish my max came in teal, than mods like clear markers would look even better. Oh, I mess with photoshop.

 

As for the 5 speed vs. auto question, I drove a 5 speed for 20 years before getting my auto Max. I wanted the 5 speed, but couldn't find one equipped/color that I wanted. I have gotten used to the auto and it is nice in the stop and go traffic in central NJ, but it is not as fun to drive as a manual, IMO. It's just a completely different ride. If you are used to a manual, it takes a while to get used to controlling your speed with the auto. Even in everyday driving, I find myself constantly braking in situations where I would normally downshift. The auto Max is still very quick and can get your blood pumping nicely. Good luck.

 

Whoa, okay, I marched back up there and drove a 5-spd. today.. wow. It's like butter. I'm afraid I'm just going to have to suck it up for the traffic. =)

Apparently finding them with cloth and the Bose system is a hard thing to do... they said they'd probably have to ship one from another dealer or order one. Just a minor setback. Just from everyone's opinion, is the Bose system worth the steep price they ask for it ($800, I think)?

 

Hellz yeah! I dont know how I lived in my previous cars without a stereo like this. Of course if youre going to put an aftermarket stereo in there, you shouldnt get it,but if you arent, get the Bose. Its one Hell of a stereo. I love this thing! Kinda makes you drive fast though, especially when a good song comes on, or your fav CD is playin.