I am going to purchase a maxima and have narrowed it to the two above. Is the 20TH really worth the extra money. Basically other than a lot of "visual" stuff all you get is the limited slip diff and "5 HP". I have been told by dealers, which I do not believe, the the 20th has the Infiniti I30 motor and the regular SE is different. I read that its the exhaust, not specifically the muffler, that makes up the additional 5 hp. Who do I believe and can someone sheed some light for me. Much appreciated.

[Edited by Colonel on 02-14-2001 at 08:40 AM]

 

NEVER believe a dealer when he tells you ANYTHING! You'll find more info on here (max.org and the net) than you will at a dealer. Each of the three new cars I've purchased so far, I've known more about the cars specifics than ANYONE in the dealer could READILY answer me on.

Secondly, I'm not sure about the exhaust being the extra horsepower. Theoretically it could be possible, but if you look at the exhaust system in the max, in the muffler alone, it has an exhaust flap in it that usual mufflers don't have that only opens up when you're at high throttle, therefore faster exhuast, therefore more power. Check on it before you let him make you a believer of his word

As far as the looks? I don't know. I couldn't afford the SE with EVERYTHING in it, so obviously the AE was out of my league. That's why I chose the SE with the C+C. Plus (before I get beat down for saying this on here), even though I do LOVE my Maxima and think they're great cars, I could not see myself spending over 30k on a Maxima. I'd go for something more with that money.

 

The HP difference in the AE vs. SE is the exhaust. Its the same exhaust as the I30...other than that...the guts are identical.

Yes, you get the limited slip and all the little badges and such. Brushed alluminum shifter, chrome drilled pedals, chrome sill plates, etc., etc. Then you get the slightly Stillen-like body kit included in your warrenty . I, as my signature suggests, went for the AE. Are the heated side mirrors on all the Max's or just the GLE's and AE's??? Not sure about that one

I like the overall AE package...has a nice sporty look to it.

 

Heated side mirrors come with the meridian package. The AEs are nice but too many dealers want to take you to the bank. The engine is the same as any other max so tell the dealer to go screw him self. I wouldn't even go back to that dealer unless he was gonna cut me a major break. The LSD is the only thing that would make me want an AE over a fully loaded SE. If you're looking at the cars now... why not wait to see how the 2002 rumors pan out?

 

I wanted an AE too, but as stated above, just couldn't spend the 30k... I think it looks nice and all, but my mostly loaded (no meridian edition) SE is just as cool (except no aero body kit, yet...). I agree with punkdork, might be best to wait and see what happens with the '02. Otherwise, pretty much everything else (or better) can be added for less, right?

 

I wanted an AE too, but as stated above, just couldn't spend the 30k... I think it looks nice and all, but my mostly loaded (no meridian edition) SE is just as cool (except no aero body kit, yet...). I agree with punkdork, might be best to wait and see what happens with the '02. Otherwise, pretty much everything else (or better) can be added for less, right? Also, don't believe the dealer -- they tried to sell me traction control on a 5sp...

 

If they’re willing to deal on the A.E., go for it. If not, go SE.
I walked out of one dealer because he said "retail only." Another offered me the deal on my AE.

I paid 26.7, no leather, no bose. The cloth (charcoal) is absolutely beautiful- perforated like the leather. And my butt won’t stick to it in the 110 degree Dallas summer.

Don’t pay 30, you don’t have to.

By the way, I love my AE- I like the fact that it’s different, yet subtle. It’s a beautiful piece of machinery.

Either one is a great choice in my book.

 

My bias is towards the AE for obvious reasons...that is the car I wanted. I paid a little more than $27k for mine; only option that I couldn't get was Meridian. Mine was a dealer locator, and I didn't want to wait three months and pay the sticker of close to $32k to get one ordered. The AE has many features standard that are optional on the SE, and many features that are unique. At the end of the day, it's a personal decision. I think the AE bodky kit, bronzed headlamp treatment, polished wheels, special shifter, perforated leather, logo'd floor mats, door plates, etc., etc. make my car stand out among the crowd. Keep in mind that I don't think many of these are being built, judging by the few I've seen in dealer showrooms. I tend to think it might help its resale in years to come, that is if I ever consider getting rid of it, which will probably be never!

Interesting...my car was in for service recently (swapping potenzas out for michelins) and 3 people wanted to buy it. I thought about taking the highest bid! he he

srm

 

Finance through a bank unless you're a Tier 1 with NMAC and walk in with a check for $28.5K MAXIMUM (including destination charge) on a '01 AE w/leather, bose, and meridian. That's a workable deal for a dealer...if he/she says no...walk out and head to the next dealer. The car is listed a little over $31K with those options and dealers are marking up to $33K in some places just because they are not as easy to get as the other Maxima models.

 

That is correct. I called Nissan last November and verified. It's not the rear muffler. It's the front muffler and exhaust section. They told me it's a larger diameter. The +5 in HP is not something you'll notice easily though.

 

The AE has enough tweaks to make it worthwhile.

DON'T spend more than 4-5% over invoice for it. Order the Consumer Reports report and take it with you to the dealer.
It may take some bargaining but you can get the AE for barely more than the SE.